Chapter 21: A Passive Threat?

Chapter 21: A Passive Threat?Elias, still gripping the flashlight, jogged forward, a tentative grin on his face. "Hey, that was incredible! I mean, you really—"

Before he could finish, one of the soldiers stepped into his path. He was tall and lean, with streaked dark green hair and a calm but firm expression. He placed a hand on Elias's shoulder. "No one approaches the platoon commander," he said evenly. "Get back with the other recruits."

Elias paused, irritation flickering across his face. He opened his mouth to argue but stopped short.

"I suppose he has a point," Elias muttered, glancing back toward Elara. "She can't exactly act buddy-buddy with new recruits during a threat like this..."

With a resigned sigh, Elias turned away and made his way toward the other recruits. They were filing off the damaged bus, some leaning on each other for support. A few bore minor scrapes and bruises, while one recruit was being tended to for more serious injuries. Elias approached and recognized the injured man as Marcus, who was propped against the side of the bus.

"How're you holding up?" Elias asked, his concern evident.

Marcus winced but managed a smirk. "Still breathing, so there's that. Honestly, though, I'd probably have a hole straight through my chest if you hadn't blinded that lunatic with a flashlight. Smart thinking."

Elias glanced at the soldier tending to Marcus. Her long pink hair cascaded down her back, swaying slightly as she leaned over to pour a gel-like substance onto the gash across Marcus's chest. The gel hissed faintly as it worked to seal the wound, and she wrapped it quickly with precision and care. S~eaʀᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"You think it was because of that shard he was shouting about?" Elias asked, lowering his voice.



The soldier straightened, her tone sharp but professional. "Please refrain from discussing anything shard-related. Everyone who overheard will be debriefed, and we'll handle it from there." She gave Elias a pointed look. "Until then, stay put and wait for the next transport."

Elias sighed as she turned and walked briskly toward the other recruits, checking on their injuries and relaying updates to Elara.

"Damn," Elias muttered, looking back at Marcus. "Crazy day, huh? Bet you didn't expect to get attacked the same day you signed up."

"Not even a little," Marcus replied with a faint chuckle. "Still, seeing Elara and her team in action? That was worth it. Too bad you ruined it."

"Ruined it?" Elias scoffed, folding his arms. "I was trying to save her from getting hit!"

Marcus raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "And you must not know much about their armor, huh?"

"Not really. Do you?"

Marcus smirked, leaning back slightly. "A bit. I'm a tech guy—always been into this stuff. That armor isn't just for show. It's the military's latest innovation. The suits run on bioelectricity. Our bodies generate about fifty volts per second, and these suits convert that into usable energy."

"It enhances speed, reduces damage, and powers integrated systems like energy blades or shields. Elara's gear? Top of the line. She's one of the best operators in the field."

"Woah," Elias said, his eyebrows raising in genuine surprise. "You really know your stuff. Shouldn't that be classified or something?"

Marcus shrugged. "The suits themselves? Not really. How they're made is another story. No one's been able to replicate them yet. That's why they're the military's ace in the hole, and Elara's the best of the best. If I can reach even half her level, I'll consider myself lucky."

Before Elias could ask more, the sound of a vehicle echoed down the tunnel. The recruits turned as a reinforced transport rolled into view, its headlights cutting through the settling dust.

Elara's voice rang out, steady and commanding. "Elias Kael, Officer Dain, Marcus Devlin, Kari Vexin, and Hollis Drehn—front and center!" The tone carried a weight that silenced the murmurs among the recruits, snapping everyone's attention to her.

Elias glanced at Marcus and offered a hand. "Guess we'll have to save the tech talk for later. You good to get up?"

Marcus smirked, clasping Elias's hand as he got to his feet. "Yeah, thanks to you, these are just scratches."

"Sure, scratches," Elias replied, shaking his head. Together, they joined the small group forming around Elara.

Elias's gaze lingered on the squad standing behind her. They were perfectly aligned, their expressions unreadable, exuding discipline that only heightened the tension in the air.



Elara scanned the group, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "This serves as an official debrief. What I'm about to say is classified. Discussing this outside authorized channels will result in immediate detention—or worse. Am I clear?"

A soldier—Hollis Drehn—whistled under his breath but quickly straightened as Elara's gaze snapped to him. She continued without missing a beat.

"The man who attacked the bus, injuring six, is a fugitive. He's wanted for arson, multiple assaults on governmental facilities, and the theft of a high-value alien artifact." She let the final words hang in the air for a moment, watching for their reactions.

Elias frowned. Alien artifact? He exchanged a glance with Marcus, who raised an eyebrow, his curiosity unmistakable.

Elara went on, her tone firm. "This artifact has altered him, transforming him into something beyond human. We don't fully understand how it's affecting his mind or body, but his behavior suggests a dangerous instability. The area is being combed as we speak, and he will be found."

She took a deliberate step forward, her presence demanding attention. "As for the mention of 'shards,' you are to consider it the ramblings of a man who had lost his grip on reality. He targeted this transport specifically to disrupt military operations. That's the official account, and you are to stick to it."

Elara paused, letting the weight of her words settle over the recruits. "Understand this: the world is changing, and the threats we face are growing. What you saw today is only the beginning. If you think you're strong enough to handle what's coming, let me remind you—I am not strong enough yet."

Her words hit hard, leaving a sobering silence in their wake. She straightened, her expression softening only slightly. "You're dismissed. Get on the next transport and prepare for training."

The recruits bowed in acknowledgment, murmuring quiet thanks as they turned to board the incoming bus. Elias stepped back as well but stopped when Elara's voice cut through the departing chatter.

"Elias. Stay behind."