Nathan activated his new skill — [Flesh Recalibration].
Slowly, his flesh began to ripple.
He felt a sting in his chest.
"Wh… what…?"
His hand flew to it, grabbing instinctively.
[Energy Depleted]
[-250 Mana]
Yellow sparks crackled from every vein in his body — arcs of light dancing under his skin.
Validia, now standing tall and still clutching her cloth, turned toward him.
Her gaze sharpened. She felt it.
Something was off.
Then—Nathan screamed.
"Aghhh—!"
But even as pain shook him, his body began to grow.
Bit by bit. Each stretch shaped by a simple, primal will: To stand at her level.
His breath was ragged.
He looked up. Their eyes met. Large pupils stared into large pupils. Validia's blank expression slowly melted into a smile.
Nathan took a step forward. Then another.
He reached for her shoulders — and pulled her into his arms. Their bodies met.
Her chin rested softly on his shoulder. His right hand slid into her hair. He stroked her slowly.
