The mountain pass stretched before them like a frozen artery, jagged rocks piercing the snow, trees bent under the weight of frost, and the wind biting with a relentless edge. Félix moved forward with measured steps, twin katanas sheathed yet alive with latent energy. The previous battles had tested his skill, mastery of all ten Ice Breathing techniques, and leadership in smaller skirmishes, but today's mission was different. Reports had identified a Lower Moon demon named Kurotsuki, cunning and cruel, whose intelligence and cruelty surpassed all prior opponents.
Tanjiro walked beside him, calm and vigilant. Zenitsu, pale but determined, muttered repeatedly to steady his nerves, "Don't panic… stay sharp…" while Inosuke bounded ahead with barely contained enthusiasm, nostrils flaring, teeth bared under his boar mask. Félix's senses were stretched to their limits, attuned to the faintest disturbances in the snow, subtle changes in wind direction, and the almost imperceptible scent of demonic energy. Absolute Zero pulsed faintly in his mind, ready to be unleashed if needed.
The forest thickened as they ascended, shadows deepening beneath twisted pines. Félix's eyes narrowed; he sensed Kurotsuki before it appeared, a predator moving with deliberate caution, observing them from the treeline. The demon stepped into view finally, tall and wiry, crimson eyes glowing with malice, its movements precise, calculated, almost elegant in their deadly intent.
"This is it," Tanjiro murmured, voice low. "Kurotsuki. He's intelligent. Watch for traps, anticipate feints, and protect each other."
Félix drew his twin katanas, ice forming subtly along their edges. The chill of Absolute Zero radiated outward, sharpening focus, preparing his body to execute any combination of techniques as required. He glanced at Zenitsu and Inosuke, both tense but ready. Leadership was no longer theoretical; it was a necessity. Every movement, every strike, every pivot had to be coordinated to survive this encounter.
The demon struck first, feinting at Zenitsu before pivoting to engage Inosuke. Félix moved fluidly, executing Glacial Veil to intercept the attack while simultaneously unleashing Frost Fang, targeting Kurotsuki's flank. Ice erupted along each strike, forming precise, crystalline lines that slowed the demon's movement. Kurotsuki snarled, circling, calculating, forcing Félix to anticipate each feint and counter, testing the limits of both his arsenal and judgment.
Zenitsu, inspired by Félix's control, struck at an exposed shoulder, while Inosuke's wild charges, guided subtly by Félix, created openings for coordinated attacks. Kurotsuki adapted quickly, leaping between trees and striking at odd angles, but Félix flowed with the assault, chaining Frozen Torrent, Diamond Frost, and Ice Whirl in seamless succession. Snow exploded around each contact, the forest alive with the dance of battle, a lethal symphony orchestrated by experience, rhythm, and precision.
The demon attempted to exploit Zenitsu's inexperience, targeting him with rapid strikes. Félix anticipated and moved decisively, executing Absolute Zero to immobilize the immediate threat, encasing the snow and surrounding rocks in a protective frost barrier. The technique forced Kurotsuki to retreat momentarily, buying Zenitsu and Inosuke space to recover and counterattack.
Kurotsuki's crimson eyes glinted with awareness; it was learning, adapting, a predator of rare cunning. Félix realized that brute strength or rapid strikes alone would not suffice. He needed to use all ten techniques in combination, alternating offense, defense, and tactical positioning, integrating rhythm, flow, and the battlefield itself. He moved like a blizzard incarnate, blades slicing with deadly elegance, Frost Fang stabs precise, Ice Whirl defensive arcs controlling space, Diamond Frost strikes piercing vital points, Glacial Veil shielding allies, Frozen Torrent overwhelming multiple angles, and Absolute Zero asserting dominance over the terrain.
Zenitsu and Inosuke adapted to his rhythm, their attacks more confident, their movements more coordinated. Zenitsu's trembling strikes found vulnerable points, guided by Félix's subtle positioning, while Inosuke's raw energy disrupted Kurotsuki's strategy. Félix's leadership was evident—not in commands shouted, but in timing, presence, and the flow of battle itself.
Finally, Kurotsuki lunged recklessly, overcommitting to a strike against Félix. Seizing the moment, Félix executed a chain: Frost Fang, Diamond Frost, and Absolute Zero, delivering a combination that immobilized and shattered the demon's offensive capacity. Frost crystallized across its body, trapping sinew and muscle, while the forest fell silent once more.
The Hashira, observing from a distant ridge, descended, approaching with measured steps. His gaze was sharp, assessing Félix's movements, decisions, and control. "You have faced Kurotsuki with precision and judgment," he said. "All ten techniques, integrated under pressure, executed flawlessly. Leadership is not merely command; it is presence, influence, and awareness. You have begun to embody this truth." Félix bowed, absorbing the weight and responsibility of the praise, understanding that mastery required both skill and conscience.
Zenitsu collapsed in the snow, exhausted but exhilarated. "I… I can't believe we survived that," he whispered. Inosuke, panting, removed his mask, a wild grin spreading across his face. "Finally! Real combat! That was amazing!" Félix allowed a faint smile, acknowledging both encouragement and truth.
As evening fell, the group began their descent toward the village. Félix led, boots crunching softly against snow, mind replaying every motion, every strike, every decision. The battle had tested his full arsenal, leadership, and judgment under scrutiny, solidifying his role as both practitioner and guide. Ice Breathing was not merely a set of techniques—it was a philosophy, a rhythm, a responsibility.
The village lights glimmered in the distance, reflecting off the frost-covered terrain. Félix felt the lingering energy of Absolute Zero in his limbs, a resonance of control, mastery, and awareness. He had survived the first confrontation with a named Lower Moon, guided allies effectively, and demonstrated both skill and judgment under observation by a Hashira. The path ahead promised more challenges, greater threats, and deeper growth.
Félix paused at the edge of the village, looking up at the stars. The wind whispered through the frozen trees, a silent promise of trials yet to come. He felt readiness, resolve, and clarity—his Ice Breathing fully realized, his leadership tested, and his journey toward true mastery underway. Tonight, the forest slept, the demons were defeated, and a new chapter of his life as an Ice Reaper had begun.