บท 37: Chapter 37: Kyogai a new lower moon
Five days later.
**Crash.**
Clear wine flowed from the mouth of the gourd into the exquisite porcelain bottle.
"Remember to drink it within 12 hours, or it will turn into ordinary wine," Aoki reminded.
After stowing away the Demon Wine Gourd, the Demon Wine would expire after 12 hours.
"12 hours? Got it!" Yushiro nodded.
Aoki put away the Demon Wine Gourd and turned to look at them. "I'll be leaving now."
"Please, stay safe," Tamayo said with a slight bow.
Yushiro, with a serious expression, added, "Don't get yourself killed—I still want more of that wine!"
"Don't worry!" Aoki waved dismissively and headed outside.
He pondered whether to inform Tamayo about the blue Spider Lilly. Tamayo was undoubtedly one of the best doctors in the world, capable of studying the blue Spider Lilly and creating medicines. But, after careful consideration, he decided against it.
First, Tamayo was focused on studying the poison to weaken Kibutsuji Muzan. More importantly, he didn't currently possess the blue Spider Lilly.
The streets of Asakusa were deserted, with most shops closed.
"Next, we could try finding Tanjiro's family," Aoki thought.
Not only was the blue Spider Lilly significant, but Tanjiro's blood also held potential. As a demon, Tanjiro showed more promise than even Muzan Kibutsuji. While Muzan had sought a way to withstand sunlight for millennia, Tanjiro, after becoming a demon, overcame the sun's effects almost instantly.
Leaving Asakusa behind, Aoki headed south-southeast.
...
In the dimly lit room, candlelight flickered, casting numerous shadows.
Etsu Ueijing peeked out from under the quilt, tucking in his younger siblings. "Mom, aren't you going to sleep?"
"Etsu, go to bed. I need to mend this dress first," Masako Ueijing replied, blowing on her cold fingers.
It had been particularly chilly lately, especially at night. With work during the day, household chores had to wait until night. If delayed, the children might go hungry.
"Let me help, Mom!" Etsu offered eagerly.
"No need, just rest, Etsu," Masako said, smiling gently as she rubbed his little head.
The children were so sensible. In two years, it wouldn't be as hard as it was now.
Suddenly, Etsu's face turned pale, and he looked at the window in horror.
Masako turned back instinctively.
Crash!
The window shattered, and a huge hand reached inside, grabbing Masako Ueijing.
"No! It's a demon!" Masako screamed, recognizing the arm's owner, her face filled with despair.
She knew this demon. Months ago, her husband had died protecting them from this very demon. Now it had returned.
"Mom!" Etsu hurriedly climbed out of bed.
Masako burst into tears and shouted, "Etsu, protect your brothers and sisters!"
She knew how terrifying this demon was. It was beyond human capability to fight. She was certain she would die.
The only relief was that the demon had only grabbed her, sparing her children for now.
Etsu hugged his younger siblings, who had woken in fright, and huddled in the corner, his face full of confusion and fear.
Boom, boom, boom.
Under the moonlight, a tall figure ran wildly. Six drums were embedded in his body, and he carried a human on each shoulder.
Kyogai's face was filled with impatience.
"Go back! Return quickly! I can start eating when I get back!"
He had been in an excited mood recently. He had met the man by chance not long ago and had been promoted to the Twelve Kizuki.
"I am one of the Twelve Kizuki, the strongest among demons! I am..." Kyogai muttered, trying to dispel the worry gnawing at him.
Lately, he noticed his strength wasn't increasing as much after consuming humans. This frightened him; it was a sign his potential was nearly exhausted. If he couldn't grow stronger, he feared losing his rank among the Twelve Kizuki.
"No! That can't happen!"
Kyogai exhaled two streams of hot air from his nostrils. He couldn't allow that to happen.
He needed to eat more people, become stronger. Kyogai quickened his pace. He preferred bringing prey back home to eat. He felt safest and strongest in his own home.
He even tried to keep his prey alive as long as possible; he believed fresh food made him stronger.
After passing through a jungle, a building suddenly appeared before him. The surroundings were overgrown with weeds, neglected for a long time. However, the path to the door showed frequent use.
"I'm here!" Kyogai exclaimed excitedly, striding forward.
He entered the house, tossing the living aside, and picked up the dying one, opening his mouth wide. Crunch. Masako covered her mouth tightly, tears streaming down her face, her body shaking with fear.
Got eaten! Will I end up like this too? It's so scary! What will happen to my children if I die? The eldest, Etsu, is only ten. Can they survive on their own? The thought gave Masako a strong will to survive. Her legs, no longer weak, found strength.
She scrambled towards the window.
But after a few steps, a large hand suddenly reached out, grabbing her head.
Kyogai lifted Masako off the ground, fury blazing in his eyes. "Trying to run away? Then I'll eat you first!"
He dropped the severed thigh he was holding and gripped Masako's neck, ready to tear her head off.
In the next instant, his hand was empty, and his prey vanished.
Masako stared in shock at the young man who had appeared out of nowhere. Her mind was blank, with only one thought repeating: "I'm not dead! I'm not dead!"
The stranger, Aoki, glanced at her. "Can you still move?"
Snapping back to reality, Masako nodded quickly. "Yes, yes!"
Aoki pointed to a corner of the room. "Go over there and stay low. I don't want you getting hurt."
"Okay, I will!" she replied, scurrying to the corner without hesitation. Just as she reached it, she turned back to warn him, "Be careful, it's a demon!"
Masako couldn't see what was happening, but Kyogai, now glaring at Aoki, recognized the intruder. "You! Why did you break into my house? That's my prey!"
Aoki noticed the character "lower six" glowing in Kyogai's eyes and smiled with satisfaction.
"I'm quite fortunate," Aoki remarked. "I only came here on a hunch, but it seems you've advanced to the sixth rank of the Lower Moon."
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T/N: There is a patreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 15 chapters.
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