12. Final Selection

Mt. Fujikasane was vast and filled with thick vibrant trees. Viewed from above it looked like half of the mountain was painted with violet colour while the other half was black and green.

Leo ran through the cluster of trees as he reaped one life after another. Any demon coming across him only warranted a single swipe of his sword.

Slowly he covered half the mountain in two days, he killed so many demons that he lost count. During these two days he came across many girls and boys his age fighting against demons. Most of them were scared but they still persevered.

No one was here for glory, all of them knew the pain of losing someone. That pain set them on this path, whether they would live to see the light of the day or die by their hands becoming yet another meal is still unknown.

He helped those who were in danger, that's all he could do at the moment. Only through blood and death would true warriors be born. If not for his experience in that mountain and his journey after, Leo would still be a novice hunter at best.

Hmm?...

As he was rushing through the forest he sensed the air vibrate abnormally. Up ahead he saw several people fighting against a disgusting creature. It was huge and plump and what seemed to be innumerable hands wrapped around its whole body.

That's Sabito and Giyu.

Leo immediately noticed two figures among the group of people. Sabito was supporting an unconscious Giyu and seemed fine while the other two participants were tired and filled with wounds.

"Both of you take Giyu and retreat."

The other two hesitated for a second and immediately took Giyu, they warned Sabito one last time and retreated. The demon didn't bother to go after the other two, it was fully focused on Sabito for some reason.

An eerie laughter escaped it's mouth as it's eyes turned into slits.

"Hehehe... that mask, you are one of Urokodaki's disciple. That man, he always gives his disciples those fox type masks. It was also that wretched man who caught me and locked me in this damned mountain for years, as repayment I killed every disciple he sent into this mountain. You will be the thirteenth."

Sabito seemed to have been enraged as he heard those words. The demon's body trembled as those hands wrapping it's body rained down punches with little room to dodge.

Sabito however picked up speed while dodging those incredible attacks. Leo was truly impressed, Sabito seemed like a boat sailing against raging tides as he swept through the gaps inching closer to the demon. Each time he dodged the demon's arm would be cut into innumerable pieces.

Sabito inched closer to that demon, his body took a stance in mid air as he raised his sword to cut the demon's head.

Not good!

Leo who was watching Sabito's fight suddenly had a change in expression. His body leaned forward as he breathed out slightly.

Dragon-Tiger Breathing, Fifth Form...

Azure Dragon Ascension!

Sabito was filled with rage as he channeled every ounce of energy he had into his sword. The demon was squinted it's eyes watching Sabito's strike.

It's useless.

Ting!

Sabito was shocked as he watched his sword break in two. The demon's neck was still intact while he was left defenceless mid air. Instantly the thought of death filled his mind making him go numb.

The demon laughed eerily as it's arms stretched out towards Sabito's head with incredible power. Time seemed have to slowed down, Sabito could see his body fall down ever so slowly while the demon's hands were closing in on him.

Just a hair breath away from death he felt a violent force pull him away. The attack missed and crashed into a tree and broke it to pieces.

Sabito broke out into cold sweat and breathed heavily. His legs went jelly and struggled to look up.

"Leo...

Leo glanced at Sabito and said seriously.

"While fighting a demon you should always take into consideration whether your sword would break or not. Don't you know that basic rule, move with absolute confidence it wouldn't but be prepared to counter if it does."

Sabito calmed his breathing and was about to warn Leo of that demon when he saw the former disappear. He instinctively looked over to the demon's side and shock filled his face.

"I don't know who you are nor do I wish to. Your soul aches for compassion and yet you have consumed humans. Begone and be at peace."

Leo dodged one of the demon's arms and vanished, in an instant the air seemed to have been sliced apart as he landed behind it and sheathed his sword.

The demon's head slowly slid down its throat and fell down. Leo put his hands together and offered a final prayer for the demon.

A year along his journey Leo had come across many types of demons. Almost all of their kind was evil to the core, however some of the were... different. He saw grief, anger, despair, hatred and various emotions within them.

He didn't know what they experienced in the past, nor did he know what led them to become a demon. But no matter what, killing innocent humans for their greed was unforgivable. For such lost souls all he could do was offer a final prayer.

He walked back to Sabito and checked his condition. Other than being stiff from fright he was fine.

"Leo, you...

Sabito didn't know what to say. A demon that him and several other Slayers were having difficulty fighting had been killed just like that.

"Alright. Since we met let's team up. Most of these demons don't put up much of a fight, maybe one like this would but I doubt there is another one like that. Can you move?"

Calming himself Sabito leaned over to a tree and said.

"I knew you were strong but this is shocking."

Leo shrugged and said.

"I have experienced far too many things maybe that's why, anyway rest up. We will head out in one hour."