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I study him with increasing interest, noting details invisible from previous distance.

Where Riot's body carried brutal muscularity and Sable's frame spoke of judicial dignity even in captivity, this alpha presents different physical narrative—lean efficiency rather thanoverwhelming power, controlled precision rather than explosive force.

His eyes suddenly snap to mine despite the distance separating us, gaze connecting with such immediate intensity that I physically flinch from the unexpected contact.

The researcher notes my reaction with clinical interest, recording the observation on her tablet while maintaining practiced detachment.

"Subject 418 demonstrates extraordinary visual acuity," she explains, misinterpreting my response as simple startle reflex rather than recognition of something far more significant. "His capacity to identify micro-expressions from an extended distance represents one of his more valuable behavioral adaptations."

But I know instinctively that his focus carries meaning beyond mere observational capacity. This isn't simply enhanced vision—it's recognition.Understanding. Assessment that transcends institutional parameters to evaluate something they cannot measure or quantify.

He sees me.

Not the persona I've constructed for survival.

Not the test subject they've designated for experimental protocols.

He sees through constructed layers to whatever truth lies beneath manufactured compliance and strategic cooperation.

And what frightens me most is the certainty that he approves of what he sees.

The researcher's tablet emits a soft notification tone, drawing her attention momentarily away from our interaction. She frowns slightly at whatever information appears on screen before returning attention to me with practiced professionalism.

"Scheduling adjustment requires brief consultation with the monitoring team," she explains, gesturing toward thecommunication station positioned near the observation corridor entrance. "Please remain at a minimum safe distance from the containment barrier during temporary supervisor absence. No one will be able to help you otherwise."

I nod with appropriate compliance, maintaining expected behavioral parameters while recognizing the unexpected opportunity this deviation represents.

I doubt she’s confident with the idea that I’ll take a shot like I did the first time.

A shame she doesn’t grasp my pure risk-taking personality.

I’m not afraid to prove such yet again.

How I almost smirk at how rebellious I seem to be despite the implications.

The researcher steps away, lowering her voice as she engages the monitoring team through the communication system positioned just far enough that normal hearing would prevent eavesdropping.

But my hearing has never been normal—another genetic modification the Blackwood program implemented without considering the potential for independent application beyond research parameters.

The Blood Prophet's eyes remain locked with mine across the separation barrier, his gaze carrying intensity that transcends physical distance. Neither of us moves, neither speaks, communication occurring through a channel that is invisible to monitoring systems and security protocols.

Without warning, he raises one hand in a precise gesture that carries clear meaning despite institutional prohibition against unauthorized communication:wait.

Then he moves—changes from perfect stillness to fluid motion occurring without a transitional phase that would indicate preparation or intention. The guards positioned at the arena perimeter respond immediately, raising suppressionweapons with practiced efficiency, but their reaction proves catastrophically inadequate.

The Blood Prophetflowsbetween them, movements carrying such precise calculation that each guard's position at initiation of response pattern determines their neutralization methodology.

One drops from a strike to his vagus nerve cluster that interrupts the cardiovascular rhythm without causing permanent damage. Another collapses from a precision impact to the brachial plexus that induces temporary nervous system shutdown resembling natural syncope.

Within seventeen seconds, all twelve perimeter guards lie unconscious around the central figure, who has returned to perfect stillness as if the momentary violence never occurred.

It’s a stunning masterpiece of skill and expertise only a manic could acknowledge.

Or dare to be proud of witnessing firsthand.

Alarms remain silent—evidence that whatever he's done falls within the parameters of authorized performance demonstration rather than a security breach requiring intervention. The researcher continues her communication at the monitoring station, unaware that the demonstration has a specific purpose beyond standard evaluation metrics.

The Blood Prophet approaches the containment barrier with measured steps, movements calibrated to broadcast non-threatening intention to monitoring systems while maintaining a precise targeting trajectory toward my position. He stops exactly 10 centimeters from the transparent barrier, close enough for direct communication while respecting physical separation mandated by institutional protocol.