Quinn's breathing was ragged as he pressed his back against the cold metal wall of the maintenance corridor. His heart hammered, but not from fear—adrenaline surged through him, his fangs aching from the fight he had barely escaped.
The dim red emergency lights flickered overhead, casting long shadows that seemed to move on their own. Somewhere behind him, the metallic clang of boots echoed, growing louder. Whoever was following him wasn't trying to be stealthy.
"Quinn!" A voice rang out, low but venomous. "You can't run forever."
It was Fex.
Quinn's hands curled into fists. The vampire's tone dripped with arrogance, the same smugness Quinn had heard before. Only this time, he wasn't cornered prey—he had learned a few things since their last encounter.
Steeling himself, Quinn stepped out from behind the corner. "Why are you even here, Fex? You could have gone after anyone, but you keep coming after me."
Fex smirked, revealing his sharp fangs. "Because you're interesting, newbie. You're hiding something… and I want it."
Quinn didn't answer, but the tension in his stance gave him away.
Without warning, Fex blurred forward, moving faster than Quinn's eyes could track. Instinct took over. Quinn activated his blood ability, the system's interface flashing in his vision:
[Blood Swipe Activated]
A crimson arc sliced through the air, forcing Fex to dodge back. The attack tore a deep gash in the wall, sparks flying. Fex's smirk widened. "Not bad. You've gotten stronger… but still not enough."
They clashed in a blur of strikes—Fex's clawed hands aiming for Quinn's throat, Quinn countering with calculated swipes of blood energy. Each impact sent vibrations through the metal floor.
Fex was toying with him, Quinn realized. His movements were precise but not lethal, as if he was testing Quinn's limits. That was the most dangerous part—Fex had the upper hand and knew it.
Quinn's breathing grew heavier. The fight was draining his blood energy faster than expected. The system's warning pinged in his mind:
[Blood Reserve: 32% Remaining]
Fex's next strike nearly grazed Quinn's chest, but Quinn ducked under it and swept Fex's legs. The vampire staggered—just for a moment—but it was enough.
Quinn pressed his advantage, launching a series of rapid blood swipes. The crimson energy cut across Fex's jacket, leaving faint burns on his skin.
That smug grin faltered.
"You're full of surprises, newbie," Fex said, stepping back. "But you'll run out of blood before you beat me."
Quinn's mind raced. He couldn't outlast Fex in a drawn-out fight. He needed something decisive. That's when he remembered—his new skill.
Summoning the last of his energy, Quinn activated [Blood Tendrils]. Thick, whip-like strands of blood shot out, wrapping around Fex's arms and legs.
Fex's eyes widened. "What—?!"
Quinn yanked hard, slamming Fex into the wall with a metallic crunch. The impact echoed through the corridor.
The tendrils pulsed, tightening. Quinn could feel Fex's strength pushing back, but for once, he had control. He stepped closer, his voice low and steady.
"Stay out of my way, Fex. Next time, I won't hold back."
The blood tendrils dissolved, and Quinn turned to leave. But before he took two steps, Fex's laughter filled the corridor.
"You think you've won? This was just a warm-up. The real threat is coming—and you're not ready."
Quinn froze, but didn't look back. His instincts screamed that Fex wasn't lying.
The metallic footsteps faded as he walked away, but his mind was heavier than ever.
If Fex wasn't the real enemy… then who was?