Contents
Chapter 57: Standoff
Overview
Hilo arrives at the Euman Island standoff, publicly aligning No Peak with the protestors against Anorco and GSI. He leads a daring midair Channeling that crashes an incoming jade helicopter, triggering a chaotic clash. Hilo then forces a pause, secures the jade, and calls out Jim Sunto, turning the protest into a siege.
Summary
Hilo arrives on Euman Island to a sprawling protest camp at Anorco’s processing compound. With Lott, Vin Solu, Hami Yasu, and other Green Bones—including some from the Mountain—he approaches the GSI-guarded fence while the crowd swells and media gather. Jirhuya briefs them on increased security and an imminent shipment.
As a helicopter approaches, Hilo rallies the crowd with a speech declaring Kekonese unity. He, Lott, Vin, and Hami leap Light and jointly Channel the pilot from midair, stunning him. The helicopter crashes through the fence and down inside the perimeter, its rotor debris Deflected away by the Green Bones.
The crowd surges to the wreck, wresting out sealed containers of jade as GSI soldiers converge and open fire. Green Bones scramble to Deflect bullets and counterattack; civilians are hit, and one young No Peak Green Bone is wounded. Lott kills an armed mercenary, while Hilo fights through the melee, orders Vin to secure the jade, and shoves Jirhuya to safety.
Seeing the death and panic, Hilo pivots from spectacle to control. He hurls powerful Deflections to force the protestors and GSI soldiers apart and orders the mercenaries’ retreat honored. As a GSI man radios for reinforcements, Hilo taunts him to call Jim Sunto, a challenge captured by news cameras.
Vin and eager juniors place the recovered jade at Hilo’s feet. Rain falling, both sides hold a tense line at the torn fence. Hilo declares the fight isn’t over as the standoff hardens into a siege with No Peak visibly claiming the initiative.
Who Appears
- Kaul Hiloshudon (Hilo)Pillar of No Peak; leads the Euman protest, orchestrates the helicopter takedown, restrains violence, secures jade, and demands Jim Sunto.
- LottHorn of No Peak; assesses GSI threat, protects civilians, kills a firing mercenary, helps enforce separation of forces.
- Vin SoluFirst Fist of Janloon; uses long-range Perception, helps down the helicopter, assists in Deflecting shrapnel and securing jade.
- Hami YasuYoung Fist; showcases exceptional Lightness and Deflection during the helicopter strike and crowd protection.
- JirhuyaAnden’s partner; guides Hilo at the site, nearly caught in the melee until Hilo orders him to safety.
- Orange-haired FingerEnthusiastic junior No Peak Green Bone; first to the wreck, helps extract jade containers and presents them to Hilo.
- GSI soldiersArmed contractors guarding Anorco; open fire under pressure, then retreat toward the buildings while calling reinforcements.
- Anorco helicopter pilotNon-Green Bone pilot; stunned midair by combined Channeling, causing the crash at the fence perimeter.