Capítulo 20: Chapter 20
"Blood Art: Swamp bog!" Genzo bellowed, his voice echoing ominously.
The ground beneath his feet started to churn and ripple like a vast swamp, the inky darkness of the mire quickly engulfing the surrounding area.
Observing Genzo's ability taking effect, Ginryu pondered to himself, 'Hmm, I suppose 500 years is ample time for a demon to grow exponentially stronger.'
He swiftly leaped onto a towering tree, seeking respite from the effects of the blood art, which seemed to transform the once tranquil scenery into a foreboding black puddle.
Lost in thought, Ginryu weighed his options. 'If my knowledge serves me right, a demon's blood art cancels when their body is depleted, making a fatal wound a potential solution,' he mused, considering possible strategies to neutralize Genzo.
Meanwhile, Genzo, having vanished into the murky depths of his own creation, commenced circling the tree Ginryu had sought refuge on.
He had caught a glimpse of Ginryu when the latter had transformed 547 years ago.
Genzo had fled the battle without hesitation, refusing to partake in the massacre that unfolded, even though other demons feasted on the hapless villagers.
Some time after that fateful encounter, Genzo had encountered his master, Muzan, for the second time.
Standing before Muzan was a daunting prospect. Normally, Muzan would have ruthlessly killed Genzo for his cowardice in fleeing from the battle.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Muzan had stationed him in the nearby mountain, tasked with monitoring Ginryu's movements and reporting back immediately upon spotting him.
Though news of Muzan's defeat at the hands of a mere 10-year-old boy had spread like wildfire amongst the demons, Genzo dismissed it as an exaggerated rumor, refusing to believe his intimidating master could have been bested so easily.
Time passed, and Genzo remained stationed in the mountains, feeding on any unfortunate soul that crossed his path.
With each feast, he grew stronger, but still, there was no sign of Ginryu for over five centuries. Even for a demon, such a long period in one place was unusual.
And now, before his very eyes, stood Ginryu alive and well after an astounding 500-plus years.
'Could it be true that Ginryu had indeed defeated Muzan?' Genzo allowed himself a moment of contemplation but quickly shrugged off the thought.
He detected nothing particularly special or dangerous about the current Ginryu.
Rationalizing that capturing Ginryu would guarantee his freedom from the lonely mountain prison and Muzan would potentially reward him greatly.
But Genzo still cautiously maintained his distance while employing his blood art.
"How bothersome," Ginryu muttered in annoyance, his gaze fixed on the unfolding scene from his vantage point atop the tree.
"It was already difficult enough to decide how to eliminate Genzo, and now this!" He grumbled, visibly vexed by the unfolding situation.
Abruptly, Genzo propelled himself forward, hurtling towards the tree with a speed and grace that belied his gruesome appearance.
With an earth-shattering crash, he collided with the trunk, causing it to groan and creak under the strain.
Ginryu found himself torn about how best to address the current predicament.
He had awoken from a deep slumber only hours ago and hadn't had the opportunity to fully explore the extent of his abilities.
While he didn't want to simply flee from the confrontation, he also remained unsure of the most effective way to counter Genzo's blood art.
Pondering for a moment, a realization dawned on Ginryu.
"Ah, of course! I could have asked Lucia for help." he exclaimed quietly, recalling his Ai system assistant. It still felt weird to him having someone in his head.
"What is the most powerful and optimal form to employ in this particular situation, Lucia?" Ginryu turned to his trusted AI system for assistance.
He knew that he needed to exhibit overwhelming power to Genzo.
It was plausible that Genzo might be relaying information about him to Muzan at this very moment.
Thus, he had to demonstrate his superiority, to dissuade Muzan from sending an army of demons to their location.
It was more of a bluff to keep Muzan away. He was aware that he might not be able to display the same strength as he did during his fight with Muzan 500 plus years ago.
He had chosen the mountain as a training ground, where he could hone his abilities before deciding on his next course of action.
"[Displaying information,]" Lucia replied, projecting the image of a crocodile-like creature. The name underneath read "Sarcosuchus."
"Wait, isn't that the dinosaur-like crocodile thing?" Ginryu remarked upon observing the creature's form.
After committing the form and transformation process to memory, Ginryu proceeded with his transformation.
However, this time, he deliberately performed it at a slow pace. It was his first time using the form.
"It appears that during my absence, I am being underestimated," Ginryu declared in a deep, distorted voice that reverberated across the surroundings.
It was as if his previously displayed personality had changed.
An invisible pressure seemed to bear down on the area, causing the air to grow heavy. Sensing this, Genzo halted in his tracks, unable to comprehend what was unfolding.
As bones cracked, flesh writhed, and muscles and scales rearranged themselves, Ginryu spoke.
"Your master once underestimated me during our initial encounter. And how did he fare?" Ginryu inquired as he sought to maintain a balance between the instincts of the beast he was transforming into and his own rationality.
The Sarcosuchus was a formidable, untamed creature driven by its powerful instincts.
"...," Genzo remained speechless, unknowingly letting his blood arts dissipate under the immense pressure emanating from Ginryu.
"He nearly succumbed to my jaws, so you, fully aware of this, decided to test me. What gave you such confidence? Or was it simply pure arrogance?" Ginryu demanded, his transformation now complete.
Creak! Crack!
The tree beneath Ginryu's massive form groaned and buckled, unable to bear his weight.
Swish! Thud!
With a powerful leap, Ginryu descended from the tree, landing directly in front of the stunned Genzo. The ground cracking and caving in under his weight.
"Shouldn't you, who is far inferior to your master? KNOW YOUR PLACE!!" Ginryu bellowed, his voice resonating loudly and echoing throughout the area, his presence becoming even more overwhelming and intense.
Genzo couldn't even lift his gaze to meet Ginryu's eyes. He felt like prey in the presence of a predator.
Deep within Ginryu's consciousness, a battle raged between his own self-control and the primal instincts of the Sarcosuchus.
It was a constant struggle to keep his own body under command. The beast within hungered to devour the demon before him, while his reasoning found such an act repulsive.
Ginryu placed one of his claws upon Genzo's bald head, looking down and locking his reptilian eyes with him as he spoke in a menacing tone.
"Muzan, I am fully aware that you are observing this from wherever you may be. Rest assured, I will be coming for you in due time. Prepare yourself," declared Ginryu, his reptilian gaze firmly locked onto Genzo's quivering eyes.
With his colossal claws, Ginryu effortlessly raised Genzo from his bald head, gripping him tightly until Genzo's body left the ground and stood upright.
Genzo desperately clung to Ginryu's arm, desperately seeking support as the immense pressure threatened to snap his head from his body.
The weight of his own body bore down on him, giving the illusion that one wrong move would result in his head being brutally torn off.
The sadistic pleasure evident in Ginryu's eyes, he menacingly asked Genzo, "Now, what should I do with you?" His claws slowly closed, mercilessly crushing Genzo's skull.
Begging for mercy, Genzo whimpered, his voice filled with desperation. "Please, spare my life. I beg of you. Muzan-sama, save me," he pleaded.
Ginryu scoffed at the pitiful sight before him. "How pathetic. Begging for your life from me, while simultaneously pleading for your master. Weren't you going to capture me " he taunted, tightening his grip on Genzo's head, exerting immense pressure.
Genzo fought with all his might, struggling desperately. Veins bulged across his body as he desperately tried to free himself.
Unfortunately, trapped by Ginryu's hold on his head, escape seemed impossible. Any other limb could have been abandoned to ensure survival, but abandoning his head was out of the question.
Unbeknownst to Ginryu, his beastly nature was clouding his mind, slowly diminishing his control. He sadistically watched as Genzo valiantly fought against him.
At some point, Ginryu's massive jaws had unconsciously opened wide, slowly his claws ripped Genzo's head from his body as he savoured the struggle of his prey.
Blood trickled into his mouth, a testament to his gruesome delight. But then, in a moment of self-reflection, Ginryu's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden realization.
'What am I doing?' he questioned himself in disbelief.
Crunch !!
A bone-crushing sound reverberated through the air, signifying the inevitable. Ginryu snapped back to reality, only to witness the grisly aftermath.
The next thing he knew..
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