Demon Slayer : Heir to the Moon

I stood in the ruined village, the streets cloaked in darkness save for the faint glow of the moon and the flickering lanterns swaying in the breeze.

My sword was drawn, the blade catching the light as I scanned the shadows. My senses screamed—multiple demons were closing in, their malevolent auras tainting the air.

Among them, one stood out: Lower Moon 4, its presence a heavy weight pressing against me.

Three lesser demons emerged first, each distinct in form and menace.The first was a wraith-like figure, its body blending into the shadows, eyes glinting like twin embers.The second was a lean, wiry creature, moving in a blur of speed, claws flashing.The third was a hulking brute, its skin a glistening exoskeleton that shimmered like obsidian.

Behind them, Lower Moon 4 loomed—a tall, sinewy figure with a twisted grin, its eyes bearing the unmistakable mark of its rank.

I tightened my grip on my sword.The lesser demons might not be a problem alone, but together with a Lower Moon, they were a little troublesome.I'd have to be smart—and fast.

The shadow demon struck first, vanishing into the darkness and reappearing behind me, claws slashing at my neck.I twisted, my sword slicing through empty air as the demon melted back into the shadows.Damn it, I can't see it.

I needed light.

Spotting a lantern dangling from a post, I lunged, slashing the rope with a flick of my wrist.The lantern crashed, spilling oil that ignited into a burst of flame.The sudden light illuminated the street, and the shadow demon screeched, its form solidifying—long limbs and a gaping maw now visible.

I seized the chance.

Shadow Breathing: Fourth Form – Crescent Fang. My blade arced through the air, a crescent of shadow trailing behind it.

The demon's head fell, its body crumbling to ash.

One down.

Before I could catch my breath, the speed demon was on me—a whirlwind of claws and snarls. It darted around me, striking from every angle. Fast, but I'm faster.

I backed into a narrow alley, the walls hemming me in. The demon followed, its speed faltering in the tight space. As it lunged, I sidestepped, my sword flashing.

Sixth Form – Phantom Strike. The blade caught the demon mid-motion, severing its head in a spray of dark blood.

This was the first time I used this new form in battle. Looks like it works really good.

Two down.

Weird. Lower Moon 4 isn't attacking. Just sitting there on the roof. Is he analyzing me?

The armored demon lumbered forward, its exoskeleton gleaming. My strikes bounced off its hide, each clang ringing in my ears.

Tough bastard.

I needed more power.

Focusing my breath, I channeled my energy.

Shadow Breathing: Fifth Form – Obsidian Rain. My sword glowed faintly, shadow coiling around the blade.

With a roar, I swung. The force shattered the demon's neck. Its head thudded to the ground, the body collapsing into dust.

Three down.

I turned, panting, to face Lower Moon 4.

The demon clapped mockingly, its voice a low rumble."Not bad, Slayer. But can you handle me?"

It opened its mouth, and a deafening sound wave erupted—shattering windows, hurling debris.

I dove behind a wall, the blast grazing my shoulder, leaving my ears ringing.

Sound manipulation. Tricky. Also bad for my ears. Ah... it's a curse to have heightened senses.

I watched him closely, noting his deep inhale before each attack.

That's my cue.

As Lower Moon 4 prepared another blast, I sprinted forward, weaving through the wreckage.The sound wave missed, exploding a cart behind me.I closed the gap, my sword slashing across the demon's chest.

Lower Moon 4 snarled, retaliating with a fist that sent me crashing through a wooden stall. Pain flared in my ribs, but I pushed it aside, rolling to my feet.

I've fought stronger opponents—The Fool, The Ghost. I can do this.

We clashed again. Steel met claw in a flurry of strikes. My experience shone—I dodged the sonic blasts, countered with precise cuts.

I feinted left, then struck right, my blade sinking into the demon's shoulder. It staggered, blood dripping from the wound.

Now.

I gripped my sword, energy surging.

Eclipse Fang.

I swung, the blade aimed straight for the demon's neck.

But mid-strike, a chill gripped me. Instinct screamed.

I aborted the attack, leaping aside—just in time.

A blast of dark energy ripped through the air, narrowly missing me. Lower Moon 4 scrambled back, its wounds already healing as it retreated to safety.

I spun, my heart pounding.

Atop a shattered rooftop stood another demon.

Its presence... suffocating. Its aura pressed on my lungs like a boulder.

Its eyes glowed with cold malice—and the mark of Lower Moon 1 burned on its chest like a brand.

The demon smirked, stepping down with predatory grace.

"Well, well. You're full of surprises."

My stomach dropped.

Lower Moon 1? Here?

Facing one Lower Moon was bad enough...But now two?

I tightened my grip on my sword. My mind raced.

The village... Yuki... Everyone was counting on me.

Lower Moon 1 tilted its head, its smile widening.

"What's wrong? Scared?"

I steeled myself, shoving the fear deep down.

I'd survived worse odds. I wasn't going to fall here.

But as the two demons closed in—their combined power pressing against me like the weight of the sky—I knew one thing for certain:

This might be a fight I couldn't win.

But I have to win against all odds.

To Be Continued…