The man strode forward with arrogance, gripping a shovel as he marched straight toward Al. Something that should never have happened seemed to be waiting for Al's fate—or perhaps the reverse. His heavy footsteps pounded against the ground, and with each strike the atmosphere around them grew tense. Several of the other workers instinctively held their breath, their anxious glances darting at one another.
Mudi quickly stepped in, blocking the worst from happening. His hand shot out, seizing the man's arm, with several other workers following his lead. The muscles in Mudi's forearm tensed like coiled steel, his expression grave, his eyes flashing a stern warning.
"Let me go," the man snarled, thrashing violently. Veins bulged across his neck, and his breath came in ragged bursts of fury.
"Enough. I know you're angry, but what you're doing has already crossed the line," Mudi barked back, his deep voice reverberating in the air, striking the man's awareness like a slap.
