(Thank you very much to David H. Smith, Q Yongjiang Yiku Q, and Wufeng Haotian for the tips!)
"Guh—!"
When the charging Gastrea slammed heavily into Rentaro, the powerful impact felt as though it had churned up all his internal organs, forcing the air from his lungs.
"Roar—!"
Without any hesitation, the Gastrea raised its sharp foreclaws and slashed toward Rentaro like flashing blades, carrying a freezing gust of wind.
Clang—!
At the critical moment, Rentaro raised his right arm in time, using his Super Varanium prosthetic limb to block the sharp claws.
However, that Gastrea had more than just sharp claws. It also had a thick tail, and it was a Stage III Gastrea.
"Whoosh—!"
The next instant, its thick tail turned into a blurred whip-like shadow and viciously struck Rentaro in the abdomen.
Bang—!
With a dull impact, Rentaro was sent flying. He rolled across the ground dozens of times before finally coming to a stop.
"Urgh...?!" Rentaro clutched his abdomen, forcing out a pained groan.
"Damn it... I let my guard down..."
Unfortunately, there was no longer any time for Rentaro to regret it.
"Roar roar roar roar roar roar roar roar roar roar roar roar—!"
With a terrifying roar, the Gastrea that had sent Rentaro flying charged toward him like a commander, leading the horde of Gastrea rushing in from behind. Like a crazed pack of beasts, they thundered toward Rentaro, who was sprawled on the ground.
Rentaro gritted his teeth, endured the agonizing pain throughout his body, and struggled to rise.
"Whoosh—!"
Just as Rentaro was about to fight for his life, a phantom swept past his side and shot forward like a streak of light.
Then, a fist flew out.
Bang—!
The Stage III Gastrea that had just thoroughly beaten the careless Rentaro was