Chapter 26: Stick a Pin in a Doll and Curse Him

*Could someone get swallowed by Yusak and still come out on their own*

The demonic spirits felt their worldview had been massively challenged.

Yusak was one of the top demonic officers, boasting formidable strength and the ability to corrode and devour anything. In essence, all its skill points were invested in its devouring ability. While it might seem like a mere eating machine, once something was successfully consumed, the damage inflicted was unparalleled, beyond the capabilities of any other officer.

If the opponent had been alert and avoided being swallowed, it would be understandable. But to be swallowed and emerge unscathed? The resilience and defense of this giant seemed comparable only to the legendary powers of Shazam, inheritor of the Six Divine Powers.

What kind of power was this giant endowed with?

Honestly, even Shen You hadn't anticipated this outcome. What was a demonic spirit thinking, mimicking those reckless Showa monsters?

To be fair, the last monster daring enough to swallow an Ultraman had its grave covered in grass several feet high. Those with holes in their stomachs were considered lucky to be left with an intact corpse. In the afterlife, they might even team up with some prime ministers with holes in their chests.

Seeing the situation deteriorate, the remaining demonic spirits exchanged glances and quickly reached a consensus.

"A horde can take down an elephant! His large size is actually a disadvantage!" shouted a bat demon. "Let's attack from different directions together!"

"Alright!"

The demonic spirits echoed.

A minotaur demon roared and charged forward.

The larger the size, the greater the resistance. While immense size often came with immense strength, it inevitably affected mobility. With so many demons attacking simultaneously, they might still have a chance.

But dreams are beautiful, and reality is harsh.

Shen You drew back and unleashed a punch with a resounding crack.

That punch was beyond the minotaur's wildest imagination. The moment it was launched, it felt as if the heavens were shattering. The ultra-high speed, unfitting of such a large frame, seemed to defy the very laws of physics.

The moment it was locked on, the minotaur knew.

It was as good as dead.

The sheer overwhelming power extinguished its survival instincts. In its final moments, it looked around at its comrades who had fought by its side...

Huh? Where did they go?

Only in its last moments did the minotaur realize it had been tricked.

All the other demons had fled at full speed in different directions.

The minotaur finally understood.

The clown was itself.

A wave of immense sadness, anger, and grievance welled up.

You... you bullied an honest bull!

Boom.

The silver fist landed, creating a massive crater. The minotaur demon was flattened, crushed to pieces under the ten-ton punch.

Looking at this honest bull who charged alone, even Shen You couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy.

In its final moment, discovering it had been betrayed by its comrades must have filled its heart with deep resentment.

Don't worry. The Ultraman clan loves to help others, and your comrades will soon join you to apologize.

Shen You surveyed the scene, spotting five flying demons. His mind locked onto each fleeing demon, all desperately darting in different directions.

Shen You spent 0.01 seconds recalling the incantations learned in the school training camp, while reviewing his private practice techniques.

He then raised both hands in front of his chest, palms facing the center of the timer.

His left arm remained steady, while his right hand, shaped like a knife, swung back, resembling a preparation for a backhand punch or a throwing motion.

Energy surged through the Ultraman's body, quickly channeling into his right palm. Blue energy radiated out, with translucent arcs converging into his silver palm. Boundless Spacium energy was released, forming a solid ring under Shen You's precise control.

A rapidly spinning hollow ring with sharpened serrated edges, radiating electric light.

The Eight-Ray Cutter, also known as Ultra-Slash.

Just like the Spacium Beam, this was part of the basic curriculum, a finishing move mastered by many Ultramen in the TV series. With its low energy consumption and high attack speed, it might not be as directly destructive as the Spacium Beam, but it focused all its energy on the "cutting" intent, making it a deadly blade.

However, mastering the basic Eight-Ray Cutter was just passing. Shen You, as the top student of this year's graduating Ultramen, had to have some unique tricks.

For instance, right now.

With an Ultraman battle cry, the giant hurled the spinning cutter. The Ultra-Slash flew at incredible speed into the night, and midway...

It split into five!

One large cutter divided into five smaller ones.

Each locked onto a target, slicing through the night towards the fleeing shadows.

All five demons were cut in half in mid-air.

A fivefold kill!

In the depths of Gotham, within a magical barrier.

While Yusak was away, the remaining demonic officers stood on stone pillars, using magic to monitor the "Ultraman Must Die" plan Yusak was executing.

Now, they were all silent.

A single thought surged through the minds of the demonic officers.

*Is this for real?*

Boundless physical strength, sky-breaking punches, monstrous speed defying physical laws...

That would be tolerable. But what was that ridiculous five-in-one spinning wheel trick at the end?

Was there no hope for demonic spirits?

A long silence in the darkness.

Finally, the owl demon spoke, trying to maintain composure.

"Does anyone... have any thoughts?"

No one responded.

The owl demon had to continue, "If the master returns and finds out we lost so many without accomplishing anything... you know the consequences."

Several demons shivered.

The owl demon turned to one of the officers.

"Yurick, do you have any suggestions?"

Yurick was silent for a long while.

Then, in a deep voice, he said, "Maybe we can stick a pin in a doll and curse him."

The demonic officers: "...?"