Sol Mirek stood on the high platform and looked down at the gathered demons. His expression was calm, almost amused.
"Come up, everyone. Let's talk while we wait for dawn."
The demons exchanged uneasy glances. None of them liked the feeling creeping through their hearts, but they still stepped forward one after another and climbed onto the platform.
Sol casually dropped into the main seat and gestured for them to sit as well, as if this were nothing more than a normal meeting.
Muzan stood in the dim light, his sharply tailored suit making him look tall and elegant. A faint blush spread across his pale face, the excitement of a thousand-year wish finally within reach.
"Lord Ancestor," Muzan said, his voice trembling slightly, "could you explain the exact effects of the blue spider lily?"
Sol leaned back against the railing and looked at the demons one by one.
"After consuming the blue spider lily, you will be able to walk freely in sunlight. You will no longer need to eat humans to survive. Your strength will recover naturally while you sleep."
Doma pressed a hand dramatically to his chest.
"Oh my, oh my. Does that mean I won't be able to send people to paradise anymore?"
Sol gave him a cold glance.
"What, do you have a problem with that?"
"No, not at all," Doma said quickly, snapping his golden fan shut. "I just think it's a little unfortunate."
Kokushibo's six eyes narrowed at the same time.
"Lord Ancestor, will this change be permanent?"
"Of course," Sol replied with a small nod. Then he paused on purpose, watching their expressions tighten. "However…"
The demons instantly became tense.
"If you dare to disobey me, I can take that gift back whenever I want."
Muzan's pupils shrank. He had waited centuries for the chance to walk in the sun, and the thought of losing it again made his chest tighten.
"Lord Ancestor… are you saying you can reverse the effects of the blue spider lily?"
Sol smiled slightly.
"What do you think?"
The platform fell silent.
Gyutaro instinctively pulled his sister closer. Daki's beautiful face had already turned pale. Even Akaza, who was always confident, took a small step back without realizing it.
Cold sweat soaked the back of Muzan's suit. He had believed that once he gained immunity to sunlight, he would finally be free from Sol's control. Now he was not so sure anymore.
"You worry too much, Lord Ancestor," Muzan said with a forced smile. "How could we ever disobey you?"
Sol shrugged lightly.
"I hope so."
He turned toward the gradually brightening wall.
"There are still six hours until dawn. Use the time to get used to your new power."
Muzan bowed.
"Thank you for your grace, Lord Ancestor."
Sol waved him off and walked to the edge of the platform. He sat down with his legs hanging freely, his back facing the demons as if he did not care about them at all.
None of them dared to move.
After more than a month of training under him, every demon present knew how terrifying this seemingly carefree young man truly was. This was his territory. Every movement they made was under his control.
Doma leaned closer to Muzan and whispered behind his fan, "Lord Muzan, do you think he's telling the truth? Can he really take away the effects of the flower?"
Muzan shot him a cold glare.
"Shut up. Do you want all of us dead?"
Kokushibo kept staring at Sol's back.
"His strength cannot be measured. It is better not to take risks."
Akaza clenched his fists, the markings on his body glowing faintly.
"No matter what, gaining immunity to sunlight is still a good thing."
Gyutaro dragged Daki toward a corner.
"Stay away from them. Something feels wrong."
Daki nodded nervously.
"Brother, I feel the same way."
Time passed slowly, one minute after another. The entire Infinity Castle felt suffocatingly tense. After imagining countless terrible possibilities, dawn finally arrived.
In the next instant, the demons were teleported outside.
Sol stood calmly in the morning sunlight, watching them with folded arms.
Muzan stood at the front. His long shadow stretched across the ground. His pale face was filled with disbelief.
"It's real… I'm really not afraid of the sun anymore."
His hand trembled as he raised it into the sunlight. The warmth fell on his skin, and his eyes shone with uncontrollable excitement.
A dream that had lasted for a thousand years had finally come true.
Doma spun slowly under the sun, fanning himself.
"Oh my. The sunlight feels so warm."
Kokushibo opened all six eyes and silently looked at the sky.
"This… is the sunlight we have waited for."
Sol watched them with a faint smile, clearly amused.
"So, how does it feel?"
Muzan suddenly turned and dropped to one knee.
"I will never forget Lord Ancestor's grace!"
The other Upper Rank demons knelt as well. They all expressed gratitude, but Sol easily noticed the trace of malice hidden deep in Muzan's lowered eyes.
"Stand up," Sol said calmly.
"Now that you can walk in the sun, you will work for me. That flower was not wasted on you."
Muzan slowly rose. The morning breeze moved the torn edges of his suit. A strange smile appeared on his pale face.
"Lord Ancestor… no, Mr. Sol Mirek. Do you really believe I would serve you forever?"
Sol raised an eyebrow, looking almost entertained.
"Oh? Looks like our Demon King has finally run out of patience."
"I already have immunity to the sun!" Muzan shouted, his voice filled with madness. "I don't need to fear anyone anymore. Nothing can kill me now!"
His body suddenly twisted violently. His suit tore apart as his true demon form emerged.
Kokushibo drew his blade. Doma opened his fan again. Akaza stepped forward with glowing markings. Even so, hesitation still lingered in their eyes.
Sol did not move at all. He only sighed softly.
"What a disappointment. I thought you would at least try to be smarter."
"Shut up!" Muzan roared. "Blood Demon Art, Black Blood Thorns!"
Countless black, spiked tentacles burst from his back.
"Everyone, attack! Kill him!"
Kokushibo swung his blade.
"Moon Breathing, First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace!"
Doma spread his fan wide.
"Blood Demon Art, Lotus Ice!"
Akaza's entire body shone as he stepped forward.
"Destructive Kill, Annihilation Style!"
Faced with the overwhelming attack, Sol simply snapped his fingers.
In an instant, everything disappeared.
The demons felt the familiar weightless sensation as they were dragged back into the dim space of the Infinity Castle.
Sol's voice echoed coldly through the darkness.
"Since you all want to rebel, then die."
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