Awakening to a Special-Grade Explorer
Vol. 4 - Ch. 190 - The Taste of Hell

What Shuten-dōjI was clear to Tenji. But understanding aside, the last thing he ever wanted to feel was the pain, anguish or coldness just like that day. Who wouldn't be?

His every fibre was standing at its edge to scream no more.

It was the bitter sensation that he wanted to avoid, but---

The memories he had made with the people over time flashed back in his mind.

Chisato-chan or Fuyuki-kun who were behind him

Commander Kujou and Honnou-san.

Then not to forget Fukuyama, and even President Limey.

And behind that were also a lot of ordinary folks, not just explorers. The shopkeeper of that cafe with delicious yet cheap food. That mister's unbeatable lemonade. There were also many more people living beyond here, desperately flinging their limbs to escape the calamity.

(If I lost to this guy now---)

It might not be his intention but that image just voluntarily floated in his mind.

He might be a student but it was clear there was no one but him to hold back that guy. He knows that as well. It's because his status was fundamentally crooked that he could stand in this situation.

The thing that he lacks, and the thing he overflows with. Alas, it's only by hoping on Shuten-dōjI's shoulder that he could avoid the worst.

Strange enough, Tenji found himself laughing suddenly.

"Then, it's as you wish, Shuten-dōjI. I will give you what you want. Instead, grant me the power."

Tenji loosened his grasp over the sword that he had been so desperately holding up to now.

Monster wasn't a fool to not know when to take advantage of the situation and sure enough, it sent that sword flying with a sweep of its hand.

A deafening silence drifted into the battlefield. It was hard to believe that this same place was razed by a storm-like pressure and explosive confrontation.

The sound of the monster's rugged breathing and the 'fwoosh~' spinning sound of a sword that dances into the air echoed.

The next moment, the colour in the monster's eyes changed.

"Ruuuuuuuuu!!'

Monster also saw it as a chance to swat that buzzing fly and attacked with its arm which easily pierced the abdomen of Tenji.

"Aaaargh...cough."

The sudden pain contorted Tenji's expression. Still, he instead grabbed that monster's arm firmly, as if he wanted to keep that arm forever in that state. He wanted to make sure the monster doesn't budge an inch from there.

Tenji's actions were so wild that even the monster's eyes slightly widened in surprise.

"It's the replay of that day. You should be satisfied now, eh, Shuten-dōjI?"

Flashing a fearless grin, he leaned his upper toward the monster to gouge out that from its eye socket and... bite it. Just like, he swallowed that white eye.

Instantly, a raging hellfire coursed through his entire body starting from the bottom of his stomach.

«Etch in your mind, boy......What I want is nothing but that. Just that. The pure taste of Hell! Yell, Tenji Amagi!! My true name is---»