Demon Slayer: I Level Up Alone

Chapter 10

Akito was training by the waterfall, while Sakonoji Urokodaki was on his way back, contemplating whether to tell his lord that he had taken in a talented young boy.

"Should I tell him... After all, that child, Tomioka, hasn't taken on the position of Water Hashira yet... and Tomioka..."

It seemed he thought of something, then sighed and said, "Forget it, let it be. That child Tomioka is very capable; it's just that mental knot..."

"Hang in there, Akito. I hope your generation can end this tragic world..."

...

One month later

During this time, Akito practiced the Water Breathing technique frantically and ventured into the traps set by Sakonoji Urokodaki with a real sword.

He also used the pet contract voucher on Ritoruho, and Akito could sense Ritoruho's intelligence increasing. After consuming three cleansing pills, Akito felt they no longer had an effect on him, so he saved the remaining two for Ritoruho, which also caused Ritoruho to grow larger.

In this month, Akito either trained or spent time with Ritoruho.

Mainly, after Ritoruho consumed the cleansing pills, its fur became even softer and more delicate; the feel was simply amazing.

Moreover, due to the cleansing pills, the fox's scent on Ritoruho was becoming fainter.

Every time he petted the fox, he thought of the alluring nine tailed fox from legends in his past life.

Of course, as Akito became more proficient in Water Breathing, his overall demeanor also grew more stable.

One day, Akito noticed the silent Sakonoji Urokodaki and, after some inquiries, learned that at this time, Giyu Tomioka had become the Water Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Akito understood that this meant the plot of this world was about to begin.

A sense of urgency rose within him.

Though he practiced with Ritoruho every day, the daily sign-ins and lottery draws allowed Akito to obtain many snacks and sword-swinging opportunities that were common in his past life.

This became an additional source of sword-swinging opportunities for Akito, aside from those he earned through his training.

Another month passed.

Akito used his sword-swinging opportunities to elevate his physical enhancement technique and swordsmanship to a minor success.

He spent a total of 400,000 sword-swinging opportunities, watching as the hard-earned opportunities he had accumulated turned to nothing overnight.

Akito wished he could pick up his sword and go find a demon to slash at.

Sakonoji Urokodaki also noticed Akito's proficiency in swordsmanship and breathing techniques.

He solemnly said to Akito, "I have taught you everything I can. Now it depends on you."

"Follow me..."

Akito obediently followed Sakonoji Urokodaki up the mountain.

He knew this was the final test, which was to split the giant rock with the sword in his hand...

"We're here, this is the spot..."

"As long as you can split this giant rock with your sword, I will allow you to participate in the final trial," Sakonoji Urokodaki said seriously.

Even Akito was taken aback; it hadn't seemed that large when he watched anime in his past life, but standing here, he realized how enormous this rock was.

It was like a small mountain; even though Akito had reached a height of 165 cm, it was still insignificant.

"Sakonoji Sensei, I can do it."

Akito adjusted his emotional state and said calmly.

Afterward, Sakonoji Urokodaki left the scene and went down the mountain.

Only Akito and Ritoruho remained.

"Ritoruho, come here, let me pet you."

As he stroked Ritoruho's fur, a smile appeared on Akito's face.

"Here, eat this."

Then Akito took out a cleansing pill from his spatial bag.

This pill was what Akito had drawn from the lottery a couple of days ago.

Moreover, Akito noticed that Ritoruho seemed to have no immunity to the cleansing pills; it had eaten several, and the effect was still excellent.

Now, Ritoruho had grown to the size of a large Alaskan.

Every day, Akito would hunt rabbits, sparrows, or wild boars in the mountains.

Yes, wild boars.

One day, when Ritoruho dragged back a wild boar slightly smaller than itself, both Akito and Sakonoji Urokodaki were stunned.

They didn't expect Ritoruho to have the ability to hunt adult wild boars now.

Sakonoji Urokodaki couldn't figure it out.

He might have vaguely thought it was due to Akito, but he didn't say it out loud; after all, everyone has their secrets, especially since Akito was his disciple.

After eating the cleansing pill, Ritoruho stopped playing around and quietly lay down next to Akito, falling asleep.

"It seems its appetite is getting larger. If it goes out with me to slay demons, won't it be very conspicuous? This is really a headache..."

After touching Ritoruho for a while, Akito picked up the knife in his hand and said softly, "The challenge is immense..."

"Clang"

The Sword struck the giant stone forcefully, but it only left a shallow mark on the surface.

"I didn't expect that using seventy percent of my strength would only leave such a mark."

"This feels like iron ore... the rebound is so intense..."

"It really feels exhilarating..."

"It seems I need to give it my all..."

Then Akito took a deep breath.

"Hey-ha!"

The Sword fell.

"Clang!"

The sword sank a few centimeters into the giant stone.

"It seems that to split this giant stone, I can only elevate my swordsmanship to mastery..."

Thus, Akito chopped at this stone every day, using all his strength each time.

He could feel himself getting stronger every day, and his understanding of swordsmanship deepened, allowing him to progress further each time.

"Ha-hu, I'm really exhausted..."

Akito lay on the ground and unknowingly fell asleep.

In his dreams, Akito vaguely sensed that someone seemed to be calling him.

He opened his eyes to see a light orange face with a scar at the corner of the mouth, a boy wearing a yellow, orange, and green interwoven turtle shell-patterned kimono, and a girl with dark green hair wearing a fox mask adorned with flower patterns on her cheeks.

Akito knew that these two were Makomo and Sabito.

"Who are you?"

Akito rubbed his eyes and yawned as he asked.

"I'm Sabito, and she is Makomo. We are both disciples of Sakonoji Sensei, which makes us your brother and sister."

"You are quite impressive, even a genius, stronger than us."

"Um, thank you."

Akito had great admiration for these two, who would sacrifice their lives for their companions.

However, he didn't quite agree with their ideology; when one cannot protect others, one should first consider oneself. Akito did not possess that spirit of self-sacrifice for others.

But that did not diminish his respect for them.

"Come on, practice with me. If you win, you can split this stone, and practicing is the fastest way to discover your shortcomings."

After saying that, a sword also appeared in his hand.

Unlike his previous life when he faced Tanjiro with a wooden sword, he now wielded a real sword.

"Is this recognition of my strength?" Akito thought to himself.

But he also took up his sword and assumed an attacking stance. "I'm coming, Brother Sabito, be careful," Akito said softly.

With that, he charged forward.

"Mm."

Sabito also began to fight back against Akito.

While sparring with Akito, Sabito pointed out his flaws.

"Too slow, too slow! Your strikes lack power, you're being lazy, and you don't have the determination to kill me..."

Upon hearing this, Akito's inner fire ignited, his gaze sharpened, and he changed his approach, managing to fight Sabito to a standstill.

But soon, Akito was defeated.

He guessed that Sabito's swordsmanship had probably reached mastery.

Makomo, watching Akito and Sabito spar, couldn't help but marvel at Akito's talent.

In fact, they had known from the moment Akito became a disciple of their master that he was exceptional.

It had only been less than half a year since Akito joined.

Achieving such results in just six months had already broken the records set by her and Sabito.

Makomo thought, "Perhaps Akito can accomplish tasks that we couldn't..."

"Brother Sabito, you are really impressive, hahaha!"

Akito laughed heartily. Although he had been defeated, he recognized his shortcomings and felt fortunate to receive guidance from a master of swordsmanship.

Seeking advice from someone stronger than oneself is not shameful.

Sabito looked at Akito and couldn't help but praise him internally, though he maintained a cold exterior.

"In the days to come, Makomo and I will take turns sparring with you until you defeat us..."

Then a thick fog rolled in, and their figures vanished.

Akito softly said to the air, "Thank you."

"I will avenge you and fulfill your wishes..."

But all that responded to him was the rustling sound of bamboo leaves swaying in the wind.

---------

Another six months passed, and Akito's training with Sabito and Makomo had long since ended. Now he awaited the arrival of the final trial.

During this half-year, Akito's swordsmanship and breathing techniques had significantly improved.

At the same time, a new task appeared on the system's list, with rewards that felt like timely rain for Akito.

Character: Nakagawa Akito

Sword strikes: 54,687

Breathing technique: Water Breathing (Beginner)

Martial skill: Swordsmanship (Major Achievement)

Physique: Ageless physique

Pet: Ritoruho (White Fox: Unawakened)

Quest 1: Slay the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji

Description: The Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji is the origin of everything in this world. Slaying him will end this source of evil.

Rewards: Strikes x 10 million, designated world traversal x 1, mysterious gift pack x 1

Status: Incomplete

Quest 2: Pass the Final Trial

Description: Leaving the master's abode, showcasing your talent; passing the final trial is what makes a qualified Demon Slayer.

Rewards: New system function, strikes 1 million, Beast breathing technique

Beast breathing technique: Allows Beast to learn breathing techniques, enabling them to control their size and become stronger.

Status: Incomplete

Chain Quest: Slay Evil Demons

Description: After sunset, endless evil demons begin to hunt. You are human; go and slay all evil demons.

Rewards: Unknown (depends on completion percentage; higher completion yields greater rewards)

Status: In progress

"It's almost time, just a bit more…"

Akito murmured as he looked at the giant rock he had split in front of him.

"Thank you, Sabito and Makomo, for your companionship and guidance these days."

"Once I kill that demon, I'll return to let you forever rest in peace…"

Akito poured himself a cup of wine from a bottle he took out of the system space, then poured some for Sabito and Makomo, leaning against the giant rock as he toasted.

After bidding farewell to the bamboo forest and to Sabito and Makomo, Akito mounted Ritoruho's back and descended the mountain.

Once Akito left, the figures of Sabito and Makomo appeared.

"Akito, I hope you succeed…"

Akito felt the gaze from behind and nodded at the back mountain.

Over the past six months, Ritoruho had grown larger due to the various strange pills and items Akito had signed in and drawn from the system, resembling an adult Mastiff.

Its intelligence was also increasing.

Akito estimated that Ritoruho's intelligence was roughly that of an eight-year-old human child at this moment.

The only downside was its size, often needing to hunt for itself, which was a boon for the rewards of Quest 2.

This also led to nearby hunters frequently spotting a giant beast with white fur in the Mount Sagiri.

Moreover, Ritoruho never harmed anyone and even came to the aid of villagers in danger.

As a rare white fox, Ritoruho was deified by the villagers who had received help, and they referred to Ritoruho as the embodiment of the divine Tamamo-no-Mae.

This led to more and more people coming to seek Ritoruho.

The once lonely Mount Sagiri became lively as a result.

However, people only dared to observe from the foot of the mountain and did not venture up, as the mountain was shrouded in mist year-round, and its dangers were well-known.

During that time, Akito ordered Ritoruho to only move around at the peak of Mount Sagiri and not to descend without his command.

After a long time without seeing Ritoruho, most villagers gave up, except for those who had been helped by Ritoruho, who built a shrine at the foot of the mountain.

Inside the shrine was a small fox statue, and the villagers would come daily to worship, bringing fruits as offerings.

During that time, Akito noticed the words "Unawakened" appearing on Ritoruho's panel.

Akito speculated that perhaps after awakening, Ritoruho could truly become the legendary Tamamo-no-Mae.

He smiled slightly at Xiao Ritoruho's single white tail.

"The legendary Tamamo-no-Mae is a nine-tailed fox, but Ritoruho, you only have one tail. You need to work hard!"

"Ying ying ying," Ritoruho chirped happily.

...

"Akito is here, come in quickly…"

Sakonoji called out to Akito as he saw him arrive.

"Have you made your decision?"

The campfire in front was burning steadily, crackling as the wood caught fire.

"Mm, I've decided."

Akito smiled gently.

Sakonoji seemed to see Akito's determination.

He turned around and opened a cabinet.

He took out a white fox mask.

"This is an evil-repelling mask, which can protect you from evil spirits. May you have smooth sailing; I will wait for your return here."

Sakonoji said solemnly.

Akito took the mask, looking at the red tengu mask in front of him but couldn't say anything. It was precisely because of these evil-repelling masks that all of his previous fourteen disciples were devoured by the Hand Demon.

Through the mask, he seemed to sense Sakonoji's struggle and worry on his face.

"What a dedicated master…" Akito sighed inwardly.

Suddenly

A crow's call came from outside the door.

Sakonoji and Akito stepped outside.

They saw a note tied to the crow's foot.

Sakonoji opened it and looked for a while, then said in a deep voice.

"I need to go down the mountain for a bit; there's a child I need to pick up..."

"Master Sakonoji, let me go..." Akito said.

This was a great opportunity to practice his sword skills.

He had just stolen a glance and saw that the envelope had the names Tanjiro and the two siblings written on it, so he guessed what it was about.

Akito remembered that during the main character's journey to Mount Sagiri, there was an evil demon present.

This was definitely a beginner's experience monster, and Akito wouldn't miss it.

"Alright, take this sword with you."

Akito knew this was a Nichirin blade, so he accepted it. Perhaps Sakonoji had also sensed the presence of demons nearby.

"That child has deep red hair and red pupils, and wears flower-patterned ear ornaments."

"When you see him, bring him back, and remember not to harm his sister."

"Okay, I understand. I'll go now."

"Ritoruho, you stay here."

Akito patted Ritoruho's head and said.

Ritoruho let out a slightly aggrieved sound, as if he knew the reason Akito didn't take him along was because of his large size.

With that, Akito tidied up his hair and clothes before heading down the mountain.

"The unpolluted air and sky are truly different."

Akito felt the warm rays of the setting sun on his body.

The sounds of birds and insects filled his ears, and Akito let his mind relax; at that moment, he seemed to merge with nature.

He noticed that a few strands of his originally black hair had turned deep red.

He was unaware of all this.

He only knew that he seemed to have entered a special state; closing his eyes, his breathing involuntarily began to flow.

The light in his mind grew increasingly radiant...

Akito opened his eyes, and a different flow of breathing, unlike Water Breathing, came to an abrupt stop.

"Is this enlightenment?"

Akito speculated.

"I feel like I saw a beam of light; it's warm, as if it has always existed within me, only bursting forth at that moment, but I couldn't grasp it..."

"However, I've also mastered a bit of technique; I believe with more practice, I can do it..."

Then Akito was shocked.

"What the hell, why is there an unknown breathing technique appearing? Did I just comprehend a breathing technique..."

"A beam of light... I guess I'll name it Light Breathing..."

"Isn't Light Breathing just a variation of Sun Breathing..."

As Akito determined it was Light Breathing, the unknown breathing technique on the panel changed to Light Breathing, with an additional note that it hadn't been fully comprehended.

"Forget it, no need to worry about that; I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. First, let's find Tanjiro and his sister."

As dusk fell, night descended.

Kazeha was also on his way.

But it seemed he thought of something and found a place to rest.

"Let's have Tanjiro train a bit more..."