Chapitre 9: 9: No Demons in the Mountains
Though Fujikasane Mountain had never historically had a case of a demon escaping, the Ubuyashiki family always harbored concerns about the "captive" demons. They worried that one of the demons might break free and cause a tragedy among innocent villagers. Because of this, they had a team patrolling the area year-round.
These patrol members had no combat skills; their primary task was simply to monitor the vast wisteria forest for signs of wilting or abnormalities. Over the many years of their duties being passed down, they had never actually seen one of the man-eating demons, and thus, there was a certain curiosity that lingered among them.
"It's been three days now. Do you think that big guy is still alive?" one of the men, dressed in a blue-striped kimono, asked his companion, half out of curiosity and half out of fear. His companion shook his head and sighed.
"Every time, dozens go in, but only a handful ever come back out. That mountain... it's terrifying."
Hearing this, the man felt a bit disappointed. He had seen the large figure from afar that day and thought he exuded a powerful aura. But remembering his companion's words, he was reminded that the final trial of Fujikasane Mountain was usually a death sentence, with only one instance of a single person surviving, while the rest met their doom.
"Why did they send that big guy in alone this time? Isn't that just sending him to his death?"
He recalled the strong and sturdy figure, feeling a deep sense of pity for him.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice his companion suddenly stop ahead of him and walked right into his back.
"Ow! What are you doing?"
His companion didn't say a word but gently pointed ahead.
The man lifted his head and saw a tall figure of a man carrying an oversized wild sword on his back, quietly standing at the edge of the wisteria forest.
The mountain guard in the blue kimono noticed that the imposing aura around the tall man had lessened considerably, making him seem much less… intimidating.
They quickly walked over and asked, "Swordsman, sir, it hasn't been seven days yet. Are you...?"
They had never encountered such a situation before. Had he escaped? Abandoned the trial? But to have escaped from a place like that—well, it was a feat in itself. And his clothes weren't even torn. He didn't have a single scratch on him.
Jonghyuk looked at the two men. He understood that it hadn't been the full seven days, which was why the Demon Slayer Corps hadn't sent anyone to wait for him here. After all…
His situation was quite unique.
He smiled gently, easing the guards' nerves a bit, and said, "Please notify the Demon Slayer Corps. Let them know that I have completed the final trial."
"Wait…"
The two mountain guards exchanged glances, feeling somewhat helpless, but they didn't dare contradict this imposing swordsman. So, they reluctantly left to fetch someone.
…
"You're saying you completed the trial?"
The white-haired swordsman's expression was fierce, his tone cold. He didn't take kindly to people who pretended to be something they weren't.
Standing behind him were two emotionless children from the Ubuyashiki family. One of them spoke up, "Jonghyuk-san, Father stipulated that for the final trial, you must survive in Fujikasane Mountain for seven days. It hasn't been seven days yet. Your trial is considered a failure."
Jonghyuk looked at them and gave a faint smile, seeming a little embarrassed. "I figured there wasn't much point in staying there any longer."
Sanemi Shinazugawa's face grew darker, about to erupt in anger, when the large man standing before him—who had been highly praised by Gyomei Himejima—added, "After all, there aren't any demons left in the mountain."
Sanemi's fierce expression momentarily shifted to one of confusion before he snorted and, with a few swift movements, darted into Fujikasane Mountain.
Kiriya and Kanata Ubuyashiki, though young and well-trained, were clearly unsettled by this unprecedented situation. After exchanging a glance, Kiriya decided to invite Jonghyuk back to the family's mansion to await their father's judgment.
Before long, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, supported by his wife, once again met with Jonghyuk. Behind him stood Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, and Sakonji Urokodaki, the former Water Hashira. The expressions of those present were difficult to read, filled with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki let out a rare, hearty laugh. More than ever, he felt that encountering this group of extraordinary swordsmen was part of some divine plan. The cursed connection between the Ubuyashiki family and Muzan Kibutsuji seemed destined to be severed by him.
"Jonghyuk-san, you truly are… remarkable."
"Since we established the final trial, we've never encountered a situation quite like this."
Jonghyuk noticed that Sakonji Urokodaki's expression was somewhat uneasy, likely because thoughts of his own genius disciple had surfaced. Had it not been for his exhaustion and frailty, that disciple might have succeeded in inheriting the title of Hashira by now.
"Sanemi, is it true that there are no demons left in the mountain?" Kagaya asked calmly.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, facing his master, did not hesitate or hold back. He spoke clearly, "I searched every corner of the mountain. I even used my blood as bait to lure any demons, but I can confirm that there are no demons remaining in Fujikasane Mountain."
A more pronounced smile formed on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face.
"This is truly… an incredible achievement."
Jonghyuk remained composed, neither arrogant nor submissive. He shook his head and replied,
"After all, I have a unique constitution," Jonghyuk said calmly. "And with my master's guidance, my strength has grown far beyond that of ordinary demons. Killing the small demons that were confined in that mountain wasn't a difficult task. I hope this doesn't cause any trouble for you."
Sanemi Shinazugawa clicked his tongue in irritation, finding Jonghyuk's modesty somewhat insincere. On the other hand, Gyomei Himejima, eyes brimming with tears, chanted "Amitabha" repeatedly, as if finally relieved.
[You have completed the side quest: Final Trial of the Demon Slayer Corps]
[You completed the final trial in an unconventional way. Your actions will be remembered within the Demon Slayer Corps.]
[You have gained additional Demon Slayer Corps reputation. Current reputation: Slightly Renowned]
Upon receiving Kagaya Ubuyashiki's approval, the task was immediately marked as complete. Unfortunately, there was no legendary reward from the current "Game of Destiny," likely because the final trial's details would never be publicly disclosed by the Ubuyashiki family. As a result, it wouldn't become widely known, and therefore could not achieve legendary status.
"Since you have officially become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, following tradition, we will craft a Nichirin Blade specifically for you," Kagaya said.
Jonghyuk understood that this must be the Nichirin Blade mentioned in the quest rewards. It was actually one of the rare benefits of the "Demon Slayer" world. Once a slayer passed the final trial, they were allowed to custom order a weapon based on their needs, a weapon uniquely effective against demons.
Jonghyuk watched as Kagaya Ubuyashiki had two materials brought forth: scarlet crimson iron and scarlet crimson ore. It was clear that Kagaya had taken Jonghyuk's weapon preferences into consideration, as both pieces of material were about the size of a football.
Under Gyomei Himejima's direction, Jonghyuk carefully gathered up the two materials, offering his thanks before excusing himself.
"Master, I don't know why, but this sword technique just doesn't feel right to me," Jonghyuk confessed, feeling an unusual discomfort.
Gyomei, walking ahead of him, had apparently sensed this long ago. He nodded, affirming Jonghyuk's thoughts. "That's because you aren't truly compatible with the Breath of Stone."
"Your immense physical strength has allowed you to manage it, but…" Jonghyuk lifted his head in surprise. The normally reserved Gyomei had given this much thought, pondering whether he should help his rare disciple refine his sword techniques. But in the end, he said, "You need to find a new path."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone