Leon's body moved before his mind fully processed what was happening.
The metallic restraints lashed out, hissing through the air like mechanical vipers. His instincts screamed at him—MOVE!
He threw himself to the side, rolling across the cold steel floor. The first restraint barely missed his wrist, clamping onto empty air. Leon scrambled to his feet, breath coming fast. His muscles ached, but there was something else—a sensation bubbling beneath his skin, raw power waiting to be unleashed.
Another restraint lunged for him. He ducked, pivoting on his heel with a fluidity that shouldn't have been possible. His movements were sharper, more precise. His body felt... lighter.
"What the hell is happening to me?"
Dr. Vance stood calmly at the edge of the chamber, hands clasped behind his back. The scientist's expression didn't change as he observed Leon's evasive maneuvers.
"Fascinating," Vance murmured, eyes gleaming. "Your reflexes are already adapting. Even at Rank F, you're showing enhanced agility."
Leon clenched his fists. "Stop talking and tell me what you did to me!"
Vance simply smiled. **"You'll understand soon enough. But first—one last test."
A low, mechanical hum filled the room. The walls shifted, panels sliding open to reveal something hidden within.
Leon's stomach twisted as two humanoid droids stepped out from concealed compartments. They were sleek and metallic, their eyes glowing a sinister crimson red. Their bodies were built for combat—thick armored plating, clawed hands, and reinforced joints designed for quick, brutal efficiency.
A robotic voice echoed through the chamber:
"Combat test initiated. Objective: Evaluate subject's survival potential."
Leon's fingers twitched. Survival potential?
His vision flashed, and another notification appeared in his mind:
---
[Vampire System Alert]
Dodge Skill Unlocked!
Passive Buff: Enhanced Agility (Rank F)
---
Leon blinked. A rush of understanding coursed through him. He hadn't dodged the restraints by luck—his body was evolving, adapting in real-time.
But he didn't have time to celebrate.
The first droid rushed him, steel fists cutting through the air.
Leon barely had a second to react. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike. But before he could regain balance, the second droid lunged low, sweeping at his legs.
He leaped backward, landing in a crouch, chest heaving.
"Shit. These things aren't slow."
The droids moved with inhuman precision, their motions fluid and calculated. There was no hesitation in their attacks—just relentless programmed efficiency.
Leon's pulse pounded. His Blood Hunger ticked up another notch.
He could feel it—something inside him stirring, urging him to stop running and fight.
Dr. Vance observed with quiet amusement. "Now then, Leon. Let's see if you're worthy of the power I've given you."
Leon's jaw tightened. He had seconds to decide.