Afternoon.
James sat cross-legged atop a weathered rock, his figure bathed in the golden afternoon light. The official training session hadn't yet begun, but many had already gathered at the clearing to sharpen their skills—specifically, those pertaining to the mysterious and powerful Red Blade.
Occasionally, a burst of crimson light would streak across the field. These flashes weren't sunlight—they were sparks, born from the fierce clashes between two Nichirin Blades. The air was thick with tension, focus, and the sharp ring of steel against steel.
After dinner, James would return to the classroom to study. Strangely, the routine gave him a powerful sense of déjà vu.
Without disturbing the others, James sat quietly, practicing his breathing technique with deliberate precision. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. His rhythm was steady, his focus unwavering.
---
Name: James
Strength: First Level
Spiritual Power: 250/250 (Maximum human limit in this world)
Basic Skills:
Japanese: Grandmaster (2,000/7,500)
Swordsmanship: Grandmaster (40,000/100,000)
Medicine & Poison: Grandmaster (10,000/50,000)
Supernatural Abilities:
Breathing of the Sun – Full Concentration – Extreme: (80,000/100,000 - during limit break)
Breathing of the Sun – Full Concentration – Extreme: (20,000/100,000 - normal state)
Red Blade – Perfection: (138/100,000)
Transparent World – Perfection: (1,000/100,000)
Breathing Fusion – Entry: (50,000/100,000)
Talent: Almost Tao
Evaluation: First-Class Supreme!!!
---
"Almost like the Tao... It's terrifying," James mused inwardly. This ability wasn't just powerful—it bordered on conceptual manipulation. He was almost certain such a broken, game-breaking talent wouldn't appear again. It was a miracle granted during this novice protection period, and he needed to make the most of it.
Jumping down from the rock, James's sudden movement drew everyone's attention.
"This afternoon, we will train to see the world through," he announced.
"The so-called Transparent World is a skill that allows one to break the physical boundaries of human perception. It is only obtained by pushing your body through extreme pain and fierce battle. Once achieved, the brain can perceive the real world in a fully transparent form."
"As the name implies, this world is visible—completely clear. Hence, it's called the Transparent World."
"This technique represents the highest realm of combat awareness. It will significantly boost your ability to anticipate, evade, and counter enemy attacks. You'll gain absolute control over your muscle contractions, enhancing both speed and agility. In terms of combat strength, it rivals even the most advanced ocular techniques—like the feared Madara Pattern."
"Now," James said, stepping forward with quiet resolve, "Transparent World training begins."
---
Time passed like flowing water. Five days of grueling special training blurred together. Who had mastered the Red Blade? Who had unlocked the Transparent World? Who had awakened the Madara Pattern?
No one could say for sure.
In fact, even the participants themselves couldn't clearly discern who among them had succeeded. The battlefield alone would reveal the truth.
"The war is coming. I can already smell the smoke of battle," James murmured, eyes dark with certainty. His familiar cuckoo perched on his shoulder chirped in agreement, echoing his ominous words.
With sword in hand, James left the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters without hesitation.
---
Elsewhere, hidden in the shadows…
A grotesque spider-like eyeball peeked from a crevice. Within its iris, the kanji "Si" glowed ominously.
At the same time, deep inside the labyrinth of the Infinite Castle, Kibutsuji Muzan sat in silence, legs crossed. He held a map in one hand, while Nakime sat across from him, gently plucking the strings of her biwa.
"Muzan-sama," Nakime said softly, "the Yang Pillar—James—has departed from the Demon Slayer Corps. He's heading straight toward the demon-infested zone we prepared."
Muzan's crimson, vertical pupils glowed faintly. He raised his head slowly.
"Nakime… you've exceeded my expectations."
"Thank you for your praise, Master Muzan," she replied with a respectful bow.
"Continue observing him. Once he's far enough from the Corps, we will strike."
"Yes!"
With a soft twang of the biwa, her eyes swirled again. Her surveillance of James resumed.
---
Meanwhile, James walked with purpose across an uneven trail. The cuckoo flew ahead, leading the way as the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the ground.
I still have a bit more time. I must push myself further, he thought.
I need to fully unlock Breathing Fusion. And if possible, I must elevate Yang Breathing to its absolute limit before I leave this world.
As for achieving the status of a true sword master… that seemed out of reach before his departure.
He could already sense that his growth in swordsmanship was slowing. It wasn't due to lack of talent or effort—the issue lay in the very ceiling of this world's system. Through conversations with numerous swordsmen and absorbing countless styles, James had surged forward rapidly. But from here on, progress would be incremental. The rest would rely on his natural development—or the passive strength granted by his unique talent: Almost Tao.
Indeed, this temporary ability could forcefully enhance his proficiency. Even without learning the next method of practice, his experience points would continue to grow.
If only I could keep this talent permanently, James thought wistfully. It's hard to part with it after relying on it so long.
---
Under the serene glow of the moonlight, James knocked gently on a small wooden door.
"Hello? Is anyone there?"
He had arrived at the village plagued by evil spirits.
---
Back at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters…
Tanjirou sat with a palm-leaf fan in hand, reminiscing about the special meals James had once made for him. The aroma, the warmth—everything about it had felt like home.
"Tanjirou," James had once said, "your muscle strength has grown considerably under Master Himejima's training. But it's still not enough to fully support the Red Lotus Breathing Technique."
"Still, your progress is excellent. Now, focus on refining the Breath of the Sun to its extreme. Its recovery and strengthening effects will allow you to do far more in battle."
"For example?" Tanjirou asked curiously.
"For instance," James smiled, "as long as you don't use Fu Zhan more than once in quick succession, your body won't break down from the strain. And, the Red Lotus technique can be used for five seconds without you taking any damage."
Tanjirou's eyes lit up.
He'd used Fu Zhan many times. It was his most devastating long-range attack—a surprise move that often turned the tide of battle. Even if his enemies had come to expect it, the sheer power of the technique remained undeniable.
And as for the Red Lotus Breathing Technique…
Tanjirou clenched his fist. I'll use it when the time comes. No hesitation.
James saw the fire in the boy's eyes and sighed gently. He reached out and flicked Tanjirou on the forehead.
"You don't have to worry about Kibutsuji Muzan," James said with a confident smile. "If he dares appear before me… I will kill him."
His voice was resolute. Unshakable.
"I know James is incredibly strong," Tanjirou replied earnestly, "but we all have our responsibilities. We can't just rely on you. We must fight too."
That's right.
It was the solemn duty of every Demon Slayer.
It was the roar of countless innocent souls—echoing across a thousand years of suffering.
Tanjirou unsheathed his Nichirin Blade. Waves of black rippled along the blade's surface, and the word Extinction was engraved at its base. Cold. Merciless. Determined.
Kibutsuji Muzan… we're going to destroy you.
---
Elsewhere, a breeze brushed softly across Zenitsu's face. His stiff features relaxed slightly as he ran a hand along his blade. He had just completed his mastery of Thunder Breathing.
With everything he'd learned under James's guidance, Zenitsu was now far stronger than ever before.
He touched the red lines along his neck—new marks from his transformation.
Eyes closed, his voice soft.
"Brother… I'll find you. I promise."
---
At the Butterfly Mansion, in a quiet room lit by flickering candlelight, Shinobu Kochou and Kanao lit incense at the shrine dedicated to Kochou Kanae. The two remained there throughout the night, speaking softly about the days ahead and the battles to come.
---
In the rocky courtyard of the Stone Pillar, Gyomei Himejima stood in silence. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he gazed at the moon.
---
In the bamboo grove, the Wind Pillar and Serpent Pillar were locked in a fierce training duel. Their blades clashed repeatedly, causing the forest to sway wildly under the force of their techniques.
---
This night… would be sleepless.
War was on the horizon.
And the final upgrade… was nearly complete.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)