"Binding Mission: Conquer Instinct. Initialization complete — Binding Bundle has been distributed."
"Personal domain activated.
Task ledger unlocked.
Bloodline data synchronized.
Congratulations, Lord Kibutsuji — synchronization with the Demon Progenitor System is complete."
A chorus of mechanical whispers echoed through Kibutsuji Muzan's mind, cold and distant, yet strangely intimate. He quickly grasped the nature of this strange power that had awakened within him.
"Status," he commanded inwardly.
Name: Kibutsuji Muzan
Race: Demon King
Abilities:
• Rapid Regeneration – C
• Flesh Manipulation – EX
• Creation of Demons – S
• Blood Demon Art – None
Rank: Beyond Human
As the system awoke, so too did memories buried deep within Muzan's soul.
Once, long ago, he had sought eternal life through medicine — and perished in the attempt. His fragmented soul had wandered, and through endless time, something within him had been remade. Yet in that process, his consciousness had split.
The hollow, ravenous shell that bore his name had ruled for centuries — the Muzan known to the world as the Demon King. But now, as his strength stabilized, the arrival of this system pulled the true Muzan — the origin, the intellect, the will — back to the surface.
He devoured the last flicker of that false consciousness and stood, fully awake for the first time in ages.
"So this is what I have become… a creature that feeds upon humans."
Muzan studied the label beside his race entry, his expression unreadable. A small sigil glowed beside the word Demon. He focused on it.
Demon:
A being born from an elixir once meant to cheat death.
Its strength grows by consuming human flesh and blood.
It fears the sun's light, and death is certain if its neck is severed — unless it transcends its limits.
However, through rare alchemical means, a demon's bloodline may evolve beyond the sun's curse.
"So this is the root of my existence," he murmured. "Not divine punishment, nor destiny… merely the consequence of a physician's hand."
He turned to the entries beside his abilities.
Rapid Regeneration – C:
A trait inherent to all demons. As long as the head remains, lost limbs may be restored by expending vital energy. Burns from sunlight or Nichirin blades slow recovery.
Flesh Manipulation – EX:
An advanced ability unique to Muzan. His deep understanding of the body allows him to reshape his flesh freely. As the progenitor of all demons, his blood can transform humans into new demons — bound entirely to his will.
Blood Demon Art – None:
A latent gift possessed by demons. Its form differs with each individual, shaped by their will and bloodline.
"It's precise," Muzan muttered. "Almost too precise. This 'system'… It's as if the world itself is recording me."
He dismissed the glowing panel and approached the doorway. Outside, the sunlight was blinding — a burning ocean of gold. Remaining within the shadow of the wooden frame, he extended one pale hand toward the light.
Hiss—!
The instant sunlight brushed his skin, the flesh blistered, blackened, and began to crumble into dust. The fire-like decay crept rapidly up his arm.
Expressionless, Muzan twisted his wrist sharply, tearing the hand free. The burning limb fell and disintegrated in seconds.
Moments later, a new hand unfurled from the severed wrist, smooth and unblemished. But with its regeneration came a hollow ache — a gnawing hunger that clawed at his insides.
"It seems I can endure without feeding for a time," he murmured. "But this hunger… it will not fade. My power demands sustenance."
He suppressed the urge, remembering the "gift pack" mentioned by the system.
"If it is truly a gift… perhaps it holds something useful. Something that can help me overcome this curse."
He willed it open.
System Notification:
Gift Unsealed.
Host receives the following:
Summon: Shadow Legion
Bloodline Evolution (enhances potential; may remove weaknesses)
Devour (consume other beings to strengthen body and will)
Muzan's lips curled faintly. "Such power… how amusing."
Without hesitation, he activated them all.
'Shadow Legion Summoned.'
'Bloodline Evolution Initiated.'
'Weakness Elimination — Failed.'
'Devour Skill Unlocked.'
A cascade of notifications rang through his mind.
Though the new abilities manifested flawlessly, the bloodline evolution halted midway — the process marked as incomplete. The entry on his internal screen now glowed faintly, locked from further use.
"System," Muzan said coldly, "why did the bloodline evolution fail? Is it because of the impurity within this demonic blood of mine?"
He had hoped this would be the key to perfection — the step beyond weakness, beyond sunlight. To have come so close, only to fail, was intolerable.
The Demon King's expression hardened, crimson eyes flashing with silent fury.