Part I: Reunion and Revelation
Kaito spotted the flicker of flame-colored hair before he heard the voice.
"Still alive, I see!" Rengoku called, stepping out from behind a tree, his smile as bright as ever.
Kaito nodded, relieved. The forest had grown darker, the air heavier. Seeing Rengoku again felt like finding a torch in a cave.
They sat beneath a ridge, sharing dried rice balls and roasted fish. Kaito finally asked the question that had been gnawing at him.
"Do demons… evolve?"
Rengoku's expression shifted—still warm, but serious now.
"Yes," he said. "Some demons, after consuming enough humans, develop special abilities. It's not common, but it's dangerous."
"Like shooting nails?" Kaito asked.
Rengoku raised an eyebrow. "You fought one of those?"
Kaito nodded.
Rengoku leaned forward. "That's a blood demon art. Demons who consume three or more humans sometimes unlock traits—ranged attacks, regeneration boosts, sensory enhancements. The more they eat, the more unstable they become."
Kaito processed the information. "So they're not just stronger. They're… different."
"Exactly," Rengoku said. "And the worst part? They don't coordinate. But they adapt individually. That's why teamwork among slayers matters."
Kaito looked down at his sword. He'd fought alone so far. Survived alone. But the next phase wouldn't be so forgiving.
Rengoku stood, brushing off his robe. "Come. Let's scout east. I saw movement earlier."
Kaito followed, Storm-seed pulsing faintly in his chest.
The storm was building again.
Part II: Shadows before Dusk
They reached a clearing by late afternoon. The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the forest floor.
Kaito crouched beside Rengoku, scanning the terrain.
Three demons prowled ahead—each distinct.
One was tall and skeletal, its limbs twitching erratically. Another was hunched, its skin mottled with scales. The third was broad-shouldered, dragging a rusted chain behind it.
Near a fallen tree lay a slayer—injured, barely conscious. His sword arm was limp, blood pooling beneath him.
Rengoku's eyes narrowed. "We move now."
Kaito nodded.
They retreated briefly to prepare. Rengoku wrapped his wrists, checked his blade. Kaito adjusted his grip, centered his breathing.
They ate quickly—dried meat and rice. No fire. No noise.
As dusk settled, the demons grew restless. The skeletal one sniffed the air. The scaled one twitched. The chained one began to swing its weapon lazily.
Kaito felt Storm-seed stir.
He had two points. One more, and he could unlock a branch.
But first, survival.
Rengoku whispered, "I'll protect the injured. You take the left."
Kaito nodded.
They moved.
Silent. Swift.
The demons didn't notice until it was too late.
Part III: First Fight Together
Kaito darted left, targeting the skeletal demon. Its movements were erratic, unpredictable—but it lacked coordination. It lunged wildly, claws slashing air.
Kaito dodged, pivoted, and struck—Thunderclap and Flash—a clean hit to the shoulder. The demon shrieked, staggered, then spun with unnatural speed.
Kaito retreated, switching to Rice Spirit, circling, baiting attacks. The demon overextended. Kaito struck again—Thunder Swarm—three rapid hits. One landed deep.
The demon collapsed.
One down.
Storm-seed pulsed.
A third point earned.
Across the clearing, Rengoku clashed with the chained demon, his blade a blur of flame. The scaled demon lunged toward the injured slayer.
Rengoku intercepted, blade catching the demon mid-leap. He forced it back, shielding the slayer with his body.
Kaito turned to the remaining two.
Rengoku called out, "Two left!"
Kaito joined him, breath steady.
They hadn't trained together. Hadn't planned.
But their movements aligned.
Rengoku drew attention. Kaito struck from the flanks.
The demons, despite their mutations, fought alone—no coordination, no tactics.
Kaito exploited it.
He feinted, baited, then dashed—Distant Roar—his blade slicing through the scaled demon's leg.
Rengoku followed with a finishing blow.
Now only the chained one remained.
It roared, swinging wildly.
Kaito and Rengoku exchanged a glance.
Two slayers.
Two styles.
One storm.
They moved as one.
100 PS = 1 NEW CHAPTER
200 PS = 2 NEW CHAPTER