The moment we arrived, the air changed. The wind carried the scent of damp earth and rot, the kind of decay that only existed in places steeped in suffering. The world itself felt heavier—quiet yet suffocating. My boots sank slightly into the soft soil as the system's familiar chime echoed in my head, cutting through the silence.
[Quest Generation: Active]
Analyzing World Parameters...
Processing...
Four glowing lines materialized before me, each pulsing faintly with ethereal light before etching themselves into my vision.
[Quest #1: Save this World]
Objective: Restore stability or end the rule of Muzan.
Reward: ???
[Quest #2: Corrupt a Female Hashira]
Objective: Make love with a female Hashira.
Reward: 1000 Quest Coins
[Quest #3: Corrupt an Upper Moon Demon]
Objective: Make an Upper Moon willingly betray Muzan.
Reward: ???
[Quest #4: Kill Demons by Natural Means]
Objective: Eliminate demons through natural or physical means.
Reward: Quest Coins
Progress: 0 / ???
[Current Location: Mount Natagumo]
Generating Time Quest...
[Slay Rui and Infiltrate Demon Slayer Corps]
Reward: ???
The glow faded, leaving us standing amidst the eerie stillness of Mount Natagumo. Thick mist clung to the trees, and the faint sound of skittering could be heard deeper in the woods—like something crawling just out of sight.
Albedo wrinkled her nose in disgust, her wings twitching in irritation. Her eyes scanned the dark forest around us as if the very air offended her. "Where is this filthy place?" she muttered, glaring at the tangled trees and the unnatural fog curling between them. "The stench is unbearable. My lord, shall I incinerate this entire forest? It would save us from breathing in whatever foulness lingers here."
Her tone was calm, but her golden eyes shimmered with barely concealed contempt. To her, this world was a place unworthy of her lord's presence—a pest-ridden swamp compared to the perfection of Nazarick.
Yuri Alpha stood quietly beside her, her expression neutral. Her gaze flickered toward me, awaiting orders.
I raised a hand. "No, Albedo. Don't burn anything."
Her eyes widened slightly, her wings pausing mid-motion. "My lord?"
"The people here are humans. Don't kill anyone just because they happen to be mortal. Some may deserve saving, others may not, but we'll decide that ourselves. Understood?"
Yuri bowed her head instantly. "As you command, my lord."
Albedo hesitated for a moment, then lowered her head as well. "As you wish. I will refrain… unless someone dares to insult you."
I couldn't help but smile faintly. "I'll take that as the best compromise I'll get."
The mist thickened, coiling like fingers through the branches. The mountain itself seemed to hum faintly with demonic energy—not as strong as Nazarick's magic, but primal and hungry. I could feel multiple presences scattered throughout the area. Most were weak—lower-level demons, probably. But one in particular stood out, like a thread of blood and hatred pulling at my senses.
"Mount Natagumo," I murmured. "To kill Rui, huh?"
Albedo's head tilted slightly. "Rui?"
"A lower-ranked demon under Muzan's command," I said, eyes narrowing. "One of the Twelve Kizuki—though his strength is laughable compared to an actual Guardian."
"Twelve Kizuki? Muzan? Who are they? My lord." Albedo asked.
"I will explain the hierarchy of this world later, Albedo."
Albedo nodded, hearing that.
Yuri asked softly. "Do you wish us to eliminate this 'Rui' you speak of, my lord?"
I shook my head. "Not yet."
Then I turned to both of them, my voice taking on that faintly commanding tone that made even the air seem still. "Spread out. Check this area carefully. See where Rui is in this mountain."
Albedo frowned slightly. "And what will you be doing, my lord?"
I smiled. "I'll be checking the area myself."
Her wings flared slightly, betraying her disapproval. "My lord, with all due respect, allowing you to wander this accursed forest alone—"
I cut her off with a glance. "I'll be fine. You know that."
For a moment, she said nothing. Then, with a reluctant nod, she stepped back. "Understood… but please allow Yuri to accompany you, my lord."
To which I nodded.
Albedo bowed again. "We'll reconvene within an hour, my lord."
~~~