Chapter 43: Demon Devourer Level 2

Aoki's eyes narrowed as he recognized the imposing figure approaching through the battlefield's haze. "Kibutsuji Muzan!"

Stopping mid-action, he muttered under his breath, "So he's here already. What a shame."

With Muzan's arrival, the prospect of killing Akaza had just evaporated. Aoki knew he needed to reassess the situation quickly.

"We meet again," Muzan's voice was calm, almost deceptively friendly, as his gaze swept over the battlefield before locking onto Aoki.

Aoki maintained his composure. "You're early. I wasn't expecting you so soon."

To an outsider, their exchange might seem cordial, as if two old acquaintances were catching up after a long absence.

"It's a pity I didn't realize your uniqueness right away," Muzan continued, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and menace. "But I've got you now. Let's uncover your secrets."

With a swift, almost casual motion, Muzan extended his hand. A sudden whip of dark energy lashed out towards Aoki, slicing through the air and effortlessly cutting through the surrounding houses as if they were made of paper. But just as it was about to connect with its target, Aoki vanished.

Muzan's expression darkened. His eyes darted upward, sensing movement.

Hovering above, Aoki looked down with a wry smile. "Thanks for the 'food,' Muzan. We'll meet again soon!" And with that, he disappeared into thin air, leaving behind nothing but a faint shimmer in the air.

Muzan's face contorted with fury as he scanned the area, his eyes wide and searching for any sign of Aoki. There was none.

"He's gone," Muzan growled, his voice thick with rage. "I can't believe he escaped right under my nose!"

In a fit of rage, Muzan unleashed a powerful shockwave, obliterating the nearest building and sending Akaza flying. Blood spewed from Akaza's mouth, but as a demon, such injuries were trivial and quickly healed.

Akaza landed on his feet, approached Muzan, and knelt on one knee. "Master Muzan, the defector has a space-crossing ability."

Muzan's eyes flared with anger, and another shockwave erupted from his body, sending Akaza crashing into the rubble with even greater force.

"Do I need you to state the obvious?" Muzan's voice was cold, each word dripping with disdain. "Find a way to neutralize this ability!"

Akaza, bloodied but unbowed, pulled himself from the debris and responded respectfully, "Master, his ability seems similar to Nakime's control of the Infinity Castle."

Muzan stared at Akaza for a moment, his eyes narrowed as he considered this information. Without another word, he flicked his arm and vanished, leaving Akaza alone amidst the wreckage.

Akaza clenched his fists, looking up at the sky with a burning resolve. "Defector, I won't forget this humiliation."

---

By the river, a large tree stood tall, its leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. Ripples in the air began to form beneath its branches, gradually outlining and revealing Aoki's figure. He landed softly on the ground and immediately sank to his knees, exhausted from his rapid escape.

"Kibutsuji Muzan showed up in person," Aoki mused aloud, wiping the sweat from his brow. "He must see me as quite the threat."

To Muzan, Hashira were mere nuisances, no more significant than flies to be swatted away. Only the combined might of the entire Demon Slayer Corps warranted his serious attention.

Aoki chuckled to himself. "But I should thank him. His appearance made things quite interesting."

He conjured a blue screen in his mind and began scanning the system's notifications with a keen eye.

"Physique plus 1," he noted, the result of enhancing the "Demon Devouing" ability. It had been some time since he last received an attribute reward.

Leveling up three times in a single encounter was a rare feat, one he had never experienced before, even when his levels were much lower. This kind of confluence of circumstances was exceptional and might never happen again.

[Name: Aoki]

[Strength: 15]

[Constitution: 15]

[Intelligence: 15]

[Agility: 15]

[Occupation: Hunter, White Walker]

[Free attribute points: 6]

[Items: Qi and Blood Pill x3]

---

[White Walker]

Quality: ★★

Level: lv11 (3/1100)

Skills: Demon Blood IV, Space Travel, Transparent World (not learned yet), Demon Devouring

Free skill points: 4

Quest: The end of upper moon (0/3)

Aoki savored his gains for a moment before deciding how to distribute his newfound attribute points. He allocated 2 points each to strength and intelligence, and 1 point each to constitution and agility.

As the points settled into his being, he felt a surge of energy course through his body, gradually subsiding as he adjusted to his newfound power.

Next, he turned his attention to upgrading "Demon Devouring" to level 2. With Muzan now on the scene, his plan to kill Akaza had been thwarted, but he could still proceed with his original strategy.

A strange sensation washed over him as he activated the enhanced level 2 "Demon Devouring." He examined his hand, feeling the power intensify with each moment.

At level 2, the ability had undergone significant evolution. The speed at which he could devour demons had greatly increased, making it much harder to interrupt. Now, he could consume weaker demons without needing to beat them into submission first.

Moreover, the effect of level 2 "Demon Devouring" was no longer confined to the point of contact. It inflicted damage throughout the demon's entire being, causing irreversible harm. This was akin to directly depleting their life force.

With this upgrade, Aoki felt more formidable than ever in his battle against demons. Even Kibutsuji Muzan would not be immune to the devastating effects of his enhanced skill.

[Name: Aoki]

[Strength: 17]

[Constitution: 16]

[Intelligence: 17]

[Agility: 16]

[Occupation: Hunter, White Walker]

[Items: Qi and Blood Pill x3]

---

[White Walker]

Quality: ★★

Level: lv11 (3/1100)

Skills: Demon Blood IV, Space Travel, Transparent World (not learned yet), Demon Devouring II

Quest: The End of Upper Moon (0/3)

"All my attributes are approaching 17," Aoki assessed with a hint of satisfaction. "I'm on par with Akaza in terms of strength. Though my skills may not yet match his, with level 2 'Demon Devouring,' I now have a clear advantage."

Feeling a sense of accomplishment, he turned his attention to the Qi and Blood Pills. With a thought, a small porcelain bottle appeared in his hand. He uncorked it, releasing a fresh, enticing aroma that filled the air.

Aoki's mouth watered involuntarily. This was the second time since becoming a demon that he felt such a craving—the first time being for the Ghost Wine.

Inside the bottle were three small, red pills, slightly larger than soybeans. He examined them closely, noting their vibrant color and subtle glow.

The Qi and Blood Pills were simple in their function: they replenished strength, akin to how human blood nourished demons. In essence, they were his equivalent of an energy booster, perfect for recovery in the midst of a battle.

Pleased with his discovery, Aoki pocketed the pills. This operation had been incredibly fruitful, yielding more rewards than he had anticipated.

Reflecting on his gains, Aoki stretched and relaxed under the shade of the tree. He had achieved a great deal, but he knew there was always a higher goal to set, a greater challenge to face.

"This operation was fruitful," he mused, already setting his sights on his next objective. "Time to aim even higher."

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