[Limitless Technique lv1 (1/100): Manipulates space at the atomic level. Objects approaching the user decelerate progressively, asymptotically approaching zero velocity. Physical contact becomes impossible.]
[Energy Absorption lv2 (1/300): Absorbs most forms of energy. Absorption rate and storage capacity significantly increased.]
At 5% fusion, Energy Absorption had evolved to level 2, and Leon immediately felt the transformation coursing through his body.
First, energy flowed into him faster. His capacity had expanded dramatically. And something new had been etched into the very depths of his soul—a technique.
The Limitless Technique.
Leon instinctively understood its mechanics. However, with fusion still at minimum levels, brief testing revealed he could only maintain it for five minutes. Nothing like Gojo's passive, permanent barrier.
Still, for a prison break? More than sufficient.
Several hours remained until dawn. To ensure success, he would continue absorbing energy, raise his fusion rate, and awaken new abilities.
Only then would victory be guaranteed.
A voice interrupted his concentration. "Hey, kid—you're a mutant, aren't you?"
Leon turned. A middle-aged man in the adjacent cell was staring at him intently.
Following the man's gaze, Leon realized his mistake. Due to the energy absorption, electrical current visibly flowed into his fingertips, the point of contact glowing faintly.
Dim, yes—but obvious to anyone paying attention.
When Leon didn't respond, the man's tone turned smug and threatening:
"Disgusting mutant freak. You've got a way out of here, don't you? Of course you do—you freaks always have some trick up your sleeve.
Listen carefully, boy. When you escape, you're taking me with you. Otherwise, I'll tell the guards exactly what you are. I'm sure they'd be very interested in having a mutant in their collection."
Leon remained silent. The man's impatience grew, though greed kept his voice to a whisper:
"Did you hear me, you mutant bastard?"
Hearing the threats from the neighboring cell, Leon's expression didn't waver. Instead, the corner of his mouth curved upward ever so slightly.
Government propaganda had poisoned the public against mutants, teaching ordinary humans to view them as dangerous aberrations.
Yet these same people forgot a simple truth: mutants possessed power enough to tear them apart.
Leon raised his head, brushing back his white hair to reveal crystalline blue eyes. He smiled warmly.
"Of course, sir. I'll get you out right away."
Satisfaction flickered across the man's face. "Smart kid."
Leon stopped absorbing electricity and approached the bars. He extended his hand through the gap. "Sir, please take my hand. My ability is spatial teleportation—I'll transport you out immediately."
Joy lit up the middle-aged man's features. Perfect. Just a child, cowed by the slightest threat.
He'd already decided: the moment they escaped, he'd report this mutant bastard to the authorities. The bounty for turning in mutants was substantial—enough to live comfortably for months.
The gangsters, though? No. Those were killers without conscience. He wouldn't dare report them even after escaping.
As for the possibility of Leon harming him? Laughable.
If his powers were truly dangerous, how could ordinary thugs have captured him? No, it must be some ability requiring extensive rest between uses. No threat whatsoever.
Had Leon not transmigrated, the man's assessment would have been accurate. But now, with the system active, everything had changed.
The moment their palms touched, invisible current surged into the middle-aged man's body. His muscles locked, paralyzed by the powerful electrical stimulus.
Level 2 Energy Absorption made this trivial. But electrocution wasn't Leon's goal.
Anyone familiar with electrical injuries knows: burning flesh produces an unmistakable, acrid stench. Easily detected.
So Leon reached through the bars with his other hand. Using stored energy to enhance his physical strength, he seized the man's throat and twisted sharply. A soft crack of vertebrae, and the man went limp, neck broken, life extinguished.
Late at night, the subtle sound attracted no attention. Anyone who heard it likely dismissed it as someone cracking their joints.
Leon arranged the corpse in a sleeping position, then returned to his spot by the lamp and resumed absorbing energy. Everything appeared perfectly normal, as though nothing had transpired.
The system notifications continued their steady rhythm:
[Energy Points +1]
[Energy Points +1]
[Energy Points +1]
[Energy Absorption Experience +1]
[Energy Absorption Experience +1]
[Energy Absorption Experience +1]
Time blurred. Through the narrow window, Leon watched pale light seep into the eastern sky. As he channeled the final points into his template, the system chimed:
[Template Fusion: 10%]
[New Skill Unlocked: Cursed Technique Reversal — Blue]