Demon Slayer:Multiverse crossover

(First Show Explosion – Part 2)

James and Mochizuki were walking home together after a long, eventful day.

It seemed that every time the A-Category students had a competition, the B-Category students got the day off to spectate. It was hard not to feel a little envious.

However, B-Category students also had to prepare for the daunting God Sakura Unified Examination, a test so demanding it felt like an entire army attempting to cross a single-plank bridge.

In the group chat, Shido Kazuhiko messaged James excitedly.

> "I've won nine matches already! Should qualify for the knockout stage by tomorrow!"

James, too, had an impressive record—ten wins and zero losses. He and the others expected to reach the required points quickly. Those aiming for the top ten naturally reached the threshold earlier than most.

"Brother, you looked amazing today!"

Mochizuki clung to James's hand, smiling sweetly.

"Of course. I'm your brother, aren't I?"

The sun had begun to set, casting warm orange light over the city's tall buildings. The two walked together, their shadows stretching long behind them as they made their way home.

---

Time passed swiftly, especially once everyone became busy with the competition. Within just a few days, the points race had reached its climax. The first batch of students qualified, then the second, then the third.

Eventually, a final notification chimed:

> "Last player has qualified. Points race complete."

The knockout stage had begun!

Compared to the points system, knockout matches were far more thrilling. The power gap between contestants was smaller, and the stakes were higher. Spectators preferred tense, even fights over one-sided ones.

Out of more than 3,000 competitors, only just over 200 students advanced to the knockout stage. From those 200, only 32 would move on to the final bracket.

The odds were harsh—roughly 1 in 10.

"Hope I get a lucky draw..." someone muttered in the waiting area.

"Better than hoping for luck, why not train harder?" another scoffed.

"Easy for you to say! Luck is part of strength."

---

> Round One: Over 200 players will be reduced to 128! Match Start!

> "Match found! James, your opponent is scheduled for Hall 2, Booth 1. Start time: 10:00."

James glanced at his wrist display. The name of his opponent wasn't familiar, so he didn't give it much thought. But beside him, Shido Kazuhiko frowned, his expression shifting as he read his match assignment.

> "Shido Kazuhiko, your opponent is Karita Koji. Hall 1, Booth 3. Expected start time: 11:30."

He showed the name to the others, who immediately sucked in sharp breaths.

"Wow... Koji Karita?"

"That's tough luck."

"It's okay. You'll still have challenge rounds after this. With your strength, you can qualify for the top 32."

"If it gets too tough, just surrender. No need to reveal everything so early."

Shido shook his head. "Not this time."

It was true—giving up might be strategically smarter. Later rounds allowed losers to challenge weaker players for a spot in the top 32. Holding back kept your techniques hidden.

But how many times could someone keep backing down?

James once said to him during practice:

> "A swordsman moves forward. Always."

Those words echoed in Shido's mind now.

He straightened up, his eyes growing resolute.

James gave him an approving nod.

He's learning. He's starting to get it.

A swordsman without courage has already lost.

"I'll come watch your match."

With that, James turned and left to prepare for his own battle. Shido took a deep breath and focused.

---

By 11:30, Hall 1 was packed.

Although James and Shinomiya Saki had given stunning performances in earlier matches, the clash between Shido Kazuhiko and Koji Karita had generated serious hype.

James and Mochizuki finished their own matches quickly and rushed over to Hall 1, snagging three seats just in time.

Honestly, fighting was easier than fighting for good seating.

"Brother, can Shido-senpai win?"

Mochizuki asked softly, her hand still clasped around Chiyo Nitta's.

James glanced at the booth, then shook his head.

Shido had improved tremendously. But the gap between someone who had entered the level and someone who hadn't was vast. Unless you had some ability to perform miracles, that kind of match-up was practically unwinnable.

Still—this wasn't a battle for life or death.

These kinds of defeats are worth it. The only fight you can't afford to lose... is the final one.

---

Inside the ring, the two combatants stepped onto the booth.

The crowd erupted in cheers. A real battle was about to unfold.

"I heard you've been sparring with James lately?"

Koji Karita asked, casually cracking his neck.

Shido nodded calmly. "That's right."

Koji raised an eyebrow. "So, how does he measure up to the rumors?"

On the surface, it sounded like a casual question. But in reality, it was loaded with arrogance.

Shido bit back his instinct to respond aggressively.

He simply smirked.

> "He could beat a hundred of you."

Koji's eyes narrowed coldly.

"Are you provoking me?"

"Nope. Just telling the truth."

"I know who you are, Shido Kazuhiko. A nobody, born into an ordinary family. You've done well to get this far. But to reach our level..."

He clenched his fists.

"...you still have a long way to go."

He took a step forward, his energy rising sharply.

"Today, I'll show you just how far."

Flames exploded around Koji's body. The air around him ignited, and a massive orange-yellow flame serpent spiraled upward from the ground, circling him.

Unlike magic, innate supernatural abilities required no casting time or spell formation. It was instant and lethal.

Shido's expression didn't change. He simply unsheathed his sword, eyes steady.

The gap between them was undeniable.

Which is exactly why I have to go all out.

He darted to the left, trying to flank his opponent. The giant snake's glowing eyes followed him, turning as he moved.

> "Go," Koji commanded.

The flame serpent surged forward. Heat rippled through the air, and Shido's hair flared from the blast pressure alone.

Direct confrontation is suicide.

He weaved and dodged, avoiding the fangs of the snake—but its tail came whipping at him from the side!

Too fast!

Gripping his sword with both hands, Shido centered his spirit.

> "There's nothing in this world that cannot be cut.

If there is... it's your own fear."

James' words echoed in his mind.

Spiritual energy surged through his legs and blade. He stepped forward boldly—

CLANG!

The flaming tail met his sword and was sliced cleanly in half. The flames extinguished, and Shido used the recoil to close the gap even more.

Koji didn't flinch. He raised both arms—and four more flame serpents exploded behind him, forming a cage that sealed off all movement from above, below, left, and right.

Shido's breath hitched.

I lost this round...

But one loss wasn't the end.

BOOM!!

The booth trembled from the impact, though it didn't crack.

When the smoke cleared, the staff had already caught Shido, who lay limp in their arms—burned out but not broken.

Koji stood still, looking down.

> "As a commoner, you should be proud you made it this far."

Then he turned and walked off the stage.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

pàtreøn (Gk31)