CHAPTER 92: Alex-1

CHAPTER 92: Alex-1

"Phoenix, I have something special to show you," Viktor said, his tone of voice boding nothing good.

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, a half-smile forming on his face. "What is it, Viktor? Another one of your attempts to impress me? Because it didn't work last time."

Viktor chuckled softly. "Oh, I think this will really capture your attention," he replied before entering a code into the panel next to the door. With a click and a hiss, the door slid open, revealing a room illuminated by bright white lights.

Upon entering, Phoenix saw what appeared to be a high-tech laboratory, filled with glass capsules containing various experiments. But one of them, situated in the center of the room, stood out above the rest. A larger glass capsule, filled with a transparent liquid, contained a young man with white hair floating in suspension, as if asleep.

"Let me introduce you to Alex," Viktor announced proudly, as if presenting a masterpiece.

Phoenix let out a laugh. "Alex? What is this, Viktor? A cheap clone of me? Or perhaps your new toy?"

Viktor maintained his smile, unfazed by Phoenix's mockery. "Alex is not a simple clone, Phoenix. He is the culmination of years of research, Antigen's ultimate creation. A vampire like Alucard... but better. With all of Adam's potential, but without his... flaws."

Phoenix stopped laughing and looked at Viktor with a skeptical expression. "And what flaws would those be, exactly?"

Viktor smiled enigmatically. "His blinding overconfidence that led to his downfall."

Before Phoenix could respond, Viktor pressed another button on the panel, and the liquid in the capsule began to drain rapidly. Within seconds, Alex opened his eyes, revealing a pair of bright, intense red pupils. The capsule opened, and the young man stepped out, shaking the remaining liquid from his white hair and glancing around with a mix of curiosity and boredom.

"Alex, this is Phoenix," Viktor said, making the introductions. "Why don't you two spend some time together? I think you both have a lot in common."

Phoenix looked at Viktor, then at Alex, and couldn't help but laugh. "So this is your plan, Viktor? Pit me against your little teenage experiment? Come on, I thought you were more creative than that."

Viktor smiled one last time before leaving the room, closing the door behind him and leaving Phoenix and Alex alone.

Alex slowly approached Phoenix, his gaze analyzing him with the intensity of someone trying to unravel an enigma. Finally, he broke the silence with a voice that had a relaxed, almost casual tone.

"So you're Phoenix," Alex said, tilting his head slightly. "You don't look as impressive as they say."

Phoenix let out a loud laugh. "And you're Viktor's new 'toy,' huh? I wonder how long it'll take before you break."

Alex smiled confidently, but there was a glint of challenge in his eyes. "I'm not as fragile as you think. In fact, I believe I could beat you up without much effort."

Phoenix couldn't help but laugh again. "Look, kid, I'll give you credit for the enthusiasm. But I've been doing this for a long time. If you think a pair of fangs and a bit of attitude are going to save you, you're very mistaken."

Alex shrugged, as if he weren't particularly interested in Phoenix's argument. "Maybe... but I've also heard I'm stronger, faster, and have abilities you can't even dream of having."

"Oh, sure, sure," Phoenix replied sarcastically. "Do you really believe everything they tell you? You're here to do Viktor's dirty work, nothing more. You'll be useful until you're not. Trust me, I've seen this before."

Alex stopped and frowned, his casual attitude fading a bit. "And what makes you so different, then? If you're so wise, why are you still in this?"

Phoenix smiled again, but this time it was a darker, more thoughtful smile. "Because I know when to be a dog... and when to be a wolf. And when the time comes, Alex, I don't want to be on the wrong side of the bite."

Alex looked at him with a mix of interest and contempt. "I don't know if you're a madman or a genius," he finally admitted.

Phoenix nodded. "That's the point, kid. You'll never know until it's too late."