The ground trembled as the massive Nomu lunged forward, its red eyes glowing with a monstrous intelligence.
Reiji stood his ground, golden flames flickering around his fists.
Mandalay quickly pulled Kota back, her expression tense.
"Reiji, get back!" she warned. "That thing isn't just strong—it's designed to kill heroes!"
Reiji's smirk widened.
"Then I guess we have something in common."
Then—he moved.
The Nomu's massive claw swung down at blinding speed, aiming to crush him in an instant.
Reiji twisted his body, Phantom Step activating as he vanished just in time.
BOOM!
The ground exploded from the impact, dirt and rocks flying everywhere.
Reiji reappeared above the Nomu, his fist coated in Hellfire.
"Infernal Burst!"
BOOM!
His punch landed clean, flames engulfing the Nomu's head as the impact sent shockwaves through the forest.
The trees shook violently, the fire illuminating the night.
For a second—silence.
Then—the Nomu moved.
CRACK!
Reiji's eyes narrowed as the creature's head twisted unnaturally, its body regenerating instantly.
Then—it turned toward him.
And grinned.
[Ah. Right. These things have regeneration.]
Reiji landed smoothly, golden flames flickering.
"Alright," he muttered. "That makes things interesting."
The Nomu didn't hesitate.
It rushed forward with monstrous speed, swinging its clawed arm toward Reiji's chest.
Reiji leaned back, dodging the first strike—but the second one clipped his side.
BOOM!
Reiji was sent flying, crashing through several burning trees before skidding to a stop.
For a moment—he didn't move.
Then—he grinned.
"Okay," he exhaled, standing back up. "That one actually hurt."
The Nomu charged again.
Reiji's golden flames surged.
"Infernal Overdrive."
Then—he vanished.
Hellfire Unleashed
The battle became a blur.
Reiji and the Nomu clashed again and again, fire and raw strength tearing through the battlefield.
Every time the Nomu landed a hit—Reiji countered with more power.
Every time the Nomu regenerated—Reiji burned hotter.
The forest became their battleground, trees collapsing under the sheer force of their attacks.
Dabi, still watching from a distance, smirked.
"Not bad," he muttered. "The kid's actually keeping up."
Toga giggled. "He's so fun to watch~!"
Shigaraki, however, wasn't smiling.
[He's growing stronger.]
Then—his fingers twitched.
[But let's see how long he lasts.]
Reiji dodged another massive swing, twisting midair as he landed on the Nomu's back.
Then—he grabbed its head.
"Let's see how fast you regenerate this."
FWOOOM!
Golden Hellfire erupted, completely engulfing the Nomu.
The flames burned hotter than ever, searing through its flesh faster than it could regenerate.
The Nomu screeched, thrashing violently.
Then—Reiji tightened his grip.
"Burn. Completely."
The golden flames intensified, consuming the Nomu's body from the inside out.
For the first time—it couldn't regenerate.
And then—
BOOM!
The Nomu collapsed, its charred body finally falling still.
Reiji stood over the burned corpse, his breathing heavy.
His flames dimmed slightly, but his golden eyes still glowed in the night.
Then—he turned.
Shigaraki was still watching him.
But now?
He wasn't grinning.
Instead—he looked intrigued.
[He just took down a Nomu… alone.]
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then—Shigaraki chuckled.
"Not bad, Kurobane," he muttered. "Not bad at all."
Reiji smirked. "You're welcome for the free show."
Dabi laughed. "Man, you really don't act like a hero."
Reiji shrugged. "Good thing I don't care."
Shigaraki's red eyes gleamed.
"This isn't over," he said simply. "We'll be seeing each other again."
Then—the League vanished into the shadows.
Reiji exhaled, rolling his shoulders.
[Yeah, yeah. Try harder next time.]
Then—he turned toward the others.
Mandalay, Kota, and the rest of the students were staring at him.
Kota's eyes were wide with awe.
"You… won."
Reiji grinned. "Obviously."
Mandalay exhaled. "You're insane."
Reiji chuckled. "And you're welcome."
Then—he looked at the burning forest.
The battle was over.
For now.
End of Chapter 38.
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!