The next second, Brandon's face contorted into a mask of rage and terror, but no sound escaped him. His throat had been pierced by dozens of bullets.

Brandon was finished.

Ray had never intended to spare him, nor had he actually planned to take him as a subordinate. The gun was lowered only to allow him to get close enough to deliver a killing blow—and to run a little experiment.

Could he, while an ability user was still alive, directly snatch their power?

The result… was negative.

The mome