Michimaru's memories of his human life were hazy, and he didn't really care.
To be chosen by Lord Muzan meant that being human was too weak and beneath him.
He was destined for something greater.
Though he couldn't remember his past, one belief was etched deep into his soul.
This was a world of hunger.
Humans existed to be eaten, just like livestock to be bought and sold.
The villagers provided him with "meat" of varying values, and he gave them money. It was a mutually beneficial partnership.
He was doing good deeds, helping these "hungry people" survive...
He was a god. A savior.
He deserved to be worshipped in that shrine.
In this world, status shouldn't mean power over others. It simply meant... those of high status were the most valuable meat.
The most delicious prey.
Status was nothing but a twisted, ugly concept of human society.
It should be discarded.
"Water Breathing..."
Seeing Upper Rank Five turning toward Tenjuro, the injured Ichiei tried to force himself to breathe, but the moment he inhaled, he convulsed and collapsed.
He couldn't stand anymore.
"I have dissected countless human bodies. I know the anatomy better than anyone. Even though you tightened your muscles to avoid fatal damage... you can't move a single muscle anymore. The angle and depth of my strike destroyed part of your lungs."
Michimaru glanced at the helpless Water Pillar, spreading his hands mockingly. "If I didn't have this level of skill, how could I be an Upper Rank..."
He walked over to where Tenjuro lay. The massive mouth on his belly opened wide, ready to devour the Flame Pillar alive.
A fleshy tongue flicked out, tasting the air.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed. Michimaru stopped, as if expecting them.
From the start, this battle hadn't involved just him and the two Pillars.
He had been watching Oboro carefully this whole time.
"So you're finally going to make a move..."
Unlike his casual attitude toward the Pillars, Michimaru narrowed his eyes, instantly entering a state of high alert as he looked at the approaching man.
Oboro had expected that the two Pillars together wouldn't be able to harm an Upper Rank.
Although their Breathing styles had incorporated some of the breathing techniques he had taught the Corps, boosting their power, it hadn't been long enough for a fundamental transformation.
The main issue was the enemy's strength. If this had been a Lower Rank, both Water and Flame Pillars could probably have won easily.
Still, their performance was already much better than before they learned his methods.
"Actually... you didn't need to go through all this trouble. If you wanted to become a demon, you could have just asked me, and I would have given you my blood..." Seeing Oboro smiling calmly, Michimaru spoke nervously.
"Your arrival will surely please Lord Muzan greatly."
"What do you say?"
He extended a hand toward Oboro. "We are on the same side now. I apologize for mistaking you for a Slayer earlier... If you want more power or better standing, I can take you to see Lord Muzan. I'll recommend you for the Twelve Kizuki."
"Calm down already?"
Oboro tilted his head, teasing.
This Upper Rank Five had wanted to kill him just moments ago... yet now he was changing his tune, clearly trying to smooth things over.
He had thought it through.
Someone with Oboro's strength was definitely Upper Rank material.
And among the Upper Ranks, relationships were delicate and complex.
Most importantly, there were Rank Battles. Lower-ranked demons could challenge those above them, and the loser was eaten by the winner.
Being an Upper Rank didn't guarantee safety.
To Michimaru, Oboro was a dangerous variable. He had become a demon mere moments ago and already matched his strength... just how powerful was he really?
Upper Rank Three?
Or perhaps even Upper Rank Two?
If he was challenged, death was a real possibility.
He had no confidence he could kill Oboro here and now...
Therefore, it was smarter to be friendly.
Better not make an enemy of him.
Besides, technically Oboro had become a demon using his blood... he had done him a favor, so to speak.
"Since you're new, I'll give you these two Pillars as a gift... enjoy them." Michimaru offered generously.
This was why he had kept them alive.
A peace offering.
Two Pillars were valuable, yes... but investing in this mysterious man was a better long-term strategy.
"Are you talking about Kibutsuji Muzan?"
Oboro stopped walking and spoke the name.
The moment he said it, Michimaru's face turned pale with shock.
How could he say the Master's name so casually... and still be alive?!
"YOU—!!"
What was happening?
Why wasn't he being punished?
"I don't need to go see him."
Oboro shook his head slowly.
In his mind, he accessed a familiar interface.
Game Vault of the Infinite Dreamer, Activated!
Connection Established.
"To be honest, I'm far more interested in you than I am in Muzan."
Oboro smiled, looking gently at the terrified demon. "Did you really think I came all the way here, late at night, just to steal some of Muzan's blood?"
"What are you planning to do?!"
Michimaru felt an overwhelming sense of dread. He was an Upper Rank, he had offered friendship and compromise, yet this man still intended to harm him?
Did he look that easy to bully?
Oboro opened his inventory interface and began tossing items out.
Thud. Thud. Thud...
Under Ichiei's watchful eyes, Oboro raised a hand, and pebbles, leaves, and other debris materialized out of thin air and fell to the ground. They weren't things he had picked up; they appeared from nowhere.
These items originated from the world of Hunter x Hunter, collected during his travels on the Dark Continent. He had stored them as cards within his system when he merged his abilities.
In other words, he was bringing matter from another world into this one... testing the limits of his power after transferring his skills into this new system.
Just as he expected... it worked perfectly.
Upon arriving in this world and awakening his system, Oboro had realized one thing.
This was why he was willing to stay here, even though the power level was lower.
It was because he still possessed everything he had earned in his previous life.
His abilities!
"Nothing much... I just want to see if I can take you with me as a useful resource."
Oboro spoke the truth.
Whoosh!
The instant the words fell, Upper Rank Five vanished.
Like a frightened animal, he turned into a black streak and fled at maximum speed.
He didn't even care about the two Pillars anymore...
Oboro didn't rush. He glanced briefly at Ichiei and Tenjuro on the ground, then began walking.
Slowly. Unhurriedly... chasing after the fleeing demon.
Once marked as his prey, there was no escape.
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