Manson's fingers moved without hesitation.
A handful of loose granite scattered across the floor in a controlled arc, each piece skittering into the dim space like a calculated distraction.
For a split second, the sound drew attention.
That was all he needed.
He flicked another set of stones in the opposite direction; precise, quiet, almost careless.
The gun barked instantly.
A flash of muzzle fire split the air as the shot tore toward the decoyed trajectory.
But Manson was already gone.
He vanished from where he stood, accelerating with inhuman speed. The ground seemed to bend beneath him as he cut through the blind spot, closing the distance in an instant.
Impact.
A crushing blow landed cleanly, knocking the man's balance apart before he could correct his aim. In the same fluid motion, Manson seized him, locking him in place and dragging him forward as a living shield.
"Let him go!" another voice roared, sharp with command and panic.
Manson didn't even turn his head.
