Chapter 14: Demon Slayer:END
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The air was thick with dust and debris, the remnants of the Infinite Castle's explosion settling around the battlefield. The Hashira, Tanjiro, and Accelerator stood amidst the ruins, each of them catching their breath and bracing for whatever came next. For a brief moment, it seemed as though the nightmare was over. But then, the ground beneath them trembled violently, and a chilling aura filled the air.
Accelerator's eyes widened in surprise as he watched the dust particles gather and coalesce. "What the hell...?" he muttered, his voice tinged with both amazement and excitement. The particles swirled faster, forming a dark, malevolent cloud that crackled with energy. Within moments, Muzan Kibutsuji stood before them once again, his body fully regenerated.
"I told you," Muzan's voice was a low, menacing growl. "I am eternal. You cannot kill me."
The Hashira's faces paled with horror. They had seen Muzan regenerate from wounds before, but this was different. He had come back from nothing but dust. Mitsuri's voice trembled as she whispered, "What... what do we do now?"
Accelerator's smirk returned, even wider than before. "This just got interesting," he said, his tone dripping with excitement. "If you can regenerate endlessly, then I get to break you over and over again."
Muzan's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in his gaze. "You think this is a game, human? I'll show you true suffering." He vanished from sight, reappearing in an instant behind one of the weaker demon slayers.
"Not so fast!" Obanai shouted, reacting swiftly. The Hashira scattered, moving in a coordinated effort to prevent Muzan from taking any hostages. Muzan's attempt to grab the slayer was thwarted, leaving him snarling in frustration.
"You're not taking anyone," Sanemi growled, his eyes burning with determination. "We'll make sure of that."
Muzan's form flickered as he reassessed his strategy. He couldn't use the demon slayers as leverage, not with the Hashira so quick to counter him. His eyes shifted back to Accelerator, who stood ready and waiting, his expression one of eager anticipation.
"Fine," Muzan spat. "I'll kill you all one by one, starting with you, anomaly." He lunged at Accelerator, his speed even greater than before. His attacks were a blur, each strike powerful enough to kill a Hashira instantly.
Accelerator's vector control deflected each blow with ease, but the sheer intensity of Muzan's assault kept him on his toes. "You're faster," Accelerator acknowledged, his voice calm. "But speed alone won't save you."
Muzan's frustration grew as his attacks continued to be deflected. His body regenerated almost instantly from the damage Accelerator inflicted, but he couldn't find a way past the esper's defenses. "Why won't you die?" Muzan roared, his voice echoing through the ruins.
Accelerator's grin widened, a hint of madness in his eyes. "Keh, because I'm having too much fun." He unleashed a wave of kinetic energy, sending Muzan flying back. The ground cracked and splintered under the force of the attack, but Muzan's body regenerated almost immediately.
"You think this is a game?" Muzan's voice was a hiss of fury. "I'll make you regret ever crossing me."
"Hehi..hahahahaha…!"
Accelerator laughed, the sound cold and mocking. "Bring it on, monster. Let's see how long you can keep coming back." His eyes gleamed with a dangerous excitement, reveling in the challenge Muzan posed.
Muzan roared, his form blurring as he launched himself at Accelerator once more. This time, he combined his speed with his Blood Demon Art, creating a whirlwind of lethal attacks that filled the air with deadly precision. Blood blades shot towards Accelerator, tentacles lashed out, and waves of corrosive mist threatened to engulf him.
Accelerator's vector control worked overtime, redirecting the blood blades and dispersing the mist. His barriers deflected the tentacles, sending them crashing into the rubble around them. Despite Muzan's increased power and speed, Accelerator remained untouchable, his calculations flawless.
The Hashira watched the battle with a mix of awe and concern. They had seen Accelerator's strength, but Muzan's regeneration and relentless assault were pushing even his abilities to their limits. "We need to find a way to help," Mitsuri said, her voice filled with determination. "We can't just stand here and watch."
"Agreed," Shinobu nodded, her eyes narrowing as she analyzed the situation. "Muzan's regeneration is tied to his demonic essence. If we can find a way to disrupt it, even momentarily, we might give Accelerator the opening he needs."
Meanwhile, the battle between Accelerator and Muzan raged on. Muzan's attacks grew more desperate, his movements erratic as he tried to break through Accelerator's defenses. "You cannot win!" Muzan shouted, his voice a mixture of rage and madness. "I am invincible!"
Accelerator's laughter rang out, cold and taunting. "Kihihahahaha.. invincible? You're just a stubborn cockroach that refuses to die." He unleashed another wave of kinetic energy, sending Muzan crashing into the ground. The impact created a massive crater, but once again, Muzan's body began to regenerate almost immediately.
The Hashira moved into action, coordinating their efforts to support Accelerator. Sanemi and Obanai launched simultaneous attacks, their blades cutting through Muzan's tentacles and drawing his attention away from Accelerator. "Over here, monster!" Sanemi taunted, his voice filled with fierce determination.
Muzan turned his gaze towards the Hashira, his eyes blazing with fury. "You dare interfere?" He lashed out with a wave of dark energy, forcing the Hashira to scatter. But their distraction had given Accelerator the moment he needed.
Accelerator seized the opportunity, manipulating the vectors around Muzan to immobilize him. "Got you now," he said, his voice a cold whisper. He channeled his power into a concentrated blast, aiming to obliterate Muzan completely.
Muzan's form flickered, his regeneration struggling to keep up with the relentless assault. But just as it seemed he was about to be destroyed, he unleashed a surge of demonic energy, breaking free from Accelerator's hold. "You cannot destroy me!" he roared, his body reforming even as it was torn apart.
Accelerator's eyes narrowed, his expression one of grim determination. "We'll see about that." He adjusted his strategy, focusing on disrupting Muzan's regeneration rather than simply attacking. He manipulated the vectors within Muzan's body, causing his cells to clash and disrupt their healing process.
Muzan screamed in agony as his regeneration faltered, his body convulsing under the strain. "What... what are you doing to me?" he gasped, his voice filled with pain and confusion.
"Just a little trick I learned," Accelerator replied, his tone casual. "Let's see how you handle your own power turning against you." He continued to manipulate the vectors, causing Muzan's body to tear itself apart from within.
The Hashira watched in awe as Accelerator's tactic began to take effect. Muzan's regeneration slowed, his attacks growing weaker and more frantic. "It's working," Mitsuri whispered, hope lighting up her eyes.
But Muzan was far from defeated. With a final, desperate surge of power, he broke free from Accelerator's control, his body reforming even as it was torn apart. "I will not be beaten by a mere human!" he screamed, his voice a mixture of rage and madness.
Accelerator's expression remained cold and focused. "You're not beaten yet," he acknowledged. "But you will be." He prepared to launch another attack, his mind calculating the precise vectors needed to finish the job.
Muzan, realizing that brute force alone would not be enough, shifted his strategy. He feinted towards Accelerator, then vanished, reappearing behind one of the weaker demon slayers. "If I can't kill you," he snarled, "I'll make you suffer by killing those you care about."
But the Hashira were ready. Mitsuri and Obanai intercepted Muzan's attack, their blades flashing as they forced him back. "You won't touch them," Mitsuri declared, her voice filled with fierce determination.
Muzan's eyes blazed with frustration. "You think you can protect them? I'll kill every last one of you!"
Accelerator seized the moment, his body a blur as he closed the distance between him and Muzan. With a powerful surge of energy, he unleashed a concentrated blast, aiming to destroy Muzan's body. "This ends now!"
Muzan screamed as the blast tore through him, his body convulsing violently. The blast was formed by gathering the moonlight. Moonlight is just an effect of the sun so the result is pretty devastating. His regeneration struggled to keep up, but Accelerator's attack was relentless. "No... no! I cannot be defeated!" he roared, his voice filled with desperation.
But Accelerator's eyes remained cold and unyielding. "You're done, Muzan." He increased the intensity of his attack, pushing Muzan's regeneration to its limits.
Muzan's form flickered, his body unable to keep up with the relentless assault. "I... I will return..." His voice faded into a whisper as his body disintegrated once more.
As the dust settled, Accelerator stood tall, his gaze unwavering. The Hashira and demon slayers watched in awe, their hope renewed. "We did it," Mitsuri whispered, her voice trembling with relief.
"Not yet," Accelerator replied, his eyes scanning the ruins for any sign of Muzan's return. "Stay alert. This isn't over until we're sure he's gone for good."
The Hashira nodded, their determination unwavering. They knew the battle was far from over, but with Accelerator leading the charge, they had a fighting chance. The fate of the world hung in the balance, but together, they would face whatever came next.
The dawn broke over the shattered remains of the Infinite Castle, casting a soft, golden light over the battlefield. The once formidable structure was now nothing more than rubble, a testament to the fierce battle that had taken place. The Hashira and the remaining demon slayers gathered, their faces a mixture of exhaustion, relief, and triumph.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, a palpable sense of peace settled over the group. The morning air was filled with the sounds of quiet sobs and joyful cries as the demon slayers began to comprehend the magnitude of their victory.
The progenitor of demons, Muzan Kibutsuji, was no more, and with his demise, the demons who had refused salvation disintegrated into nothingness. Only those who had been turned back to humans by Accelerator's cure remained, their humanity restored.
Accelerator stood apart from the jubilant crowd, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. He had done what he came to do—he had saved countless lives and ended the reign of a monstrous tyrant. But a nagging doubt gnawed at him. Had he truly saved these people, or was he merely playing the hero, acting like a big shot in a world where others might have achieved the same result without him?
His musings were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Mitsuri and Shinobu rushed to his side, their faces etched with concern. "Accelerator!" Mitsuri called, her voice tinged with worry. "Are you alright? Are you injured?"
Shinobu's keen eyes scanned him for any signs of harm. "You took quite a beating back there. Are you sure you're not hurt?"
Accelerator's tension eased slightly at their genuine concern. He gave them a crooked smile, a rare softness in his eyes. "I'm fine," he said, brushing off their worries. "Just a bit tired, that's all."
Mitsuri's eyes filled with tears of relief, and she hugged him tightly. "Thank goodness," she whispered. "We were so worried about you."
Shinobu placed a gentle hand on his arm. "You did something incredible today, Accelerator. You saved so many lives. You should be proud of yourself."
Accelerator felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Their words and actions reassured him in a way he hadn't expected. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of genuine accomplishment and belonging. "Yeah?" he said softly. "Maybe I did."
Mitsuri looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude and something deeper. "I've never told you why I joined the Demon Slayer Corps," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I wanted to find someone who would love me for who I am, someone who would stay by my side forever. I think... I think I've found that person now."
Accelerator's usual snarky demeanor returned, though there was a hint of warmth in his tone. "A gentleman, huh? Hate to break it to you, but I'm no gentleman."
Mitsuri smiled, undeterred. "Maybe not in the traditional sense. But you've shown me kindness and strength. That's more than enough."
Shinobu's eyes twinkled with amusement. "She's right, you know. You've done more for us than you realize."
Accelerator didn't respond immediately, his mind processing their words. He had always seen himself as a monster, a tool for destruction. But here, in this world, he had become something more. He had become a protector, a savior.
The demon slayers continued to celebrate their hard-won victory, their voices rising in a chorus of joy and relief. The Hashira gathered around, their expressions a mixture of pride and gratitude. Even Sanemi, usually so gruff and stern, offered Accelerator a nod of respect.
"Good job, kid," he said gruffly. "You did well."
Accelerator nodded back, feeling a warmth in his chest that he hadn't felt in a long time. He had come to this world as an outsider, but now he felt a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose.
As the sun rose higher, casting its warm light over the battlefield, the demon slayers knew that their journey was far from over. There would always be threats to face, battles to fight, and lives to protect. But for now, they could take solace in their hard-earned victory.
Accelerator stood with Mitsuri and Shinobu by his side, watching as the demon slayers tended to the wounded and helped the newly humanized former demons. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what they had accomplished together.
"Thank you," Mitsuri said softly, looking up at him with admiration in her eyes. "For everything."
Shinobu nodded in agreement. "You've given us hope, Accelerator. And that's something we can never repay."
Accelerator shrugged, trying to downplay his impact. "I just did what needed to be done. You guys would've managed somehow."
Mitsuri smiled warmly. "Maybe. But it wouldn't have been the same without you."
The three of them stood in companionable silence for a moment, watching the scene before them. Despite the devastation around them, there was a sense of renewal and possibility in the air. The future, though uncertain, seemed a bit brighter now.
As the demon slayers began to regroup and plan their next steps, Mitsuri and Shinobu continued to stay close to Accelerator. They had formed a bond with him during his time in their world, a bond that transcended the battles they had fought together.
"Are you planning to stay?" Shinobu asked, her tone casual but with a hint of curiosity.
Accelerator thought about it for a moment. He had his own world, his own life to return to. But there was something compelling about this place, about the people he had come to care for. "I don't know," he admitted. "There's still a lot I need to figure out."
Mitsuri's eyes softened. "Well, whatever you decide, just know that you have a place here. With us."
Shinobu smiled. "And if you ever need a reminder of the good you've done, just look around. You've made a real difference."
Accelerator nodded, feeling a sense of clarity he hadn't felt before. He had spent so much of his life fighting, surviving, and struggling with his own demons. But here, in this world, he had found a purpose beyond himself. He had found people who saw him not as a monster, but as a hero.
As the sun continued to rise, casting its warm glow over the battlefield, the demon slayers began to disperse, returning to their respective duties. The threat of Muzan was gone, but the world was still filled with challenges that needed to be faced.
Accelerator knew that his journey wasn't over. Whether he stayed in this world or returned to his own, he would carry the lessons he had learned and the bonds he had formed with him. He would continue to fight, to protect, and to strive for a better future.
Mitsuri and Shinobu stayed by his side, their presence a comforting reminder of the connections he had made. As they walked together, the sounds of celebration and rebuilding filling the air, Accelerator felt a sense of peace settle over him.
For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.
---
The days following the battle were filled with a mixture of recovery and reflection. The demon slayers worked tirelessly to rebuild and to heal, both physically and emotionally. Accelerator, true to his nature, didn't rest much, always finding something to do or someone to help.
Mitsuri and Shinobu often found themselves by his side, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. They shared stories, laughter, and moments of quiet understanding. They had all been through so much, and their shared experiences had forged a deep connection.
One evening, as the sun set and the sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, Mitsuri and Shinobu found Accelerator sitting alone, gazing at the horizon.
"Mind if we join you?" Mitsuri asked, her voice gentle.
Accelerator glanced up and nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Sure."
They sat together in comfortable silence for a while, the beauty of the sunset providing a serene backdrop.
"Do you ever wonder what comes next?" Mitsuri asked softly, her eyes reflecting the colors of the sky.
Accelerator nodded. "All the time. But I've learned that sometimes, it's not about knowing what comes next. It's about making the most of what you have right now."
Shinobu smiled, her gaze thoughtful. "Wise words. We've been through so much, but we've come out stronger for it. And we have each other."
Mitsuri leaned against Accelerator, her presence warm and comforting. "And that's enough for me."
Accelerator felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had found a place where he belonged, and people who cared for him. Whatever the future held, he knew he would face it with them by his side.
As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, the three of them sat together, their hearts filled with hope and a quiet determination. They had faced unimaginable darkness and emerged victorious. And together, they would continue to fight for a brighter tomorrow.
For now, they had each other, and that was enough.
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Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone