7 Confrontation of Devils and Exorcists at Midnight.
In the night, after the small birthday party for Tanjiro…
Katakiri Juki opened his eyes and got up from his futon. He looked towards a direction and frowned.
"This energy signatures… Devils and exorcists huh… But the energy they are giving off is getting bigger and bigger. If possible, I don't want young master to be aware of either sides so early. I better deal with them before young master is able to sense their presence."
During the time he spent with Tanjiro today, Juki was found out that Tanjiro had somehow awakened his sensitivity to magic power(mana). Because, the flow of magic power in Tanjiro was not only twice the previous amount, but also fairly controlled. Juki was easily able to notice this, although he failed to notice Tanjiro's use of 'Transparent World'.
Juki also didn't pay much attention to Tanjiro's significant change in behaviour from the start of today, as he attributed it to the awakening of magic power.
From a long time ago, there have been many cases of individual's personality changing due to their awakening of magic power. So, Katakiri Juki was able to accept the changes in Tanjiro's behaviour quite easily.
"I better go take care of those bats and hypocrites, before they disturb my young master's sleep."
Katakiri Juki said to himself in a low voice, and the next second, he vanished from Kamado residence.
…
In Tanjiro's room.
Tanjiro was fast asleep with a peaceful smile on his face. Only…
*Ding*
[You have received a video call from 'True Creator' Alficius. Would you like to Accept or Reject?"]
"Ngh.."
Tanjiro was forcefully woken up from his sleep, by the system.
"…"
Tanjiro looked at the blue screen in front of him with an irritated look. But eventually sighed and chose the option 'Accept'.
"Hello, Kamado Tanjiro. I know I'm disturbing you, but I have to inform you of something very important, so listen." Alficius said with an apologetic smile.
"…"
"You see, the world I sent you to had gone through many changes before your reincarnation, even without my knowledge. There are many things different from what it was supposed to be. You could even say that, it is as an alternate reality based on a different world. Of course, this means that the challenges you need to face will be more dangerous. You need to take this more seriously."
"Does this mean… what I have to do has changed?" Tanjiro asked.
"No. It's still the same. You just have to protect the individual with the 'World Fate Fragment'. Now I get why those guys are after the 'World Fate Fragment' of that world. If I was not a 'True Creator', even I would be tempted."
"I see.. Alficius-san. Today I met a strange girl.. and her brother was strange as well." Tanjiro said.
"So?"
"The thing is… the girl, Shinobu resembles someone I know in my past life a bit too much. As for her brother, he had Dragon's scent on him. Even though it was so faint that it was negligible, the scent similar to my Dragon Form, was on him."
"…"
"I inspected his body with 'Transparent World'. But he was a normal human with a very low amount of mana in his body. What unsettled me the most was that, I couldn't detect the same dragon scent from Shinobu or her mother, even though they are blood-related. I fear, some Dragon or something related to Dragons might harm them." Tanjiro said in a serious tone.
"You don't have to worry about it. It's probably some sort of dormant Dragon-related Sacred Gear on your friend." Alficius said casually.
"Is that so.." Tanjiro still seemed unconvinced.
"Hmm... Listen, do you not feel curious about the First Evil Slayer your caretaker mentioned about?" Alficius asked.
"I'm...not sure. It all seems so confusing."
"I see..." Alficius smiled then continued, "You see, you're not the first chosen one I sent to the world you're in now."
"What?!" Tanjiro was shocked.
"Before you, someone from the same world as you had managed to reach my 'heaven. He was truly a wonderful being with immense natural talent and potential. I believe you know of him as Yoroichi Tsugikuni. He had reached the pinnacle combat prowess of what could be achieved in your previous world."
"...."
"Though unlike you, he didn't have much luck with the Creator's Roulette. All he got was a common skill called 'Mana Sense'. Even then, his natural talent was astonishing."
"That's not really a surprise. According to the records in my past life, he was the strongest Demon Slayer to ever exist. He is essentially the creator of breathing techniques." Tanjiro added.
"You seem to be misunderstanding me. In your past life, no matter how much one trains, they will be bound by the limits of the world. For example, the limit of the swordsmanship level in your previous world is only Level 30. Even someone like Yoroichi Tsugikuni or the second best swordsman Kokushibo couldn't surpass it. But in your current world, the limits are not so low. You'll know what I mean when you start training. Not that it matters to you. Unlike Yoroichi Tsugikuni, you received a system, which removed whatever limits there was to your potential."
"...."
"Though, the reason for me to choose Yoroichi Tsugikuni as my chosen one, was because some of my enemies snuck in man eating demons into the world (DxD world). And on top of that, these demons didn't have the weakness to Sun, which was quite common among most of the demons accross the multiverse."
"That's... absurd... What do they even accomplish by doing such a thing?!" Tanjiro was speechless, yet quite angered by hearing Alficius's words.
"To create chaos in the world and accelerate the development of 'World Fate Fragment'." Alficius stated calmly.
"For a True Creator like me, the worlds under my management represents my life span, my powers, and my authority. But because of my status as a True Creator, I'm incapable of handling such indirect method of attack. As such, I have to choose those with good potential as my chosen one and have them do what I'm unable to do because of my status. Though, I'm also indirectly bringing other potential entities into a certain system, which I, myself, am a part of." Alficius said.
"I can't say anymore about this. But yeah, In the world you're in now, you're a direct descendant of Kamado Yosuke, which is Yoroichi Tsugikuni's reincarnation. Apparently, he took your ancestor's surname in his new life. I'm sure you'll be able to learn the signature ability he created. It will be of great help to you."
"Is it 'Sanctification'?" Tanjiro asked.
"Yes. That ability. He created it after accidently witnessing a Bael clan's Devil use their Power of Destruction. But unlike the Bael Devil's Innate ability, the ability Yoroichi created far exceeded the power of Destruction. Well, you can learn that ability as well. Although it's function is somewhat similar to that of your Sacred Gear."
"...."
"And lastly, a friendly advice from me. You better master your Sacred Gear and Dragon power before focusing on other abilities. And reach at least Tier 5 by the time you are sixteen years old. Well then, I've informed you of what I had to say. Farewell." Alficius said as the system screen vanished.
"Even though I had more to ask him… Whatever, he'll probably call me again in the future." Tanjiro said to himself in a low voice.
Then, Tanjiro thought about Alficius's words carefully.
"Sacred Gear and Dragon power, huh? Dragon power is possible as I've got a basic grasp of it. But Sacred Gear… I can't even feel it's existence within me." Tanjiro sighed. He had tried to feel the existence of his so-called Sacred Gear, but to no avail.
He remembered the basic details of his Sacred Gear shown by the system.
…
[Sacred Gear: Infinity Slayer (Unknown Class) – A sacred Gear created with the soul of a very deadly God Slayer called Alkios, who had managed to attain the power to break through the concept of 'Absolute'. It was remodelled into a Katana to suit your preference.
Skills:
-Nothing is Absolute (Passive)
-Soul Defense Factor (Passive)
-Anti-Divine Energy (Active)
-Balance Breaker: God Slayer Alkios Form. (Active)
-Anti-Divine Wrath Form: Overdrive (Active) ]
…
Just from the description alone, Tanjiro was able to tell that, the power of his Sacred Gear was unimaginable. Just the term 'God Slayer' seemed very ominous.
"System, why am I unable to feel my Sacred Gear?"
[It is because your Sacred Gear 'Infinity Slayer' is in its dormant state. Unless you fulfill the requirements to awaken it, it is best to focus on your other abilities.]
"What are these requirements?"
[The system doesn't have the authority to reveal it. You have to find it yourself, Tanjiro.]
"I see. That's right, I'm already getting a shortcut to becoming more powerful quicker by getting the system. I can't just expect everything to go according to my convenience." Tanjiro muttered.
"As long as I work hard, I'll eventually awaken my Sacred Gear. There's no need to rush. For now, I'll focus on my Dragon Powers, while allowing my growing body to slowly adapt to my previous skills." Tanjiro reassured himself.
"For now, I'll go to sleep again. Need proper sleep to grow healthily."
…
In Kuoh Town, near an abandoned factory.
It was almost mid night.
The area where the abandoned factory is located, was covered by a magic barrier that prevented sound from spreading to outside.
A group of humans in standard white priest clothing, were fighting against a dozen or so humanoid individuals with bat-like wings on their back.
The battle was anything but normal. They were utilising supernatural methods for assault against their opposition.
The group of humans were exorcists, whose jobs were mainly purging devils and fallen angels in the name of God.
And, the humanoid individuals with bat-like wings on their back were devils, who are the enemy of the God of Bible.
"You have gone too far this time, you exorcists! You dare to capture a noble devil!" A devil, who seemed to be the one leading the group of devils, said angrily.
"Gone too far? Don't make me laugh! Purging devils like you is our job!" An exorcist scoffed in disdain.
"You stupid humans! This town is under the jurisdiction of the devil faction! Do you even realise what you are doing? Obediently release our comrade and leave this town!" One of the devils yelled furiously.
"Ha Ha!" The exorcists laughed disdainfully.
"Devils belong to the underworld! They have no business in the human world. Yet, you wicked devils dared to occupy a human world region. And of course, we also found out about the sinful deeds of you devils here in Kuoh town. In the past few years, a number of humans have disappeared without any trace. And we found out that, they have been abducted by you devils and sent to unknown locations. The fates of the missing humans unknown, possibly dead." An exorcist said with rage evident on his face.
"You will all be wiped out right here for the unforgivable sins you have committed!" Yelled another exorcist, as he prepared to cast an attack spell.
Magic power gathered in his hand, as it molded into a sword of light.
But before the exorcist could execute the magic spell…
*Boom!*
Something crashed into the ground just a few meters away from the devils and exorcists. Debris flew everywhere, as the place where 'something' crashed into, was covered by ground dust.
Suddenly, a human-like figure was visible through the dust. Slowly, the dust dissipated and the figure's appearance was revealed.
It was a long silver haired old man with a muscular body, wearing an orange haori with flame-like patterns over it. His sharp eyes glanced over at the two conflicting groups.
The old man was…
"Katakiri… Juki…" A brown haired man, with the holy sword in his hand, muttered in shock, as he saw the old man.
"Good grief, creating such a commotion! What time do you think it is? You miserable fools." Katakiri Juki said, as he looked at the group of devils and exorcists with an irritated look.
