Chapter 2: Progenitor of Demons

As the progenitor of all the demons, Muzan had control over them, either because of the curse he implanted at the time of each one's creation, or because he could connect with them and control them, just as he did with Nakime when Yushiro controlled her in the book

This control is due to the fact that Muzan's blood runs through all of them, so even if Lucian inherited the powers, he didn't inherit this connection. Either it would have to be redone manually, with him injecting his blood into them, or he would have to just abandon them and wait for the slayers to kill them.

'Just like Muzan would do'

Yes, Muzan didn't care about his subordinates; he just wanted to overcome their weaknesses and become perfect.

"The only thing I hate is 'change'. Changes in circumstances. Changes in the body. Changes in emotion. In most cases, all change is 'degradation'. It's decline. The only thing I like is 'permanence'. If something doesn't change for an eternity. It's in a perfect state." Muzan once said.

"So risible, stagnation is weakness, it's oblivion. Even if he had been the strongest in the world, immortal and invincible, he would end up being left behind in his arrogant 'permanence', even if he hadn't been defeated by the Demon Slayers. Soon, he would no longer be so invincible with the creation of various biological weapons and nuclear weapons." Lucian scoffed.

Demons have a great capacity to evolve, just as they quickly increased the resistance possessed to wisteria, and in 1000 years, they surpassed the sun (with the arrival of Nezuko), so what's stopping them from evolving further?

'With my power to move between worlds, it's possible to reach great heights...' He thought as he lightly stroked the table, feeling the texture of the wood.

'Focusing on the most important thing now: the blue spider lily. At the beginning of the story, Tanjiro is 13 years old, and his birthday is July 14th. The manga begins with snow, that is, in winter; winter in Japan is in December, January and February. So now that it's August, it must be at least three months since the plot began.' Lucian analyzed before sighing, thinking how good it is to have five brains.

This memory is just incredible.

Lucian then raised his head, realizing that the Kizuki had finished absorbing the blood he had given to them.

'I'll see about your attitude towards me' Lucian then stood up and walked towards the sliding door, which opened as he approached.

Once again we come to the large, dimly-lit space they used for meetings.

Japanese architecture...

Lanterns in unexpected places...

Several lanterns, but still a dark place...

A simply fantastic place, where the laws of physics don't seem to exist.

'It'll take some getting used to,' Lucian sighed internally before continuing: "I want you to capture and bring to the Castle of Infinity any demons you find. Nakime, the task of locating the Demon Slayer Corps base will be yours. If any of you find a demon slayer, you must notify her so that he can be followed."

Yes, Nakime has still awakened the ability to create and detach eyeballs, which is very useful and fits perfectly for the current situation.

As for her loyalty, in the position of Muzan's "heir", as long as I let her play biwa, I doubt she'll betray me. After all, the deterrent of my power is still there.

That's even why I took on the name "heir", so that they're less likely to betray me.

Unlike the rest of the demons, the High Moons are relatively loyal to Muzan.

Kokushibo, one of the demons who have been with Muzan the longest, probably the most loyal. But what he wants is power, so I'll give him that, along with what I said before and how much he respects the hierarchy, his betrayal is unlikely.

Not impossible, but unlikely.

Douma, that annoying pest, will soon die. Just as Muzan didn't like him, I don't either. Even though he saw Muzan as a god, he still disliked Douma, which is a good example of the irritation he causes. The only reason Douma hasn't been eliminated yet is that he's still useful.

And it's the same for me, I'll try to exchange his life for Shinobu Kocho's loyalty. A demon who knows breathing techniques is very valuable, and her chemical abilities are comparable to Tamayo's.

And unlike Tamayo, who, on discovering Muzan's death, will probably just wish to die, Shinobu can still be used. After all, Douma isn't dead yet, and she hasn't lived long enough to be indifferent to life.

Akaza, your motivations are simple: fight and get stronger. As long as I beat him and don't make him kill women, I'm likely to win his loyalty. It will be easy, because unlike Kokushibo, who respected Muzan, and Douma, who adored him, Akaza had none of these feelings, he just saw Muzan as the "person he must obey".

Hantengu won't remain among the Kizuki for long either. He's so ugly and the mess with his personalities is annoying; he's too fickle.

Gyokko, it's the same as Hantengu; they both have good powers, but they're no good as subordinates.

Daki is childish and easily manipulated, while Gyutaro, despite being sadistic and jealous, will follow her no matter what. This is even how Muzan controlled Gyutaro.

And, of course, the most important thing, which makes everything possible, is the influence of sire and Demon King. Thanks to this, it's easy to mold them to suit me.

Just as Muzan did. However, I intend to go deeper; unlike him, who made a radical but superficial change, I will do it gradually and deeply.

'No recovering memories and changing your mind at the moment of death... kekeke. Lucian added with a certain malice.

"Yes, sir!" Kokushibo, Douma and Akaza stood up. Kokushibo had no objections to the proposed arrangements, Douma allowed no emotions to show on his face, and Akaza was excited to fight the demon slayers.

"y...ye...yes..." Hantengu muttered, his fear of the battles that might ensue visible.

"Yes!" Gyokko, who seemed at the same time dissatisfied with Muzan's withdrawal and excited at the thought of destroying the Demon Slayer Corps, also got up and left.

Daki and Gyutaro also responded positively and were about to leave.

"Daki, wait." Lucian called out.

"Something?" Daki asked, looking confused.

"At the moment, you're working as an oiran, right?" Lucian said to introduce the subject. After all, dealing with Daki too directly might just provoke a tantrum.

"Yes, would you like me to do a dance?" Daki suggested in a sweet voice, after all that's what an oiran does, she sings, dances, tells poems and ultimately brings physical and spiritual comfort.

But this surprised Gyutaro, who was standing next to him, and Lucian, who smiled slightly.

'It worked better than I expected' Yes, Lucian had focused on influencing her during the blood absorption process, basically transferring Daki's feelings towards Muzan to Lucian.

"Gyutaro leave first" Lucian waved, hurrying him to leave, after all, whether the dance or the plan that would be said are things that would displease Gyutaro.

With some displeasure on his face, Gyutaro passed through a door, which just as he appeared, disappeared soon after.

"I wanted you to stay here to discuss a little plan I have in mind" Lucian explained to Daki.

"So without the dancing?" She looked disappointed before continuing: "I will be listening carefully."

"Of course I won't refuse a dance performance from such a beautiful woman. We will have it after this discussion." Lucian smiled as he saw Daki's face quickly filling with joy.

It is this need and search for attention and approval that makes the "carrot and whip" even more efficient, and considering its vanity, compliments are like sweet stabs that break your defense...

...Of course, if coming from the right place. Be anything else and the end would still be death.

"I want you to increase the killing frequency. I intend to lure hashiras to the red light district, a place full of humans, a place where they will hesitate to fight." Lucian stated his purpose lightly, as if the plan he had in his mind was not something vile.

Well, he would just be rushing the plot.

"Is there anything else?" Daki asked, anxiety for what would happen next written all over his face.

Did she want to show her charm to the king? Or do you want to eat hashira meat? Maybe both, but only she will know.

"Just be sure to keep your identity a secret until the time is right." Lucian replied, his smile slight and widening.

And just like Daki, is he looking forward to the dance and things he will do with this beautiful subordinate? or is he looking forward to the great slaughter that would come in the future?