The Liberal Assassin

It hurt.

My head felt ready to split with the constant high frequency that rang in my head. Clearly, the therapy to regain my hearing was working. The only side effect would be the migraines from the constant exposure to sounds during the testing. Khronos wanted to be 'absolutely sure' my new hearing was working fine. I knew better than that, that four eyes had enhanced it in the process.

It was ridiculous how I could hear Nash's breathing even when he was in the next room. Khronos definitely outdid himself although I don't appreciate having superhuman senses.

"Can you change it back?"

The scientist cupped a hand to his ear. "You're speaking too softly."

Irritation boiled. It sounded loud enough to me. Any louder and I would sound like I was shouting even though I knew better.

Frustrated, I grabbed my dialler and typed.

(Give me back my normal hearing!)

"Why? This superior sense of hearing is excellent!"

Eyebrow twitching, I had to stop my hands from going to the scientist's throat.

(In case you haven't noticed, Rion's device emits sound waves that could damage my hearing again. I don't need superhuman hearing that will only be my downfall. Change. It. Back.)

The scientist looked like he was contemplating a hard decision.

(Now.)

"Alright, you sour faced brat! I'll change it back. You sure you don't want it? Many would be envious of your new talent."

Reining in my bloodl.u.s.t, I forced a smile.

(I would like my normal hearing back, please.)

Reluctantly the scientist went back to his laboratory to remake the cell regeneration formula. According to Nash, the madman was only doing so because I was a convenient source to experiment on. Being a living human experiment himself, Khronos wanted a companion. He definitely was desperate enough seeing how he never asked permission to modify parts of my body.

"Hey, kiddo! How about a spar while the nutcase fixes your DNA?"

I nodded. There was no use sulking, might as well test my new sense of hearing. "I'll try blindfolded this time. Apparently, this new 'gift' comes with echolocation."

The retired hitman grinned. "Sounds handy. Lead the way."

Stepping out of the infirmary, we headed for the training room that had been reduced to a wreck. Khronos really needed to get it fixed and Nash could learn to hold back too. Not everyone has immortality like Khronos although I do possess super cell regeneration thanks to that loony.

The room was as wrecked as I last remembered. Nash admired our art and inhaled deeply as if taking in the smell of carnage. Not caring about the abuse of property, I smiled at the sight of the blindfold.

The knot was tightened and I tested if it was good. No light and no Nash in sight, I cleared my throat. There was a shift in air current as Nash got into position. The sparring session had begun.

Circling around me, I noticed how silent Nash's footsteps were compared to a normal person's. His shifting of weight from one foot to another was so balanced I wonder how long it took him to have perfect control over his muscles.

Detecting a swift strike from the back aiming for my nape, I leapt forward and landed in a crouch. That was way too fast! No wonder my eyes never caught up with him during a spar…

This will occupy me for a while.