Genesis of Darkness: Muzan's First Step

Over the subsequent week, Muzan's condition steadily worsened, a distressing development for all involved. Access to his bedside was strictly limited to his parents and Roxana, underscoring the gravity of his situation. Dr. Akiyama made a brief appearance, yet departed with a resigned gesture, offering no new solutions or hope.

In the dimly lit ambiance of one particular evening, Muzan's parents engaged in a subdued conversation, their worried glances frequently directed towards their son. The deterioration in Muzan's appearance was more pronounced than ever, a silent testament to the severity of his ailment.

"Do you suppose there was an oversight by the doctor? It's been over a week with no improvement in Muzan's condition," Muzan's mother expressed her concern in hushed tones.

His father, reflective for a moment, eventually nodded in agreement. "It's possible. However, it baffles me. The combination of the treatment and Roxana's supernatural assistance was supposed to make things better. Given Roxana's unwavering presence by his side, there's only one explanation that comes to mind..."

"Perhaps the medicinal properties of lily were damaged more than initially disclosed by Dr. Akiyama. That could be why we're seeing no effect," he reasoned, seeking to make sense of the distressing scenario.

Roxana, having overheard their speculation, approached with a composed and reassuring demeanor. "I understand your anxiety," she began, in a soothing tone that would melt anyone's heart. "The absence of any positive development is indeed disheartening. Regardless of the lily's condition, my abilities should have sufficed to effect a noticeable improvement, unless..."

She paused, allowing the implication to sink in. "Could it be conceivable that Dr. Akiyama substituted the genuine lily with an inferior specimen?

This hypothesis might elucidate why he has abstained from visiting Muzan—he is aware that the treatment was doomed from the outset. Given the rarity of the herb, it's not inconceivable that greed influenced his actions. However, rest assured, I remain committed to Muzan-sama's recovery."

Muzan's parents absorbed her assurance, their expressions a blend of concern and emerging hope. "Roxana, our gratitude knows no bounds. You're our last hope," they acknowledged, their faith in Roxana's capabilities providing a glimmer of optimism in a dire situation.

After Muzan's parents departed, leaving the room in a more profound silence, Roxana remained. It was during this quiet moment that Muzan, who had seemed to be resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them. His voice, when he spoke, carried a tone as harsh as a winter's gale. "So, the doctor gave me defective medicine, huh?"

"Yes, it's likely," Roxana affirmed, her voice steady yet filled with a hint of disappointment.

Muzan's expression took a sinister turn, a tempest of fury igniting in his gaze. "The audacity of greed and betrayal against me is beyond forgiveness... This bug must face the consequences of his deception.

Here I am, languishing on my deathbed, while he profits from the rare herb, indulging in a life of luxury. That herb was my beacon of hope, my salvation. My existence is infinitely more precious than that of that mere insect. It was my chance to finally live without constraints, to breathe freely without the shadow of death looming over me.

How dare he? How dare he betray me? I'll ensure he pays dearly. I'll kill him," he declared, his voice laced with a venomous determination that left no room for mercy.

Roxana, however, was quick to interject, her voice a calm counter to Muzan's rising fury. "No, Muzan-sama, you mustn't. Resorting to violence, even against those who have wronged us, only creates a cycle of harm. If we stoop to their level, how do we remain any different?"

Muzan paused, considering her words. "Oh, Roxana, you are too pure, like a fairy desiring the well-being of all. But, sadly, that's not how the world operates. Tell me, if I were to exact vengeance, would my image diminish in your esteem?"

Roxana met his gaze, her expression sincere and unwavering. "Muzan-sama, although our acquaintance is relatively brief, I've come to understand the kindness that resides within you. Such actions could never tarnish my perception of you. Regardless, I am committed to standing by you, supporting your endeavors to the best of my ability."

"Excellent, I knew you were different, Roxana. Now, listen carefully; here is the plan..." Muzan's voice lowered into a conspiratorial whisper, his eyes locking onto Roxana's with an intensity that demanded attention.

The following day, Roxana proposed an outing to the market with Muzan's parents, framing it as a chance to unwind and enjoy some fresh air. She also arranged for all the domestic staff to have a day off. Despite some initial reservations from Muzan's parents, Roxana assured them that Dr. Akiyama would step in to oversee things in their absence.

Upon their departure, Dr. Akiyama made his way inside and headed straight for Muzan's room. Drawing near, he inquired, "How are you holding up?"

Muzan retorted with a snarl, "Ah, sure, as if you're unaware of the state I'm in... Do you really think I haven't figured out that the herb you provided is worthless?"

"That can't be," the doctor retorted, taken aback.

"Your greed is limitless," Muzan accused. "Do you honestly think you deserve to live? A doctor's duty is to heal, not to harm."

"Please, believe me, I have no idea what you're talking about," the doctor pleaded, his confusion and alarm evident.

"Fine, examine me again," Muzan said.

As the doctor drew closer, Muzan swiftly pulled out a dagger and plunged it into the doctor's abdomen.

"Now, let's observe how well you can keep your composure with agony coursing through you," Muzan stated coldly. "It's easy to inquire about someone's well-being or if they're feeling alright when you yourself are in good health. Let's see how you behave when you're the one experiencing relentless pain."

Within seconds, Muzan had stabbed the doctor more than 15 times out of pure rage. The doctor attempted to escape, even striking Muzan, but Muzan experienced such a surge of euphoria that, for a moment, his sickness appeared to ease.

In the dimming light of the evening, with the sun casting its last golden rays across the horizon, Kibutsuji Muzan stood over his first kill, enveloped in a profound transformation.

The moment when the day gave way to twilight marked his turning point in life. With the dying light ebbing from his victim, a chilling sense of empowerment surged through Muzan, revealing his dominance over life and death.

Killing didn't make him feel repulsed; rather, it filled him with an overwhelming feeling of power. In that short moment, he wasn't bogged down by guilt or by his own illness. It was as if he stood on top of the world, unbeatable and all-powerful, like a king ruling over a dark kingdom.

As Muzan stood over his victim, the door suddenly swung open. Roxana, alongside Muzan's parents, stepped in. They had planned to return later that evening, but Roxana had unexpectedly timed their arrival to this precise moment.

The sight that greeted them was chilling. In a scene that left his parents utterly horrified, Muzan was standing over the lifeless body of the doctor, his hands and dress stained with blood.

"Muzan, my boy, what have you done?" his mother exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and despair.

With a voice colder and more detached than ever before, Muzan replied, "I followed my heart. This feeling... it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. I am reborn," he paused, then his laughter filled the room, loud and echoing, reaching every corner of the house and spilling into the night outside.