Biscuit threw a full-strength straight punch, and Kangzai found an opportunity to throw a strengthened uppercut at Sulfur's armpit...
But none of them were able to cause any significant damage to Sulfur.
Physical strength wasn't the key issue, it's because difference in Manifested Aura was simply too vast.
To put it into perspective, the difference in Manifested Aura between them was like a beginner's Ten versus a master's Ken, with a glaring, insurmountable gap...
Even so, Moses, with the help of his teammates, had managed to seize the opening created when Sulfur attacked, successfully drawing blood with a single slash.
From that moment on-
Kyoka Suigetsu's condition should have been met, but the black tendrils spreading from Sulfur's wound were being suppressed.
That's right…
Suppressed, not stopped.
Moses didn't understand the reason behind this.
Originally, according to the effect of the Kyoka Suigetsu, his slash should have started a countdown to the end of Sulfur's ability to resist.
Then, once the countdown is over, no matter how immense Sulfur's Manifested Aura was, would instantly be defeated by the activation of Kyoka Suigetsu.
'Is it because the difference in Manifested Aura is too great, or is there some other reason...?'
Moses's expression shifted slightly, but before he could think further, he raised his black blade and rested it on his left elbow.
Ssshh!
Arcs of electricity crackled along the black sword as it aimed at Sulfur from a distance.
[Super Speed: Crossbow]
In the next instant, the black sword transformed into a streak of black lightning, shooting toward Sulfur.
At this moment…
Sulfur was slightly puzzled by the inexplicable pulling force that had acted on his back earlier, and was also surprised by the wound Moses had inflicted on his neck.
However, he didn't let this disrupt his combat rhythm. As he steadied himself, he took a step forward and closed the distance to Kanzai, who hadn't yet retreated.
Whoosh-
As Sulfur rapidly closed in, his Manifested Aura, which is far beyond what any human could achieve, stirred up the surrounding dust, creating an oppressive momentum that heavily weighed down on Kanzai.
'This bastard...'
Kanzai's pupils trembled, but he didn't retreat despite the overwhelming difference in Manifested Aura.
His eyes reflected Sulfur's approaching figure, and in the next moment, he quickly channeled his Manifested Aura, wrapping it around his arms like flowing water.
[Spotted Tiger]
His arms, now covered in dense Aura, were black and yellow, resembling two intertwined steel tiger tails. With a fierce motion, they lashed out toward Sulfur's body.
Boom!
This strike, infused with a large amount of Aura, was halted by Sulfur's right hand, which radiated scorching heat, unable to advance any further.
Sulfur effortlessly blocked Kanzai's killing move, and then a killing intent emerged.
But at that moment, the black sword Moses had thrown shot toward Sulfur like a bolt of black lightning, striking him precisely on the temple.
Thud-
A deafening impact echoed.
The strength of the black knife was far inferior to that of Sulfur's Manifested Aura. It shattered the moment it hit Sulfur's temple and failing to cause any substantial damage.
However, the force accompanying the blade caused Sulfur's head to jerk violently to one side, and his feet slid uncontrollably several steps before he regained his balance.
Seizing the opportunity, Kanzai suppressed the shock in his heart and quickly retreated, putting distance between himself and Sulfur.
'This red-furred magical beast is too scary...'
'It is simply the nemesis of an Enhancer like me.'
Kanzai retreated to a safe distance and stared at Sulfur, whose body was surging with immense Aura.
What did Enhancers fear most?
If Kanzai were to answer this question, his answer would lie in Sulfur.
Greater Manifested Aura, greater physical strength...
These alone were enough to completely nullify an Enhancer's chances of victory.
From the very first exchange, Kanzai knew that he was like a child in front of Sulfur. No matter how hard he struggled, he couldn't break through the Manifested Aura that was several times stronger than his own.
To fight against such a monster...
Relying on brute strength was the most useless approach.
Kanzai's thoughts raced, and he suddenly stopped, positioning himself not far from Moses.
"What should I do?"
He glanced at Moses out of the corner of his eye, and his tone was particularly serious when he asked.
The unique advantages of an Enhancer were meaningless against a magical beast like Sulfur, and the rapid healing ability granted by his [Tiger Stripe] couldn't withstand Sulfur's full-powered attacks.
From a matchup perspective, he was nothing more than a foot soldier in front of Sulfur...
But in order to play a greater role, he could only see what tactical arrangements Moses had in mind.
Even if it meant becoming cannon fodder, he wouldn't hesitate to agree.
"Just don't get hit."
In response to Kanzai's question, Moses kept his eyes forward and gave his answer.
Hearing this, Kanzai was momentarily stunned but nodded silently.
Moses didn't say anything more, his gaze fixed intently on Sulfur.
Kyoka Suigetsu is ineffective.
That meant he had to find another way...
Come to think of it, this was his first time facing an enemy of this type, and he could feel a palpable sense of helplessness from Kanzai's reaction.
It reminded him of Netero and Meruem from the original story.
No matter how strong and refined your techniques are, in the face of an overwhelming difference in Manifested Aura, there was little you could do.
It was the classic case of brute force overwhelming skill...
Therefore, Moses found it difficult to determine whether Sulfur was suppressing Kyoka Suigetsu through the absolute advantage of Manifested Aura, or by relying on some innate ability or talent he wasn't aware of.
If it was the former, it meant that Kyoka Suigetsu had an additional limitation, as it could be suppressed by an opponent with several times more Manifested Aura.
But in the context of the Nen System, this phenomenon was also quite reasonable.
Moses didn't dwell on this for too long.
What he needed to think about now was how to deal with the threat in front of him.
Biscuit is located on the other side.
At this moment, she was also staring intently at Sulfur, her eyes filled with seriousness.
'Stand back.'
Biscuit gestured for Menchi, Shizuku, Sanbica, and Pyon to retreat from the battle circle.
There was no other way…
The 'frontal offensive and defensive power' of this red-furred magical beast that had suddenly appeared was too absurd. If they took a solid hit, not only would someone like Menchi with her small frame be in danger, but even an Enhancer like Kanzai would be instantly killed.
Therefore, having Menchi and the others join the fight would be meaningless and would only result in unnecessary casualties.
This was the fundamental reason Biscuit immediately urged them to retreat.
Biscuit held a position of authority in the team, akin to an elder sister. Often, her words carried more weight than Moses's.
Therefore, after seeing Biscuit's gesture, Menchi and the others immediately responded, retreating from the battle circle as quickly as possible and putting distance between themselves and Sulfur.