The Time Variance Authority's combat squad was stunned.
They had never seen anyone like him.
A perfect body, a perfect face-as though God had poured more effort into creating him than into creating Adam, the first man. How else could such a perfect being exist?
But the squad's seasoned captain did not lose himself in the newcomer's flawless face. He was the first to draw his weapon and point it at Brad.
"You're not in this universe's database at all. Who exactly are you? An outsider?"
Brad ignored him. Instead, he looked at the unconscious Arno Stark, his gaze lingering briefly on each member of the Time Variance Authority's combat squad.
Then his attention settled on the baton-like weapon the captain had drawn.
"Interesting. Compared to me, aren't you the outsiders here?"
Brad spoke casually, but then a hint of surprise entered his eyes.
"What's that in your hand?"
He nodded lightly, vast streams of data flowing through his black pupils as they analyzed and refreshed.
"A technological creation.
"Incredible. Technology more advanced than anything I've mastered. Just this tiny stick can harness the immense power of time."
Horror surged through the captain. He hurriedly pressed the button on his weapon, unleashing a special field that froze everything except the Time Variance Authority's combat squad.
But then the orange glow on his weapon went out. The birds suspended in midair flapped their wings again, and the wind sent waves rippling through the grass.
A mocking smile tugged at Brad's lips.
"Using technology against me?"
Brad slowly walked up to the captain and gently brushed a finger over his specially made combat suit.
"Even your clothes contain countless tiny, precision components. Technological creations. Extravagant, but...
"Perfect for my purposes."
The captain felt every joint in his body lock up, restrained by