Chapter 3:Predators And Prey

Leon's breath came fast, his mind racing as the two combat droids lunged at him with terrifying precision. He had seconds to react.

He resisted the instinct to strike back. He didn't know how strong he was yet, and blind aggression would get him killed.

I need to figure them out first.

His legs tensed, and he dove to the side, narrowly avoiding a metallic fist aimed for his ribs. The impact of the punch sent a shockwave through the steel floor, leaving a deep dent where he had been standing.

"If that hit me…"

The second droid was already on him. A bladed arm shot forward, aiming for his throat. Leon twisted his body, letting the blade slice through the air just inches from his skin.

He landed in a crouch, his eyes darting between his two opponents. The droids weren't just fast—they were coordinated, calculating every move he made.

Dr. Vance's voice rang out through the room. "Good. You're not just relying on brute force. But how long can you keep running?"

Leon's hands clenched into fists. He could feel something stirring inside him—a hunger gnawing at his chest. His Blood Hunger was rising.

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[Vampire System Update]

Blood Hunger: 45%

Combat Adaptation Engaged

Analyzing Opponent Movements…

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A strange sensation flooded his mind—patterns, calculations, predictions. He could suddenly see the droids' attacks before they happened. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough.

The first droid lunged.

Leon sidestepped, but this time, his movements were sharper, more refined. The droid's punch skimmed past him by mere centimeters, and in that instant, the second droid moved in from behind—

But Leon was already turning.

The prediction flashed in his vision, and he reacted instantly, ducking under the incoming strike. The droid's blade whistled past his ear, cutting a few strands of his hair.

Leon smirked.

"I'm getting faster."

The droids adjusted, their red eyes flickering as they recalibrated their attack patterns. But Leon was already moving, using their own relentless aggression against them. He twisted between them, forcing them to strike at angles that threw off their momentum.

He wasn't just dodging anymore—he was controlling the flow of battle.

Dr. Vance watched in fascination. "Ah… I see now. Your instincts aren't just improving—you're adapting mid-fight. A true predator."

Leon ignored him. He wasn't done yet.

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[New Skill Unlocked!]

Adaptive Reflexes (Rank F) – Your body learns in real-time, increasing dodge efficiency against repeated attacks.

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His confidence grew. The droids were fast, but they were predictable.

Then—they changed tactics.

One droid suddenly leaped onto the ceiling, its mechanical limbs gripping the metal like a spider. The other charged him head-on, trying to pin him down.

Leon's smirk faded. Shit—new pattern!

The one on the ceiling sprang down at him, aiming to crush him between them.

Leon had to make a split-second choice.

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[Vampire System Alert]

Incoming Attack Detected!

Blood Hunger: 50% – Instinct Threshold Reached

Vampire Instincts Available for Activation

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Leon felt it—the raw, primal urge to survive. His muscles tensed, and his vision sharpened as if time had slowed. He felt power surging through him.

Would he let it take over?