Simon's first step into the Demon Realm nearly put him on his knees.
Pain travelled from his shoulders into his back. The Chaos Wraps tightened before his right wrist bent beneath the sword's weight, and blood dripped from the fingers they held against its hilt.
The Death Heaven Owes had damaged more than his arms. Even drawing breath pulled at muscles he had barely noticed tearing during the technique.
'Still attached. That will have to do.'
He guided a thin stream of demonic energy toward the worst injuries. Unholy Regeneration began reconnecting torn tissue beneath the wraps, but he resisted the urge to force more power through it.
A stronger pulse made his forearm spasm.
'Repair the pathways first. Then move.'
He could feel the space around him, but using it was another matter. Attempting another teleportation now might leave him unconscious or worse before he arrived anywhere.
Beyond the red light, the familiar encampment spread before him.
