Augment: 2370

Chapter 3

The rain hadn’t let up, casting a perpetual haze over the lower city. Axel's breaths came in ragged gasps as he crouched behind the vent, his heart hammering in his chest. The Tempest enforcer paced below, scanning the area for any sign of him. The hum of the energy blade attached to the man’s mechanical arm sent shivers down Axel’s spine. He knew that one misstep, and he’d be cut down before he even had a chance to react.

Axel pressed himself against the cold metal, trying to calm the frantic beating of his heart. His mind was racing, calculating his next move, but something in him—something foreign—was guiding him. The buzzing, the hum, it felt almost like a second heartbeat now. He couldn’t explain it, but it had saved him before, and he had no choice but to trust it again.

The enforcer stopped, his augmented eyes glowing faintly as they scanned the alley. Axel peeked around the corner just in time to see the enforcer cock his head, his eyes narrowing. Axel’s pulse quickened—he couldn’t stay hidden much longer. His enhanced senses were beginning to pick up the faintest hints of movement from the other side of the alley as well. Darkfangs.

They were closing in.

Axel didn’t have time to wait. He scanned the rooftop, his gaze settling on a narrow pipe that ran along the side of the building, leading down into the alley. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the only way down without jumping directly into the enforcer’s path.

With one last deep breath, Axel swung himself over the edge of the building, grabbing hold of the pipe. His muscles strained as he slid down, the rough surface scraping against his skin. His enhanced reflexes allowed him to maintain his balance, but the descent was anything but quiet. As his feet hit the ground, the enforcer’s head snapped in his direction.

“There you are,” the enforcer growled, raising his energy blade and stepping forward.

Axel didn’t wait for an invitation. He bolted down the alley, his feet splashing through puddles as he sprinted. The enforcer gave chase, his heavy footfalls echoing off the walls behind him. The man’s augmented body allowed him to move with surprising speed, and Axel could hear him gaining ground with every step.

*Too fast.*

Axel’s mind raced. His heart pounded in his ears, the adrenaline coursing through him as he turned a sharp corner, barely dodging a stack of crates. He had to think, had to come up with a plan before the enforcer caught up.

But then, something shifted.

The buzzing in his mind flared, sharper this time. His vision blurred for a moment before sharpening again—only this time, everything seemed to slow. The world around him moved in half-time, the rain falling in slow droplets, the enforcer’s footfalls heavy but distant. Axel’s body reacted before his mind could process it, his enhanced reflexes kicking into overdrive. He dodged between obstacles, his movements precise, fluid. He vaulted over a low fence, skidded around a corner, and finally saw an opening—a narrow passageway between two crumbling buildings.

Without hesitation, Axel dove into the gap. His body slid across the wet ground as he squeezed through the narrow space, his jacket scraping against the rough brick walls. He emerged on the other side, his breathing ragged, but the pounding footsteps behind him had stopped.

He peered around the corner cautiously. The enforcer stood at the mouth of the alley, scanning for any sign of him. The narrow passage was too small for someone of his size to follow, and Axel felt a brief flicker of relief wash over him.

But it was short-lived.

From the other end of the alley, more figures emerged—Darkfang scouts, guns drawn, moving quickly toward the enforcer. Axel ducked back into the shadows, watching as the two sides met.