The giant metal bleacher was still held high above Hugo's head.
Veins were bulging from his forearms, his biceps, his neck, thick and rope-like, pulsing under his skin like vines fighting to break free. And Dipter? He could only stare in disbelief.
No amount of training, no matter how many years, how much strength, how much pain, could get him that level of power.
It wasn't just physical.
It was inhuman.
All around the yard, inmates had stopped breathing. The boys near the basketball court, the ones who had laughed and joked just minutes ago, now stood frozen. Wide-eyed. Silent. There was fear on every single face.
They weren't just wondering what Hugo could do now.
They were wondering what he was about to do next.
Suddenly, a loudspeaker crackled to life behind them.
"Hugo! Place the stand down, now!"
The announcement echoed across the yard. The guards' voices sounded strained, like they were trying to sound calm but were barely holding it together.
