Leon burst from the gangster's prison and oriented himself using the original owner's memories. As expected, the location was Hell's Kitchen.
After confirming his position, he sprinted in a calculated direction.
His identity as a mutant had been exposed during his awakening. Government authorities would arrest him on sight. The gangsters he'd escaped from wouldn't simply let him go either.
Before killing the gang leader, Leon had learned these men worked for Kingpin—New York's underground emperor. Having his operation destroyed, Kingpin would never forgive this transgression.
Facing pursuit from both government and criminal forces, increasing his strength was the absolute priority.
The continuous use of Limitless, combined with two deployments of Blue, had drained his reserves nearly dry. If pursuers caught him now, he'd have no way to resist.
Rounding another corner, Leon spotted a transformer and exhaled in relief.
Electricity—the most accessible energy source he could think of, and his guarantee for surviving these early stages.
The Six Eyes granted Leon impossibly precise energy manipulation. Using his absorption ability, he drew current from the transformer at exactly his maximum safe rate.
[Energy Points +1]
[Energy Points +1]
[Energy Points +1]
[Energy Absorption Experience +1]
[Energy Absorption Experience +1]
[Energy Absorption Experience +1]
Watching his reserves climb steadily, feeling energy flooding back into his body, Leon smiled with satisfaction.
Once his capacity approached its limit, Leon began practicing his acquired techniques.
The abilities granted by the system started at level one. Only through relentless training could they improve.
For instance, Blue was far weaker than Gojo's original version. Only continuous practice and skill upgrades would unlock greater power.
With the system's support, if he raised his skills high enough, Leon could potentially surpass even the template's original wielder—reaching unprecedented heights!
Among his current abilities: the Six Eyes couldn't directly enhance combat power; Energy Absorption would level fastest through constant use and experience accumulation; the Limitless Technique's unique nature meant upgrades would only reduce its drain, requiring extremely high levels before fundamental transformation occurred.
Therefore, Leon immediately began practicing Blue—his most potent offensive capability. At its current level, it could only manifest a small gravitational sphere, and the manifestation speed was painfully slow.
Against ordinary humans, it would crush them effortlessly. But against mutants or other powered individuals who could simply dodge? Useless.
With the Six Eyes' guidance, Leon condensed an azure sphere the size of a ping-pong ball, carefully controlling its movement through three-dimensional space.
Simultaneously, the system chimed:
[Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue Experience +1]
[Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue Experience +1]
[Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue Experience +1]
Leon split his focus between absorption and practice, one hand drawing electricity while the other manipulated the technique. The Six Eyes made this dual-processing possible—what would overwhelm a normal person's concentration was merely baseline for him.
Hours passed in focused training. Dawn light crept across Hell's Kitchen's filthy streets.
Finally, a notification appeared:
[Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue has leveled up!]
[Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue lv2 (1/500): Manifestation speed increased. Gravitational intensity increased. Control precision improved.]
Leon felt the difference immediately. The azure sphere formed faster now, pulled with greater force, and responded to his mental commands with far less lag.
Still nowhere near Gojo's casual mastery, but progress nonetheless.
He checked his energy reserves—nearly full again. Between absorption and the technique's relatively low drain during practice, he'd maintained positive flow.
More importantly, no pursuers had found him yet.
But that luck wouldn't last. Both Kingpin's organization and government agencies would be searching. Hell's Kitchen might be a lawless zone, but it was still Kingpin's territory.
Leon needed a safe house. Somewhere to continue training undisturbed until he could stand against whatever forces came hunting.
The original owner's memories offered limited options—most locations were compromised or too public. He'd need to find somewhere new.
Or...
An idea formed. The Six Eyes could perceive energy signatures at considerable range. If he could locate an abandoned building with electrical infrastructure still active, he could establish a temporary base.
Leon extended his awareness, letting the Six Eyes map the electromagnetic landscape of Hell's Kitchen.
There—roughly two kilometers north. A derelict apartment building, electrical grid still connected but drawing minimal power. Likely condemned but not yet demolished.
Perfect.
Leon released his connection to the transformer and began moving through the shadows toward his new sanctuary.