At the Ubuyashiki residence.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya gently stroked the feathers of the crow perched in his arms as he listened to the report it conveyed. The moment he heard that Lucas had easily defeated the former Lower Six demon, Xiang Kai, his fingers paused slightly.
How many days had passed since Lucas began his journey? Has he already reached the level where he can defeat one of the Lower Moons?
This growth rate... it was no less than that of Muichiro, right?
Muichiro had taken only two months to rise to the rank of a Hashira. If so, how long would it take Lucas to reach that level?
As Kagaya pondered this, the crow—named Jiao Ya—noticed the gentle touch had stopped and looked up with slight grievance. It fluttered its wings and resumed its report dutifully.
"It seems that Lucas used... a blood demon art when fighting Inosuke."
Jiao Ya's voice sounded hesitant. This was the first time the crow had seen a human use such a skill, typically reserved for demons.
Kagaya's eyes narrowed, and he stared intently at Jiao Ya, searching for confirmation in the crow's gaze.
Could it really be true? A human using blood demon arts?
To him, it seemed more plausible that Jiao Ya had made an error in judgment.
But the crow's calm, unwavering gaze told another story.
"Blood demon art?" Kagaya repeated in disbelief.
Jiao Ya nodded once more, firmly.
Though it was hard to believe, Kagaya didn't doubt Jiao Ya's perception. The crow had been his loyal companion for years and had witnessed the powers of countless demons. If it claimed Lucas had used blood demon energy, then it must be true.
Still, the question remained—how?
Why was Lucas able to use a power exclusive to demons?
Could he possibly be one of Muzan's creations? A demon in disguise?
No—that couldn't be. The fact that Lucas could freely roam Mount Fujikasane, covered with wisteria flowers, was proof enough that he was still human. Even Muzan himself couldn't remain calm and unaffected amidst such dense concentrations of wisteria.
So how was it possible that Lucas could wield a blood demon art as a human?
The more Kagaya thought about it, the more curious he became. He had to meet Lucas in person.
A human capable of using demon arts—what changes would such a person bring to the Demon Slayer Corps?
---
Elsewhere, Lucas and his group were being led by the kasugai crow to the home of the Violet Wisteria Family.
After enjoying a hearty meal with Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu, Lucas politely asked the old lady of the house for a room where he could rest and be alone.
He had acquired several new skills at the Drum Mansion and hadn't yet integrated them into his system. This break was the perfect opportunity to focus on that.
Opening his system panel, Lucas saw the list of abilities ready for fusion:
Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash (Mastery)
Blood Demon Art: Ghost Drum (Mastery)
Beast Breathing, Seventh Fang: Spatial Perception (Mastery)
All three skills were acquired during the recent mission at the Drum Mansion. He ignored the skill associated with the Gluttonous Ghost due to its poor quality and instead focused on the three he deemed valuable.
Would you like to fuse Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash (Mastery)?
[Yes]
Lucas confirmed.
Immediately, a cool stream of energy flowed through his body. It felt like fresh spring water winding through his limbs, soothing and energizing at the same time.
Unlike the searing pain that came with fusing Thunder Breathing techniques, this process was serene. The Water Breathing flowed in harmony with the Breath of the Thunder God, making his entire presence feel more natural and connected to the world.
After some time, the knowledge of Water Surface Slash fully settled into his mind.
He reached for the long katana resting across his knees.
As he activated the Water Breathing technique, the once golden blade began to emit a faint blue glow—like a mirror reflecting the ocean's depths.
Raising the sword, Lucas marveled at how rippling light surrounded the edge. Each movement of the blade caused water-like ripples to appear in the air. It looked as though the weapon was flowing with the current of a gentle stream.
Tiny water droplets formed in the air and floated gently with the breeze, reacting to the water-infused movements of the sword.
"So I can use multiple breathing styles through the system," Lucas thought with satisfaction. "As long as I can master the transitions between styles, even Upper Moons won't see it coming."
Now that he had grasped the enhancements brought by Water Breathing, Lucas turned to the next skill—Beast Breathing, Seventh Fang: Spatial Perception—the one he had acquired from Inosuke.
Unlike Water Breathing, the fusion of Beast Breathing was anything but tranquil.
The wild energy charged through his body like a stampede of beasts, each step carving out deeper pathways through his senses. It was rough, primal, and loud.
Lucas grit his teeth as the chaotic power surged through him, but he didn't resist it. He allowed it to refine his instincts.
His perception expanded. He could feel the space around him more vividly than ever before. Every breath he took resonated with the environment. Even without looking, he could mentally map out the layout of the room and every object within it.
His katana remained unchanged in color, but his understanding of its movements improved drastically.
With his heightened spatial awareness, he could now perceive the trajectory of his blade in minute detail—the air currents it disturbed, the wind it stirred, and the weight it carried.
Such perception brought a whole new level of precision and adaptability to his Thunder Breathing techniques. Though indirect, it was undeniably a powerful boost in combat.
With both Water and Beast Breathing integrated and their benefits realized, Lucas turned to the final skill: Ghost Drum.
> Ghost Drum (Revised): Alters the structure of a room via specific sounds. The range of control depends on the user's strength.
Lucas raised an eyebrow as he read the description. He didn't hold high expectations for it. After all, it seemed useful only in confined indoor settings, making it impractical for open combat.
Still, he couldn't ignore its potential.
Especially if he were ever to face Muzan in the Infinite Castle, where control of the environment could prove decisive. It might not be a game-changer in every battle, but in the right place, it could tip the scales.
He initiated the fusion.
This time, the process was nearly imperceptible. The Ghost Drum didn't cause pain or discomfort—it was more of a mental realignment, a sharpening of his understanding of space.
Lucas opened his eyes and snapped his fingers experimentally.
A clear, crisp sound echoed through the room. At first glance, nothing seemed different. But Lucas felt it.
A subtle connection had formed between him and the space around him.
He could feel the structure of the room like it was an extension of his own body. Walls, ceilings, and corners—all of it was under his subtle influence.
To test it, he snapped his fingers again.
This time, a gentle pulse of invisible force rippled through the room, and a corner of the wall shifted ever so slightly. The change was minor—intentionally so—but it confirmed Lucas's control.
If he used more power, he could easily manipulate the environment for tactical advantage, creating traps or disorienting his enemies.
Even someone like Xiang Kai in his prime wouldn't stand a chance against him now.
Lucas let out a satisfied breath. Though the Ghost Drum's range was limited, it had unique strategic value.
Three successful fusions. Three steps closer to becoming stronger.
And the road ahead was long—but Lucas was no longer walking it alone.
He had friends, skills, and determination.
Even the Upper Moons would tremble before him.
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