Ryo Anzai returned to Mount Momoyama with the help of the Kakushi. The moment he crossed the wooden threshold, Rika threw herself into his arms and burst into tears.
Behind her, Shoji lurked in the shadows of the doorway, peeking with burning resentment as he ground his teeth with enough force to shatter rocks. The sheer malice radiating from him was almost visible, as if three vengeful spirits had just gained a new landlord.
Pathetic big brother, his expression practically screamed.
Ryo ignored the petty glare. He gently patted Rika's head.
"Why are you crying. I am still alive."
"But what if something had happened to you" Rika sobbed, wiping at her reddened eyes.
Ryo smirked. "I am too lucky to die so easily."
The last three words stuck in his throat when he heard the solid thump of a cane.
Sakonji Urokodaki approached, ready to whack Ryo on the head. But the sight of bandages beneath his clothing made the old master hesitate.
"The mission was already complete. Why did you take the initiative to engage further"
"If I do not kill that demon someone else will," Ryo replied.
He did not say the real reason
He was afraid someone else would steal the kill.
To him demons were not monsters
They were adorable little experience points waiting to be harvested.
"You reckless boy," Urokodaki sighed.
He misread Ryo's intention entirely, believing Ryo acted out of compassion for others. Admirable but dangerously naive. Such a mindset could lead to an early grave.
Fortunately, concentrated breathing accelerated healing. Within half a month, Ryo had fully recovered.
During that time Shoji received his first mission as well. Too many newcomers passed Final Selection this year and too few weak demons remained for practice. Even the timid ones were being sent out.
Ryo sat at the edge of the training grounds, each inhale deep and controlled. The air almost felt solid as it flowed through him, sweeping away leftover pain. Needles of sensation followed the currents through his muscles.
Total Concentration Constant.
His main focus these days. The technique that turned power from something to activate into something that never turned off. Eating, sleeping, using the bathroom, playing cards
Every moment must be done with full concentration breathing.
It was the foundation for surpassing human limits.
Simple in theory. Excruciating in practice.
Master Urokodaki stood nearby, arms crossed.
"Breathing is not forced. It becomes a part of you," he instructed. "Lightning exists beyond the strike. It is born among the clouds, quiet and waiting. Power does not need to roar to be strong."
Ryo tried again. His control slipped. Another failure.
This training could not be rushed. It required technique but also habit. Even Tanjiro, with his protagonist advantage, nearly died learning this.
[Hehe dear Host, with just one year of lifespan you could master Constant instantly]
The system's oily voice wriggled into his head.
"One year, huh"
[Yes yes Very affordable]
Ryo had every reason to believe this thing was skimming profit somehow.
[Darling Host Have you decided]
"It is convenient, sure." Ryo smiled.
Then answered clearly: "No deal."
The system choked.
[What Do you know how hard talking you into things is]
Ryo rolled his shoulders and stretched his arm. He had two goals
First, save up ten years to treat his cursed lifespan.
Second, even without a system, he believed he could master Constant within half a year.
He did not have infinite lifespan points. Missions were not daily events. A single bad decision at the wrong time and he would die before he could cash in.
From years of gaming in his past life, Ryo knew well
Early game means grinding.
Survive now to dominate later.
Besides, combat experience, reflexes, stamina
Those could never be bought with stat points.
A legendary sword in the hands of a baby was still just a shiny teething toy.
The system was his hidden ace. A trump card. Only to be used when necessary.
A familiar blue silhouette dove from the sky and perched on his shoulder.
"Caw Ryo Anzai Mission" squawked the messenger crow.
"In Kanagawa Young women disappearing at night Investigate immediately"
Before Ryo could finish processing the information, the crow continued:
"Also By the decree of the Master Ryo Anzai promoted Mizunoue to Kano rank Caw"
Even Urokodaki froze.
Rika's eyes sparkled with pure worship.
"Wow Big Brother Ryo you are already Kano rank That is amazing"
Ryo's mouth twitched.
Kano rank was high enough to command those below. Every promotion required significant accomplishments. He had only slain a handful of weaklings and one Flying Head Demon
And they rocketed him from the lowest rank all the way to Kano.
Absurd.
And the higher the rank, the deadlier the missions. Meaning more danger for his already fragile body.
That smug little brat Kagaya Ubuyashiki
Absolutely did this on purpose.
Ryo prayed Shoji would return later. If Shoji discovered Ryo had surpassed him again
The boy might just self destruct.
The expected image of Shoji screaming "How dare you be stronger than me" pounded behind Ryo's eyes.
Ryo packed swiftly.
He had a new hunt.
On the road he recalled the mission area. Not far from Asakusa.
His eyes lit up.
Asakusa was legendary.
A beautiful married woman lived there.
Tanjiro met Tamayo and Yushiro in Asakusa at a similar time.
If Ryo could reach them earlier
He could form an alliance faster
Which meant a faster path to killing Muzan and lifting his curse.
He lengthened his stride.
Several days later Ryo arrived in Kanagawa disguised as a simple traveler. He wandered through tea shops, ports, and markets collecting rumors.
"Another one disappeared poor Akiko from the tofu shop," a villager whispered.
"She went to deliver soup to her grandmother late at night and never returned"
"That is six missing girls now Not a single trace"
"The officials searched everywhere Useless not even a footprint"
"Spooky business Some folks say they heard a strange song late at night"
"I heard it too Gave me chills right down to the bone"
"And before they disappear the girls find seashells left on their windowsills Not valuable ones Just little shells from the shore"
Ryo thanked the old fisherman with a few salted fish.
This mission was definitely not simple.
A clever demon choosing targets.
Evidence of a blood demon art.
A pattern.
Wait until night.
Darkness swallowed the town. Doors slammed shut. Windows sealed tight. The streets held their breath in fear.
Yet two figures walked where none dared tread.
A young woman clung to her companion's sleeve trembling as she scanned the empty street.
"Ken let us go back Please I am scared Too many girls vanished"
Ken puffed his chest trying to look confident.
"There is nothing to fear They say it is just kidnappers With me here no one will dare touch you The officials confirmed it Do not frighten yourself"
He softened his voice and squeezed her cold fingers.
"And look how bright the moon is It would be a shame not to enjoy it"
Before the words faded a thin eerie humming drifted through the air. The melody wound like spider silk into their ears. Not male not female. Sweet yet rotten. Its hypnotic allure pierced the mind.
"A song" the boy whispered.
He turned to find the source. His vision warped. Darkness swallowed him. He collapsed without a sound.
The girl's terror dissolved. Her eyes glazed over.
Drawn by the song she began walking
One step
Then another
As if sleepwalking toward the jaws of the night.