On the roof—
The mass kept forming.
Even under fire.
Rounds tore through it in bursts—
CRACK—! CRACK—! THUD—THUD—!
Strands snapped, shredded, scattered outward in black fragments that slapped against the rooftop surface or whipped back toward the main body. Each impact disrupted it—
But didn't stop it.
It kept pulling together.
Reforming.
Expanding.
One of the security officers tightened his grip on his rifle, shoulders tense as he kept firing in controlled bursts.
His voice cut through the comms, strained but still holding structure.
"Contact lost with Mr. Olynk's unit! Last signal places them a few levels below! Requesting orders, sir—what's our directive?!"
Another voice overlapped, sharper—
"Targets not neutralized! Structural integrity at risk if this continues!"
Charles didn't hesitate.
"Keep firing at it!"
His voice carried clean authority, cutting through the rising noise.
He turned to Don immediately, eyes locked on him.
