Instrument of Ruin

An unyielding tool of conquest awaited in the shadows of the B1 landing. Wedged rigidly behind a cast-iron conduit clamp, a hardened black-oxide hex wrench jutted into the gloom. I seized its long arm in my gauntlet and wrenched it free from the masonry with a concussive snap. The cold alloy possessed formidable heft—an angled bludgeon balanced for blunt devastation. Raising the steel bar, I brought its heavy head crashing down onto the curb. The concrete chipped with a violent crack, scattering sharp dust while the steel remained unblemished. An empire marches with superior armament. This abyss has yielded its first weapon.