The night sky should have given way to dawn—but something was wrong.
Though the sun rose, the moon remained frozen in place, eclipsed by a blackened sun that hung motionless above the canyon.
The sky itself had been tainted, its usual blue replaced by a deep, unnatural purple that stained the air over that single stretch of land.
Reyes had circled back to the bone shrine after his battle with the king, seeking shelter. The moment he noticed the warped sky above the canyon, unease crept in.
Following a second trail of footprints, he made his way toward it—only to slow when fragmented bones and rotting flesh came into view, littering the ground like the aftermath of a massacre.
Guard raised, Reyes stepped into the canyon.
It didn't take long to find the ones responsible.
Grim sat atop a throne of bones, lounging as if the carnage beneath him were nothing more than furniture.
Nearby, Leezy leaned against the canyon wall, arms crossed, greatsword resting at his side.
Leezy tilted his head.
"This our guy?"
"Yeah," Leezy answered casually.
"That's Grim."
Grim looked down at Reyes, his expression flat. No smile. No warmth.
"Pleasure to meet you, kid."
Reyes scowled.
"Don't get it twisted. I don't care who you think you are—don't call me a kid."
"Kid."
Reyes stepped forward—Leezy clicked his teeth and coughed loudly.
"Don't start shit with Grim. Your problem's with me anyway. Why the hell did you leave after your fight?"
"I didn't, you dumbass!" Reyes snapped.
"The ribcage collapsed on me after all the collateral damage you caused. I should be asking why you left me behind!"
Leezy winced and shrugged.
"Thought you left. Couldn't sense you. Damn sure couldn't see you."
"Next time…" Reyes growled.
"Try fighting in a different direction—or at least be aware of your surroundings."
He turned away, anger still simmering, and marched straight up the bone pile toward Grim.
"You need to come with us—"
"Not happening," Grim interrupted calmly.
"I'm getting what I need to ascend here tomorrow night. I'm not risking that just to deal with some old dragon."
Reyes didn't hesitate. He grabbed Grim by the shirt and yanked him forward.
"I don't give a flying fuck what you want. You're coming back to Highrock to help your peo—"
The air collapsed.
An overwhelming spiritual pressure flooded thej area, so dense it became visible—crushing downward like a physical force. Bones beneath their feet shattered, undead collapsing instantly under the weight.
Reyes froze, muscles screaming as the pressure pinned him in place.
Grim met his gaze.
For a brief moment, his form shifted.
Power surged as Grim seized Reyes's wrist and squeezed. The pain forced Reyes to release him as Grim returned to normal just as quickly, the pressure vanishing as if it had never been there.
"I'll say this only once," Grim said coldly.
"Touch me again—and it'll be the last thing you ever do, kid."
Reyes rubbed his wrist, jaw tight. Despite the anger burning in his chest, curiosity slipped through.
"What was that?"
"Kyōran," Grim replied.
"Spirit Form. You and I aren't in the same league. Don't bite off more than you can chew."
Reyes said nothing—but his eyes burned.
"Let's test that," he said at last.
"At sunset. Duel. You don't use your transformation, and I won't use my weapons."
Grim sighed, folding his arms. He studied Reyes for a long moment before nodding.
"Fine. Sunset."
Reyes turned and walked deeper into the canyon.
Leezy took a step as if to follow, but one sharp glance from his brother stopped him cold.
"Suit yourself," Leezy muttered. "Just don't come crying to me when you get folded."
Reyes didn't respond.
Alone, he reached into his pack and pulled out the Purple Soul Gem taken from Giant King Solomon.
As usual, the gem shattered into shards and dissolved into him—but this time was different.
Power flooded his body in a violent surge, overwhelming and raw. It lasted only seconds, but the sensation was unlike anything he'd ever felt.
When the blinding light faded, Reyes looked himself over. His dreadlocks had grown slightly longer, each now adorned with small golden bands.
His red jacket bore a newly embroidered emblem—a black crown spread across the back.
His boots had transformed, trimmed with black fur and bound with gold silk laces.
His pants were now fine black silk, secured with a golden sash.
He exhaled, impressed.
Yet despite the increase in power, nothing else felt different.
His katanas were unchanged.
With a sigh, Reyes turned and headed back.
When Leezy saw him, jealousy flickered across his face.
This man really out here trying to be sexy-flexy, he thought.
Fit's nice… but none of that'll matter when I fold him again.
Reyes caught the look and grinned, taking a seat on a nearby boulder.
He leaned back, watching the clouds drift overhead, waiting for the sun to fall—
—and for his match with Grim to begin