The air in the center of the devastated station platform grew incredibly thick, choked by billowing clouds of dark grey gunsmoke and the sharp, unmistakable odor of fresh copper blood. Hot, empty shell casings clattered softly as they rolled across the concrete floor, settling into the cracks where the crimson emergency lights cast long, bleeding shadows. The automated transit car behind them continued to hum at a low idle, completely oblivious to the systematic slaughter that had just occurred within the perimeter. V stood perfectly erect in front of Elsa, his posture completely rigid and formal, entirely unbattered by the chaotic martial engagement he had just concluded. He lowered his right hand slightly, allowing the high-frequency vibration blade to hum at a stabilized frequency, its
