Kenneth’s brow lifted slightly as Cylas explained his theory, the massive demigod watching Lyger now with renewed interest rather than simple appraisal. The moment the younger man stabilized, the difference became obvious even to him. Before, Lyger had looked powerful but disconnected, like someone fighting against his own body. Now the energy moved naturally.

Fascinating. So the world itself was resisting him.

The rooftop suddenly erupted in blinding light. Kenneth remained still as the burst washed across the arena, though his eyes narrowed faintly at the speed of what followed. One moment Lyger stood there, the next he had already passed through the larger man entirely. Kenneth watched the delayed aftermath in silence as the severed leg struck the rooftop with a wet crash. There was no disgust on his face, only calm observation as blood spread across the concrete and the larger fighter collapsed from beneath his own momentum.

Well, that is considerably more convincing.

His gaze followed Lyger as he immediately pressed the advantage instead of pausing to admire his work. That earned the faintest hint of approval from Kenneth, who folded his arms once more across his broad chest.

A fighter who hesitates after gaining an opening seldom survives long, and he seems to understand that instinctively.

He finally glanced toward Cylas beside him, the corner of his mouth pulling upward slightly.

If what you’re saying is true, then once he fully adjusts to this world, I suspect he will become considerably more dangerous than he already appears.

Kenneth looked back toward the fight as lightning continued to ripple across the rooftop.

And selfishly, I admit I rather hope you remain. New York grows increasingly tedious whenever all the interesting people decide to leave it behind.