Parallel Thinking

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**Seed Labs Training Room 7, 07:00**

A heavy sound reverberated in the room, echoing the impact of fists on metal. In a corner, Rayner let out a heavy breath, having just finished pounding on the thick metal block. Instructor Jamar had people move it to the room weeks ago to train for his upcoming fight. Finding a metal block of this size on short notice would have been unthinkable for others, but at Seed Labs, it was merely used as a training tool.

The metal block showed a slight depression where Rayner had been hitting it. Months ago, this would have been impossible for Rayner, or any normal person for that matter. Now, he could make a dent in a metal block weighing several tons, and his fists showed no damage from the repetitive pounding. Just two weeks ago, the impact force would have caused microfractures in his fists. However, starting from the third day, he felt a slight reduction in the reverberation. A week later, he could pound the block for an hour, feeling only a dull impact.

Slap! Jamar had slapped Rayner on the back.

Rayner: "Ouch! What was that for??"

Jamar: "What is combat rule no. 1?"

Rayner: "Survive no matter what."

Jamar: "You're ready. Start cooling down and prepare for the combat evaluations later."

**Seed Labs General Training Hall, 09:00**

The Seed Labs General Training Hall was a huge rectangular box, the size of a football field covered in steel-padded hard concrete from ceiling to floor. Rayner tried to lightly punch the walls but not even a small dent was formed on the wall. It seems to have been made of special steel. All eight test subjects marveled at the sheer size of the room, amazed at how it fit within Seed Labs.

"Quiet down," said an attractive female voice. Everyone immediately fell silent upon hearing Dr. Sofia Mikhailov, whom they hadn't seen for a month.

Sofia: "The rules of the combat evaluation are simple. Don't kill your opponent. Use everything you can to defeat your opponent. Fight to the greatest extent of your abilities. Anyone violating the rules will be immediately executed by the instructors on the spot. Whoever scores the highest overall by the end of the year will win the promised rewards: a position in Seed Labs, and most importantly, a chance to commission a request to Seed Labs. Now draw the lotteries to decide your opponents."

**Matches:**

1. Antonio vs. Cain

2. Rayner vs. Rob

3. Olivia vs. Beth

4. Brad vs. Elise

In the first match, Antonio and Cain didn't immediately fight. They observed each other before Antonio charged in. Cain, a slim guy, wielded two guns with blank bullets. Real bullets weren't allowed in the combat evaluations. His ability, Parallel Thinking, greatly improved his mental capacity, allowing him to process information at incredible speed.

Everyone thought Cain would lose to Antonio. Antonio probably thought the same but Cain proved them wrong. What he expected to be an easy match ended in a bad loss. Antonio didn't even get to use his ability before getting shot multiple times and rendered unable to fight. Every time he tried to close in, it was as if Cain foresaw it in advance and stepped back, leaving multiple bullets in Antonio's path as if they had been waiting for him. The match had only started but Antonio already found himself hit in his chest and leg. Luckily, he had avoided getting hit in the vitals.

Antonio was fierce, not hesitating to move forward even with a wounded body. However, after getting hit multiple times, he grew frustrated. He knew he would win if he got closer but couldn't close in at all. He felt like he was being played around like a monkey. Finally, after accumulating too much damage, he fell down and admitted defeat, letting out a frustrated roar before losing consciousness. Cain sighed in relief, not expecting Antonio's tenacity. 

This match changed everyone's view of Cain, now seeing him as a contender for victory. His sharp shooting accuracy, combined with his ability mimicking clairvoyance, made him a significant threat. All were serious except for Brad, who showed a condescending look. The tension grew as they saw Antonio being carried away on a stretcher.

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