Chapter 38: The Art of Prey Fighting Back
The dummy lunged.
💥 Rei dodged.
His movements were different now.
Not just escaping—baiting.
✔ He let the attack come close.✔ He waited until the last possible second.✔ And when the strike passed—he countered.
💥 A precise strike to the exposed joint.
For the first time, the dummy staggered back.
Rei (panting, eyes widening): "It's working…"
His hits were still weak.
But the impact mattered less than the placement.
Understanding Power – Strength vs. Timing
Rei watched his own shadow move in the moonlight.
His own strikes were worthless.
But what if his opponent's own power could be used against them?
He thought back to the stray dog.
✔ It never wasted movement.✔ It only struck when the target was already vulnerable.✔ The prey defeated itself by walking into the predator's jaws.
If Rei couldn't fight with strength,Then he would fight with patience.
He wouldn't be a hunter.He would be the prey that turns the tables.
Rei (thinking, determined): "I'll make them destroy themselves."
The First Human Test – Facing Akari
The next night, he asked Akari to spar.
Akari (raising an eyebrow): "You sure? You're still weak."
Rei (calmly): "That's why I need this."
She sighed, stepping onto the mat.
Akari (rolling her shoulders): "Alright. Your funeral."
💥 She struck—fast.
Rei stayed still.
✔ Wait.✔ Predict.✔ Shift at the last second.
💨 **He dodged just barely—**enough to let the force carry past him.
For a split second, Akari was open.
💥 Rei struck her exposed arm.
It wasn't strong—but it made her stumble.
Her eyes widened.
Akari (blinking): "…You landed a hit?"
Rei exhaled sharply.
Rei (thinking, heart pounding): I did it…
He wasn't strong.He wasn't fast.But for the first time—he wasn't helpless.
Akari smirked.
Akari: "Again."
And this time—she was taking him seriously.