Kokushibo dropped to his knees, all six eyes wide with shock.
As a former human swordsman, he understood exactly what had just happened. That man had shattered his Moon Breathing with nothing but a single punch, a technique he had refined over centuries. His katana lay in broken fragments across the floor, the blade still marked by overwhelming force.
"A second Yoriichi Tsugikuni…" Kokushibo muttered, his voice trembling. "No… far worse. He is beyond anything Yoriichi ever was."
Doma's body slowly reformed, but his usual carefree smile was gone, replaced by something strained and unnatural. His golden fan had long since turned to dust, and blood soaked through his elegant clothing.
"So scary… truly terrifying," he muttered, his composure completely gone.
Akaza knelt in silence, the markings across his body twitching. As someone who pursued the peak of martial arts, he understood the weight of that single strike better than anyone.
"My Destructive Kill could not even touch him… this is true strength," he said, his voice heavy with disbelief.
Nearby, Gyutaro clutched Daki tightly as both of them trembled. His sickles were snapped in half, and her sashes lay in ruined fragments.
"Brother… are we going to die?" Daki whispered, her voice barely audible.
Gyokko crouched in a corner, his grotesque form cracked and damaged, hands clutching his head.
"Do not look at me… do not look at me…" he muttered, completely stripped of his usual arrogance.
Muzan finally finished reconstructing his body, yet he remained kneeling, not daring to raise his head.
As the origin of demons, he understood better than anyone how overwhelming Sol's power truly was. The man had not even been serious, yet he crushed them effortlessly, like an adult playing with children.
"What… are you?" Muzan asked, his voice unsteady. "Are you the origin of demons? The first of our kind?"
Sol Mirek listened, then rubbed his chin as if genuinely considering the question.
A small grin tugged at his lips.
"Sure, let's go with that," he said casually. "Not just demons either. You could say I am the origin of all you little monsters."
Muzan's pupils shrank violently. His entire body trembled.
Everything he had believed for a thousand years felt like it was collapsing.
"Then… the ancient records… the ones that led to my creation…" Muzan's voice grew hoarse. He slowly lowered himself further, his forehead nearly touching the ground. "So you are the Progenitor."
Sol raised an eyebrow, mildly amused that his offhand comment had been taken so seriously.
These demons were more entertaining than he expected.
"Now that you know who I am," Sol said lightly, "do you still plan to resist?"
"I would never dare," Muzan replied instantly, shaking his head. Cold sweat ran down his face.
At the same time, a thought formed in his mind.
If this man truly was the Progenitor, then the perfect form he had chased for centuries might already stand before him.
Kokushibo lowered himself to one knee, his voice hoarse. "Lord Progenitor… did Yoriichi Tsugikuni also receive your guidance?"
Sol paused for a fraction of a second, then waved his hand casually. "That kid had talent. A bit stubborn though."
Kokushibo's body shook, his expression turning complicated as he lowered his head further. "So that is the truth…"
"Then why would you aid the Demon Slayer Corps?" he asked quietly.
Sol's gaze turned cold. "I help whoever I feel like. Do you have a problem with that?"
"No," Kokushibo replied immediately.
Doma, now fully reformed, slid closer with a flattering smile. "Lord Progenitor, what do you think of my potential? Perhaps you could guide me as well?"
Sol glanced at him, unimpressed. "You? Your nature is flawed. You will not amount to much."
Doma froze. His fan slipped from his hand and hit the floor.
Muzan watched silently, a hint of satisfaction flickering within him.
Gyutaro pulled Daki slightly behind him. "Stay back. This one is beyond anything we can handle."
Daki nodded, her face pale. She had never seen Muzan so submissive, nor the Upper Ranks so shaken.
Sol looked around at the scene, clearly pleased.
He walked over to the sofa and sat down, crossing one leg over the other.
"Come here," he said, gesturing lazily. "I have something to say."
Muzan immediately moved forward, kneeling at Sol's feet without hesitation. The others gathered as well, though they kept their distance.
Sol raised a finger.
"First, about the Blue Spider Lily."
Muzan's attention sharpened instantly, his eyes filled with desire.
Sol let the silence stretch for a moment, enjoying the reaction.
"I will give it to you," he said at last, his tone calm. "But before that, you will train under me. Until your bodies can withstand its power."
In his mind, Sol was already planning ahead. Once his Asura Mode evolved further, he could use Nakime's ability to confine them within the Infinity Castle and keep them fighting endlessly, from morning until night.
Muzan lowered himself completely, his voice trembling. "Lord Progenitor… how will you train us?"
Sol leaned back against the sofa, tapping the armrest lightly. "Simple. I will train you personally until you are worthy of it."
Kokushibo's six eyes widened again. He lowered himself further in respect.
"It is our honor to receive your guidance."
Sol nodded, satisfied.
This was exactly what he wanted.
They would be pushed to their limits, used however he pleased, and still believe it was their own failure if they fell short.