By the third day, patterns began to stabilize again.
That included the bullies.
Jared saw them before they even reached him.
Their walking speed.
Their posture.
Their expressions.
Everything aligned with previous behavior.
Conclusion: confrontation imminent.
"…you again," the leader said as they approached.
"…statistically inevitable," Jared replied.
"…stop talking like that."
"…inefficient request."
Iris sighed quietly from behind him. "…I'm not saving you this time."
"…not required."
The first punch came fast.
But Jared had already calculated it.
Angle. Speed. trajectory.
He moved—
Just enough.
The fist passed inches from his face.
"…reaction time improved by approximately twelve percent," Jared muttered.
"…HE DID IT AGAIN."
Another swing came immediately.
Jared stepped back.
Minimal movement.
Maximum efficiency.
"…you're doing that on purpose," the leader growled.
"…yes."
"…GET HIM."
This time, all three moved at once.
Jared's mind accelerated.
Multiple targets.
Different angles.
Timing conflict.
Instead of reacting—
He predicted.
He shifted left before the second attacker moved.
Stepped back before the third committed.
Each motion was precise.
Controlled.
Efficient.
"…this is inefficient," Jared said.
"…WHY ARE YOU TALKING DURING THIS."
"…processing."
They attacked again.
And again.
And again.
But they never connected.
Because Jared wasn't reacting anymore—
He was ahead.