Chapter 25: Spider Demon

During the day, after ascending the mountain, everyone except Hatsune and Nae gathered at the mid-mountain area, including Kimura's team and a few other scattered teams.

Although Kimura was unwilling, he couldn't act too domineering in public by driving away the other teams, as that would leave a narrow-minded impression on his teammates, which was not conducive to team leadership.

Nightfall arrived quickly, and everyone became exceptionally tense. Some had seen demons before, while others hadn't, but without exception, they all sensed the unusual atmosphere in the air.

The forest gradually darkened. Sensing the time was about right, Kimura exchanged a glance with Emiko, and they stood up one after the other from the stone platform, walking to the center of the crowd.

Seeing them stand up, the surrounding teammates also stood up, clearly viewing Kimura as the leader.

The other teams, with only two or three people each, either sat on the ground dejectedly or stood up, trying to blend into Kimura's team. After all, everyone had just met that day, and with unfamiliar faces, blending in without being recognized seemed possible.

Kimura surveyed the crowd. Despite his young age, he had an air of authority, with sharp eyes that commanded respect without anger.

The crowd fell silent, awaiting Kimura's instructions.

"Everyone, night is about to fall, and demons are likely already hunting in the forest. I'll repeat one last time: the Demon Slayer Corps exam is not child's play; it's a real life-and-death struggle. If anyone wants to leave, please take your bag and hide in the wisteria forest below."

Kimura finished speaking and waited silently for anyone to withdraw.

Indeed, four or five people, unable to withstand the eerie atmosphere of the forest, took their bags and walked into the wisteria forest below.

After the last person left and no one else emerged for a while, Kimura continued, "Alright, since no one else is leaving, let's enter the forest together and find a defensible spot. I believe with our numbers, mutual assistance will see us through the seven days and pass the exam."

The idea of entering the forest in the dark made many hesitant. Staying put seemed safer: fight if they could, flee to the wisteria forest below if not. Entering the forest at night seemed like courting death.

Some doubted Kimura's leadership, thinking it foolish to enter the forest at night instead of during the day.

Kimura anticipated this reaction, knowing that seeking safety is human nature.

"If anyone has doubts, please speak up. I'll address them, and if I can't, we'll discuss a solution together. We're a team and must trust each other. If doubts remain unspoken, like cracks, they'll cause the team to fall apart in a crisis."

Three male participants huddled, whispering, then a tall participant voiced their concerns.

"Isn't it better to stay here? Why must we enter the forest?"

Kimura scanned the crowd, seeing others shared this sentiment but remained silent.

"I understand your thoughts. Since you decided to take the exam, please don't rely on luck. Such an attitude endangers those genuinely aiming to pass."

Embarrassed, the tall participant and his companions lowered their heads.

Kimura addressed the crowd, "We're here with a determination to join the Demon Slayer Corps, ready to face death. If anyone is here with a casual attitude, my team doesn't welcome you. Stay here and try your luck."

Kimura's words ignited the zealots in the group, who jeered, aligning with Kimura's stance and mocking the opportunists.

"Another reason not to stay here: this area is flat and open, with no cover. If demons appear, there's no escape. Staying here may seem safe, but entering the forest at night gives us the best chance of survival."

Mocking laughter echoed through the crowd.

"You think the Demon Slayer Corps is a haven for cowards?"

"Exactly, if you're scared, better to go home and farm."

Their mockery shamed the opportunists.

Kimura's well-reasoned explanation won over the hesitant, who now saw him as a competent leader.

"Any more questions? Feel free to ask, and we'll discuss."

After a few minutes of silence, Kimura said, "Alright, let's move out. Those who prefer to stay, please feel free."

With Kimura leading, the group formed a wedge formation, heading into the dark forest, ready to face attacks from any direction. This formation combined offense, defense, and rescue, a composite strategy Kimura had studied for over a month.

The remaining three, including the tall participant, regretted their earlier challenge, now debating their next move: stay and try their luck or retreat to the wisteria forest?

While they deliberated, none noticed a hideous creature approaching. This monster had fully abandoned its human form, with six legs, two arms, and a bald head, moving swiftly like a spider. We'll call it the Spider Demon.