In the darkness, a boy cowered, tears streaming. "I'm so scared, all alone… Brother, where are you? Hold my hand like always… Why… why did I bite you to death?"
A faint light pierced the black mist. The boy looked up, seeing his brother's glowing silhouette. Chasing it with hope and fear, his demonic form reverted to human as he neared. Reaching the lantern-bearing figure, he cried, "Brother! Hold my hand!"
The brother turned, gentle as ever. "You're always such a scaredy-cat." He took his brother's hand, and they walked on together, toward a warm home—or something else. It didn't matter. The brother never blamed him. As long as they were together, they could face anything.
This was the Hand Demon's final vision. As a child, he'd turned into a demon, killed his brother in a frenzy, and lost himself until now.
Horitake's Spirit Vision faded, leaving him melancholic. "What a tragedy…" Pitiable, but unforgivable. Its head had to roll. That's why I love Demon Slayer—complexity in its monsters.
Miles away on Kisatsume Mountain, Sabito and Makomo sensed something. "The Hand Demon… it's dead?" Makomo asked.
Sabito smiled, relieved. "Yeah, probably killed by Tanjiro's friend. We owe him big."
"Should we move on?"
"Not yet. Horitake asked us to watch over Tanjiro. Let's repay the favor and stay until he joins the Corps."
Makomo beamed. "I want to see how far Tanjiro goes."
Back on Fujikasaneyama, Horitake sheathed his blade, shaking off the mood. Mitsuri, sensing his unease, asked, "What's wrong, Lord Horitake?"
"Nothing. Just… getting sentimental."
The system's voice cut in: "Ding! Host killed the Hand Demon, disrupting fate, triggering a negative butterfly effect: Burrow Demon's ambush!
Task: Stop the Burrow Demon's ambush. It's grown stronger, eating multiple swordsmen, and plans to devour all survivors in one strike. Prevent this, protect others, and kill the demon if possible.
Note: The demon will strike when you're gathered.
Reward: Yasuo's full swordsmanship set from League of Legends.
Penalty: All on Fujikasaneyama eaten; host may not escape."
Horitake groaned. "Another task? They stack now?" Dangerous, but the demon's boldness was an opportunity. Its plan to attack when survivors gathered—likely at dawn, when they'd pick tamahagane at the torii platform—meant a predictable move. Underground, it feared neither sunlight nor wisteria, ready to swamp everyone in a marsh.
Horitake turned to Mitsuri, serious. "Keep moving. Keep searching."
"Yes!"
They leapt into the trees, scouring the mountain. No sign of the demon—likely biding its time for the final ambush. Dawn broke, ending the Selection. Survivors, relieved, descended to the torii platform. Horitake stayed vigilant.
Seven or eight had passed, including Horitake and Mitsuri. Shockingly, the others were all swordsmen he'd saved. Without me, only Mitsuri and I would've made it? Brutal.
The survivors recognized Horitake, rushing over with gratitude. "Savior! I'd be dead without you!" "Thanks to you, I passed!" "I'll never forget this!"
Horitake accepted their thanks graciously. Mitsuri watched, her admiration soaring. He saved so many, not just me. So kind, so strong, so handsome! Her affection skyrocketed.
The Ubuyashiki twins appeared, expressionless. "Congratulations on passing the Final Selection. We're glad you're safe."
As they spoke, the system chimed: "Ding! Host and Mitsuri Kanroji passed the Selection, resolving the negative butterfly effect. Task complete.
Reward: Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Chidori, and its advanced form, Raikiri.
Note: Host's strength is enhanced, ready to face the Burrow Demon. Good luck!"
---------------------------------------------------------
🚀 Want more?
📖 On Patreon you can read 10+ chapters ahead, plus there will be exclusive stories available only there.
💖 If you'd like to support me, check it out: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ
🔓 Patreon will always stay ahead of the public release — and some stories won't be published anywhere else.
✨ All support is completely optional — even if you don't join, I'm still grateful to have you here reading!