Chapter 185: Freedom!

Chapter 185: Freedom!

In this chapter, Makima's displayed power is truly unexpected. Her ability to cause instantaneous death over long distances is incredibly formidable. Even from hundreds of miles away, she can directly kill her enemies without the risk of failure that accompanies Aki's cursed devil's power. After all, Katana Man couldn't possibly resurrect himself after being blown to bits. This power is astonishingly overpowered.

The cost of Makima's ability is merely exchanging lives, using others to achieve her goals. It seems like she doesn't personally bear any of the cost. Unlike Himeno, who sacrificed herself and still failed, Makima appears even more powerful by comparison.

In the conversation between Tendo and Kurose, it's confirmed that Makima is indeed a "human," which piques fans' curiosity about her. A powerful, beautiful, and mysterious Devil Hunter—everyone is eager to know more about her.

The main question is: What kind of devil did Makima contract to have such a bizarre and powerful attack method? The ability to revive, engage in hand-to-hand combat, and the final mysterious killing technique—what kind of devil or devils could accomplish these feats?

"Could it be that Makima contracted a devil related to immortality, resurrection, or regeneration to have such a revival ability?"

"The method of killing enemies on the train remains unclear, but her long-range killing ability seems akin to curses, witchcraft, or similar dark arts."

"The cursed devil contracted by Aki doesn't appear as strong, so secondary dark arts like witchcraft or curses shouldn't be too powerful either."

"Indeed, the strength of a devil depends on how much fear humans have of its concept. Curses are a universal term but not particularly powerful. Witchcraft or curses, being more regional, wouldn't surpass curses in strength."

"Dark arts? They would encompass curses and witchcraft, which is pretty terrifying."

"I thought of something—sacrifice... or blood sacrifice! Makima's ritual resembles a blood sacrifice or offering ceremony. Don't you think?"

"A blood sacrifice devil? That idea is quite scary... It makes sense!"

"The horror of blood sacrifice has been a part of human history except for modern times..."

"Ah... so Makima's ability works only in a temple, which indeed seems related to rituals."

"I wonder if it could be a Fate Devil, given the sense of predestination in her killing method."

"Could it be a Death Devil? Death is humanity's greatest fear, whether by gun or knife, it's the concept of death that terrifies."

"That makes sense. If Makima contracted with the Death Devil, she could easily decide others' deaths and also resist death herself."

"But even contracting with a devil must involve a commensurate cost. What did Makima sacrifice to contract such a powerful devil?"

"It might not require a huge cost. What if Makima's devil is like Pochita, more benevolent toward humans?"

Fans of *Chainsaw Man* are rife with speculation, trying to guess Makima's contracted devil. Various theories like dark arts, fate, sacrificial, or death devils seem plausible, each with its own merit.

Lin Qingshan, observing the discussions, feels that these fans, if they weren't drawing manga or writing novels, would be a real loss.

"Chirp chirp chirp chirp—"

Lin Qingshan looks at the birdcage with resignation and says, "Alright, alright, I'll let you out today."

"You'll be free soon, so stop making noise."

Gu Qianli, seeing this, chuckles, "Qingshan, after all, it's a sparrow. It's used to freedom and doesn't like being caged."

Recently, Gu Qianli has had a bit more free time since C Station is expanding. She recruited some skilled classmates from her alma mater to join the team and plans to hire more qualified employees from the society later.

But with Lin Qingshan around, Gu Qianli isn't in a hurry to recruit more people.

"I know... sigh, even though I've given it good food and shelter, it still wants freedom?"

Lin Qingshan can't help but complain.

During this time, he has grown fond of the little sparrow, which is quite obedient. It even seems to recognize Lin Qingshan, behaving well whenever it perches on his hand. Except for its constant clamor for freedom, the sparrow has brought Lin Qingshan some pleasure, reminiscent of his previous special cat, Lushui.

However, unlike Lushui, which always came back home, Lin Qingshan knows this sparrow won't return once it's released.

"There's a saying: Life is precious, love is even more so; but for the sake of freedom, both can be forsaken."

Gu Qianli says, "Compared to a comfortable environment and ample food, the freedom to soar in the sky is what it values most."

Lin Qingshan sighs, "I know... fine, let's release it now."

He stands up and takes the birdcage.

The little sparrow seems to understand, fluttering its healed wings excitedly. Its feathers are still a bit sparse because they haven't fully grown back yet.

Gu Qianli follows Lin Qingshan to the area in the community forest.

Lin Qingshan opens the cage and says to the sparrow, "Go on, this is the freedom you've been wanting."

"Tweet—"

The little sparrow seems to cheer and immediately flies out of the cage, heading towards the sky it has longed to return to.

**End of Chapter.**