CHAPTER 100: CHAPTER 100: THE ATTACK BEGINS

The arrival of the Sound Pillar greatly heartened Sosuke and Kanae.

The sudden surge in combat strength would better prepare them for any imminent Demon attacks.

Though Kanae had maintained a casual demeanor these past few days, she remained vigilant, constantly observing their surroundings. At night, the two even took turns resting, fearing a surprise Demon assault while unprepared.

The good news continued: Tomioka was also on his way. Having just completed a mission nearby, he had already set out that night and was expected to arrive by morning at the latest.

The days remained as busy as ever, with training and observing Thunder Breathing swordsmanship consuming all of Sosuke’s time.

After the midday break, Sosuke returned to the sword-forging shed, preparing to send some food down to the Sound Pillar below, when footsteps approached from behind.

Turning around, Sosuke saw Kaigaku standing there.

The man actually had a decent face, but his sinister aura detracted significantly from his appearance. If he could tone down that malevolent energy, he would undoubtedly be much more attractive.

Kaigaku’s injuries hadn’t fully healed yet; Sosuke could faintly hear the tearing sound of his lungs with each breath.

His gaze swept over the food in Sosuke’s hand, his eyes flashing with a glint as he said coldly, "Still not full from lunch?"

Sosuke casually placed the rice ball on the table and smiled faintly. "Blacksmithing is physically demanding work. I’m starting work today, so I’m preparing in advance."

"Hmm."

Kaigaku nodded and stepped closer. "Actually, I came here mainly to apologize to you."

"Huh?"

Sosuke was taken aback. ’An apology?’

’Was this something Kaigaku was capable of?’

Had his personality changed?

To put it bluntly, Sosuke understood Kaigaku as the type who believed that only those who agreed with him and praised him were right, regardless of his actions. Anyone who opposed or criticized him was automatically wrong.

This damned character was actually apologizing? Sosuke found it hard to believe.

"I was wrong that day." Kaigaku approached Sosuke and bowed deeply. "Please forgive me!"

Regardless of whether this behavior aligned with Kaigaku’s established character, since he had apologized, Sosuke couldn’t afford to remain aloof.

There’s an old saying: "Don’t strike a smiling face."

Sosuke had no choice but to help Kaigaku up, admitting he was also at fault for acting rashly without properly assessing the situation.

The two seemingly reached an amicable resolution.

Kaigaku then began pestering Sosuke with questions about forging techniques, though it was clear he was just making conversation.

After pondering for a while, Sosuke suddenly realized... Since Kaigaku was training to join the Demon Slayer Corps, befriending him now might lead to him asking Sosuke to forge a Nichirin Blade for him in the future.

’This guy probably humbled himself to apologize with that in mind,’ Sosuke thought, feeling both amused and exasperated.

Forging a Nichirin Blade for him was out of the question.

Even if Kaigaku begged, or even if he possessed the power to persuade Lord Kagaya himself to request it, Sosuke would refuse.

Still, Sosuke casually chatted and joked with him while pretending to light the forge.

Surely Kaigaku wouldn’t keep bothering him once he saw Sosuke was actually busy?

As expected, seeing Sosuke occupied, Kaigaku reluctantly left.

Sosuke glanced at the retreating figure, his brow furrowing. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about the man.

But surely he wouldn’t... not now, Sosuke mused. After all, before that incident, he was a genuine member of the Demon Slayer Corps and had slain Demons. He wouldn’t just fall so easily...

Shaking his head, he tapped lightly on the board beneath the table, creating a narrow gap. He slipped the rice ball inside.

The entire process was carried out without a word. As for what the Sound Pillar was thinking, that remained a mystery.

Before long, night had fallen.

Sosuke told Kanae to rest while he sat at the head of the bed, closing his eyes to remain vigilant.

Having practiced this method of introspection for so long, Sosuke had developed a degree of self-control, allowing him to stay awake during the process.

Maintaining mental clarity, he discovered that this state of closed eyes and spiritual emptiness heightened his other senses, making it ideal for night watch.

Suddenly, his ears twitched involuntarily, as if a faint sound had reached him.

But it vanished in an instant.

Sosuke froze, his eyes snapping open. To his shock, he was no longer in the room!

Everywhere was a hazy, misty gray, the depths of which were impossible to see, as if he had been transported to another world.

A sudden chill ran through him, and he knew something was wrong.

He had likely fallen into a trap.

Instinctively, he reached for his weapon. Kanae always kept his weapon close by, ready for any sudden emergency.

But his weapon was too heavy to keep on the bed, so he had leaned it against the bedside.

Now that the bed was gone, the weapon had vanished as well.

An icy sensation swept through his body. Suddenly, a violent palpitation surged from behind.

He whirled around, and as He turned, He realized the misty world that had surrounded his was gradually dissipating.

He was still in the room!

Only now He was standing instead of sitting.

And a sharp, bone-white blade was hurtling toward him, as if aiming to sever his head.

In an instant, He ducked low, the icy blade grazing his nape. As He lowered his head, He spotted his weapon leaning against the bedside. He immediately stepped forward, grabbed it, and as the cold blade swung back for another strike, He spun around without hesitation, swinging his hammer-sword fiercely behind him.

The hammer and blade clashed, and under the crushing force, a figure suddenly materialized from thin air, crashing through the window with a thunderous roar.

Sosuke didn’t spare a glance at the figure’s fate, immediately turning his attention to the bed.

Kanae, who had been resting there moments before, had vanished without a trace.

Her Nichirin Blade, which she had placed beside her, was also gone.

"Heh heh... not bad! That guy may be a waste of space, but his Blood Demon Art actually came in handy. I didn’t expect you to be able to dodge the attack and immediately counterattack like that."

A woman’s voice drifted in from outside the door, laced with mockery. "Well then... I suppose I’ll grudgingly acknowledge you as a Swordsman!"

Sosuke turned to see a woman standing outside the window. Dressed in opulent robes, her long, disheveled hair obscured one eye, while the exposed eye gleamed with an unnatural, stark white.

She grinned, baring her teeth. "Let me see if your swordsmanship is beautiful!"