The ability to withstand heavy punches, to call objects to him on a whim, and to create multiple illusions at once -- Barnaby realized by now they were no longer dealing with an ordinary NEXT. Most only had one power at their disposal, though there were exceptionally rare cases of someone with two. Three was simply unheard of.

Of course, he couldn't discount the possibility that he'd downplayed his injuries by deceiving their eyes again. Those knives flying through the air were definitely real, though. His legs and jacket could attest to that.

In any case, Barnaby knew they shouldn't bother trying to defeat this person. As much as he wanted to know more about why they were doing this, they didn't exactly have time to question him, either. Besides, there was no guarantee they could even trust what he told them.

Although Barnaby didn't bother wasting his strength on pummeling illusions, he did begin to make his way closer to where Kotetsu was trying to give the look-alikes a beating, keeping his back angled toward his partner as he did so. It was only a matter of time before his abilities faded, and he didn't want to leave himself completely defenseless when that happened. He suspected Kotetsu was of the same mindset, and so they worked to properly reunite in order to make a more efficient escape.

Unfortunately, the situation grew that much more complicated the moment he heard a roar echo down the hallway. Had patients already started transforming into monsters, or was this yet another illusion? Either way, Barnaby resisted the urge to whip his head toward the source, instead focusing on the immediate threat.

But before he could fully register what was happening, his energy dried up along with the blue glow that had just been emitting from his body. As his eyes returned to their normal shade of green, the room began to spin, and Barnaby collapsed on the floor like a broken toy.