Chapter 17 Crossing into Demon Slayer: Confronting Kibutsuji Muzan
[Notification! Instance Quest Activated:]
[Main Quest 1/1: The Human World Is Tainted Again]
[Quest Summary: Demons run rampant, humans are like livestock! Kill Kibutsuji Muzan and cleanse the human world!]
[1) Kill Kibutsuji Muzan before the end of the instance, with fewer than 3 current Pillars ☆]
[2) Kill Kibutsuji Muzan before the end of the instance, with 3 or more current Pillars and fewer than 6 ☆☆]
[3) Kill Kibutsuji Muzan before the end of the instance, with 6 or more current Pillars or all surviving ☆☆☆]
In a dimly lit alley, Aomori furrowed his brow.
Kill Kibutsuji Muzan? And also ensure that all the Pillars survive?
Kibutsuji Muzan, also known as the progenitor of demons, was the ultimate antagonist in the world of Demon Slayer. He created many man-eating demons and was the root cause of numerous tragedies.
Demons not only possessed strength far surpassing humans but were also extremely difficult to kill. Only sunlight and items with related properties could destroy them, and Kibutsuji Muzan's abilities far exceeded those of ordinary demons.
In order to resist demons, humans established the Demon Slayer Corps, with the Pillars being the strongest individuals within the corps. However, humans with mere flesh and blood were never a match for demons in direct combat. If it weren't for Kibutsuji Muzan's disdain for humans, the Demon Slayer Corps would have been wiped out long ago.
Therefore, it could be said that this quest was significantly more challenging than the previous one. The original work jokingly referred to it as the "Pillar Annihilation Blade," and very few Pillars survived the final battle.
Moreover, there was only one quest for this instance. Did killing Kibutsuji Muzan result in the deaths of other demons as well?
Aomori's thoughts raced, and he acted quickly in reality. He stood up, stretched his body, and reassured Tanjiro, who was looking at him with concern, "I'm fine, thanks for asking."
"That's good to hear. I saw you lying in the alley and thought something had happened to you," Tanjiro patted his chest in relief. "You're dressed so lightly; you must be freezing. How about I take you to Grandma Hanako's place to warm up? Grandma Hanako is a very kind person."
It was the middle of winter, and there had been a heavy snowfall the previous night. Aomori was wearing the sports attire he had just obtained, so it was understandable that Tanjiro would think he was cold.
"No need," Aomori replied. His physique was strong, and a little cold was nothing to him. He looked Tanjiro up and down, and his gaze fell on the bamboo basket Tanjiro was carrying on his back.
Tanjiro noticed Aomori's gaze and explained with a smile, "I brought charcoal from home to sell in town, and I just finished selling it. I was on my way back."
He detected a pleasant scent coming from Aomori, which made him believe Aomori was a good person. His words and actions became more affectionate.
"Is this the beginning of the plot? Confronting Kibutsuji Muzan right from the start? Should I avoid it or engage in battle?"
In an instant, Aomori made up his mind and said solemnly to Tanjiro, "Do you trust me?"
"?" Tanjiro nodded with a puzzled expression.
"Good, let's go back to your house first. I suspect your family is in danger."
"Danger?"
"No time to explain. We'll talk on the way."
Aomori took out a Poké Ball and released Pidgeot and Absol. "Pidgeot, keep watch from the air. Absol, carry this kid."
"Pidge!" Pidgeot flapped its wings and soared into the sky.
"Absol!" Absol held onto Tanjiro's clothing and lifted him onto its back.
"What is this?" Tanjiro had never seen creatures like Absol before, and they emerged from small balls.
Tanjiro's understanding of the world was beginning to crumble.
"Which way to your house?"
Dazed, Tanjiro pointed to the right.
"Sit tight, we're off."
"Ah, slow down!"
Under the night sky, on the snowy ground, two shadows sped rapidly forward.
"Big Brother Aomori, is what you said true? Are there really man-eating demons in this world?" Despite sensing the sincerity in Aomori's words, Tanjiro found it hard to believe.
"That's right. A thousand years ago, for some reason, a man named Kibutsuji Muzan became a demon and gained the ability to turn humans into demons. Unless the Demon King is killed, demons won't disappear. I came here to track him down."
"You came here?" Tanjiro suddenly realized, "Are you saying that this Demon King might target my family?"
"That's correct."
"What do we do?" Tanjiro panicked; his family meant everything to him.
"Don't worry, I'm here." Aomori said calmly.
Gripping the axe tightly, Tanjiro sat at the doorstep, ready to protect his family.
Looking at his actions, Nezuko and her mother were puzzled. "Tanjiro, what's going on?"
"Mom, there's something dangerous outside. Don't worry; I promise to protect you all. I made a promise to Dad," Tanjiro said, gripping the axe and staring at the door. At the same time, he prayed, "Big Brother Aomori, please be safe!"
Aomori ventured into the forest, recalling Pidgeot. In this dark night, sharp vision wouldn't be of much use.
"You two stay here."
Both Absol and Pidgeot acknowledged.
Starting a battle against Kibutsuji Muzan right from the beginning was a rare opportunity. If he missed it, the timid boss wouldn't know where to hide. Aomori couldn't afford to wait for two years until the original plot reached its climax.
However, even with this opportunity, it would be challenging to kill Kibutsuji Muzan, whose regenerative abilities surpassed even those of cockroaches. The terrain here was complex, and it would be difficult to drag the battle until dawn.
No matter which method he chose, the chances of success were low. He regretted not teaching Absol Sunny Day.
In this situation, he could only rely on the Holy Light.
[Healing Art] was amazing!
At the same time, the reclusive boss, who had never left his lair, inexplicably had a change of heart. He left his hideout and entered the forest, coincidentally encountering Aomori, who was waiting under a tree.
Their eyes met, and both Aomori and Kibutsuji Muzan smiled.
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