Chapter 27: The Beginning of the Chaos

The rustling sound grew denser, resembling the hurried march of a group of animals at night. Of course, it wasn't animals; everyone knew what it was.

The noise surged like a tide, crescendoing before scattering into silence. It wasn't that the tide receded but that the creatures had arrived close by.

Yes, the demons had arrived around them.

Panic seized the team once more. The circular formation instinctively contracted inward. Everyone began to back away; the outer ones pushed the inner ones, and the inner ones pushed toward the center.

Demons emerged from behind the trees, some standing, some squatting, and others crawling.

Besides the ground, there were also demons crouching on tree branches, making a total of exactly ten demons.

Ten demons!

One demon was already tough enough; to have so many appear at once would make anyone's legs go weak and body tremble.

The demons differed in size, appearance, and stature, but their eyes were the same.

Facing Kimura's group, all the demons showed a look of greed, occasionally licking their lips. They resembled a group of people surrounding a grand feast.

To them, these humans were the feast.

Kimura swallowed to moisten his dry throat. "Everyone, don't be afraid. Focus on the demons in your area. Don't cross into others' spaces and disrupt their rhythm. If the front line falls, those behind must immediately fill in. On my command, draw your swords!"

After a series of metallic scrapes, the outer circle of participants drew their Nichirin Swords and, under Kimura's instructions, took five steps forward, expanding the inner circle.

This arrangement allowed more space for rescuing and substituting injured participants, and it also prevented them from being too close and hindering their swordplay, risking friendly fire.

Kimura took a deep breath, gripped his sword handle firmly, and stood in the outer circle, leading by example.

Everyone waited tensely for the demons to attack, knowing they would initiate the assault.

The cold moonlight fell on Kimura and his team; it was a clear night.

Finally, a demon couldn't suppress its bloodthirsty urge and charged at the group, using both hands and feet to sprint across the ground.

Choosing a burly male participant as its target, the demon leapt from three meters away, mouth agape, aiming straight for him.

This participant clearly had some skill or previous experience fighting demons. Unlike others whose hands trembled while holding their swords, he remained composed.

Lowering his body, he bent his knees and leaned forward, gripping the ground with his feet. As the demon's claws neared, he took a deep breath, eyes sharp, and shouted,

"Water Breathing: First Form: Water Surface Slash."

A clear water flow sound echoed around, the sword slicing through the air like water, aiming for the demon's throat.

The demon halted mid-air, landing directly on the ground, crouching to dodge the blade while propelling itself forward, its claws aimed at the participant's abdomen.

The participant hadn't expected such agility and seamless attack transitions from the demon. With his Nichirin Sword still in mid-air, he could only watch as the demon's claws approached his chest.

Then, a voice came from his right.

"Water Breathing: Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust."

A flash of white appeared before the demon, like an arrow piercing through the air.

The demon widened its eyes, letting out a monstrous scream followed by a pained shriek as the Nichirin Sword pierced its cheek, drawing blood.

Jumping away and clutching its face, the demon landed and rolled several meters, then quickly got up, limping back to the forest edge, whimpering.

The move "Drop Ripple Thrust" ignited a fire in everyone's hearts, bringing hope and light.

Hope for survival, and a bright future.

It made everyone realize that demons were not invincible.

On the forest edge, the demons were visibly unsettled by the display of "Drop Ripple Thrust."

Demons feared sunlight, and fire was the closest thing to it. Seeing the flame made them uneasy.

The morale boost extended to everyone, especially Kimura. He believed his wise leadership and correct strategy had enabled the team to repel the demon unscathed.

Without the strong defense formation, that participant might have already become demon fodder.

The participant in question, full of lingering fear, continuously thanked his nearby teammates.

Kimura seized the moment to speak.

"Everyone saw that demons are not unbeatable. If we all fight like those three just did, we can fend off their attacks."

"Yes, Captain's strategy was brilliant."

"If we follow Captain's orders, we can survive seven days and pass the test."

"Captain is so smart."

Listening to the praise, Kimura felt incredibly pleased, though he maintained a calm facade, embodying the leader's composure.

"Alright, everyone, stay vigilant. That demon's attack was a test. The real assault will be fiercer. Be ready to fight at any moment."

"Yes, Captain, we're always ready."

"Always ready."

The move "Drop Ripple Thrust" was like an adrenaline shot to everyone, banishing initial fears and making their eyes shine with determination.

Now, they felt ready to face even Muzan Kibutsuji himself.

As Kimura predicted, soon after, all the demons lurking in the forest launched their attack.

"Water Breathing: First Form: Water Surface Slash."

"Water Breathing: Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust."

"Flame Breathing: First Form: Unknowing Fire."

"Wind Breathing: First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter."

To fend off the demons, various dazzling techniques were displayed in succession.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the mountain, the calm Hatsune and Nae faced their first demon of the night.