Kai drove a fist into Grim's stomach.
Another into his ribs.
Then his shoulder. His temple. His jaw.
Strike. Strike. Strike.
No response.
The man who had moved like smoke before was now bracing each blow like a stone wall.
"What…?" Kai muttered under his breath, sweat flying from his brow with each punch.
But with every strike, Grim's body grew denser. At first, Kai thought it was strengthening magic, but no, this was different. The impact felt wrong. Like he was punching into thickened flesh that didn't respond like flesh should.
It was hardening.
The last hit jarred Kai's knuckles. He grimaced and stepped back, eyes narrowing as he reassessed.
"He's not just tough… he's changing…"
Grim raised his head, and for the first time, something about his aura twisted. A cold breath. A faint hum in the air. And Kai felt it.
A breeze. No… a presence.
Faint and cold. Familiar in the worst way.
'That's… necromantic energy? Or close. But not like mine. Not exactly.'
