Main Square, The Moonscorched Sniper

Stark's breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed himself up from the ground, the transparent Crimson Barrier surrounding him flickering, visibly weakened but still holding.

Cracks spidered across its surface, as if one more hit might shatter it completely.

His vision swam for a moment before he steadied himself.

"You okay?" Sora asked, her tone flat and emotionless as usual, though there was a strange undertone that hinted at concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine..." Stark groaned, brushing the dust off as he got to his feet.

His body was aching from the sniper's devastating hit, but there was no time to dwell on it.

Just as he found his footing, another sharp crack echoed through the air.

FWISH! FWISH! FWISH!

Several more bullets cut through the sky, each aimed with deadly precision.

Stark's heart raced, his instincts screaming at him to move.

His eyes sharpened, and his body acted before his mind fully registered.