"Why, you say?"
Upon hearing Muzan's question, Riezel tilted his head slightly.
"At this point, you're still asking why? Does it even matter?"
Riezel's words made many blood vessels appear in Muzan's eyes.
"I just want to survive! What have I done wrong?!" Muzan shouted in anger.
Indeed, in a way, Muzan was quite innocent.
Before he was even born, the shadow of death had tightly wrapped around him.
While in his mother's womb, he was so weak that his heart stopped beating several times. Even though he was eventually born by sheer luck, he was in a state similar to a stillborn and almost died right after birth.
Although he had desperately clawed his way back from the brink of death and managed to survive, he was still diagnosed with a terminal illness and was told he wouldn't live past twenty.
In the end, he spent most of his days bedridden, constantly battling death.
If he had just died then, he would have been someone with a tragic life, a pitiful soul countless people would feel sorry for.
In that sense, Muzan was indeed very innocent.
However—
"You have sacrificed too many lives just to stay alive." Riezel said calmly. "Is your life the only one that matters, while other people's lives are worthless in your eyes?"
"Huh? Hahahahaha—!"
Muzan paused for a second before bursting into laughter—an exaggerated, wild laugh.
"You mean to say that sacrificing others' lives to survive is wrong?" Muzan said with a sneer on his face. "What about humans? Aren't humans committing the same thing as me?"
"They also eat meat to survive, they kill living beings, putting the corpses of animals on their tables as nutrients to keep themselves alive, eating them up."
"What they can do, why can't I do?"
"Just because they cook their food to look less bloody, they're not wrong?"
"Or are you saying that because they eat animals instead of humans?"
"But I'm not human either! I'm a demon! In my eyes, humans are just talking animals!"
Muzan shouted at Riezel with an angry expression.
"Why?! Why is it wrong for me to survive?!"
Clearly, Muzan was still filled with resentment over his current fate.
Unfortunately, his words only earned him Riezel's cold gaze.
"If you really can't understand, let me put it more bluntly..."
Looking calmly at Muzan, Riezel began to explain.
"It's because everyone wants you dead and no one wants to see you survive, so no matter the reason, this is the only outcome you can expect."
"In short, no one gives you a damn."
"Got it?"
Hearing this, Muzan's expression froze.
"You should have thought about this long ago."
Riezel continued, his voice became cold.
"Since you started killing others without reason, they have every right to kill you without reason either."
"In fact, the reason has always been there; you just didn't see it as valid."
"Yeah, I get it, you're not human. But you know... if you can kill humans, and humans can kill animals, why can't we kill you too?"
"With someone as cold-blooded as you, talking about deep-seated hatred is probably beyond your grasp. Trying to explain family bonds to you would be a waste of time since you'd just find them strange, right? So, I won't explain further."
"However, there's only one thing you need to get..."
"You simply shouldn't exist in this world."
Riezel stated each word deliberately.
"Your death will give more people the chance to keep living, instead of one day unexpectedly losing their most precious life, just like you see your own."
"Do you get it now?"
"Demon."
As Riezel's words reached Muzan's ears, he fell into complete silence.
At this moment, Muzan's expression ceased to be filled with anger, hatred, or resentment. Instead, for some inexplicable reason, a profound calmness settled over him.
As Tamayo and Yushirou stumbled out from a pile of rubble, looking disheveled as they witnessed the scene, they also fell silent.
Especially Tamayo, a woman who harbored centuries-old hatred toward Muzan, watched as the demon who had been the object of her hatred for so long now only had his head held in Riezel's hand.
Although her eyes gleamed with intense satisfaction, Tamayo clenched her fists and found herself speechless for reasons she couldn't explain.
In this tense and quiet moment, Riezel turned his empty hand and retrieved the Blue Spider Lily from his storage space.
"For every beginning, there is an end... After a thousand years, it's time for you to atone for your sins."
Riezel released the Blue Spider Lily, letting it fall to the ground.
*Whoosh!*
Suddenly, a flame ignited from the blue flower, burning it to ash.
Seeing this, the jumbled thoughts in Muzan's mind seemed to vanish as if his soul had been completely drained, leaving him staring blankly at the burning Blue Spider Lily, the blood vessels in his eyes gradually fading away.
It was as if his life, his dreams, his everything, had disappeared along with the burning flower.
In his final moment, Muzan uttered only one sentence.
"…I'm a demon, but I'm not a monster..."
Muzan stared at Riezel and spoke sincerely and slowly.
"In my eyes, you and Tsugikuni Yoriichi are the true monsters..."
Unfortunately, Muzan's words didn't provoke any psychological reaction from Riezel.
"Thanks for the compliment."
After Riezel responded calmly to Muzan's 'compliment', a red fluctuation emanated from his hand, forming crimson waves that enveloped the barrier cube.
*Bzzz—*
In the next moment, Muzan's head, enclosed in the barrier cube that imprisoned him, was instantly decomposed into nothingness by Riezel's Decomposition Magic.
Like shattering glass, this scene resulted in Muzan completely disappearing from the world.
"…"
Silence pervaded the ruins.
Riezel calmly turned around, slowly sheathing Hermit that emitted high temperatures into its scabbard as if he had done something insignificant.
Tamayo and Yushirou looked at Riezel's back, feeling a mix of emotions.
"It's over…"
Yushirou mumbled in a daze.
"Yeah…"
Tamayo closed her eyes, her tone tinged with sorrow and mourning.
"Everything… finally comes to an end…"
===
It really did end.
Just as Muzan was instantly disintegrated into nothingness by Riezel's Decomposition Magic, completely disappearing from this world, within the Infinity Castle, countless demons who were fighting fiercely against the Demon Slayer Corps all froze in place.
They stood motionless.
They lost their aura.
As the demon blood within them rapidly disappeared at an astonishing speed, they ceased existing as creatures known as demons.
One by one, they turned into ash, gradually dissipating as if they were being illuminated by sunlight, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye.
Every member of the Demon Slayer Corps, who had fought valiantly with bloodshed, looked at each other, unable to snap out of their daze for a long time.
After a while, someone finally spoke as if awakening from a trance.
"...Is it over?"
Such a voice awakened everyone.
"Is it... over?"
"It's over..."
"It's over!"
"IT'S OVER—!!!"
They began dropping their weapons, tears streaming down their faces little by little.
Immediately after, cheers loud enough to shatter the ceiling erupted, causing all the members of the Demon Slayer Corps to either cry out or embrace each other, their faces filled with excitement and joy.
"It's over!"
"It's all over!"
"Kibutsuji Muzan is dead!"
As everyone cried and laughed, many Kasugai Crows also flew around, spreading the news.
"Head Instructor Tsugikuni Yoriichi has defeated Kibutsuji Muzan!"
"Kibutsuji Muzan is successfully defeated!"
"Kibutsuji Muzan is successfully defeated!"
In the Kasugai Crows' sharp voices, only one sentence remained—'Kibutsuji Muzan is successfully defeated!'
"Su-Succeed!"
Mitsuri cheered, surrounded by the corpses of numerous tigers.
"Excellent!"
Muichirou also rarely showed an excited expression.
"Namu Amida Butsu..."
Just as Gyoumei stepped out of the lotus pond, he heard the news and immediately clasped his hands together, tears streaming down his face.
"He did it... Elder Sister..."
Shinobu stood beside Gyoumei, holding Douma's golden iron fan, and for the first time, a sincere smile formed on her face.
"Finally dead..."
Obanai stopped in his tracks, unraveling the bandages that had been wrapped around his mouth.
"Truly... quite splendid, Head Instructor!"
Tengen burst into laughter in front of Obanai.
"That guy..."
Sanemi held the head of a small demon, watching silently as several Kasugai Crows flew through the air.
"Lord Head Instructor... Impressive."
Even Giyuu, after a moment of silence, made such a statement.
"Big Brother..."
Tanjirou, Zenitsu, and Inosuke lay battered on the ground, looking up at the sky with broad smiles.
Lastly, Kyoujurou emerged from the destroyed arena, dragging an injured arm, his resolute face adorned with a smile radiant enough to illuminate everything.
"Well done, Young Tsugikuni..."
Recalling the incredible youth who once declared on the Mugen Train to protect him, Kyoujurou felt that he might never forget that encounter that day.
At this moment, every member of the Demon Slayer Corps cheered and rejoiced, not stopping for a long time.
===
Meanwhile, in the Swordsmith Village.
By now, the sun had already risen.
"Master..."
""Father!""
At this moment, Amane and her children shed tears of joy because Kagaya stood up without difficulty or help.
When they saw his figure, the decaying traces on his body gradually disappeared.
Feeling the long-lost strength and vitality flowing through him, Kagaya realized for the first time that he could move simply because he was still alive.
"He... He won... He won..."
Kagaya smiled with tears streaming down his face.
After a millennium, the curse of the Ubuyashiki family finally disappeared on this day.
Under the sunlight, Kagaya and his family embraced each other, welcoming a new and vibrant day with tears of joy.
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Swordsmith Village, Temporary Headquarters.
In this room filled with tatami mats, screens, and bonsai, a meeting was taking place.
At this moment, all the Hashira were assembled and kneeling on both sides, their swords hanging from their waists, bowing slightly toward Kagaya, who was seated in the main seat.
By Kagaya's side was Amane and their two children, like a feudal lord enjoying their later years.
Now, Kagaya no longer needed assistance and was no longer coughing violently, even his once-disfigured face seemed to be gradually recovering and no longer appeared as terrifying and monstrous as before.
Needless to say, this brought great joy to the Hashira, some even moved to tears.
"Congratulations, Master!"
"Master! Your illness has finally been cured!"
"This is truly... wonderful..."
One after another, the Hashira expressed their joy.
Kagaya looked at the Hashira who had their faces filled with joy, his gaze as gentle as if he were looking at his own children.
"I am also very glad to see all of you here, with no one missing." Kagaya said sentimentally. "It's truly wonderful that no one has been sacrificed or is absent."
He was indeed delighted about this.
In the final battle against the demons, they not only faced the once-unbeatable Upper Ranks but also contended with the Demon King, an almost invincible monster eager to annihilate the entire Demon Slayer Corps.
With all the demons swarming out, even if every Hashira were to sacrifice themselves, it would not have been surprising.
Kagaya had already mentally prepared himself, accepting the possibility of the Hashira's deaths, so knowing that they achieved victory without any was naturally the best possible outcome.
Moreover, the Hashira didn't seem to have suffered any serious injuries, except for Kyoujurou, whose hand was visibly injured and wrapped in bandages.
Naturally, all of this was thanks to a certain someone.
"It's all thanks to Lord Head Instructor that we were able to defeat the Upper Ranks with relative ease and achieve this victory."
Shinobu spoke with a smile, her eyes closed, drawing everyone's attention to a single person.
They looked at Riezel, who sat facing Kagaya from a distance, the divine sword renowned in the Swordsmith Village lying beside him.
His sitting posture was casual, unlike the other Hashira, who kneeled, or Kagaya, who sat very straight, appearing calm.
However, no one forgot that it was this person who led the Demon Slayer Corps to victory against the demons, including Kibutsuji Muzan, the progenitor of them all.
Without him, they would not have had the strength to defeat the Upper Ranks.
Without him, the Demon Slayer Corps would inevitably have suffered heavy casualties.
Naturally, without him, Muzan might not have even been defeated, nor would he have initiated the battle, allowing the Demon Slayer Corps to have the opportunity to defeat the demons.
Everything was because of this person, allowing them to achieve this success.
Kagaya naturally couldn't forget this point, his gaze toward Riezel was truly different from how he looked at everyone else.
When Kagaya looked at the others, he seemed like he was looking at his own children, but when he looked at Riezel, he looked completely at his benefactor, at humanity's hero.
Kagaya really wanted to thank Riezel for himself, his family, his people, and all of humanity, but unfortunately, now was not the time.
"How are the casualties?"
Kagaya inquired about the most important issue.
Reporting was done by Gyoumei.
"We've already had the Kakushi gather casualty statistics."
Gyoumei, with prayer beads in hand and palms together, reported.
"Although there have been some casualties, the timely appearance of the mechanical dolls has kept the numbers low. Approximately forty members have been confirmed dead, and around ten have sustained severe injuries that may leave them disabled and unable to live normal lives in the future, while the rest are unharmed."
Such casualty figures were actually much better than originally anticipated.
Since the Demon Slayer Corps had only hundreds of combatants, if they confronted demons whose strength generally reached Lower Ranks, there was a significant chance that all of them would be annihilated.
However, now only dozens were actually dead, ten left disabled, and the rest unharmed.
Such casualties, in a war that could determine humanity's future, were practically insignificant.
"...I see."
Kagaya closed his eyes, seemingly grieving for the fallen and offering prayers for them, but quickly, he calmed himself and immediately made arrangements.
"Provide ample compensation to the families of the deceased and fulfill any requests they have to the extent possible. As for the disabled, they must be given sufficient support to secure their future lives."
Kagaya instructed Amane beside him.
"Yes, Master."
Amane accepted the order without any objection.
Whether it was compensation or support, it was certainly the responsibility of the Ubuyashiki family, not the Hashira.
Of course, some of the Hashira would also offer assistance.
"Master, the Butterfly Mansion will provide medical treatment for the disabled at no cost and offer facilities for their recuperation, ensuring they recover as much as possible."
Shinobu stated firmly, prompting Kagaya to nod.
According to the results of this battle, everyone then assessed the losses in various aspects, made necessary arrangements, and Kagaya's children documented the entire proceedings of the meeting that would become an important part of the Ubuyashiki family's history, forever preserved within the family.
Meanwhile, Riezel silently listened throughout, neither participating in discussions nor uttering a word, simply waiting quietly for the meeting to conclude.
Eventually, the meeting continued until the afternoon.
Once everything had been discussed, everyone fell silent, enveloped in an indescribable sense of solemnity.
Gradually, a slight atmosphere of melancholy began to pervade the room.
It couldn't be helped.
"With this, this meeting will be the last..."
Kagaya spoke softly, gazing outside.
"Now that Kibutsuji Muzan has been eliminated, demons are no more, and there are no longer any monsters that prey on humans in this world."
"Since its establishment, the Demon Slayer Corps has always had one goal, which is to exterminate demons."
"Now that demons no longer exist, there is no reason for the Demon Slayer Corps to continue."
Kagaya's words were understood by everyone and no one objected.
"Truly... this is a good thing..."
Kagaya's voice remained gentle and mild.
"From now on, no one will lose their family or loved ones and then take up a sword for revenge."
"From now on, no one will need to risk being killed or eaten by demons, thrown into battles where death could come at any moment."
"In the future, there will be no demons, no Demon Slayers. Although the Demon Slayer Corps may cease to exist, as long as you all live, we will always be connected, never to be severed."
"Do you agree?"
""YES!""
Kagaya's words prompted a unanimous response from all the Hashira that echoed thunderously.
It wasn't until this moment that Kagaya turned to Riezel, looking directly at him.
"I want to thank you, Your Excellency."
Kagaya's tone became solemn and dignified.
"Young hero who bears the name of Tsugikuni Yoriichi, thank you for bringing us hope, bringing us a future, bringing us everything..."
In the next moment, Kagaya, accompanied by his wives and children, knelt before Riezel, performing an extremely solemn bow.
Such a bow, given the Ubuyashiki family's status, would make anyone feel awe and shock. Yet, not only did none of the Hashira intervene, but they all, like Kagaya, bowed deeply to Riezel.
Including Kyoujurou, Shinobu, and even Sanemi and Obanai, who had previously clashed and had a conflict with Riezel.
All the higher-ups of the Demon Slayer Corps, the Master and the Hashira whom everyone respected and loved, were here, solemnly bowing to a seventeen-year-old youth.
In the past, this would have been unthinkable, but now, not a single person in the room felt that Riezel did not deserve this bow. Even if the ordinary members were present, they would likely have no objections and would also kneel before Riezel, just like everyone else.
Needless to say, this bow was rightfully deserved by Riezel.
In response, although Riezel did not refuse their bows, he shook his head as he looked at them.
"You don't have to do this..." Riezel said lightly. "I'm not doing it for you all, just for myself, going with the flow."
"Even so, by ending this thousand-year-old mistake and tragedy, it remains an undisputed fact..."
Kagaya spoke softly, his gaze firm and determined.
"All in all, you're a great benefactor to me and the Ubuyashiki family. In the future, if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to tell me or my family."
Kagaya lifted his head, giving Riezel a slight smile.
"As long as it's within our power, even if it means using all the resources we have, we will make it happen."
With that, Kagaya gestured to Amane, who handed something to Riezel.
It was a jade stone engraved with the crest of the Ubuyashiki family.
With this jade stone, the Ubuyashiki family would spare no effort, sacrificing everything to fulfill Riezel's request, regardless of time or place.
Clearly, this was Kagaya's greatest gratitude to Riezel.
Although he didn't really need it, after a moment of thought, Riezel finally accepted the jade stone. He considered it just a gesture since, after all, once he left this world, he probably wouldn't return.
Afterward, Kagaya looked around at everyone in the room, as if wanting to etch them all deeply into his heart, before speaking up in a firm tone.
"As of today, the Demon Slayer Corps will officially disband."
"Thank you all for your hard work."
Kagaya bowed to everyone present.
Seeing this, all the Hashira suppressed their overflowing emotions—some with tears in their eyes, while others endured with all their might—before finally bowing back respectfully to Kagaya.
On this day, the Demon Slayer Corps officially disbanded.
Henceforth, in this world, there were no more demons or the Demon Slayer Corps.
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