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Loading world: Demon Slayer.
World loaded successfully.
Loading initial template…
James watched the panel flash rapidly before him as lines of text scrolled like cascading data. The system finally paused, settling into its new form.
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World: Demon Slayer
Level: Entry (First Tier)
Introduction: The Taisho era in Japan.
After nightfall, vicious demons appear and prey on humans. To combat them, an elite force of demon slayers known as Ghost Hunters protect the innocent.
A boy named Tanjiro, a humble charcoal seller, returns home to find his family slaughtered by demons. His sister Nezuko, the sole survivor, has turned into one of the very creatures they fear. But retaining her human emotions, she embarks with Tanjiro on a dangerous journey under the guidance of the Demon Slayer Corps.
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Loading character: James
Template talent points available: 20
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Attributes
• Jing (Essence): 0 (+)
• Qi (Vital Energy): 0 (+)
• Shen (Spirit): 0 (+)
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Choose one temporary talent from the following list:
1. [Near the Way]: Exceptional comprehension and skill learning. You can master any technique far faster than others, often surpassing your teachers.
2. [Body of the Ghost King+]: As a newly born Ghost King, you possess immortality, terrifying strength, and blood capable of turning others into demons.
3. [Heaven-Born Sword]: Your mastery of the sword is unrivaled. Your swordsmanship transcends the world, representing the absolute peak.
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"Demon Slayer… what a perfect match. There's so much I can gain here."
James gently touched the sword at his side, eyes narrowed in thought.
"The core of this world's power lies in Breathing Techniques, which amplify the body's capabilities. That means Qi and Jing are likely the most important stats for now."
He quickly strategized. Talent points were limited, and spreading them evenly would only lead to mediocrity. A focused build would yield better results, especially with his unique talent.
"Panel—assign 10 points to Qi, 8 to Jing, and 2 to Shen."
Though Shen was low, which meant slower perception and learning of spiritual phenomena, the temporary talent could balance that weakness. This extreme distribution, while risky, had potential for fast growth.
Next was his choice of talent.
Body of the Ghost King—tempting, but limited to this world. Once he left, its benefits would vanish. A brute-force method to beat the world by becoming its greatest monster wasn't worth the long-term cost.
Heaven-Born Sword—incredible, yes, but too specialized. It would skyrocket his swordsmanship, likely putting him on par with Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the greatest swordsman in the Demon Slayer universe. But James didn't want to limit himself to the sword. Demon Slayer had a lot more to offer—poison techniques, hand-to-hand combat, breathing methods beyond pure swordplay.
Which left only one real choice.
"I'll take [Near the Way] as my temporary talent."
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Selection confirmed. Starting world entry countdown: 10… 9… 8…
James felt a wave of dizziness sweep over him. His surroundings faded into white light, then blackness.
When he opened his eyes again, he was standing in a dense forest. The canopy above glowed with the dim orange light of sunset, and in the distance, trails of smoke curled lazily into the air from village cooking fires.
He flexed his hands and took a few slow breaths. His body felt real—solid, tangible. His strength, his spiritual energy—it was all intact.
Am I just an empty vessel in the system's eyes? No stats, but still capable? Interesting.
Checking his belongings, James found a small assortment of tools and supplies—standard issue from the world, he guessed.
"Let's head toward the village. I might be able to figure out where I am."
James walked steadily through the forest, using the journey to examine the energy flow within his body. He was already becoming familiar with it. Eventually, he arrived at the village—a modest place with no more than a dozen households. Most of the residents appeared to be women, children, and the elderly.
Spotting a middle-aged man chopping firewood outside his home, James approached.
"Excuse me, sir. May I ask where I am? I was traveling with my family toward the city and must've taken a wrong turn."
The man looked him over with mild suspicion, then pointed in a few directions and grumbled.
"Watch yourself, kid. Keep going that way and you'll reach Youguo City. Take the other road, and you'll get to the county seat."
James offered a sheepish smile—half genuine, half calculated.
So I'm already out in the open? That fast? Shouldn't I be starting with the Demon Slayer selection exam on Mount Fujikasane?
The man sighed and waved his axe lazily.
"Plenty of travelers have been getting lost these days. A young woman named Fulilian is staying next door. You young folks really need to be more careful."
Fulilian? That name… doesn't belong in Demon Slayer. Something's off.
A chill ran down James's back. He didn't ask more, knowing better than to let curiosity lead him into a trap. But with night falling fast, staying outside would be reckless.
He accepted the man's offer to stay the night.
Inside, the home was warm and simple—two little girls and a woman, likely the man's wife and daughters, greeted him with polite smiles. The house wasn't large, but it was cozy.
James noticed a katana hanging on the wall.
"You're looking at that old thing?" the man said, catching James's glance. "Don't think we're just country bumpkins. My ancestors were samurai. But that sword's just decoration now."
James responded quickly. "Uncle, could I buy it? I'll trade you what I have."
He emptied his pockets on the table—rations, basic tools, and a few coins.
"What's a kid like you need a blade for?" the man asked, frowning.
"I got separated from my family. The roads aren't safe. I need something to defend myself."
The man mulled it over, then finally nodded.
Later, in the guest room, James lay on the futon, analyzing the situation.
He'd handed over all his supplies to reduce suspicion.
He asked for the sword as late as possible to avoid looking overly eager.
Details matter. Especially when your life may depend on them.
During dinner, James learned more. The family casually mentioned recent rumors—news of a train crash, of powerful demon slayers like the Flame Hashira dying in battle.
James forced a laugh. "I knew that train was risky!"
From the timeline, he guessed that Tanjiro and the Sound Pillar were probably heading to Yoshiwara now. That meant the Red Light District arc was about to begin—or already underway.
So… this peaceful village, a warm family, and a free sword. Sounds like bait. Will a demon attack tonight? Or is this something even worse?
He kept a calm face, but his muscles stayed tense. Still, the night passed without incident.
When the sun rose, James exhaled with relief.
He hadn't wasted the time, though. Through quiet meditation, he had studied his body, experimenting with how energy circulated. It was subtle but powerful. His Qi flowed smoothly, and every time it cycled through his limbs, his muscles felt denser, stronger.
So this is what 10 points in Qi and 8 in Jing feels like… It's insane.
Flexing his arm, now visibly toned, James stood and prepared to leave. After collecting the katana and saying his goodbyes, he started down the path to Youguo. The two little girls waved as he disappeared into the trees.
Yet a strange unease remained in his chest.
That village… it didn't feel quite real. And Fulilian? Definitely not part of this world's canon. Could that have been a "tutorial village?"
As he walked, he practiced manipulating the energy within him. He mimicked the rhythm of Breathing Techniques described in the Demon Slayer lore, hoping to stumble upon something useful.
The original Breathing users had succeeded. Why shouldn't he, especially with [Near the Way] guiding him?
Even without a mentor like Yoriichi, James could already feel progress.
He considered seeking out other Breathing users to observe their techniques. With his talent, learning their styles would be easy.
As these thoughts passed through his mind, he didn't stop walking. His internal energy kept circulating—being consumed and replenished, over and over.
And with each cycle, it grew.
Youguo was near.
And his real trial was about to begin.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)