Clang!
Clang!
Sizzle—
As the fierce clash echoed once more through the courtyard, the atmosphere shifted. The Pillars, who had initially dismissed the battle with casual glances, now turned to observe it seriously. Their eyes locked onto the center of the courtyard where the fight raged on.
Even the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa, had suffered injuries at the hands of this swordsman named Lucas. That alone was enough to erase any lingering doubt among the Pillars—Lucas was no ordinary fighter. They could no longer afford to underestimate him.
Amid the flurry of blades and the screech of metal, something unusual began to occur within Lucas. The Transparent World—a mysterious realm known only to the most elite swordsmen—started merging with him. It wasn't abrupt or jarring; in fact, it felt natural, even harmonious with the rhythm of battle.
This unexpected development began accelerating Lucas's grasp and integration of the Transparent World. A subtle warmth flowed through his limbs, pulsed in his chest, and flickered in the core of his spirit—a quiet signal of an impending breakthrough.
Lucas's breathing gradually grew steady, deep, and purposeful. The teachings of the Transparent World were now merging with his consciousness, and his breathing began to align perfectly with the flow of his movements. Each inhale and exhale was practiced like a meticulous art, synchronized with every shift of his weight, every swing of his blade.
His attacks, once powerful but somewhat unrefined, now struck with pinpoint accuracy. His sword slashed with intent, aimed at the most vital points in Sanemi's defenses. And while this refinement was happening externally, Lucas was also enduring immense internal change.
A surge of pain tore through his body, so intense it felt like every muscle, every blood vessel, was being crushed by some invisible force. He gritted his teeth, barely holding himself together as he battled both Sanemi and the transformation occurring within.
But soon, the pain began to recede—and in its place came clarity.
Lucas's senses heightened. His vision sharpened, his awareness expanded. He could feel the subtle movements within his body, the shifts in blood flow, the rhythm of his heart, and even the minute contractions in his muscles. He wasn't just fighting—he was becoming one with the battlefield.
More surprisingly, Lucas began to notice faint flaws in Sanemi's techniques. Openings. He couldn't say for sure if they were real or simply a byproduct of his elevated perception, but a strong instinct told him: if I strike there, I can break his guard.
Without hesitation, Lucas acted on this instinct.
Clang!
Their swords collided again, but this time Sanemi's eyes widened in surprise. Something had changed. Lucas's strength had surged. His speed had quickened. And the tempo of the battle was no longer under Sanemi's control.
"What…?" Sanemi muttered, narrowing his eyes. He charged once more.
Clang!
That disorienting sensation struck again. Sanemi felt the momentum slip away. Lucas was transforming—no, evolving—right before his eyes. Every exchange revealed that Lucas's swordplay was now sharper, more precise, more deliberate. He wasn't just reacting—he was controlling.
The final stage of integration was nearing, and this was the most difficult part. It demanded absolute control and an intricate understanding of one's own body. Lucas pushed himself forward, unwavering. He had one goal: to enter the realm of the Transparent World completely.
And then it happened.
In the blink of an eye, the world around Lucas changed. Everything became clearer—sharper. Every movement, whether offensive or defensive, felt effortless. It was like dancing through air with no resistance. His blade glided and struck with perfect efficiency, with no wasted motion.
On the battlefield, the difference was immediately noticeable.
The Wind Pillar, once dominant and overbearing, was now being pressured. His movements grew more reactive, less aggressive. Subtle signs of being pushed back began to appear.
"No way... Shinazugawa-san is being suppressed?" The Love Pillar, Mitsuri Kanroji, gasped in disbelief, her hand flying to her mouth, eyes trembling with surprise.
The rest of the Pillars felt it too. Even though Sanemi hadn't used his breathing techniques, he had clearly ramped up his strength. Lucas should've been overwhelmed. Yet, in less than a minute, his swordsmanship had undergone a visible evolution—from clumsy to masterful.
"This kind of growth... it's not natural," whispered the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
He had been stuck in a bottleneck for years, searching for a way to break through to a higher state of being. And now, watching Lucas move—no, watching him enter a realm Rengoku himself had only dreamed of—filled him with equal parts awe and confusion. How had this boy, not even a Pillar, touched a state of such power?
Meanwhile, Sanemi was growing increasingly frustrated. His usual pride had stopped him from using his breathing forms earlier, but now, the problem was reversed—Lucas's relentless precision gave him no opening to use them at all.
Lucas's attacks didn't just strike; they overwhelmed. And Sanemi knew that if he tried anything with even a slight delay, Lucas would capitalize on it instantly.
But then—like a candle flickering in the wind—Lucas's state began to fade.
The moment the integration ended, a wave of weakness spread through his limbs. His arms felt like lead, unable to muster the strength to match Sanemi's force. Their blades met one final time, and Lucas was violently thrown backward.
"Damn it," he muttered, struggling to remain upright as he coughed blood onto the grass.
The Transparent World had given him unimaginable power. He had even forced back the Wind Pillar. But its duration was short. Too short. There simply hadn't been enough time to claim victory.
Sanemi noticed the drop in pressure immediately. His eyes gleamed with renewed determination, and he surged forward like a raging windstorm.
Being dominated by someone weaker than him, even briefly, had gnawed at his pride. Now, with Lucas vulnerable, he would end it.
But just as Sanemi was about to deliver a final blow—
"Lord has arrived!"
The shout broke through the tension like thunder.
Sanemi froze mid-stride, his eyes shifting to the figure stepping out from the shadows. A calm presence radiated from the man dressed in white, his every step dignified, his face serene.
"Finally… he's here," Lucas sighed in relief, glancing up from his crouched posture. The glowing blue blade pointed just inches from his face.
Even though he still had his Blood Demon Art as a trump card, Lucas was nearly drained. The Transparent World had consumed most of his stamina. It wouldn't have been wise to rely on a last resort now.
"Greetings, everyone," said Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. "Today is a truly beautiful day. I am grateful to welcome this semi-annual Pillar Meeting with all our members still present."
Immediately, the nine Pillars dropped to one knee in perfect unison.
Their movements were so fast and flawless that Lucas could barely register them. Even Sanemi had vanished from his position like smoke dissipating in the wind.
Was that not his full power just now? Lucas thought, startled.
"It warms my heart to see you all well," Kagaya continued, offering Sanemi a small nod. "Thank you, Sanemi."
"Master," Sanemi replied respectfully, bowing his head.
"Before we begin," Kagaya said gently, his gaze sweeping the gathered Pillars, "I would like to address something important. I ask your thoughts regarding the swordsmen Tanjiro Kamado and Lucas."
The moment hung heavy.
"I have acknowledged both Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko," Kagaya said. "I ask that you all accept them as well."
Then, his eyes softened even more.
"As for Lucas... he is just as special as Nezuko."
The words lingered in the air like a comforting breeze. Even Lucas, exhausted and battered, felt warmth wash over him. Kagaya's voice held a kind of peace that reached into the soul.
There were still battles to come. Questions to be answered. But for now, a brief calm had arrived.
And Lucas… had earned the attention of everyone present.
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