10 Vol. II Demon Slayer: Floating Comment

Dōma's expression froze.

His gaze swept across Haruto, whose torn flesh was rapidly healing, then shifted to his face.

"No scent of a demon, yet your regenerative ability rivals that of a Lower Moon..."

It was an instinctive reaction, like how humans feel unease when facing another apex predator. Though Dōma lacked the capacity for "anxiety," an uncontrollable sense of danger welled up within him as he stared at Haruto's demon-like recovery ability.

His multicolored eyes narrowed slightly, and in that instant, a murderous aura surged forth.

He no longer approached this battle with the playful nonchalance he had shown earlier, waiting for the swordsmen to strike first. Instead, he lunged forward with alarming speed, twin fans in hand casting shadows as they scattered a cloud of frost and ice crystals ahead of him.

"Blood Demon Art: Frozen Lotus!"

But Haruto's reflexes were razor-sharp. The moment Dōma leapt, Haruto sidestepped. In the blink of an eye, he closed the gap between them from behind.

So fast!

Dōma's heart skipped a beat as he spun around, his kimono sleeves stirring the frost in the air. With a sharp "whoosh," a burst of powdered ice struck Haruto square in the face.

The moment the frost touched Haruto's skin, it began to crystallize, the extreme cold causing frostbite to form rapidly. Fortunately, Haruto had closed his eyes just in time, preventing the icy powder from invading his vision.

"Shing—!"

Haruto's movements remained unaffected by the frostbite. His blade slashed across Dōma's chest, leaving a deep gash. The blood coating the sword seemed to come alive as it wormed its way into Dōma's unhealed wound.

Only then did Haruto exhale slightly, retreating a few steps to put distance between them. His frost-covered face was numb at first but soon became maddeningly itchy.

Turning to Kanae, Haruto noticed the mixture of awe and concern in her gaze.

"Frostbite... but it's healing. Any side effects?" she asked hesitantly.

"Maybe..." Haruto muttered. His heart was racing, his mouth dry, and his chest tight. Though his healing had sped up, it felt as if every sensation—especially pain—was amplified.

The hand he had impaled earlier had already healed, but a sharp, throbbing ache continued to radiate from it.

Great. Am I mutating or something?

If I survive this and turn into some weird creature, I'm camping out at Lady Tamayo's place until she fixes me! Even if Yushirō glares daggers at me, I'm not leaving!

Across from him, Dōma took two steps back, his expression shifting to one of mild displeasure.

"It's always been me injecting blood into others. Aside from that great lord, no one has ever dared to taint my body with their blood."

As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with sudden intrigue.

"Fascinating! What strange blood you have!"

Ignoring his own discomfort, Haruto growled, "We need to press the advantage! I'll distract him—Kanae, find a chance to escape. We're no match for him!"

"Haruto!" Kanae called out in alarm as the white-haired swordsman brandished his blade and charged once more.

"How peculiar! Is this some kind of illusion? I'm seeing the beautiful young woman I devoured just days ago!" Dōma cackled maniacally, clutching his head as if overwhelmed.

He lowered his gaze, seemingly oblivious to Haruto's approach.

"I've changed my mind! You should feel honored—you're the first man I've decided to eat!" Dōma's head snapped up, his fans spinning in his hands as they deflected Haruto's blade.

"What a curious flavor! I'll savor every drop of your blood!"

Despite the peculiar effects of Haruto's blood, it was clear that Dōma's immense power rendered the impact negligible.

Kanae glanced out the window, her eyes catching the faint glow of dawn.

Hold on... Just a little longer... The sun will rise soon!

For the first time, Haruto fully grasped the overwhelming strength of an Upper Moon Two. Under Dōma's relentless storm of attacks and endless Blood Demon Arts, he felt like a tiny boat struggling to stay afloat in a raging sea.

He had lost count of how many times the freezing powder had grazed his face, numbing him, burning him, then itching with relentless torment. His accelerated healing felt like it was draining every last ounce of vitality from his cells.

What kind of medicine did Lady Tamayo give me?!

Dōma, aware of the time slipping away, sighed. "What a pity. If you hadn't tempted me with the sweetness of your blood, I might have left you with an intact corpse."

Hiding his face behind his fan, he chuckled softly. "But alas, it's time to end this farce."

A chilling wind swept through the wooden house. Two ice sculptures of maidens materialized, their features eerily lifelike. From their mouths, they exhaled dense clouds of frost, turning the entire room into a frozen hellscape.

"Blood Demon Art: Cold White Princesses!"

Haruto's breath hitched as his movements slowed.

So cold... My blood feels like it's freezing solid...

"Now, now, no need to rush!" Dōma teased, waving his fan as countless icy spikes formed above Haruto and Kanae, poised to drop.

No way... I can't dodge this!

Haruto forced his stiff limbs to move but found himself unable to evade the cascading barrage.

Is this it? Impaled like a pincushion?

Time seemed to freeze.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the room, catching Haruto's ears and Dōma's attention.

A spinning chain connected to a massive axe and flail smashed through the wall, shattering the falling spikes and one of the icy maiden statues.

A towering figure barreled into the room, his massive fist hurtling straight for Dōma's face.

Though Dōma dodged, the newcomer followed up with another punch, obliterating the second statue. He retrieved his chained Nichirin weapons, his sightless eyes blazing with fury.

"Himejima!" Haruto exclaimed in shock.

"Right on time!"

"Thank you!" Haruto shouted.

Gyōmei Himejima's raw strength was terrifying. Even when Dōma evaded his strikes, Gyōmei's attacks left the battlefield in ruins.

With the freezing effect gone, Haruto gripped his Nichirin blade tightly, his gaze locking onto Dōma.

A crescent moon rose above the demon's conical hat.

"What a shame!" Dōma pouted, glancing at the faint sunlight creeping into the room. "Dear Hashira, won't you reconsider? I truly wanted to eat you... You'd be my first man, and I promise it wouldn't hurt a bit~"

Gyōmei pressed his hands together in prayer. "Amitābha. Such vile words, such pure evil... It moves one to tears. Allow me to crush your head swiftly, you won't feel a thing."

"Star Breathing..."

"Why so hostile? We just met, and you're already so prickly~"

"Ninth Form..."

Dōma sighed theatrically. "Well then, next time we meet, dear Hashira, I won't be so kind!"

Haruto's muscles tensed as he swung his blade with all his might.

"Haze of Burning Star!"

Before the crescent moon faded.

But as his blade met Dōma's iron fan, a layer of frost encased the sword, and the moment they clashed—

"Clink!"

The frozen blade shattered.

Fragments sliced across Haruto's cheek before embedding into the wooden walls.

When he looked up again, Dōma was gone, vanishing into the dawning light.

Gyōmei's expression darkened, tears welling up in his eyes. "Forgive me... I arrived too late..."

"No, we'd be dead without you..." Kanae said, collapsing to the ground. She turned to Haruto.

"Haruto, are you alright? Haruto?"

Haruto stood frozen, staring at his shattered Nichirin blade. His expression was one of utter devastation.

I'm screwed. So, so screwed.