The tension in Grey's office was suffocating. The conversation had been ongoing, with Grey having already confirmed what everyone suspected, Ray was the killer.
"That fuckin' bastard!" Ryan's voice cracked with rage.
"Ryan, tone it down," Grey said firmly, then went to the point. "I'll be straight with you. The USOV puts America's welfare first, over individual Visors. Ray is S-tier, which makes him valuable to the United States—"
"So Anthony's life was worth less than Ray's because he wasn't S-tier?" Ryan's voice cut through Grey's explanation. "Is that what you're trying to say, Mr. Director?"
Serafina scoffed, placing her palm over her face and shaking her head in disgust. Her patience was wearing thin. When Grey opened his mouth to respond, she raised her index finger, a clear signal that meant she would handle this. "Listen, Red Head," Serafina's voice carried authority. "What the Director is trying to say is we're here to reach common ground. Ray will be sanctioned appropriately per faction rules—"
"He'll be more than sanctioned," Ryan cut in again. "Director, the only way Netherlights gets compensated is if Dallas Grizzlies gives us twenty percent of all faction proceeds monthly for a full year."
"Twenty percent?" Serafina barked. "Are you fuckin' insane?!"
Kent buried his face in his palm, ashamed at how poorly the negotiations were going. Director Grey sat with one hand covering his mouth, elbow planted on the table, watching the heated exchange with growing frustration.
While the adults argued, Liam turned to Elaine with a different agenda. "Hey, I want to try out again at Mr. T's."
"You want to try at the glass again?" Elaine asked, knowing exactly what he meant.
"Yes." Liam's grin was confident.
Sarah jumped in before he could say more. "What glass? No way—don't tell me you mean the one holding Storm-Edge. Nah, Liam. I know Selene saved you and all, but that won't help you break that glass." They all chuckled at Sarah's bluntness.
"Liam, bro, I'll always support you," Amir said with a supportive smile. "Go for it. You can't break it, of course, but I'll be cheering you on till the end."
Liam shook his head with amusement, and Elaine stood up. "Alright, come on, let's go. It'll be quick anyway."
The weapons lab had transformed since their last visit. Illuminated display cases lined the walls, showcasing prototype armor and combat suits. Armored test models stood motionless in glass chambers, their sleek forms serving as templates for tactical gear. At the center of one wall, a smaller reinforced glass case held the double-edged sword Storm-Edge, its metal surface gleaming under focused spotlights.
Beyond the main workspace, a separate secured section housed magical artifacts; glowing potions in crystalline vials, enchanted blades forged from defeated monsters, and volatile mana bombs contained within warded cases. Holographic workstations projected technical schematics while monitors displayed weapon diagnostics.
"Oh, it looks… renovated?" Liam observed.
Mr. T who heard him, then raised his face shield. "Ah yes, of course it is. After last time, when I was putting things back together, I made a few changes."
"It looks good," Liam said.
"Thank you." Mr. T gestured for them to follow. "Even the glass you tried last time has been upgraded. Come with me."
"It's not too late to turn back now, Liam," Sarah joked. "Save yourself some shame, no?" They all chuckled as they followed Mr. T to Storm-Edge's protective case.
"Now," Mr. T explained, "it would need the strength of two S-Tiers delivering ten simultaneous full-powered punches each to break it."
Elaine stared at the reinforced case in awe. "Is this weapon even worth it?"
"Every bit of it!" Mr. T replied enthusiastically. "And Liam, I'll let you take it if you can make even a single dent in the glass."
"A dent?" Amir asked for clarification.
"Yes, a single dent!" Mr. T confirmed.
Liam had remained silent throughout the explanation and then finally, he spoke. "You guys should give me some space."
"Alright, bigshot," Sarah teased. Elaine shook her head in amusement as they all stepped back.
Liam stood upright, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. When he exhaled and opened his eyes, it blazed with silvery-blue light, and his magic energy surged to levels that left his friends speechless.
"Liam?" Elaine whispered, barely audible. Mr. T's face shield clattered to the floor as his legs gave out, dropping him to his knees. Even before Liam struck the glass, Mr. T knew that this power level was beyond anything the reinforced case could withstand. Sarah, usually quick with commentary, was struck mute. Amir stood dazed, overwhelmed by the magical energy radiating from his friend.
...
Every person in Grey's office stopped mid-argument. Their eyes shifted to display their magic auras as they sensed the massive energy surge from within the USOV facility.
"Excuse me," Grey said, standing abruptly with Kent immediately following.
...
Liam powered down and stepped aside, revealing his handiwork. The reinforced glass case was covered in spider-web cracks so extensive that a gentle touch would shatter it completely.
With a smirk, Liam said, "I only had to make a dent, yeah?"