Chương 178: Head Instructor

If the emergence of breathing styles allowed humans to confront demons directly, then abilities like the Demon Slayer Mark, the Bright Red Nichirin Sword, and the Transparent World further enhanced these humans, making them high-end combat power capable of facing even the strongest demons.

Whether it was the Demon Slayer Mark or the Transparent World, any of these abilities noticeably increased human strength.

Even the Bright Red Nichirin Sword, though useless against anything other than demons, had significant destructive power against them.

Therefore, among the Hashira, all but one had to awaken at least one of these abilities to have the power to confront an Upper Rank.

"So that's how it is..."

Every Hashira was deeply shocked upon learning the three abilities.

It couldn't be helped.

Because the legacy of the Demon Slayer Corps had been lost and destroyed many times throughout history, it remained incomplete. Most of the Hashira knew almost nothing about the Demon Slayer Mark, the Bright Red Nichirin Sword, or the Transparent World.

Only Kagaya, after coughing a few times, spoke up.

"Regarding the Bright Red Nichirin Sword and Transparent World, I won't discuss those two abilities. However, in the history passed down within the Ubuyashiki family, I've seen records about the Mark."

Kagaya revealed this information.

"Legend has it that during the Sengoku period, some of the first-generation Demon Slayers, who had pushed Kibutsuji Muzan to the brink several times, had veined marks on their bodies. I believe that must be the so-called Demon Slayer Mark."

Upon hearing Kagaya's explanation, Riezel smirked.

"Pushed Kibutsuji Muzan to the brink, huh?"

Riezel was skeptical about this claim, but he didn't correct it.

"That is indeed the Demon Slayer Mark. Demon Slayers who awaken the Mark have significantly more strength than ordinary Demon Slayers. Whether they could push Kibutsuji Muzan to the brink, I don't know, but they certainly had the power to push the Upper Ranks to the brink—that's unquestionable."

Upon hearing this, the Hashira couldn't stay calm.

"Young Tsugikuni, are you this strong because you've mastered the three abilities you mentioned?"

Kyoujurou asked hastily, causing the eyes of every Hashira present to burn with intensity.

If Riezel was strong because he possessed these three abilities, did that mean they could become just as strong if they also acquired them?

Thoughts like this couldn't help but arise in the minds of the Hashira.

Unfortunately, Riezel dashed their hopes.

"I did awaken the Transparent World, but that's all. I haven't awakened the Mark or the Bright Red Nichirin Sword."

His words shocked everyone.

"Just one ability made you this strong?" Mitsuri covered her mouth, looking incredulous.

"No, my strength has nothing to do with how many abilities I've unlocked." Riezel shook his head. "Although the Mark and the Bright Red Nichirin Sword are indeed impressive, to me, they're just that, decent. Especially the Mark, it comes with a terrifying price after awakening it. I know how to awaken it, but I don't plan to."

"Price?" Sanemi seemed particularly concerned about this. "What price?"

Riezel glanced at him for a second, then answered calmly.

"The Mark is an ability that boosts strength by overdrawing one's life force. In other words, using the Mark shortens your lifespan. Everyone who has awakened the Mark rarely lived past twenty-five years old."

As soon as Riezel finished saying this, everyone fell silent.

It was because of this side effect that Riezel didn't plan to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark. In his view, the Demon Slayer Mark might be good, but it was just that.

Among the Hashira, the weakest one had strength equivalent to lower Level 4, while the weakest among the Upper Ranks was about upper Level 4. In other words, if a Hashira used the Demon Slayer Mark, even the weakest one would have the power to directly confront the weakest among the Upper Ranks.

It might sound impressive, but just increasing strength from lower Level 4 to upper Level 4 wasn't that amazing.

In this world, the Demon Slayer Mark was undoubtedly a strong ability, but to Riezel, it seemed just average.

With an overpowered enchant magic like Ariel that allowed one to challenge opponents with a higher level, an ability that only allowed one to challenge opponents half a level wasn't that appealing. Without any side effects, it might be worth trying, but with a side effect as severe as reducing one's lifespan, it was better left alone.

Considering this, Riezel never thought about awakening the Demon Slayer Mark from the beginning.

As for the Bright Red Nichirin Sword, he had some interest at first, but now, this ability was redundant for someone who had the Pioneer of the Sun.

Against demons, the Pioneer of the Sun's special attack capability against evil entities was certainly more lethal than the Bright Red Nichirin Sword, not to mention, his Nichirin Sword, Hermit, also had a massively damaging effect on demons.

Moreover, Sun Breathing, as the first and origin of breathing styles, has a sunlight-like restraining effect on demons, like his previous use of 'Sun Halo Dragon Head Dance', which could temporarily suppress a demon's regenerative ability, even causing them intense pain.

Because of this, the Bright Red Nichirin Sword was no longer important to Riezel.

Among the three abilities, only Transparent World had significant usefulness to him, while the other two were either unacceptable due to their side effects or had become redundant.

Given this, Riezel neither planned to awaken the Demon Slayer Mark nor to delve into the Bright Red Nichirin Sword, as having the Transparent World was already enough for him.

Of course, this was a different matter for the Hashira.

"As long as we awaken the Mark and the other two abilities, we can defeat the Upper Ranks?"

Shinobu, speaking on behalf of all the Hashira, made the final confirmation.

To her question, Riezel gave a straightforward answer.

"Let's not talk about the strongest Upper One right now. That guy's on a whole different level compared to the other Upper Ranks. But aside from him, as long as you all can use all three abilities, you'll at least have a chance of defeating the other Upper Ranks in a one-on-one fight."

In Riezel's view, the strength of the Hashira could be divided into three tiers.

Firstly, there were the Insect Hashira, Kochou Shinobu, the Love Hashira, Kanroji Mitsuri, and the Mist Hashira, Tokitou Muichirou. Since these three were relatively the youngest among the Hashira, their strength was comparatively weaker. They were at the bottom tier of the Hashira, equivalent to lower Level 4.

Next, there were the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyoujurou, the Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyuu, the Wind Hashira, Shinazugawa Sanemi, the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen, and the Serpent Hashira, Iguro Obanai. Since these five were the backbones of the Hashira, they possessed relatively stronger strength, equivalent to middle Level 4.

Finally, there was the Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyoumei.

Riezel glanced at the monk who was silently weeping with his hands clasped together.

Gyoumei was the oldest among the Hashira, already twenty-seven years old. Yet, it was precisely because he was the oldest that he was also the strongest.

As such, the strongest of the Twelve Kizuki was the Upper One and the strongest in the Demon Slayer Corps was this Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyoumei.

Gyoumei's strength was approximately equivalent to upper Level 4, making him the only one among the current Hashira who could confront an Upper Rank head-on without the three abilities.

Even so, upper Level 4 was still the weakest strength among the Upper Ranks.

For instance, Gyuutarou, the Upper Six, was roughly at upper Level 4.

Gyokko, the Upper Five, was about the same.

As for the Upper Four, Hantengu, though his ability was tricky, Gyoumei wouldn't struggle too much if he knew the right strategy.

Gyoumei could even hold his own against the Upper Three, Akaza.

Unfortunately, this was probably his limit.

Going beyond that, without using any of the three abilities, it would become very difficult for him to win.

Especially the Upper One—he was on a whole other level.

Riezel suspected the Upper One had the strength equivalent to Level 5, so even if Gyoumei used all three abilities, he wouldn't be able to defeat the Upper One one-on-one.

However, excluding the Upper One, if the Hashira could awaken all three abilities, they would have some chance of victory against the other Upper Ranks in one-on-one—especially Gyoumei.

If Gyoumei used the Demon Slayer Mark, the Transparent World, and the Bright Red Nichirin Sword, he would be at least at the limit of Level 4, possibly even reaching middle Level 5. Such strength would give him a good chance of victory, even against the Upper Two.

As Riezel provided the answer, all the Hashira exchanged glances with each other.

"Hmph." Tengen held his forehead. "Since that's the case, isn't the solution already laid out brilliantly before us?"

Every Hashira's eyes ignited with flames.

Seeing this, Riezel understood that these people were really ready to go all out.

"You know the way to awaken those three abilities, right?" Obanai asked with a serious expression. "Please, tell us."

Without a doubt, all the Hashira present were willing to bear the consequence of using the Demon Slayer Mark.

"As long as we can kill the Upper Ranks, kill Kibutsuji Muzan, dying instantly wouldn't matter, let alone living until twenty-five." Sanemi's eyes gleamed fiercely.

"Umu, that's right!" Kyoujurou crossed his arms, a cheerful smile still on his face.

"Amitabha." Gyoumei chanted the Buddha's name again, tears streaming down even more than before.

Shinobu, Giyuu, and Muichirou remained silent but their expression clearly expressed their intentions.

Even the seemingly weakest and clumsy Mitsuri was the same.

Seeing the Hashira with eyes full of a readiness to die, Riezel fell silent. He understood that saying more would be useless.

"If none of you are really afraid of death, I can grant your wish."

Riezel's indifferent words seemed quite heartless, but even so, many people in the room cast grateful glances at him, even bowing their heads to him in respect.

Kagaya silently observed everything, neither stopping nor saying more, merely announcing one thing.

"From today onward, the Demon Slayer Corps will establish a head instructor position, to be held by His Excellency, Tsugikuni Yoriichi."

"Moreover, the status of head instructor is above the Hashira and equal to mine."

"Everyone must obey Head Instructor Tsugikuni Yoriichi's orders and prepare for the final battle with the demons."

To Kagaya's announcement, all the Hashira had only one response.

""YES!""

SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO
VALRRR

Support and read advanced chapters at:

pat*reon.com/VALRRR

bình luận bình luận của 12

Bình chọn

next chapter

Chương 179: Infinity Castle

It was a very peculiar space.

What made it peculiar was the chaotic arrangement of the buildings, presenting a very eerie layout.

Some were upside down, some were separated from each other, some overlapped like blocks, and some even sat directly on the walls and ceilings, giving one a feeling of entering a dream or a kaleidoscope, very discordant.

No one knew where this was—or rather, those who knew of this place were generally not human.

*Plink-Plonk!*

At a certain moment, as the sound of a biwa being plucked suddenly resounded, a figure suddenly appeared as if by teleportation.

"Where is this...?"

Looking left and right, the figure was momentarily startled, then immediately recognized this place.

"Infinity Castle?"

Infinity Castle, a castle unknown to most but indeed existing in this world.

It was the supreme headquarters of the Twelve Kizuki that was not located in any particular spot on the ground but was like this, in a strange space.

Now, someone had clearly summoned demons here, calling forth the few remaining Upper Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki.

For example, the figure who had just appeared.

Peach-colored short hair, body covered in deep blue tattoos.

Clearly, it was none other than Akaza who had once been considered dead by Riezel before.

Meanwhile, just as Akaza appeared, another figure approached him from behind.

"My, my, isn't this Lord Akaza?"

Saying this, the newcomer approached Akaza affectionately, smiling brightly.

He was a young man with platinum blond hair and irises that shimmered in a rainbow hue. He wore a red turtleneck with a design that made it look as if the area between his neck and upper chest was covered by a black substance, which seemed to be dripping slightly down his body and repeating at his wrists and hands, as well as on the small circular bloodstain on the top of his head.

He had a slender build, taller than Akaza, and the Japanese characters for 'Upper Rank' and 'Two' were inscribed in his rainbow-like eyes, revealing his identity to those who saw them.

Yes.

He was none other than the Upper Two, ranked second among the Twelve Kizuki, a demon just below the Upper One—Douma.

"Long time no see, how have you been lately?"

Douma reached out his hand, seemingly intending to rest it on Akaza's shoulder. However, before it could happen, Akaza suddenly punched his outstretched hand, the force was so strong that it instantly exploded his hand.

"Don't touch me."

Akaza looked coldly at Douma as if saying, 'I'll kill you if you dare to reach out your hand again.'

Such a vicious attitude, not even shown when facing Riezel, was now displayed by Akaza. It was evident how much disdain this Upper Three held for the Upper Two.

Surprisingly, Douma seemed unperturbed.

"You're really heartless, y'know? Clearly, I was just showing concern for you."

Douma shook his severed hand, which regenerated in a second, like a torn cloth coming back to life. If Demon Slayers were to witness this, they would surely be astonished by his regenerative ability that could restore severed limbs in the blink of an eye.

"Well, looks like you're doing just fine then." Douma added with a smirk. "I thought after you got your head chopped off once, even if you miraculously survived, there would be some lingering effects."

"Wanna give it a try?" Akaza's attitude remained icy. "If you want, I can twist your head off your neck right now."

"If that would make you happy, I'm happy to oblige!" Douma's smile didn't waver. "Or should I just twist it off myself for you? You can take it home if you like!"

Although Douma seemed to be joking, Akaza knew that if he agreed, this man wouldn't mind twisting his own head off.

"Tch..."

Akaza clicked his tongue in annoyance, emanating an ominous aura from his whole body. Just as he was about to launch an attack on Douma, a deep voice sounded, stopping him.

"That's enough..."

The deep voice rumbled like distant thunder, reaching the ears of Akaza and Douma, causing both to turn their heads to the side.

Over there, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, stood another figure.

It was a man wearing a kimono with a purple-and-black hexagonal pattern and black hakama pants, his long black hair tied up into a high ponytail. He also had red flame-like markings on the top left side of his forehead and the bottom right of his chin, while a sword hung at his waist, resembling an ancient samurai.

However, what was peculiar was that he had three pairs of eyes on his face with yellow irises and red flesh sclera that had black straight lines diverging from each iris, with Japanese characters engraved in the middle pair.

Left Eye - Upper Rank.

Right Eye - One.

From this, it was clear that he was the strongest of the Twelve Kizuki, ranked only below the Demon King, the Upper One.

"Kokushibou..."

Akaza glared at the newcomer with hostility, fighting intent, and seriousness.

"Lord Kokushibou! Long time no see!"

Douma, however, remained as warm and affectionate as ever, seeming quite pleased to see the strongest of the Twelve Kizuki, the only Upper Rank ranked above him.

Kokushibou ignored their words, instead fixing his terrifying six eyes on the two.

"This is Lord Muzan's personal summons... Those who don't understand the situation... If you continue to fool around... I will personally take action..."

With such words, a pressure strong enough to overwhelm everything around immediately emanated from Kokushibou's body.

Feeling this pressure, Akaza's complexion grew more and more serious, and even Douma stopped acting carefree.

Akaza, Douma, and Kokushibou then looked ahead together, gazing at the one who had summoned them to the Infinity Castle.

It was a woman holding a biwa, dressed in a black kimono, with long black hair, and bangs that hung down to cover half of her face, completely obscuring her eyes.

Apparently, the biwa sound that had been playing in the Infinity Castle from the beginning was her doing.

"Lady Nakime!" Douma greeted the biwa woman sitting at the other end of the building.

"Where is Lord Muzan?" Akaza inquired.

Nakime was in charge of managing the Infinity Castle.

Although she was not part of the Twelve Kizuki and did not have a number, she was Muzan's attendant, specifically assisting him, similar to a secretary. Because of this, the demons of the Twelve Kizuki did not treat her as a mere lower-rank demon.

Moreover, the reason Akaza and the others suddenly appeared in the Infinity Castle was also because of Nakime's Blood Demon Art. In light of this, since she had summoned them with her Blood Demon Art, it was clearly because Muzan had given her such an order.

And indeed, this was the case.

"Lord Muzan has been here for a long time."

As soon as Nakime's faint voice sounded, Akaza and the others felt as though the space in front of them suddenly twisted and distorted.

Soon, a Japanese-style door opened in front of the three, revealing a room that seemed out of place in the Infinity Castle.

It seemed to be a study, filled with various bookshelves and books.

Inside the room stood a tall young man wearing a suit with the coat removed, his skin as pale as paper, bowing his head to read a book in front of a bookshelf with his back to the three. Even when he appeared in front of them, he had no intention of turning around, still engrossed in his book.

However, at the first sight of him, the three quickly kneeled down.

""Lord Muzan.""

Akaza, Douma, and Kokushibou respectfully greeted their king.

Indeed, the young man was none other than the progenitor of demons, the Demon King who had been living in the world for over a thousand years—Kibutsuji Muzan.

He seemed like an ordinary human man, with no trace of anything unusual emanating from his back facing them. Yet, the moment he spoke, the entire Infinity Castle seemed to tremble.

"Gyokko, Gyuutarou, Daki..."

Muzan's voice, devoid of any emotion, sounded indifferent as he spoke.

"They're dead."

With just these words, Akaza, who was kneeling with his head bowed, had his pupils shrink.

"Gyokko and Gyuutarou... dead?!" Douma exclaimed in shock. "What happened?"

Kokushibou remained silent, only lifting his head, his six eyes showing a hint of surprise.

After all, it had been one hundred and thirteen years since there had been any changes among the Upper Rank, and now, all of a sudden, two Upper Ranks had died at once?

What actually happened?

However, despite the shock of the three, Muzan paid them no attention whatsoever, not even bothering to explain how and why.

"I haven't been this furious in years..."

Muzan's voice, carrying a raging fury within its icy coldness, echoed in the ears of the three.

"It's not because of their deaths, but because of your incompetence."

In an instant, a terrifying pressure, as if it could crush anything into minced meat at any moment, permeated the Infinity Castle with unparalleled clarity.

"Because of your incompetence, the Blue Spider Lily has yet to be found, leading to the situation I'm in now."

"What use are you to me?"

"Do you have any value left?"

Each of Muzan's words shook the hearts of the three, shaking their bodies and causing blood to flow from their mouths, noses, ears, and eyes.

Despite this, the three dared not even breathe a sigh.

After all, it was the first time they had seen their king so furious, and they couldn't help but feel a little fearful.

It was well known that Muzan was ruthless and cruel.

Generally, when he was this angry, it usually meant someone had to die to quell his rage. Even if they didn't know what had happened or why their king was so angry, they could only endure it.

Reasoning with him?

Useless.

Muzan was temperamental. He would immediately tear off their limbs if someone tried to reason with him. What made it worse was that even entertaining such thoughts was forbidden since he could even read their minds and hear their innermost feelings.

As a result, even though Akaza, Douma, and Kokushibou were esteemed members of the Upper Ranks and ranked among the top three, they could only bear Muzan's wrath silently.

After a while, Muzan calmed down slightly.

"I'll give you one last chance."

Muzan's voice was cold as he spoke, echoing slowly through the Infinity Castle.

"Get ready... war is coming."