A pulse of bloodlight swept outward, burning the tendrils to ash in an instant.
Then he shot forward and caught Makai mid-cast.
He drove his fist into Makai's stomach—hard enough to make the Voidling's back arch violently. Then, without waiting, Asher spun and kicked him in the chest. Makai's body went flying again, this time smashing into a floating platform with enough force to shatter it completely.
Asher landed slowly, looking at the damage.
He didn't follow up. He didn't rush.
He waited.
Makai slowly pulled himself from the wreckage, half of his body reforming from shadow mist. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he stared at Asher with narrowed eyes.
Asher tilted his head slightly, then spoke again—his voice still casual, but more serious now.
"You're strong," he admitted. "Stronger than the rest. But I've seen your limit."
Makai didn't answer. He formed twin scythes of dark energy in his hands and crouched low.
Asher's tone hardened.
