Killian's fist slammed into my chest with earth-shattering force. The impact sent me flying backward, crashing through an abandoned market stall before my body finally skidded to a halt against a stone wall. Pain exploded through my ribcage, and for a terrifying moment, I couldn't breathe.
*That punch should have killed me outright.*
Only the layer of spiritual energy I'd managed to condense at the last second had saved my life. Even so, I tasted blood in my mouth as I struggled to my feet, my legs trembling beneath me.
Across the market, Killian stood with an expression of mild surprise. "Interesting. Your defenses are better than I expected."
I spat blood onto the cobblestones. "Glad I could entertain you."
My mind raced as I assessed my situation. This man was leagues beyond me—a true Grandmaster against my Inner Strength Master level. The gap between us was like comparing a tiger to a house cat.
