How Does The Protagonist Grow Stronger In 'I Died And Became A Hollow'?

In 'I Died and Became a Hollow', the protagonist's strength grows through brutal survival. As a Hollow, he starts weak, barely able to hunt lesser spirits. Each kill fuels his evolution—consuming souls expands his power, reshaping his form. Early battles force him to adapt, developing tactics beyond mindless hunger. His human memories give him an edge, allowing strategic thinking rare among Hollows. As he devours stronger prey, his body mutates, gaining unique abilities like venomous tendrils or explosive energy blasts. The turning point comes when he learns to harness his emotions; rage sharpens his claws, despair hardens his skin. The final stages involve confronting his past, transforming grief into power that shatters his limits.

The protagonist's journey in 'I Died and Became a Hollow' is a masterclass in power progression. Initially, he struggles with basic survival, relying on instinct to consume weak spirits. The first major growth comes from encountering other intelligent Hollows—some become rivals, others reluctant allies. Through these interactions, he learns techniques like concentrated energy attacks and spatial manipulation. His human consciousness plays a crucial role; unlike most Hollows, he can reflect on battles and improve.

Mid-story, he discovers 'Hollow resonance', a phenomenon where compatible souls amplify each other's abilities. This leads to temporary fusions with certain enemies, granting hybrid powers. The narrative cleverly ties power-ups to emotional breakthroughs—overcoming fear unlocks stealth camouflage, while acceptance of his Hollow nature awakens an armored second form. The climax reveals his ultimate ability: a reality-warping scream that distorts time, earned by reconciling his human death with his monstrous existence.

What sets this apart from typical power fantasies is the cost. Each transformation erodes his humanity, creating tension between strength and identity. The final arc shows him balancing both, achieving a perfected state where he controls his hunger rather than being controlled by it.

Watching the protagonist evolve in 'I Died and Became a Hollow' feels like witnessing a twisted metamorphosis. His strength isn't linear—it comes in violent spurts triggered by trauma. After nearly being torn apart by a pack of Hollows, he spontaneously develops regenerative blood that burns attackers. Later, consuming a peculiar 'golden' Hollow grants him light-based abilities, a rarity among darkness-aligned creatures. The story emphasizes adaptation; when trapped in a maze of mirrors, he grows extra eyes to counter illusions.

The most fascinating aspect is how his environment shapes his abilities. Hunting in cities makes him nimble and small, while wilderness battles bulk him into a towering beast. Temporary power surges occur during eclipses, hinting at celestial influences. His final form combines elements from every major foe he's absorbed—wings from one, armor from another, a tail from a third. Unlike traditional shonen progressions, his upgrades feel earned through suffering rather than training. The last chapter reveals his ultimate strength stems from preserving a single human memory—his sister's name—which becomes the core of his world-ending attack.