Book 3: Chapter 59: Fighting the Thunderclaw

Book 3: Chapter 59: Fighting the Thunderclaw

Both contestants, get ready, Aurelia commanded.

Across from him, Celine merely crossed her arms as the Thunderclaw emerged from nowhere. Zeke warily eyed the creature. Its head reached up to its chest and it was several steps long. His eyes fell on the sharp claws and vicious fangs of the beast. This would not be easy.

Zeke tried to think back to his time hunting monsters. He had fought similar beasts before, like the giant Grasswolf and the Stone Leopard. Both were felines of a similar size that focused on speed. And both those monsters had caused him no small amount of trouble in the past.

From experience, Zeke knew that he had no chance to keep an agile monster at a distance. His skills with the whip were not nearly good enough for that. In fact, his whips were a horrible match against any kind of smart and agile opponent. With fast enough reflexes, all his strikes could be predicted and dodged. Leo, for example, was getting really good at it lately.

But what then? The Thunderclaw was fast, agile, and, by the look in its eyes, smart. What could he do against such an opponent? Now that its body was corporeal, Zeke tried to scan it to find out in which area he could beat it.

[Thunderclaw]

Strength: 19Constitution: 5 Agility: 40Intelligence: 25

[Ezekiel]

Strength: 25 Constitution: 27 Agility: 23 Intelligence: 24

What?! Not only was the Thunderclaw almost twice as agile as him, but also smarter? Looking at the beast once more, Zeke felt like it was grinning smugly at him.



With a shake of his head, he had to remind himself that what he measured wasnt actually intelligence. It was merely the speed at which the brain could process information. This made him feel a little better. The Thunderclaw would most likely not be able to challenge him as a researcher any time soon.

But it did mean that its increased brain capacity would make it easier to process large amounts of visual information faster and react to them instantaneously. An overproportionally developed brain was actually not uncommon among agile monsters. Zeke merely hadnt seen anything to this degree before.

Its Constitution seemed suspiciously low, but Zeke suspected that was not actually the case. Its body wasnt made from flesh and blood after all. It was very likely that any injury would only need a bit of mana to mend. However, that was still a possible approach. If he just stayed on the defense and persevered until her core gave out, he might be able to win.

In terms of stats, his biggest advantage was his Strength. He was significantly stronger than the beast, which gave him hope. If he could grab hold of it, he might be able to overwhelm it.

However, Zeke had another, far more promising approach in mind. The Thunderclaw had one glaring weakness that could be exploited. That weakness was called Celine, and was currently impatiently tapping her foot on the ground as she continued to glare at him. If Zeke managed to capture or incapacitate her, this battle would be over

Ezekiel, are you ready? Aurelia repeated.

The time for strategizing was over. Instead of his whips, Zeke extended a foot long [Blood Spike] from each of his fists. The serrated, dagger-like spikes would be his best chance to hit such an agile creature.



I am ready, Zeke stated, focusing on the creature in front of him.

The fight begins in 3 2 1! Fight!

Booooom!



Zeke inwardly sighed. If his reputation wasnt at stake, he might have been more lenient. Furthermore, his leg and chest were barely holding together, and his face was a charred mess as well. As things stood, he couldnt afford to hold anything back. If he hadnt caught the Thunderclaw off guard, this might have been his loss, and he wasnt confident he could even do it again.

No, this had to end right here and now

I want you to let the girl win, Zeke heard Aurelias voice directly inside his head.

Telepathy? A glance to the side revealed the source Albert. This had to be some form of telepathy with multiple recipients that could all talk to each other. How convenient. Zeke would have to develop something similar for his own use one of these days.

No, he responded simply.

There was a brief pause before Aurelia spoke again. You let the girl win, and I help you with your problem.

Zeke hesitated. He really, really wanted Aurelias help with the Dragon. But the question was, could he even do what she asked of him? Could he lose on purpose? His blood already started boiling at the thought of damaging his pride. How about intentionally throwing a fight then? He couldnt imagine that would go over any better. When he had almost lost against Leo in the final, the Dragon had gone out of control and he had almost ripped the poor boy to shreds. If the same happened with Celine

Im sorry, Aurelia. I dont think I could do that even If I wanted to. It is linked to my condition.

Another pause. He had to make a decision soon, Celine had drawn the dagger at her side and was now almost in reach of his sphere. Finally, he heard Aurelias voice again. I understand. But todays event is very important to my family. I cannot have the Thunderclaw be defeated in such an embarrassing manner. If you cant intentionally lose, then find another way.

Find another way? What other way? If there had been another way, would he have sacrificed half his body? He was even missing an eye for crying out loud! But he could not miss this chance. He needed her help He needed more time He needed to think He needed

In his moment of indecision, the world froze once more.

Zekes mind relaxed, his thoughts flowing freely once more. In this state, every problem seemed to be solvable and every challenge surmountable. Now that all the pressure was gone, one idea after the other popped into his mind. Suddenly, he was spoiled for choice!

It didnt take him long to develop a rock-solid strategy that would appease both the Dragon as well as Aurelia. After double and triple checking his next moves, Zeke reluctantly exited this wonderous state. It was time to put his plan in motion.

A moment later, to the surprise of the struggling beast, one of the spikes impaling it actually broke. Under the added strain, the second one followed right after. With an angry roar, the newly freed Thunderclaw pounced toward Zeke.

The boy visibly paled at the sight of the approaching figure. Shit, shit, shit!

With a roar of triumph, the beasts talons descended upon an injured Zeke. However, instead of tearing through blood and flesh, they were greeted with solid ground. The boy had disappeared.

Surrender! a voice shouted from behind the beast.



Instantly, the Summon whipped around. Its bestial eyes narrowed at what it found. Zeke was standing behind Celine, a spike to her throat. You might be too strong for me, beast! But your summoner is not. Surrender now, or I will have to hurt her.

The beast remained rooted in place, frozen by indecision. Zeke could see the struggle in its eyes. It didnt want to surrender, but could not risk its summoner either.

Enough, Aurelia called out. This concludes the match. The winner is Ezekiel von Hohenheim.

The moment Zeke heard those words, he let himself collapse backward. He wanted to make sure everybody could tell he had only barely scraped out a victory. However, this was only partly an act. He had not gotten this hurt since the time he had escaped from those kidnappers back in the empire. Everything hurt, and his vision was getting blurrier by the moment.

Thats what I get for trying to live my life to its fullest. With this last thought, he let darkness claim him.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.