The world outside moved, but for Muzan, time had become a weapon.
After returning from the rift, his body collapsed the moment he stepped into his apartment, blood leaking from wounds that burned with residual draconic mana. He should have died.
Instead, he opened his eyes in darkness.
> [System Notice: Host has entered Forced Recovery Stasis.]
[Duration: 45 Days.]
[Status: Sovereign Core Stabilization in Progress.]
Within that darkness, voices surrounded him.
---
"You're reckless, kid."
The voice was warm, teasing, echoing like flame—Varan.
"Recklessness can be forged into discipline if the steel is strong enough."
The voice was deep, stern, each word deliberate—Veldora.
Muzan stood in a dark space, a cold ethereal realm where fragments of silver light floated like motes in an endless void. In the distance, two dragons coiled around him, one a massive chaos dragon with dark purple scales, the other a crimson dragon with golden eyes, playful yet watchful.
"This is your Soul Space, kid," Varan said, curling around him like a protective flame. "You're stuck here until your body recovers, so let's not waste it."
---
And Muzan did not waste it.
He trained.
Varan taught him Crimson Lightning Arts, channeling the fierce, volatile energy of his draconic lightning affinity, pushing his body to move faster than thought while controlling the surges to prevent self-destruction.
Veldora drilled him in Control and Suppression, teaching him to hide his aura completely, compressing mana until it could slice through steel without a sound, creating a killing intent so sharp it became invisible death.
Days blurred.
Pain became routine.
---
Sometimes, Muzan woke briefly, his body covered in sweat, the taste of iron on his tongue, before the system forced him back into sleep.
---
> [Sovereign Points: 3000]
[Available Shop Items:]
Draconic Flame Body Tempering Art (1500 Points)
Mid-Grade Katana: Onyx Edge (1200 Points)
Shadow Step (E-Rank Movement Art, 500 Points)
Lightning Veil (E-Rank Defensive Art, 700 Points)
In the Soul Space, Muzan stood before the system window, eyes cold.
"Buy Draconic Flame Body Tempering Art."
> [Purchase Complete.]
[Points Remaining: 1500.]
"Buy Onyx Edge."
> [Purchase Complete.]
[Points Remaining: 300.]
A black katana materialized in his hand, heavier, sharper, its blade absorbing light, humming with draconic mana.
Varan let out a low whistle. "Oh, you'll make good use of that, kid."
---
The training intensified.
Flames licked across Muzan's skin as he tempered his flesh, the pain a constant scream that he swallowed, eyes locked on the image of himself standing, unbroken.
Lightning crackled around him, burning the darkness of the Soul Space, until he learned to move within it like a phantom, each step precise, each strike lethal.
---
As the final day approached, Veldora's massive head lowered to meet Muzan's gaze, his purple eyes serious.
"You are your father's son, Muzan. But you are also your own sovereign. Never forget that."
Varan floated behind, grinning. "And hey, don't die before we see you break the world, kid."
Muzan's silver eyes glowed, cold yet alive.
"I won't."
---
Light swallowed the darkness.
---
He woke.
The ceiling of his small apartment came into view, dawn light seeping through the curtains. His body felt different—stronger, denser, humming with restrained power.
He rose, stretching, the Onyx Edge katana resting against the wall, calling to him like a heartbeat.
He picked it up, the weight familiar, the mana within resonating with the draconic flame inside his veins.
The system window opened softly:
> [Forced Recovery Stasis Complete.]
[Sovereign Core Resonance: 35%]
[Draconic Flame Body Tempering Art: Beginner Stage Complete.]
[Onyx Edge: Bound.]
Muzan sheathed the blade, stepping toward the window, looking out at the city below.
The White Leaf Academy would be behind him now.
Ahead lay the Ability Cultivators Institution—the true proving ground.
His silver eyes reflected the sunrise.
"It's time."