Steve and I stood outside the residential block, waiting for King and his crew to show up. It was late, and most people were heading to the cafeteria for food.
As they walked past, I noticed how quiet they were. No chatter, no usual energy. Just heavy steps and tired faces, all of them still shaken by the news of Unit 77 getting wiped out.
I glanced at Steve.
He was beside me, hands in his pockets, looking way too casual for what we were about to do. There was even a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
I elbowed him.
"Don't smile, idiot. Act like you're pissed."
He gave me a look, then sighed and forced a scowl onto his face. It wasn't perfect, but it would do.
A few people were already nearby, hanging around in small groups. But it wasn't enough, not for the scene I wanted to cause.
So I reached down, unhooked my staff from my belt, and let my Essence flow into it. The metal extended with a smooth shhhk, growing to its full length as power surged through it.
