Gear Shift

Yui's body refused to move, every muscle aching as he forced himself up onto trembling arms. The man's gaze shifted toward Yui, cold and calculating, then flicked briefly to Kimi, who lay unmoving nearby.

The man approached Yui, extending a hand. A small black orb materialized in his palm, and Yui's heart skipped a beat. He braced himself, teeth gritted, expecting a blow or worse—

But the orb simply floated inches from his face.

Yui grimaced, waiting… but nothing happened.

The woman called out impatiently, "We need to go. We've got less than a few minutes before full backup arrives, and it's going to get even bloodier."

The man—Silas—sighed deeply. "I know. I was just hoping to avoid losing so many on our side." His voice carried genuine regret. "It's really a shame."