Perfect Shot

Jade's heart pounded as they reached the end of the tunnel. The exit was right there—but so was an entire squad of heavily armed soldiers.

And at the very back, hidden behind layers of bodyguards…

The Boss.

His heavy armor glinted under the dim lighting. His helmet's red visor flickered, scanning for threats.

Jade gritted her teeth. "They're protecting him too well."

"Yeah, no kidding," Rico muttered. "We can't even get a clean shot."

Behind them, Gage's Titan Force was still active, his breathing deep and controlled. "I can make an opening."

Jade hesitated. They couldn't afford to waste time.

Then—a soft voice.

"I-I can do it," Ari said.

Everyone turned to look at her.

Rico blinked. "Huh?"

Ari clutched Requiem, her fingers tight around the barrel. Her voice was quiet, but steady. "I… I think I can get him."

Jade studied her.

Ari wasn't the loudest. She wasn't the most aggressive. But she didn't speak unless she was sure.

Jade nodded. "Go for it."

Ari took a shaky breath and lifted her rifle.

She aimed. Pulled the trigger.

The bullet streaked through the air—then suddenly…

Stopped.

Mid-air.

Jade's breath hitched.

Rico blinked. "Wait. What?"

The enemy soldiers flinched, confused—but Ari didn't lower her gun.

Her fingers twitched slightly, and the bullet moved.

Not forward. Not in a straight line.

It curved.

Dipped low. Swerved past an enemy's shoulder. Paused.

Shifted left. Slid around a riot shield. Paused again.

It was waiting.

Ari's face was red, but her focus never wavered.

Then—the perfect opening.

She let it go.

The bullet zigzagged through the air—and pierced straight through the Boss's visor.

CRACK!

The impact sent him staggering back, his helmet shattering on the ground.

For a moment, everything was silent.

Then—the enemy panicked.

"Sniper—where?!"

"He's down! We need evac!"

Their formation broke instantly.

Jade turned to Ari, who was still holding Requiem close to her chest, shaking slightly.

"…You did it," Jade murmured.

Ari's face went redder. "…Y-yeah."

Rico stared. "Okay. That was terrifying."

Skye grinned. "Remind me never to mess with Ari."

Ari squeaked and hid behind Gage.

Gage, as usual, said nothing. But he shifted slightly—just enough to block her from view.

Jade smirked. "Alright, squad—move out."