Leo's power-up

Under the careful watch of three hunters, everyone moved to the forested area of the urban park where no one could witness the supernatural battle. While some hero battles were shown on social media, they were heavily censored and lacked the real gore that often came with them.

They were turned into mini-movies that encouraged people with abilities to become heroes and maintain world order. Soon, dense bushes and thick trees surrounded Leo and the others, blocking anyone's view from outside.

Heroes at the scene also guarded the area, keeping ordinary humans from stumbling into danger.

"So hunters finally found someone competent to hunt us down, ye?" the dullahan drawled as he cracked his neck and swung his arms around. "It's in our best interests to take you out."

He twisted his head unnaturally, fixing Leo with a crazed stare. In the next instant, his head exploded into dark energy. Leo recognized it as the same darkness that had flooded him after his own beheading.

The dullahan deliberately unleashed this power to strengthen himself. More darkness swallowed his headless body, forming a lean armor and a double-edged sword.

That's right! Dullahans power up like this! Where's my armor and weapon? How do I create them?

Leo had no idea how to summon such things. That knowledge was locked inside him. Training in Yvonne's gym wasn't the answer, and asking the enemy was pointless. He might have to force it out of him somehow.

As if responding to Leo's thoughts, Zeke conjured his silver sword with a flash of light. Wearing a cold expression, he looked like a modern swordsman set on victory. He was so focused that he wouldn't be tricked by another headbutt.

Without any pleasantries, the two collided. Leo concentrated on them as best he could.

They're damn fast. The dullahan's a bit quicker, maybe because he's using one hand, but Zeke might be stronger. Neither is hurt yet, so they're just testing each other. What's Yvonne doing?

She stood at ease, watching calmly. It seemed she wouldn't join the fight, which confused Leo. He didn't know if he should jump in or keep waiting.

Suddenly, Yvonne vanished. A groan from the dullahan drew Leo's eyes. He saw her beside him, her punch having torn through the dullahan's lean armor and struck his liver. Broken armor pieces lay at her feet.

The dullahan stood trembling, swearing through his body. "You bitch!" he shouted, aiming an elbow at her.

Yvonne stepped back, then slammed a kick into his stomach, sending him rolling toward Leo. He landed on the ground. Instead of stomping on him, Leo aimed for the gap in the armor and kicked there.

The dullahan howled again, but it wasn't enough. Leo kept kicking him until he tried to stand. Before he could, Zeke appeared over the fallen foe, sword aimed downward. He stabbed the dullahan's wrist, slicing off his dominant hand and disarming him.

"You're too fucking weak! Kick harder!" Zeke shouted.

"Shut the fuck up! I was a normal human a week ago! Don't fucking disrespect me just because you're jealous!" Leo yelled back.

"Jealous?! Of you?! Hah!" Zeke let out a laugh so fake that even a child would notice.

With Yvonne overseeing them, the dullahan's defeat was guaranteed. She didn't get involved in their bickering, only watching the dullahan for any desperate final attack.

Leo suddenly felt something stir inside him. He froze and looked down at the man. Out of nowhere, the dullahan exploded into raw darkness, losing his last trace of humanity. The energy surged into Leo.

New knowledge settled in his mind. Then Leo's own darkness erupted, covering him in black armor. Shadows spread from his feet, swallowing the forest floor.

Along with the darkness came a new ability that felt as if he had always possessed it. Zeke stared up at Leo, his eyes narrowing with fear.

He can absorb dullahan powers? Or grow stronger by hunting them? This armor doesn't look like top-tier dullahan gear, not like The Nine Heads, but if he can upgrade it...

Goosebumps ran down Zeke's spine. He didn't feel threatened yet, but Leo's potential worried him. Unchecked, Leo could become too powerful for the Hunters Association to control. Maybe he would reach the top hunters and leave Zeke behind.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

Zeke cursed in his mind.

Meanwhile, Leo locked eyes with Yvonne. He thought he saw her dark eyes flicker crimson for a moment, as though responding to him. She stared back with keen interest.

Leo grinned.

Don't turn around, Zeke.