Part I: A Moment's Distraction
The chained demon roared, swinging its rusted links in wide arcs, each strike carving through bark and stone. Kaito and Rengoku circled it, their movements fluid but cautious. The creature was stronger than the others—its swings unpredictable, its reach dangerous.
Kaito's mind flickered.
Three Demon Points.
Storm-seed's branches.
He could unlock one now.
Arc Pulse. Flash Reversal. Tempest Frame.
His thoughts drifted—just for a second.
The demon lunged.
Kaito reacted too late.
The chain grazed his cheek, slicing skin. Blood trickled down his jaw.
Pain snapped him back.
Focus returned.
He gritted his teeth, adjusted his stance, and narrowed his eyes. Storm-seed pulsed—not with power, but with warning.
Rengoku shouted, "Left flank!"
Kaito moved.
He baited the demon into a wide swing, then ducked low, sliding beneath the chain. Rengoku surged forward, blade blazing, striking the demon's exposed side.
It roared, staggered.
Kaito followed up—Thunder Swarm—three rapid strikes to its legs. The demon collapsed to one knee.
Rengoku didn't hesitate.
Flame Breathing: Second Form – Rising Scorching Sun.
His blade arced upward, cleaving through the demon's torso.
It shrieked, convulsed, and then fell.
Silence.
Kaito wiped the blood from his cheek, breath heavy.
Rengoku glanced at him. "You alright?"
Kaito nodded. "Lost focus."
Rengoku smiled. "Happens. Just don't make it a habit."
Kaito looked down at the demon's corpse.
Storm-seed pulsed again.
Another point earned.
He had four now.
But the fight wasn't over.
The third demon hadn't moved.
Hadn't attacked.
It was hiding.
Watching.
Waiting.
Part II: The Predator in the Dark
The forest grew still.
The third demon hadn't charged. Hadn't roared. It lingered in the shadows, silent and unseen.
Kaito scanned the trees. Rengoku stood beside the injured slayer, blade ready.
"This one's different," Rengoku murmured.
Kaito nodded. "It's not fighting like a demon. It's hunting."
The air felt colder. The mist thicker.
Kaito crouched, listening.
No footsteps. No breathing. Just the faint rustle of leaves.
The demon was a predator—calculating, patient. It waited for weakness.
Kaito moved slowly, eyes scanning every branch, every shadow.
Then the injured slayer stirred.
His voice was hoarse. "It's watching me."
Rengoku stepped closer. "Stay still."
But the slayer shook his head. "I'll draw it out."
He tore the bandage from his arm, letting blood spill freely onto the ground.
Kaito's eyes widened. "What are you—?"
"Demons crave blood," the slayer whispered. "Let it smell mine."
The scent spread quickly.
A low growl echoed from the trees.
Kaito tensed.
The demon stepped into view—slowly, deliberately. Its eyes were narrow, its body lean and coiled. It didn't roar. It didn't charge.
It stalked.
Kaito whispered, "Left ridge. Two meters up."
Rengoku nodded.
Kaito moved right, drawing the demon's gaze. He feinted a strike, then retreated.
The demon followed.
Rengoku vanished into the mist.
Kaito baited the demon into lunging—then dove aside.
"Now!" he shouted.
Rengoku burst from the shadows, blade blazing.
Flame Breathing: Fifth Form – Flame Tiger.
The strike landed clean.
The demon shrieked, twisted, and then collapsed.
Silence returned.
Kaito exhaled.
The injured slayer slumped, smiling faintly.
Rengoku sheathed his blade. "Smart move."
Kaito nodded. "He drew it out. We finished it."
Storm-seed pulsed again.
One more point.
6 total.
The storm was ready to evolve.
3rd night completed
1 new chapter= 100 ps
2 new chapters =200 ps