Chapter 461: Punching Bag
Deiora’s grin widened, his new form surging forward with speed that belied his massive frame. His fist, wreathed in dark crimson energy, shot toward Adam’s chest with devastating force.
Adam’s hand shot up, catching the blow mid-swing. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the clearing, the ground beneath them cracking under the force of the collision.
Deiora’s composure cracked. A flicker of genuine surprise passed through his face as he processed what had just happened.
"What—"
Adam’s grip tightened, his fingers digging into Deiora’s fist like iron claws. His voice was cold, carrying no strain despite the power behind the strike.
"Is that all?"
He twisted, and Deiora’s arm was wrenched to the side, his massive body following the motion as Adam redirected his momentum. Before Deiora could recover, Adam’s free hand shot forward, palm open, and struck him square in the chest.
A shockwave of pure force exploded from the point of impact, sending Deiora hurtling backward across the clearing.
Adam straightened, flexing his fingers as if shaking off the last traces of exertion. His voice carried across the clearing, calm and cold.
"Cute. Got anything that doesn’t tickle?"
Deiora rose slowly, his new form pulsing with power. The black tattoos along his torso flared with crimson light, and a low, rumbling laugh escaped his throat.
"Heh! I’m just getting started."
Adam’s hand dropped to his side, his gaze fixed on Deiora’s advancing form. "Then stop wasting time."
Deiora’s fists became a blur of crimson and shadow, each strike carrying the weight of his awakened power. His attacks rained down on Adam in a relentless storm—left hook, right cross, an uppercut that carved a trench through the air itself.
Adam’s arms moved in a blur of their own, deflecting each strike with practiced ease. The impact of their clashes sent shockwaves rippling through the clearing, the ground beneath them cracking and splintering under the force of their exchange.
Deiora’s voice rose above the chaos, thick with exertion and excitement.
"How’s this?! And this?! AND THIS?!"
Adam’s expression remained calm as he weaved between the blows.
"Your attacks are getting more predictable."
He ducked under a wild swing, stepped inside Deiora’s guard, and drove his fist into the demon’s ribs.
Deiora staggered, but instead of retreating, he grinned.
"You’re still holding back!"
He lunged forward again, his fist driving toward Adam’s face with renewed fury.
Adam sidestepped the strike, but he felt it. The way Deiora’s movements were becoming sharper, his reaction times faster.
Deiora’s fist swept toward Adam’s head in a wide arc, forcing him to duck. His other fist came from below, aimed at Adam’s ribs—a feint that had been drilled into him through centuries of combat.
Adam twisted, the strike grazing his side, and retaliated with a sharp counterpunch to Deiora’s jaw.
CRACK!
Deiora’s head snapped to the side, but he caught himself almost instantly, his grin never faltering.
"Your hits aren’t as effective as before."
Adam’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the demon’s form. The black tattoos along his torso were pulsing with crimson light, and his muscles seemed denser, more defined with each passing exchange.
’Interesting, The more I hit him, the more his body learns to withstand my attacks and counter them.’
Deiora’s fist carved a blazing arc through the air, and Adam was forced to leap back as the strike passed inches from his face. The force of the blow sent a shockwave rippling through the clearing, carving a trench in the earth where his fist had passed.
Adam landed in a crouch, his voice calm.
"Took you long enough to figure out how that body works. I was starting to think you were just a big, loud punching bag."
Deiora’s grin widened, his massive fists clenching as he rolled his shoulders.
"Big and loud? Hah! That’s exactly what makes me unbeatable. I’m not some slippery little snake who only knows how to dodge."
He lunged forward again, his fist sweeping toward Adam in a devastating arc that forced him to retreat step by step. The clearing around them was being torn apart—the earth carved into trenches, the trees shattered into splinters, the very air itself warping under the force of their clash.
Adam retreated, ducking under another strike, his gaze fixed on Deiora’s advancing form.
’His speed and attack power have increased drastically. I wonder what skill I’d get if I ate him.’
Deiora’s fist came down like a meteor, and Adam was forced to cross his arms to block.
BOOM!
The impact drove him into the earth, his boots carving deep trenches as he absorbed the force. He gritted his teeth, his arms trembling under the weight of the blow.
Deiora’s expression twisted into bloodlust.
"Your body’s finally reacting!"
Adam’s lips curved into a thin smile.
"You’re right."
Deiora’s grin faltered, his eyes narrowing with sudden wariness. "What—"
Adam’s fist drove into Deiora’s stomach with brutal precision.
"GHAH—!"
The impact lifted Deiora off his feet, sending him hurtling backward through the air.
Adam straightened, rolling his shoulders as he watched Deiora rise from the debris.
"You’ve gotten a little stronger. So let’s pick up the pace."
Deiora’s body was still reeling from the impact when Adam closed the distance again.
Adam’s fist shot forward, aimed directly at Deiora’s chest, and It drove through.
A wet, tearing sound echoed through the clearing as Adam’s arm sank into Deiora’s torso. Blood sprayed, thick and dark, painting the shattered earth in fresh shades of crimson. Deiora’s eyes went wide, his breath catching in a sharp, choked gasp.
"Ghha—!"
For a moment, he simply stared at the arm protruding from his chest, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. Then, slowly, his hands rose, wrapping around Adam’s forearm with a grip like iron.
Adam’s eyes narrowed. He tried to pull back, but Deiora’s hold was unyielding.
Deiora’s lips curled into a bloody grin.
"You’re not the only one who can fight up close."
His head snapped forward, and his skull connected with Adam’s forehead in a brutal headbutt.
The impact was immense, a deafening crack that echoed through the clearing like a thunderclap. Adam’s vision swam, stars erupting behind his eyes as he was driven back, his arm tearing free from Deiora’s chest with a wet, sucking sound.
Deiora staggered, one hand pressed against the gaping wound in his torso, but his grin never wavered. The wound was already beginning to seal, the edges knitting together with violent speed.
"Not bad, right? I’ve been saving that one."
Adam touched his forehead, his fingers coming away slick with blood. A low, amused chuckle escaped his lips.
"Heh! Didn’t expect that."