Rescue

"Maximum load?" Hazel lifted her head slightly and glanced around. "Could something happen at this ball too?"

A ball had changed the course of her life, and that time, the detective before her had been the first to spot the problem. So Abner's question immediately brought it to mind.

"I noticed someone among the guests who felt dangerous," Abner explained, choosing his words carefully. "I don't know who he is or what he wants, but whatever he plans to do, I think he'll start by causing chaos."

Hazel thought for a moment. As their dance brought her through a turn, she looked up at the enormous crystal chandelier. "You think he'll cut the chain holding it up?"

Abner nodded and stepped diagonally with an arm around her. "That's what my intuition tells me. You know how accurate it usually is."

It is accurate. That's why you turned and ran the moment you saw me coming at the Daily Observer ball... Hazel's mouth opened reflexively, then closed again. Nearly ten seconds passed before she spoke.

"My Metal Arm is actually a Steel Golem made by Miss Judy's father. It's only taken the shape of an arm and attached itself to me so I can use it..."

I know. I also know they installed it to guard against your Demigod teacher. It was meant to protect and locate you temporarily, so the church's powerful members could reach you quickly...

But Senator Macht provided such generous resources that the Church of the Earth Mother must have changed its mind. They altered the Golem's permissions, left it in your care long-term, and let you use most of its functions.

As Abner thought this, Hazel continued:

"In its normal state, it can easily lift about a hundred kilograms. It withstands extreme heat and cold and