Bab 11: Fated Night.
Got bored so I hastened up the progress.
---
The news of the Purification event spread rapidly among the demon populace, causing a variety of reactions. Some demons, tired of their cursed existence, held onto a glimmer of hope. They yearned for a chance to regain their humanity and escape the eternal night. Others, however, were filled with terror and anger. For many, their lives as demons represented power, freedom from mortality, and the peak of their existence. The thought of returning to a weak, powerless human state was unthinkable. This event became a monumental turning point, one that rippled through the demon world and reached even the ears of Muzan Kibutsuji.
Muzan, the progenitor of all demons, was seething with rage. He sat on his throne within the Infinity Castle, his crimson eyes glowing with malevolence. The failure of Akaza to eliminate the newcomer and the advent of a cure that could turn demons back into humans infuriated him. Muzan had spent centuries perfecting his power and seeking a way to walk under the sun. To hear that humans had now found a way to undo his work was an affront he could not tolerate.
With a wave of his hand, Muzan summoned the Upper Moons. They appeared before him in a swirl of shadows and dark energy, each one bowing in deference to their master. Akaza knelt silently, his head bowed in shame. Doma, Upper Moon Two, maintained his usual carefree smile, though there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. The other Upper Moons shifted uneasily, sensing Muzan's wrath.
"Do you know why I have called you here?" Muzan's voice was cold and sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.
The Upper Moons remained silent, waiting for their master to continue. Muzan's gaze bore into each of them, his anger palpable.
"The humans have developed a cure," Muzan spat, his voice dripping with venom. "A cure that can turn demons back into humans. This is a direct threat to our existence. And Akaza," he turned his burning gaze to the kneeling demon, "you have failed me. You allowed that newcomer to live."
Akaza clenched his fists, his body trembling with a mix of shame and anger. "I... I am sorry, my lord. I underestimated him."
"Sorry is not enough," Muzan hissed. "If you do not rectify your mistakes, death will be the least of your concerns. I will ensure you suffer for eternity."
Gyokko, the twisted demon artist, spoke up, his voice tinged with fear. "Master Muzan, we have gathered information on the newcomer. He is incredibly powerful, unlike anything we've encountered before. We need to be cautious."
"Cautious?" Muzan roared. "Caution is for the weak. You will eliminate this threat, or you will face my wrath."
The Upper Moons nodded, their expressions grim. They knew that failure was not an option.
Meanwhile, at the Butterfly Mansion, Accelerator's life had taken an unexpected turn. With his research on the cure completed, he found himself with more free time than he had anticipated. However, this newfound freedom came with an unexpected consequence: he was constantly pestered by Shinobu and Mitsuri. They seemed to follow him everywhere, treating him with a reverence and admiration that baffled him.
"Good morning, Accelerator-san!" Mitsuri chirped as she approached him in the courtyard, a bright smile on her face.
Accelerator glanced at her, his expression a mix of annoyance and confusion. "What do you want now?" he snapped, though his tone lacked its usual bite.
Shinobu joined them, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "We were just wondering if you needed any help with anything. You've done so much for us, after all."
Accelerator clicked his tongue, feeling uncomfortably out of place with their kindness. "I don't need your help. I'm perfectly capable on my own."
Despite his harsh words, Mitsuri and Shinobu didn't seem deterred. They continued to hover around him, engaging him in conversation and including him in their activities. Mitsuri often brought him snacks, while Shinobu frequently checked on his well-being under the guise of medical inspections. Their persistent attention was unnerving for Accelerator, who was more accustomed to being feared or respected from a distance.
As he sat in the courtyard one afternoon, trying to enjoy a rare moment of solitude, Mitsuri approached him with a basket of freshly made rice balls. "I made these for you, Accelerator! You've been working so hard, you deserve a treat."
Accelerator sighed, looking at the basket with a mix of frustration and resignation. "I don't need your pity," he grumbled, though he accepted the rice ball she offered.
Shinobu watched the exchange from a distance, her expression softening as she observed Accelerator's begrudging acceptance of their gestures. Despite his abrasive exterior, she could see that he was slowly starting to open up to them, even if he refused to admit it.
However, this new dynamic did not sit well with everyone. Sanemi and Obanai, in particular, viewed Accelerator's growing influence with suspicion and hostility. They had not forgotten their initial confrontation and remained wary of his true intentions. They watched him closely, ready to act at the first sign of betrayal.
Despite the tension, the Purification event continued to gain momentum. Word spread rapidly among the demon population, and many demons began to come forward, seeking the chance to reclaim their humanity. Some came out of desperation, others out of curiosity, and a few out of genuine remorse for the lives they had taken. The Demon Slayer Corps worked tirelessly to administer the cure, offering a second chance to those who sought redemption.
But as the event progressed, the threat of Muzan and his Upper Moons loomed ever larger. Accelerator knew that a confrontation was inevitable. He could feel the weight of their presence pressing down on him, a constant reminder that the battle was far from over.
Despite his disdain for being treated as a hero, Accelerator couldn't deny the sense of purpose that had taken root within him. He had come to this world as an outsider, but now he found himself deeply entangled in its struggles. And as much as he despised the attention and the admiration, he couldn't turn his back on the people who had come to rely on him.
As the sun set on another day, Accelerator stood in the courtyard, staring up at the sky. He knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and dangers, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of hope.
"Let's see how long this peace lasts," he muttered to himself.
—
The atmosphere in the Butterfly Mansion was tense. Though it had been just three weeks since Accelerator had arrived in this world and brought significant changes with his discoveries and innovations, the dark cloud of Muzan Kibutsuji's inevitable retaliation loomed over them all. Despite the temporary peace and progress made with the cure, the Demon Slayer Corps knew that it was merely the calm before the storm.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the master of the Demon Slayer Corps, had come to a grave decision. He knew that Muzan, driven by an insatiable desire to eradicate the Ubuyashiki bloodline, would stop at nothing to find him. Using himself and his family as bait was the only way to lure Muzan into a confrontation. The risks were enormous, but Kagaya's resolve was unshakeable. His only hope was that his sacrifice would give the Demon Slayer Corps the opportunity they needed to end Muzan's reign of terror once and for all.
In the dead of night, a hush fell over the mountain where Kagaya lived with his family. The usual serene and calming presence of the area now felt ominous, as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation. Hidden within the shadows, the Demon Slayer Corps prepared for the battle ahead, their hearts heavy with the knowledge of what was at stake.
Kagaya sat in his chamber, surrounded by his family. He looked at his wife and children, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "We must be strong," he said softly. "This night will be our greatest challenge, but it will also be our chance to change the tide of this war."
Muzan Kibutsuji, fueled by his hatred for the Ubuyashiki clan, had mobilized his most formidable warriors. All the Upper Moons were summoned to his side. They gathered in the Infinity Castle, each one exuding an aura of lethal power and dark intent. Akaza, still bearing the shame of his previous failure, stood with renewed determination. Doma, ever the cheerful psychopath, grinned with anticipation. The rest of the Upper Moons shifted with eagerness and unease, knowing that this would be no ordinary battle.
Muzan addressed them with cold, seething rage. "The time has come. The Ubuyashiki clan must be eradicated. Tonight, we end this once and for all. You will follow my lead and show no mercy. Failure is not an option."
With a wave of his hand, the Infinity Castle morphed, transporting them to the base of the mountain where Kagaya's home lay. The presence of Muzan and his Upper Moons cast a palpable shroud of dread over the area, their malicious auras suffocating the night.
As Muzan led his elite force up the mountain, the Demon Slayer Corps sprang into action. Hidden traps were triggered, and the elite Hashira, along with their most skilled warriors, emerged from the darkness to confront the demonic invaders. Steel clashed against flesh, and the air was filled with the sound of battle cries and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground.
At the forefront of the human resistance, Accelerator stood tall, his eyes alight with a mix of anger and anticipation. He knew this battle would be unlike any he had faced before. The raw power of the Upper Moons and Muzan himself was something he couldn't underestimate.
Beside him, Shinobu and Mitsuri prepared themselves, their faces set with determination. "Stick to the plan," Shinobu reminded them, her voice steady. "We must protect Kagaya-sama at all costs."
Mitsuri nodded, her grip tightening on her sword. "We won't let them get through. We'll fight with everything we have."
As the first wave of demons clashed with the demon slayers, it became clear that this battle would be a test of endurance and willpower. Each side fought with a ferocity born of desperation and conviction. Blood stained the ground, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat and steel.
Muzan himself led the charge, his eyes fixed on Kagaya's residence. The sight of the man who had dared to defy him for centuries fueled his rage. "Tonight, you will die," Muzan hissed, his voice carrying through the chaos.
Accelerator, standing at the forefront, met Muzan's gaze with unwavering defiance. "You've picked the wrong night to mess with us," he snarled, his body crackling with the energy of his vector manipulation.
The battle raged on, a maelstrom of violence and power. The Upper Moons unleashed their deadly abilities, cutting down demon slayers with brutal efficiency. But the Hashira fought back with equal ferocity, their Breathing Techniques illuminating the dark night with flashes of light and power.
The mountain became a battlefield, the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. As the moon reached its zenith, the fight intensified, each side pushing their limits in a desperate struggle for survival and victory.
In the midst of the chaos, Kagaya remained calm, his presence a beacon of hope for his warriors. He knew that the outcome of this night would determine the future of their world. And as the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, the battle for the fate of humanity continued, fierce and unyielding.
In the heart of the storm, Accelerator stood his ground, ready to face whatever came next. This was the moment he had been waiting for—the chance to make a difference, to change the course of this world's destiny. And he would not let it slip through his fingers.
--
The eerie strumming of the Biwa woman's instrument resonated through the air, and suddenly, Tengen Uzui and Muichiro Tokito found themselves within the distorted confines of the Infinity Castle. The walls were an endless maze of shifting patterns and unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional echoes of their own footsteps.
"Stay alert," Tengen warned, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. His dual Nichirin Cleavers gleamed under the dim, flickering lights of the castle. "Gyokko is one of the Upper Moons. He's bound to have a few tricks up his sleeve."
Muichiro nodded, his expression stoic yet determined. The young Hashira's grip tightened on his blade, ready for any sudden attack. "We need to find him before he ambushes us."
As if on cue, the air around them grew heavy with an oppressive presence. From the shadows, Gyokko emerged, his grotesque, contorted form a ghastly sight. His multiple arms writhed, and his unsettling, fish-like features twisted into a malevolent grin.
"Welcome, Demon Slayers," Gyokko crooned, his voice dripping with disdain. "You've walked right into my domain. How delightful."
Without warning, Gyokko's pot-like body split open, and a torrent of grotesque, writhing fish demons spilled out, their razor-sharp teeth snapping hungrily.
"Stay together!" Tengen shouted, launching himself into the fray. His blades whirred with deadly precision, cutting through the demonic fish with ease. Muichiro followed suit, his swift, fluid movements a blur as he dispatched the creatures with calculated strikes.
Gyokko watched with twisted amusement, his form shifting and melding into various distorted shapes. "You think you can handle me? Let's see how you fare against this!"
With a flick of his wrist, Gyokko unleashed his Blood Demon Art. The ground beneath Tengen and Muichiro morphed into a grotesque, pulsating mass of flesh and eyes. Tentacles shot out, aiming to ensnare the Hashiras.
"Watch out!" Muichiro called, leaping into the air to avoid the tentacles. Tengen wasn't far behind, using his Sound Breathing to enhance his movements and evade the attacks.
"Tsk, how annoying," Tengen muttered, his eyes narrowing. "We'll need to split up and attack from different angles."
Muichiro nodded, understanding the plan. The two Hashiras moved with synchronized precision, their blades flashing as they targeted Gyokko from opposite sides. Gyokko's form twisted and writhed, evading their attacks with an almost serpentine fluidity.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Gyokko taunted, his eyes glinting with malice. He summoned more of his demonic fish, directing them to swarm the Hashiras.
Muichiro's blade danced through the air, slicing through the fish demons with ease. "We need to find a way to break his concentration," he said, his voice calm despite the chaos.
Tengen nodded, his mind racing. "Right. Let's force him to reveal his true form."
With renewed determination, the two Hashiras pressed their attack, pushing Gyokko back with relentless strikes. The Upper Moon's grotesque laughter echoed through the chamber as he unleashed more of his Blood Demon Art, warping the environment into a nightmarish landscape.
Despite the disorienting surroundings, Tengen and Muichiro remained focused. Tengen's Sound Breathing allowed him to anticipate Gyokko's movements, while Muichiro's Mist Breathing enabled him to move with ghost-like agility.
"Enough of this!" Tengen roared, his blades clashing against Gyokko's malformed body. "Show us your true form, coward!"
Gyokko's eyes gleamed with fury. "Very well. Witness my true power and despair!"
With a grotesque transformation, Gyokko's body shifted into a monstrous, serpentine form. His scales glistened with an unnatural sheen, and his eyes glowed with malevolent intent. The ground quaked as he unleashed a torrent of corrosive acid, aiming to engulf the Hashiras.
Muichiro leaped into the air, avoiding the acid with graceful precision. "Now's our chance!"
Tengen nodded, his eyes blazing with determination. "Let's finish this!"
With a synchronized assault, the two Hashiras unleashed their most powerful techniques. Tengen's blades whirred with explosive force, while Muichiro's strikes were precise and deadly. The combined might of their attacks overwhelmed Gyokko, pushing him to his limits.
"Impossible!" Gyokko hissed, his form collapsing under the relentless onslaught. "I am an Upper Moon! I cannot be defeated by mere humans!"
"That's where you're wrong," Tengen said, his voice cold and resolute. "We are not mere humans. We are Hashira."
With a final, devastating strike, Tengen and Muichiro cleaved through Gyokko's form, reducing the Upper Moon to a pile of disintegrating flesh and ash. The oppressive presence lifted, and the Infinity Castle's distorted walls seemed to waver, their malevolence dissipating.
Tengen sheathed his blades, his breathing heavy but steady. "Good work, Tokito."
Muichiro nodded, his expression stoic. "We need to regroup with the others. This was just the beginning."
As they turned to leave, the Biwa woman's eerie strumming echoed once more, and the Infinity Castle shifted around them, its maze-like corridors leading them to the next battle. The fight against Muzan and his Upper Moons had only just begun, but the Hashiras stood ready, their resolve unbreakable.
In the shadows, Muzan watched with cold, calculating eyes. The deaths of his Upper Moons would not go unpunished. The final confrontation was drawing near, and the fate of both humans and demons hung in the balance.
—
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone