The morning dew veiled the vast yard nestled deep in the forest.
A wooden cabin stood tall in the center, caressed by the cool wind that swayed the grass.
Flame erupted from a shallow pit, its crackling embers spitting sparks and dust when a boy threw a dry twig onto it.
His crimson eyes were locked ahead, reflecting the fire that stirred his stilled heart.
It's been over a week since Yuto began his seclusion, living peacefully in the cabin left behind by the former Heavenly Demon.
He bent down and rotated the skewer stuck in the ground, a thick piece of meat seasoned with salt, sizzling from the burning fat.
The dark-brown crust made Yuto's stomach growl in a small protest.
"I think it's time."
He took the skewer and set it aside, letting it rest for a few minutes.
Although his mouth was already watering, he paused and looked at the surrounding green.
During his stay in this small house, Yuto spent every day cultivating and delving into all the techniques he possessed.
His swordsmanship improved drastically, and his Netherworld Step's proficiency increased.
Unfortunately, Yuto still didn't make any progress in his cultivation level.
'Blood Refinement.'
That was the next step in his cultivation.
Practitioners had to purify their blood using Qi to improve circulation and enhance their vitality.
It would result in increased stamina and a faster body recovery system.
However, in his case, Yuto's cultivation followed not one but two paths: Heavenly Qi in blue and Demonic Qi in red.
Because he possessed Demonic essence, he needed something else to maximize his potential.
Sure, he could use the Heavenly Qi to refine his blood, but if the boy relied too much on one path, it would create an imbalance that disrupts the Qi flow through his body, called meridian's blockade.
The boy would become a cripple, or worse, dead.
That's why Yuto needed the monster blood essence. Not just any ordinary blood, but pure blood harvested from a powerful monster that still carried its consciousness.
His brow furrowed, still wondering where he could get something like that in a world that didn't understand the way of cultivation.
Even in Elias's memories, Yuto couldn't find a single clue.
"Looks like I have no other choice."
He let out a long sigh, glanced to the side, and found his meat had already grown cold.
Under the clear sky with a breeze warming slightly, Yuto bit into the tender monster meat he bought in the city.
The boy didn't forget to take a freshly baked bread roll, then enjoyed his breakfast in peace.
He alternated between chewing the bread and meat until he finally washed it all down with water from his waterskin.
"Well, I'd better get going."
Yuto rose from his log seat and poured some water into the pit. Smoke rose, accompanied by the loud hiss as the embers were doused.
He turned and entered the forest.
The distinct smell of nature and the soft crunch of the bushes he stepped on calmed his mind.
His feet continued forward, traversing the dense forest that seemed quiet.
Even though the thick canopy allowed little sunlight to filter through the land, the place didn't feel eerie.
Yuto noticed that the miasma in the atmosphere had also decreased.
It was quite different from usual.
His eyes squinted as golden light pierced them when Yuto stepped onto a vast grassland.
Towering walls stretched on both sides, their solid structure built precisely for defense.
"Feels like it's been a while since I've seen this."
Yuto gave a faint smile and headed to the north gate. As he got closer, he saw the gate bustling with activity.
Adventurers were being inspected; some were chatting with knights they knew.
However, the moment Yuto stepped onto the gate, the place fell silent. All eyes were on him, and not a single soul moved.
The boy tilted his head slightly, intending to ignore them while taking out his Guild card.
"This is my Identification. Can I enter?"
One of the guard knights stiffened, his eyes widening, seemingly unaware that Yuto was standing in front of him.
"Y-Yes, of course... Mr. White Demon."
Yuto's steps halted as his ears processed the words 'White Demon.'
A realization dawned upon him; it wasn't just once; a week ago, a guard had also called him that too.
Unconsciously, his expression hardened, and he turned to glare at the guard.
"What did you say?"
"Eek, I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to mock you."
The man's voice cracked as he stepped back, his body trembling with a pale face.
"!?"
A few seconds passed, and Yuto exhaled sharply and resumed his walking.
'What was that?'.
Unlike the quiet wilderness, the frontier city buzzed with life. Citizens loiter around in their daily lives.
A crying child sulked over unfulfilled demands, a man running carrying many goods, and someone lurking through the shadows to pickpocket.
The atmosphere here was brimming with life.
Yuto wove through the crowds until he reached an antique building with a wooden plaque hanging by the door that read: "Library."
"Let's ask that grumpy old man."
But his ear twitched at the distant commotion, the rumbling of hoodbeats and carriage wheels approaching his direction.
He gasped, seeing a middle-aged man shouting incomprehensible words while controlling the reins of his horses, trying to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Tears ran down the man's cheeks, and when the carriage stopped right before Yuto. The man leapt, ignoring his companion.
"Yuto! So good to see you. Where have you been?"
"Gonzo!?"
Unbothered by the onlookers, Gonzo embraced Yuto tightly and wept openly.
Some bystanders were touched, and others giggled at the heartwarming family reunion.
Meanwhile, Yuto stood still, and dark clouds soon loomed in his expressionless face.
"Calm down, Gonzo."
Yuto patted the man's back as he reluctantly separated, allowing the boy to take a breath.
He frowned when he watched the older man wiping tears from his eyes.
"Thank goodness. Looks like you're safe."
"Yeah. But why did you know I was in the city?"
"Ah, that's because..."
Gonzo turned to look at his assistant, Thomas, who sat on the coachman's seat, waving at them.
'No wonder.'
Unbeknownst to him, Yuto's movements had been monitored ever since he entered the city.
He didn't know whether to be happy or amazed by Gonzo's connections and his way of handling things.
Yuto shrugged his shoulders, barely holding a smile to form on his lips, and tried to return to his personal matters.
'At least, the man was safe and sound. That's good enough for me.'
Suddenly, a feminine voice interrupted his thoughts as a figure stepped down from the carriage in front of him.
"So, may I assume that you are Yuto?"
Her voice was soft, but exuded high confidence.
Yuto's expression stiffened upon seeing a pink-haired girl around his age walking towards him.
Her red dress swayed gently in the wind, slightly tight, but it showed off her well-proportioned body, not too large or small in the areas that should stand out.
Her blue eyes stared directly at Yuto as if wanting to drown him in her rhythm.
Unfortunately for her, Yuto's gaze was not on her, but on the group of people following behind her.
'Those are?! So, it's true, they're going to involve Gonzo…!'
Something within him snapped, and Yuto's expression vanished completely.
The air warped as a crimson aura burst from his body, flooding the public area with a dense killing intent.
His right hand clutched the trembling black sword, raring to taste some blood.
'I won't forgive them!'