The resounding crash of shattering cement echoed across the zone. Kazuki paused where he clung to a ledge, only to hurry onto the top of the diagonal high rise in order to get an aerial view of the ruined city.

Even with this elevation, it still took a moment for him to pinpoint where the noise was coming from. The plume of dust was wedged between the buildings a solid block away, but it was enough for him to mentally pin it as a target. Grinning, Kazuki scrambled, sliding down the building and onto the metal girders bridging much of the area.

“Alright, let’s see what we’ve got here.” He landed, feet slamming onto the roof of a lower building that appeared to have once been a gas station. Whatever had caused that explosion was going to be on the street below.

It’s a direct hit!

It rocked the Buzzwole, hard enough to knock it off balance and into the ground. Kazuki moved to lock it down, using his entire body as a clamp as the Buzzwole’s numerous legs scrambled for traction on the dust and debris.

Kazuki moved, reeling his arm back, only to curse as his body was dragged across. The Buzzwole had reversed them, slamming Kazuki on the ground and crushing his spine on the edge of a cement chunk. It pried a cry out of him, as well the rest of his oxygen, as the air around became stifled with dust from the brawl.

“I’M BACK!” Kazuki hollered, like coming home to a beloved spouse.

The Buzzwole turned, its quiet distorted vocalizations ramping up at the sight of him. A very warm welcome.

Almost as warm as it cracking its massive knuckles, as if saying I’m going to crush you like a pillbug, and Kazuki found he preferred this greeting better. Talking smack was part of the gig in many cases, though it was satisfying to know the creature wasn’t doing it for a crowd or a contract. Its taunts and murderous intent were genuine.

“You want a piece of this?” Kazuki slapped his chest like a monkey. “Then quit fucking around and come get some!”

It roared, clenching its fists and taking on a familiar position. Kazuki grinned, curious to see if the same strategy he once used for taking down Duraludons would work for Duraludon-sized bugs as well. He would find out here, as the air was deafened by the screech of Buzzwole’s wings. It rose off the ground and lunged for him in a blur.