Chapter 63: War God

The chimera charged at me at full speed. But the damage had clearly slowed it down— I could track it with my eyes.

Still faster than me, though. But with "Divine Sight," speed differences don’t matter!

I barely dodged, then slammed three punches straight into its belly!! The chimera spat blood and staggered…

Now it turns and tries to run—but I freeze time and cut ahead of it. I unleash motion, fist wrapped in ki, and punch the chimera’s nose with all my might!!

The chimera stumbles, dazed. In that split second, I channel ki into my left leg and kick its right front leg clean off!!

Shards of mithril scatter everywhere.

Just as I’m about to strike again, something attacks from my blind spot. Instinctively, I block it with my left fist wrapped in ki!!

It was the chimera’s tail—snake-like in shape.

The tail flies off in the opposite direction. At that moment, I see Wang charging through the other side of the chimera. The tail, knocked aside by my blow, changes course—directly lunging at Wang!!

I’d been so focused on the chimera I hadn’t noticed anything else. I didn’t see Wang approaching until too late—my time-stop came a split second too slow—

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Myself and the other members of “Suzaku” were utterly transfixed by the battle. Gojo was fighting one-on-one against a lion-like monster glowing silver.

Neither of them moved at a speed I could even follow—let alone keep up with, even as an esper.

What shocks me most is the sheer volume of “qi” radiating from Gojo. It spills from every inch of his body, glowing white so clearly it’s almost blinding. That’s got to be at least double, maybe triple, the amount of qi I can muster.

This fight’s going Gojo’s way… I’m just staring, dumbstruck by how overwhelming his strength is. Exactly the kind of power I’ve always dreamed of. The kind I’ve prayed to become!

It’s like he’s a martial god. Every punch, every movement—my whole ideal just collapses into it.

But I can’t just leave this fight to Gojo alone. The enemy’s a “Leader”! I’ve gotta help somehow… Just as I’m thinking that, the monster turns its back on me and faces Gojo head-on.

This is my chance—perfect. It’s focused entirely on Gojo right now. If I’m lucky, I can land a hit.

Even if I miss, it’ll shift its attention to me—and that’ll give Gojo the opening he needs.

I take a step forward.

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After being struck by the chimera’s tail, King’s (・) hands (・) still clutching the staff, drop to the ground.

I freeze time, grab the King instantly, and pull him away from the spot. I want to heal him with Healing Magic—but I can’t use it while time’s frozen.

If I move time even slightly, the beast might escape. I drag the King to Liu’s side.

Liu’s a “Monk”—he can use Healing Magic. With Liu around, the King’s wounds should at least stabilize.

I start walking toward the beast to finish it…

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“Khaaah…!?”

What the hell just happened!?! I have no clue… What’s going on?!

My arms are burning… I look down—my arms are gone. What the hell is this…? It’s not real. It can’t be.

“King!? You—your arms are…!?”

Liu was right behind me. I’d swear I’d seen her near the monster just a second ago… how?

“Stay still! I’ll heal you right away!”

Liu cast Healing Magic on me. I’d been bleeding heavily, but the flow was starting to slow.

“Gojo is…?”

“Worry about your own damn heart! He’s fine!”

Lying flat on the ground, unable to move, I could still see Gojo over Liu’s shoulder. He was floating in midair, radiating an explosive burst of “qi” — aura.

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I grabbed the tail of the serpent-like monster. Placed it on the ground, raised one foot above it, and spun time itself.

Wrapped my foot in “qi,” and crushed the tail with everything I had!!

“Guhhahhahhahaaaahhh?!?”

The tail was completely mangled, unrecognizable. The beast desperately tried to flee from me. I teleported ahead of it instantly.

If I can see it, I’ll never fall behind!

I kicked the monster’s jaw hard — straight up! Spun once in midair, landed facing it again. Maxed out the “qi” around both fists and my body!

“Uuuhhahhahhahhh!!”

Hundreds of punches drove into the beast’s body! Its metal hide shattered, blood spraying as it was flung backward!

Smashed through trees, slammed into a rock on the mountainside! Shards of rock and metal fragments scattered everywhere.

“Tame!!”

Light poured from the magic circle, wrapping around the chimera’s body. On the Tame listboard, the name “Chimera” was clearly displayed…

“Finally… over…”

All the exhaustion hit me at once… I’m practically swaying.