At the end of the month, we were finally sent on our mission. Kanju District was a dead place, the stench of rot and demon energy thick in the air. Every step echoed in the silent, abandoned streets, sending shivers down my spine.
Junai led us with unwavering confidence, his presence alone keeping us steady. But when a low growl rose from the darkness ahead, we all froze.
Shadows began to move. Dozens of lesser demons stepped into view, their glowing crimson eyes piercing the gloom.
"Form up!" Junai barked.
---
The battle exploded into chaos. Katshuu tore through demons with monstrous strength, Bunai formed barriers to block ambushes, and Shinata's lightning illuminated the night, carving paths through the enemy ranks.
I fought as best as I could, dodging claws and striking with every ounce of skill I had gained during training. But it was hard to keep up with the others. My strikes felt weaker, slower.
And then… the air shifted.
A monstrous presence stepped forward, dwarfing the lesser demons. Its roar was deafening, shaking the very ground beneath us.
A **mid-level demon**, towering and grotesque, now stood in our path.