While i do think Tenka is a good character and has plenty of room for growth/development, i also feel many of the others do also.
The faceplant at the end, even with the blood spatter didn't immediately make me think 'dead'. Like an above poster said, i also got the 'shounen defeat' vibe. Fingers crossed though.
The battle itself seemed pretty good. tho i eyerolled at the 'i'll just fire beams bigger and faster', part. Generally energy travels at the same speed as a function of its composition. yadda yadda, real world has no place in manga. A tiny quibble that i will overlook in my overall enjoyment.
Carry on author!