After bidding farewell to Master Kuwajima and Kaigaku, Izumo Tatsuya descended the mountain for the first time in six months. His master had dropped his usual harshness, offering only a brief "Take care," which felt heavier than a thousand words.
Tatsuya traveled for ten days without incident, following his map until he finally stood on the stone path at the foot of Mount Fujikasane.
"Whoa... it's actually beautiful."
The sight was surreal. A conical mountain rose before him, its summit covered in a forest so dense it looked almost pitch black, even in the sunlight. But at the foot of the mountain, a sea of wisteria blossoms bloomed as far as the eye could see—a gorgeous yet lethal belt tied around the dark slopes.
The wisteria flowers fell in pale purple waterfalls, the air thick with a sweet, tranquil scent. Tatsuya knew that beneath this beauty lay a deadly trap for demons. Wisteria was a toxic curse to them; this ocean of flowers served as a natural cage to keep the mountain's demons imprisoned, and it was also the first line of safety for the examinees.
"Hmph... I can already smell the blood. I hear these demons have been starving for a year."
He noticed the temporary stations manned by the Kakushi—the Corps' support unit. They were busy organizing medical supplies and rations. It was clear many would be injured.
At the starting point of the stone path stood an ancient shrine with a vivid vermillion Torii gate. About twenty to thirty teenagers had already gathered there. Some were pacing nervously; others were staring blankly or trying to look stoic. All bore the signs of rigorous training, their eyes sharp and bodies lean. Most importantly, every one of them wore a standard-issue Nichirin Sword at their waist.
Quite a few people... but considering this only happens once a year, I guess it's not that many.
As Tatsuya approached the crowd, several teenagers turned to scrutinize him. One tall boy with a scar on his face gave him a dismissive look, unimpressed by Tatsuya's youthful face.
Tatsuya just raised an eyebrow. Tch, we haven't even gone up yet and they're already fighting with their eyes? I'm not here for a staring contest.
He scanned the crowd, looking for Urokodaki's disciples. His master had described them: one calm leader and one quiet loner. But since he didn't know their faces, he was a bit lost. Master's intel is lacking... what am I supposed to do, ask everyone 'Hey, are you the calm one?' I'll look like a freak.
Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to two figures at the edge of the clearing. They were remarkably still, like rocks in a rushing stream. And they were the only ones wearing masks.
Two boys, both wearing fox masks.
One wore a yellow-and-green checkered haori (Kikkō pattern). He stood straight as a pine, radiating a dependable, calm aura. The other wore a red haori, leaning silently against a pillar with his arms crossed, his head lowered as if separated from the world by an invisible wall.
Fox masks... the signature of Urokodaki's lineage, Tatsuya realized. So, it's these two.
More examinees arrived. The Kakushi began handing out small cloth bundles to everyone. Tatsuya opened his to find dried rations, a small flask of water, and some basic bandages and medicinal ointment.
When the sun reached its zenith, a figure appeared beneath the Torii gate as if she had been there all along. It was a woman in an elegant kimono, her presence calm and graceful. She had long, white hair like moonlight and deep purple eyes that held both compassion and wisdom.
"Welcome," she began. Her voice was like a clear mountain spring, quieting the crowd instantly. "I am Amane Ubuyashiki. I shall explain the rules of the Final Selection."
She explained that demons captured by the Corps were imprisoned here, kept in by the year-round wisteria. "But from this gate onward, there is no wisteria. The demons are there. Your goal is simple: Survive in this mountain for seven days."
Those who survived would be officially recognized as Slayers. It was a simple rule with a brutal reality: they were the food, and the demons were starving.
"Please, take care of yourselves. I pray for everyone's safe return."
As Amane stepped aside, opening the mountain path, the silence was heavy with hesitation. Tatsuya was among the first to move. At the same time, the two masked boys from Mount Sagiri also stepped forward.
Led by the pink-haired boy, the two "foxes" entered the dark forest. The scarred boy from earlier let out a roar to boost his courage and followed.
Urokodaki's disciples are decisive. And the scarred guy has spirit too, Tatsuya thought. He didn't want to be left behind. If Master finds out I was more hesitant than Urokodaki's kids, he'll crack my skull!
He accelerated, his Thunder Breathing making his steps light. He caught up to the fox-masked duo in a few strides. As he passed them, he turned his head and gave a friendly grin.
"Hey, friends from Mount Sagiri! You're fast! Let's do our best!"
The boy in the checkered haori turned his head. Even through the mask, Tatsuya felt a peaceful gaze. He nodded slightly. "Mm. You too. Be careful."
The boy in the red haori glanced at Tatsuya, silent, but also gave a brief nod.
Friendly enough. At least they're not the type you can't talk to.
Tatsuya didn't linger. He accelerated again, his figure vanishing into the dense, dark thicket to find his own path. Behind him, more examinees began their ascent. The comforting scent of wisteria vanished, replaced by the smell of damp earth, rotting leaves, and a faint, unsettling metallic tang of blood.
The Final Selection had officially begun.