Only after the terrifying wind pressure, powerful enough to tear space apart, had completely dissipated did the stagnant air rush back into the dark sewer.
Only then did Suguru Geto abruptly bend over as though waking from a dream, bracing both hands firmly against his knees and gasping for breath without a shred of concern for appearances.
Cold sweat slid down his pale cheeks and splashed into the filthy water beneath his feet.
His wildly pounding heart felt as though it would shatter his breastbone. Only now did he fully emerge from that state of tension, like a bowstring drawn to its limit.
The instant the wind from that punch had grazed his cheek, he had truly smelled the rotten, icy scent of death.
In all his teenage years, not even when facing the most hideous Cursed Spirits had he ever felt as close to the abyss of death as he had in that moment.
If Li Shunchen had not deliberately held back, he would already have been a headless corpse.
Beside him, Satoru Gojo was equally unable to maintain his usual composure.
He clutched Li Shunchen's wrist tightly. Hidden behind his sunglasses, his Six Eyes, faintly bloodshot from overuse, were frantically analyzing this familiar yet unfamiliar body under an unprecedented load.
His azure eyes filled with horror. He abruptly raised his head and demanded loudly of Li Shunchen, his voice carrying undisguised shock and impatience.
"What the hell is going on!? That Domain Expansion without any warning, and this Special Grade Cursed Spirit state you're in, made entirely of negative emotions!? Just what have you been through behind our backs!?"
Faced with Satoru Gojo's almost aggressive questioning and Suguru Geto's frightened gaze, not a ripple stirred in Li Shunchen's lifeless eyes.
As far as the basic effects of his