The white light faded.
Kidōmaru staggered back.
His left shoulder was nothing but a charred ruin. The bone was broken, flesh torn. Even the bone had been burned to ash by the arrow's spiritual power.
And that was only because, though it had been a close call, he had still managed to shift his position in time to evade as much as possible.
If not, that single arrow might have annihilated him, killed him again on the spot.
"Shrine maiden…" Kidōmaru's voice was low and hoarse, filled with shock and anger.
That arrow's power was immense. Even an existence like his could not withstand it.
Kikyō's purifying arrows were indeed as formidable as their reputation claimed.
If one landed, even a great demon would suffer.
The problem was, before, they never landed.
Kidōmaru's speed was too great. Her arrows could not catch his shadow.
In a way, a speed-based existence like Kidōmaru was a natural counter to Kikyō. Though she would not necessarily lose, she could not effectively exorcise him; the best she could do was maintain a stalemate.
But now, things were different.
Shinji had used the power of this land to slow him down.
To make him slower, to make him show an opening.
"A good combination," Kidōmaru rasped.
The aged demon's gaze tightened. Despite the severe wound, the anger on his face was gradually fading.
Replaced by caution.
And serious regard.
"A mere demon warrior and a human shrine maiden…" he muttered. "To push me this far."
Shinji, this 'lesser demon,' needed no further comment. Even if he had defeated those four high-tier demons, even if his strength could match a true demon leader, Kidōmaru still did not take him seriously.
Though he himself was not a true great demon, with his Twelfth Transformation focused on extreme speed, he was far beyond those so-called high-tier demon leaders at most Seventh Transformation. In terms of speed, he could even rival a true great demon.
Defeating those high-tier demon leaders did not mean being able to threaten him.
As for Kikyō, though Kidōmaru respected her power, he had never truly been concerned.
He had seen too many powerful human monks.
As strong as Minamoto no Yorimitsu in his day.
As strong even as Midoriko.
These outstanding humans had slain countless demons, even great demons. Yet, the moment an opening appeared, they too could be severely wounded or killed.
But the situation before him had truly exceeded his expectations.
This shrine maiden.
And this… demon warrior.
Shinji didn't respond.
He just stood there, his hand gripping Muramasa trembling slightly.
He looked relaxed.
But only he knew how much he had consumed in that exchange.
Though this land supported him, providing an endless stream of power, his body's capacity had its limits.
Controlling the lightning, the poison mist, the corpse puppets, each drained his demonic aura.
He was nearing his limit.
"You're barely holding on," Kidōmaru saw through it. "Your demonic aura is nearly depleted, isn't it?"
Again, Shinji didn't answer.
But his silence was answer enough.
"If I attack again…" Kidōmaru's gaze turned cold.
"You shouldn't be able to hold on much longer."
He raised his blue-glowing long blade.
Though his left arm was gone, he still had his right.
Though his speed had diminished from consumption, it was still far faster than ordinary demons.
Just one more Sword Dance.... Immeasurable—
"Do you want to try?" Kikyō's voice came from the distance.
Her bowstring was drawn again. A second purifying arrow was already gathered on the string.
Kidōmaru paused.
He looked at that white-and-red figure, at the arrow's tip gleaming with blinding white light.
He had already tasted the power of that arrow.
If he took another hit…
Even if he could kill Shinji, he himself would be severely wounded. Perhaps even here, once again, die.
Was it worth it?
For one Shikon Jewel, to fight to mutual destruction with two beings who had not yet grown?
No, not mutual destruction. He would die; they would live.
The answer was obvious.
"…"
After a moment's silence,
Kidōmaru suddenly sheathed his blade.
"Consider yourselves lucky today." His voice returned to its aged, cold quality. "But don't get too pleased."
"You've only taken one of my arms."
"Next time—" His form began to fade, merging into the night. "It won't be so simple."
With those words,
The aged figure vanished completely.
Along with the black mist that had filled the air, the ink-painting-like inherent barrier called Rajōmon, all dissipated with his departure.
The battle was over.
Neither Kikyō nor Shinji pursued.
They couldn't catch up.
And there was no rush.
Shinji simply replied, "Next time, it might not be you coming to find me."
Since he had already drawn their enmity,
Kyoto, Hagoromo Gitsune... he would likely go to deal with them.
He would not just wait here for them to come to him.
Only until his strength was sufficient.
'Dōjigiri'… he might not lack either.
Afterward, the moonlight returned.
And then, the area that had been shrouded by Kidōmaru's domain finally returned to normal.
The frozen demon corpses began to dissipate into black smoke. The still air began to flow again. The grass and leaves once more swayed gently in the breeze.
Shinji still stood where he was.
But his body had begun to sway.
Bone armor shattered. Blood mist scattered.
Even his crimson demon mask had cracks, revealing the pale face beneath.
"I can't hold on…" he murmured.
As he spoke, his legs gave way, and he fell backward.
A warm body caught him.
Kikyō.
The white-and-red shrine maiden had somehow come to his side, reaching out to support him.
"You've worked hard," she said softly, so softly it seemed she feared disturbing something.
Shinji leaned against her, feeling the girl's warmth through her chest.
Very warm.
And very… soft.
"Your wound..." Kikyō looked down at the gash on his chest, her brow furrowing slightly.
It was the mark left by Kidōmaru's blade. Though not deep, the dense demonic aura kept it from healing.
"It's fine," Shinji said, his voice weak. "A little rest and I'll be okay."
Kikyō didn't speak.
She just steadied him, letting his head rest on her shoulder.
The night wind brushed past, lifting her black hair, which gently swept across Shinji's cheek.
That hair was very soft, carrying a faint fragrance.
Like wildflowers in the mountains.
Like morning dew.
"You…" Kikyō's voice suddenly came.
"Hmm?"
"Why did you do this?"
Shinji tilted his head slightly, looking at her profile.
Under the moonlight, that cool face held a rare expression.
Not the usual calm detachment.
Nor the resolve she wore in battle.
But something softer.
"You could have stayed away," Kikyō said. "Kidōmaru's target is the Shikon Jewel. Not you."
"If you left this area, he wouldn't have pursued you."
"But you came back anyway."
"And in such a consuming way…" Her voice hesitated. "Why?"
Shinji was silent for a moment.
Then he smiled.
That smile, on his pale face, looked a little strained. But it also carried an indescribable meaning.
"I told you before," he said.
"I wouldn't leave you alone."
Kikyō's body stiffened slightly.
She remembered those words.
At the demon slayer village. On that interrupted night, he had said them.
And now, he had truly done it.
Before that old demon, he had fought with all his strength.
Not for the Shikon Jewel.
Not for some greater cause.
Just...
To keep her from facing it alone.
Kikyō lowered her head.
Black hair fell, hiding her expression.
But Shinji could feel her arms tightening around him.
"Fool," she murmured.
Her voice was soft, yet carried a tremor.
"You… fool."
Shinji didn't answer.
He just closed his eyes, feeling that warmth.
[Shikon Jewel · Pure Spirit: Affection +2]
[Current Affection: 60 (Trust)]
[She is worried about you but not just worried.]
The prompt flickered across his panel.
Shinji saw it, but didn't pay much attention.
Because right now
He just wanted to rest.
Just like this, leaning on her shoulder.
Feeling that reassuring warmth.
Kaede Village's barrier was still intact.
The villagers slept safely.
Little Kaede sat on the shrine's threshold, waiting for her sister to return.
She didn't know what had just happened.
She had only faintly heard thunder and seen light in the distance.
Then
Two figures approached from afar.
One in white and red, supporting another in grey robes with white hair.
"Sister!" Kaede jumped up.
"And the handsome big brother!"
She ran over, burying herself in Kikyō's arms.
"Are you okay? What's wrong with big brother? Is he hurt?"
"It's fine." Kikyō's voice regained its usual coolness. "He's just too tired. He needs rest."
"!?" Kaede looked at Shinji being supported by Kikyō, her eyes full of worry.
That pale big brother's eyes were closed, his face showing exhaustion.
But the corner of his mouth...
Seemed to be slightly lifted?
"Sister," Kaede suddenly said.
"Hmm?"
"Your face is red."
Kikyō's steps faltered.
"…Nonsense." She quickened her pace, supporting Shinji into the shrine.
Behind her, Kaede tilted her head.
"It was red, though…?"
She wasn't wrong.
.
.
.
.
Read 40+ advance chapters [email protected]/Lost_moon