Argentum: Next chapter that I'm writing before I even publish the last two chapters yay!

Judan: Wait what?

Argentum: That's not important.

Grel'Slyfer: Well I guess it's always a good thing to have things finished in advanced…

Argentum: Precisely! Though I'll make sure to make edits if we ever get any reviews. Or ones that I'm actually able to answer. Sheesh some of these people… I swear most just don't pay attention to most of what I say in these stories.

Val'gin: I suppose that is fair enough. Although our frustrations won't stop us from using whatever bit of any review we can to improve.

Argentum: Indeed~.

Judan: And who is this guy?

Argentum: No spoilers!

Judan: sheesh… fine…

Grel'Slyfer: Ah… more interesting things shall he happening now! How wonderful~!

Argentum: Ease up on the evil while we finish this comment section up.

Judan: Isn't it cal-

Argentum: NO! None of that! Val'gin please finish this before we get even more off track!

Val'gin: Okay… We own nothing but OC's and reality building concepts everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further ado…

Everyone: Here's the story!

Hello= Regular talk

Hello= Thoughts

[Hello]= Radio

(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading

Chapter Eighteen: How I went out on my first mission or… How I gained a horrible habit…

Due mostly to my haste coming about from my excitement, I actually arrived back at the flame Hashira estate in five days. Rather than the week I took me to reach Fujikasane Mountain. Though as I arrived I had sudden thought on how it would take another ten days for my sword.

I wonder what they're doing with it? Shrugging as I walked in I took note of the sun. Seeing how my watch was broken a while back I had to rely on the sun to tell time. On my estimations it was somewhere around three in the afternoon. Nodding my head I turned away before I went blind. As I walked through the estate I heard sounds coming from the dojo. Now knowing where everyone was I made my way over. Outside the door watching whatever might have been happening inside was Kyojuro. Smiling I walked next time while looking into the dojo myself.

"Huh… wasn't expecting to see that." If I startled the Hashira he didn't show it, but Kyojuro did nod at my words. Inside the dojo sparring were Shinjuro and Senjuro. Shinjuro was helping his son improve upon his skills. Giving tips and actually going easy on the kid, it was quite shocking and I couldn't blame Kyojuro for simply watching silently. Didn't help that the two sparring didn't seem to notice us at all.

Turning to me with a smile Kyojuro put a hand on my shoulder. "I don't know what you did… but I thank you for reigniting my father's flames." Knowing what would happen if I tried to say anything against that I simply nodded. Though inside I felt as if I didn't do too much. "By the way… congrats on passing! I received a Kusugai crow with a letter telling me how you did! I couldn't help but laugh when I read how you killed almost all demons on the mountain! Simply astounding!" Rubbing the back of my head sheepishly I tried to excuse my actions.

"Well… I will admit that I went a little crazy… and somehow gained the desire to kill pretty much everything on the mountain." He simply laughed at my words while slapping my back.

"You heart was definitely set ablaze then! I can't wait to see where you go from here! If I could I'd raise you to at least Tsuchinoe in rank! But alas you'll need to elevate your own rank the old fashion way. But knowing you you'll reach even Kinoe in no time! When that happens I'll welcome you into the Hashira personally!"

I laughed at that, Kyojuro's exuberance still as infectious as always. "Well I'll be looking forward to that then!" Looking back at the two sparring we simply watched as Senjuro worked himself ragged. "Senjuro is really coming along isn't he?" The flame Hashira simply smiled proudly with a nod. "Well… I think I'll go take a bath and write in my journal before dinner. I'll greet everyone else then." Folding his arms Kyojuro nodded as I left. The last time I had a bath was almost three weeks ago after all. Suffice to say I took a while in the bath before coming out in a fresh yukata. "Phew… that was awesome…"

After putting my clothes in with the dirty laundry I went to my room. Sitting down at my desk I wrote about the last few weeks. While there wasn't much to tell, I did write about the more notable demons that I fought. Along with the people I saved. It would be nice to see them out on the field. Looking at an old clock in my room I saw that I still had some time before dinner. So I quickly wrote to my girls, asking them how they were doing while also telling them about how I passed the final selection. Leaving out the part where I may have inadvertently made their final selection harder.

There was no way I was going to tell them that. Finishing up my letters I stretched out my back before heading to dinner. When I entered I was tackled in a hug, though I managed to keep my ground. Looking down I saw that it was Senjuro who was hugging me.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" Chuckling I hugged the kid back before ruffling his hair, his reaction was predictable. "HEY!" As he pushed away from me with a scowl I laughed. "I keep saying not to do that!" Raising my hands up in surrender I spoke while still smiling.

"Sorry once again, but as I said I can't help it!" He grumbled before stepping to the side. Looking around I could see that both Kyojuro and Shinjuro were rather amused. Though I did notice a small package on Shinjuro's side but decided it wasn't important. Sitting down at the place provided for me I spoke up. "Whelp… I passed while maybe making the next final selection trickier for those taking it." Shinjuro snorted and gave his opinion as Kyojuro laughed.

"Well… those gakis will just have to adapt then. Besides! Those with flame breathing should always outshine everyone else! And you my student certainly outshined everyone." Grinning I was about to say something as he held a hand up. "And because you excelled I decided to get you something. As a token of my pride in how well you did, but also for what you've done for me and my family." He then picked up the package I had seen before and handed it to me. "And before you say any crap about not doing much… I'll tell you right now that you did. Simply seeing you training from day in and day out rekindled a flame in my heart. One that I had thought went out long ago, and now that you've passed the final selection in such a spectacular manner… I couldn't help but get you this."

Looking down at the package I hesitated before Shinjuro prompted me to open it. Untying the cord that kept the package shut I reached in and took out its content's. I was surprised by what I found… it was a black long haori, with a high collar. On its back were the kanji for flame, Rengoku, destroy.

What's more there were purple flames decorating the bottom of the sleeves and the coat part of it. Just feeling it I could tell that it was very well made, and it was very strong… so much so that it reminded me of my now ruined coat. In fact it seemed even stronger even though it had no enchantments on it.

Feeling someone slap me on the back I was taken out of my thoughts as I turned to Kyojuro. "WELL?! Put it on my friend!" Nodding I stood up and put it on. It fit perfectly and I had to say it…

"This both feels and looks awesome!" The Rengokus all laughed as I turned to them and bowed. "Thank you… I'll do everything I can to make sure I stay worthy of this haori." Shinjuro waved me off as Kyojuro patted my shoulder before reassuring me.

"Michael… we have no doubt that you will! But this isn't the only thing you'll be getting. When your new sword arrives along with your uniform… well let's just say we made some changes to it to suit you. Kind of like I did with my brown uniform!" Patting my shoulder once more he sat down. "Now let's all eat and celebrate the new official Hono no Kokyu demon slayer!" We all cheered before sitting down and eating. As we ate I was asked numerous questions from everyone. Senjuro more than the older Rengokus had quite a number of them.

Most of them about what kind of demons I slew, and the people I may have met. Honestly… even if it was only for a little bit, it was good to be back.

And so I walk in the sound of line breaks!

After a few days of simply relaxing for the first time since coming to this dimension, the day my sword was supposed to be delivered had arrived. I was honestly surprised about who I saw.

I was eating lunch when the door opened up. "YO! Heard you passed the final selection with flying colors!" Still in his white and black striped trenchcoat accompanying a man in a hyottoko mask was Judan. "What's with that face? Not happy to see me?" Realizing I was staring I shook my head.

"Uh no… just surprised to see you again. You haven't exactly shown yourself for the last seventeen months." He nodded in understanding while stepping to the side, letting the masked man walk in.

"Yeah well… I was rather busy. I'm just here now to explain a couple things about your upgraded sword." Before I could ask him what he meant, the masked wearing man took off some sort of wrap from his back.

As I looked at it curiously the man spoke, it was gruff but he seemed excited. "I will admit… when Judan Dono told me about what he wanted to do with your old sword. I was a bit conflicted; your sword while a bit damaged was still a fine blade. Also the metal was rather different from regular nichirin blades, and I was worried about the enchantments said to be embedded in it. However after some instructions, and even a few revolutionary ideas from him… I couldn't say no. Now I have more blacksmithing techniques to show around my village. As for this… I can confidently say it is a master piece." The man than took a sword from the wrap.

As he handed it to me I realized that it was my sword… even if the entire sword now looked different. Turning it in my hands I inspected the saya or scabbard. It was gave me an idea of how long the blade was, what with it being thirty six inches long. Its pitch black coloring was decorated with purplish flames much like my haori. The tsuba was made of steel and octagon in shape with the corners rounded inwards. It was also decorated with dragons breathing fire. The tsuka or handle was twelve inches long and while it held no menuki or ornaments, was wrapped in a crisscross silk wrap.

Smirking Judan spoke up. "Seeing how much you've grown we decided that since you like longer blades, we increased its length by two inches. I also noticed that you were very rough with it especially with your flames. So we decided to change it from a Dandao to something more fitting for you. Increasing the side blade width by an inch, basically we turned it into an O-Katana. But hey! You can now be as rough with it as you want!" The masked man nodded before gesturing to the sword.

"Now go ahead and unsheathe it, I'm curious to see what color it turns into… though we will admit there is a chance it won't change color. Seeing how we forged in the crimson ore in order to keep the enchantments. However if it does work than it'll be able to deal with demonic foes twice as easily. A especially useful tool considering who you're trying to go after." I wasn't surprised that the blacksmith knew what we were doing, but I wished he didn't casually mention that in front of Senjuro. The older Rengokus already knowing about my self imposed task.

Now while I did trust the kid, I didn't want to drag him into a conflict that wasn't his. Thankfully he seemed more focused on my sword than anything else. So taking it into my hands I unsheathed my new sword. Its once black coloring was now gone, replaced with regular steel. I was a little disappointed but not one moment later it started to change. The yakiba or hard section of the blade turned pitch black, however the mune or back had turned into purple flames overlapping one another. At Judan's smirk I quickly questioned him.

"Okay… were you the one who gave Shinjuro the idea about putting purple flames on the haori?" Judan laughed with a nod. "How in the halibut did you know my sword would turn out like this?" Smirking the disciple of chaos answered me.

"Well despite learning flame breathing, I also guessed from your eyes. They do turn a rather cool shade of purple whenever you use your Lyb'Craeft. So I took a guess and bam! You got a cool looking sword." I felt like that wasn't the entire reason, but it was a reason that made a marginal amount of sense.

With a nod the blacksmith spoke up happily. "Yes Judan Dono did guess this would happen, and I for one am ecstatic to see such a beautiful change! I can tell that you will go far! Now then… for future reference my name is Jura Hitoshi. If you ever need any repairs, or have any questions on maintenance, feel free to send me a letter through your Kusugai crow. I will be more than happy to help." Sheathing my new sword I gave him a slight bow.

"Thank you I will take you up on your offer." With a nod he stood up. "Guessing you have to get going now?"

Though I couldn't see it behind his mask I could tell he was smiling. "I do indeed! Judan Dono's teaching on blacksmithing must be spread to the rest! I will be looking forward to working with you." Bowing to everyone else in the room Hitoshi left. Once he closed the dining room door Judan turned to me while handing me another package.

"Here… got you your uniform. As you've probably been told we made some adjustments to it. The perks of training under a former and a current Hashira." Taking it I nodded gratefully. "Well… go ahead and try it one, we'll wait for ya." I'll admit I was a little excited for this so quickly excused myself. As I put on I couldn't help but notice that while it was similar to Kyojuro's uniform. It was black and purple in coloring. Also instead of a tight high color it instead had a peaked hood that I could put up when I needed to.

Also instead of any bands on my ankles, my hakama had purple flames. Smirking I put on my boots, and then for the first time in a while my gloves. The uniform felt as strong as my haori and was quite breathable. Doing some simple exercises I moved around a bit. Even with the haori I could move quite easily. Nodding I took out my o-katana and did some katas, trying to get the feel for everything.

Grinning I could only say one thing as I re-sheathed my sword. "Perfect!" Still grinning as I rejoined everyone I gave a short bow. "Thank you all… everything fits perfectly." Judan waved off my thanks with a smirk.

"Don't sweat it kid, I do plan on doing the same for your girls." As everyone nodded their heads in agreement I stood straight up. "Now… things will only get trickier from here on out, and just to make sure do you know what blood arts are?"

I nodded my head before giving a brief explanation. "Blood demon arts are basically supernatural powers some demons possess right?"

Snapping his fingers he spoke up. "Bingo! I suggest that you be wary for them. For there's no way the corps will send you out to fight the regular smucks despite just being a Mizunoto. You're way too strong for that. You might get a few but be prepared to fight a lot of weird magic demons." As I gave the disciple of chaos a determined nod he looked at a nearby window. "Speaking of which… guess it's time." Confused I was about to ask him what he meant when my Kusugai crow flew in and landed on my shoulder.

"CAW! Michael Varis Smith! CAW! Your first mission is to the south! To the south! People are disappearing from Kinoto village! CAW! Go and slay the demon with all haste!" Clenching my hands in determination I turned to everyone else.

"Whelp… guess that's that then." Senjuro then ran up and hugged me.

"Be careful! And I'll miss you!" Smiling I hugged the kid back while reassuring him.

"Hey… I won't die that easily. And I promise to write you at least once a week. Just promise to train hard alright?" Senjuro nodded as I ruffled his hair, making the kid push off me with a pout. "Sorry but I had to do it once more before leaving." As the kid rolled his eyes I turned to Kyojuro. "Well guess I'll see you later, maybe even out on the field eh?"

Laughing he clapped me on the shoulder. "I suppose so! Good luck and remember to keep you heard ablaze!" Clapping his shoulder for a moment I turned to Shinjuro.

Bowing again I thanked the man one last time. "Thank you for everything… sensei…" Looking up I saw him scratching his cheek a bit in embarrassment.

"Yeah whatever… just go out and kill as many demons as you can okay?" Nodding I turned back to Judan.

"Well… guess this is it again. Thanks for the equipment, I'm definitely going to need it."

Grinning Judan clapped his hands together. "Awesome! Take care kid, you have a lot of people counting on you." Clenching a fist in front of my face I smirked.

"Hey… I don't plan on dying anytime soon." Turning back to everyone I took a breath. "Well I should head out now, I promise to see all of you again as soon as I can." With my final farewell I left as everyone waved to me goodbye. As I started walking out of the estate I turned to my crow. "South right?" As the crow gave an affirmative I started heading south along the road. As I did so I took out my most recent letters. "Hey can you deliver these to my friends? One named Cassandra is training with the former water Hashira Urokodaki Sakonji. The other named Eris is training with the former thunder Hashira Kuwajima Jigoro."

Nodding my crow allowed me to tie my letters to him before he took off. "I'll need to come up with a name for him later… if he is a he…" Shaking my head I picked up my pace, knowing that the longer I dawdled the more people died. "And I promised to save as many people as I can!"

And so I walk in the sound of line breaks!

It took me a day of traveling on foot to reach my destination. By then my crow had returned to me… I also learned that he was a she. Got pecked a couple of times for that… but now I've named her Oniki. I based her name off of the word onikisu or onyx. She thankfully seemed to like it, Oniki also came with some letters from my girls, but since I was on a mission I decided to read them later.

As I arrived at the village I quickly came to realize something… I had no idea how to hunt down the demon. Sure I could kill it… probably… but I had to first find it. Sighing I walked forward deciding to find a tea house or something. I figured it was much like a café, and that it would be ripe with gossip and rumors. Things I could use to start locating the demon. Thankfully it didn't take me too long to find one, but with the pocket money I had I barely afforded a cup of tea.

Taking a sip as I sat inside the shop I couldn't help but nod. "Delicious." Drinking slowly I listened in on everyone around me, making sure to pay attention to certain subjects. I suppose it was only a matter of time before I picked up on something interesting.

Over on another table two men were speaking, the larger of the two was quite distraught. "It has been a week since Kaminari has disappeared… I suppose we have no choice but to lump him in with everyone else who had gone missing." His friend nodded sadly before adding in his own two cents.

"Everyone is spooked and are freaking out. Remember the half eaten bodies that were found? Must be some sort of wild animal running around at night." The first man snorted before refuting his friend's theory.

"Ain't no wild animals smart enough to go unnoticed for so long around here. I personally think it's either some crazed killer, or maybe even one of those demons the old folks go on and on about." That got a laugh from the both of them. That was enough for me to get started, but there was something I wanted to ask in person.

So standing up I made my way over to them. "Excuse me." As the two turned to me I decided to be… moderately truthful. "I couldn't help but over hear you talking and I would like to ask some questions. You see… I was actually sent here by the police to try and deal with the problem. So if you would allow me to ask a few questions that would make my job easier." Though a bit wary they seemed to believe me and nodded. "Excellent! Now two things and I shall be on my way. First do you know where most of the disappearances are located? And secondly where are the bodies are usually found?"

Nodding his head the bigger man spoke first. "Well… most of those who go missing happen to do so near the village's cherry blossom tree. It's a bit of a gathering spot for potential lovers, so most of those who've gone missing are young folks." Nodding to reaffirm his friend the smaller man spoke up.

"As for where the bodies are found… that would be in the koi ponds dotted around the village. Seems as if the killer wants the evidence soaked to make itself harder to track." Bowing my head in thanks I left the tea house… after finishing my tea of course.

Hmm… cherry blossom tree… and koi ponds… I now had a number of locations to check out. Best to check out the cherry blossom first, might be able to stop more deaths from happening. Destination decided upon I left for the village top center. Deciding to stake out the location I looked around. There were a number of buildings surrounding the singular tree, and there was a couple sitting at the base of it. Seeing them made me miss my girls, imagining sitting there with them brought a smile to my face.

Realizing I was becoming distracted I slapped my cheeks a bit before coming back to the task at hand. Eventually I decided the best place to watch the goings on was a house. It was a little taller than the others so provided me a better vantage point. However seeing how it was still day time I couldn't just jump on top of it. It would bring quite a bit of attention to myself. Well more attention than simply carrying a sword around. Apparently they were banned in public during this time period. I was so far lucky enough to have hidden mine inside my haori. But the long blade was still tricky to conceal.

Thinking things through I looked around the building. I couldn't help but sigh as I saw there was no way on top without being seen. Guess I'll just have to wait for nightfall… Shaking my head I left to try and find something to do. Unfortunately that came in the form of a game… a street game to be precise.

Near a wall to some sort of estate, a shady looking man was calling out bets as he moved dice in a cup. "Come right up! Step up and guess the dice! Get it right you when ten thousand yen! Get it wrong and you lose a thousand!" Curious and wondering what was going on I approached. Looking up at me with a smile he called me out. "You there! The one in the fine looking clothes! Willing to take a chance? This is a game anyone can play after all!" I shook my head with a fake smile.

"Sorry but I currently don't have a thousand yen on my." Nodding he looked at my haori before smirking.

"Well if you don't have anything… how about betting your haori there? It looks rather expensive… unless you're chicken."

I couldn't help but narrow my eyes at him. "You know… I know you're playing me. But I can't help it, do your thing!" He smirked as he picked up the dice and shook them inside of his three cups. Of course I cheated with not only Lyb'Craeft, but also my telekinesis. So as he finished and prompted me to guess I gave the right answer. "First cup has three, second has eight, and third has four." The man chuckled having thought he cheated me.

"Sorry but I-WHAT?!" Just as I said I had made it so, and I quickly took the small bag of ten thousand yen next to him.

"Thank you~!" I quickly left after that leaving the man flabbergasted. Heh… he deserved that. Unfortunately that was the day I gained the habit of cheating while gambling… and also the day I became slightly addicted to gambling… yeah my girls lectured me heavily when they found out. But that is a story for later.

And so I walk in the sound of line breaks!

After spending the day scamming every other scammer out on the streets, I now had my hood up as I sat on top of the tall house. On my side was a very large sack of money. Was I proud of myself… maybe a little bit. My excuse was that at least I wouldn't be scamming people with the money. Plus I was able to get some lunch and dinner with the money got so it was worth it in my opinion.

Adjusting myself I groaned a bit at the discomfort. Hanging off the side of a peaked roof is not the most comfortable thing in the world. Refocusing on the cherry blossom tree I waited… and waited… and waited… Stake outs suck! Sighing I took out a rice cracker from a bag pouch I'd recently acquired and took a bite. Hm these things are pretty good. As I finished off the cracker I finally noticed something going on. A couple seemed to be making their way to the tree.

I actually didn't expect that… what I assumed would happen was that the demon would simply pop up looking for some prey. I didn't expect some people to be walking around with all the people going missing! I wished I could go down there and warn them to head inside. However my current position and my need to find the demon outweighed such a notion. So while I found it distasteful I had no choice but use those two as bait. Unsheathing my sword so I could use it at a moment's notice I waited. As I watched and waited I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous.

It had been too long since I've been able to see my girls, and I was really starting to miss them. Maybe I can try and see them before their final selection? As I thought on that my Lyb'Craeft picked up on something. A slight warping with the ground, narrowing my eyes I prepared to jump in. As the ground turned elastic, and jumped at the couple in the shape of a clawed hand, I made my move. It was only then did I realize just how much faster I've gotten. For what seemed to be an instant I was behind the couple slicing through the claw.

It was only when I talked to them did they seem to notice me. "HEY!" Startled they turned to me as I told them to leave. "This place is dangerous! I suggest you get out of here!" Seeing the severed claw they quickly did as I suggested. Seeing them running I turned back to the hand and using Lyb'Craeft found a trail I could follow. There was a path of jumbled equations and I quickly followed them.

Running at top speed it didn't take me long to find what I was looking for. It was holding its stump of a hand cursing me for doing this to him. Smirking I rushed forward. Ichi no kata Shiranui! Sword flaming I attempted to decapitate the demon in one blow. However if it was thanks to luck or skill, the demon saw me coming and jumped out of the way. However my attack wasn't completely wasted, as I had created a deep gash down its abdomen.

"ARGH! Damn you bastard!" I didn't try to refute his words seeing how I had no idea if I was an actual bastard. I did however continue to charge forward. Growling the demon stomped on the ground, his left foot fusing into the dirt road. Getting used to the equations I jumped back as a spike of earth shot up at me. "Tsk!" The demon was getting annoyed. "Just stay still dammit! If you give up now I promise I'll make your death painless!"

I couldn't help but snort before giving a counter offer. "I have a better idea… how about you give up and I will make your death swift and painless!" He didn't seem to like my offer as he snarled and knelt on all fours. His limbs fusing into the ground, I had to admit… his blood demon art was rather interesting. It had given him a complete home field advantage, and he was definitely stronger than any of the demons I slew during the final selection.

Dodging and weaving through all of his attacks I used the time to see exactly where I stood. I knew I was still no match for the likes of Kyojuro and even Shinjuro. That was a given however fighting this demon made me realize something. It would appear that unless they have a powerful demon blood art. I could probably deal with any demon below a kizuki member. Smirking I rushed forward cutting up all of the demons attacks.

"WHAT?!" As the demon yelled in panic and jumped up trying to run away I followed. Flames coating my blade as I swung down at his exposed neck.

"San no kata Kien Banjo!" Slicing right through his neck along with the rest of his body, I watched as the demon swiftly disintegrated. "Heh." Landing I swiped my sword ridding it of blood before sheathing it. "Takes care of that small fry." It was my first successful demon hunt and I was feeling rather good about myself. That's when I heard clapping, turning around I narrowed my eyes at a strange figure. Wearing a black and white hooded trench coat, a strange longsword at his side… I could feel that whoever this is was very dangerous.

As I moved a hand to my sword he spoke. "That was quite a clean kill there… most impressive. When it comes to skill there isn't too much left for you to learn. I wonder though… just how strong are you really?" Unsheathing his sword the figure charged at me. His speed was incredible and I was barely able to unsheathe my own sword to block him. As he pushed up on me I could see his eyes. While both had black sclera, his right had a magic circle, while his left was ruby red with a sapphire pupil.

As I pushed him back I could come to only one conclusion. "A Darkwraith!" The man laughed before shaking his head and refuting my exclamation.

"No… I'm what's known as an Abysswalker. A servant to a Darkwraith, though I'll admit being a champion to two Darkwraith like myself is a title only I can claim." He then bowed before giving his name. "The name is Val'gin… and while I was told not to kill you at the moment. For Master Grel'Slyfer wishes for that honor, I was told that I can test you out a bit." I could tell he was grinning despite not being to see it as Val'gin got into a ready stance. "Now prepare for battle!" Gritting my teeth I decided to take initiative and charge forward.

And so I walk in the sound of line breaks!

If I were to be honest… I was a little bit excited for this fight as well. I would be able to test my training and see where I stood against my true enemies. Our swords clashed in a series of sparks. He would strike at my side, I would counter and use the momentum built to aim for his arm. Val'gin would see this and side step as he swung at my neck. I would simply lean back and strike at his center, and he would deflect my blow.

Never for more than an instant would our blades meet, no pushing… no shoving… simply counters and strikes. As the fight wore on I didn't even feel the fatigue set in, adrenaline fueling my body with excitement. Later I would think back on this moment and realize that I was actually a battle nut. That I loved the thrill of combat, at that moment however I was only pushing myself to keep up with the Abysswalker. For though it was almost imperceptible, he was slowly upping the speed and strength of his attacks.

I however had yet to use any forms, wanting to save those as a surprise in case I needed them. Eventually something had to give and as I swung to take off my opponents arm, he thrusted his sword while side stepping. Though I managed to dodge the attack cut my left cheek and blew my hood off. Jumping back I refocused my breathing while preparing for the next bout.

My opponent however seemed keen on gloating a bit. "Heh… seems as if I managed first blood." As I narrowed my eyes he pushed on. "Still for a novice you're doing rather well. If you had this much strength before master Grel'Slyfer would have killed you on the spot. You are a pretty big threat in the making after all. Alas now that we know you're working with Judan, and by association Modaga. We can't risk simply killing you right now. Better the knife you can see, rather than the knife you can't as they say."

While his words made sense I couldn't help but think that they're planning something. Deciding that if I can take this guy off guard and kill him… that it might thwart some of our enemies' plans. I decided to just screw the consequences. Quickly using Lyb'Craeft to see if anyone was around, I held my sword up.

Val'gin narrowed his eyes at me. "Oh? What's this?" I simply smirked as I let my body heat up. As if feeling something big was coming the Abysswalker got into a ready stance. "Whatever it is you're planning on using… it won't make a bit of difference! I'm still hundreds of thousands of times stronger than you!" Though that was a bit worrying I decided to attack anyways. Taking advantage over how he was told not to kill me.

"I guess we'll just have to see about that won't we?!" I knew taunting him would only annoy the guy. But I wanted to try and get every advantage I could. Then when I felt myself at my max I charged forward. "Ku no kata Rengoku!" Yep… I was somehow insane enough to use my ultimate attack on the Abysswalker. Honestly I was starting to wonder if I just liked using the attack whenever I had a chance. It did seem to work however and as his glowing eyes widened I rammed into him. "ARGH!" With a yell I struck and slashed with everything I had. The surrounding area was caught up in my attack, burning the ground and setting some of the greenery on fire.

Even the nearby buildings weren't safe as they two burned. Thankfully we were at the edge of the village and I had made sure no one was around. But I could tell that the huge explosion and flash of light would wake up a number of villagers. As the dust cleared I quickly jumped back ready for anything that might come.

"You… you are much stronger than I first thought." I couldn't help but let my smile widen, in front of me stood a burnt Val'gin, but what I was really smiling about was the state of his right arm. Or lack thereof if I wished to be more accurate. I could also see his face now that his hood was blown back. I couldn't help but blink. He looked my age and had very light pink hair, almost white actually. After a moment he looked up and smiled at me. "Heh… very impressive… yet I can tell that your attack there was your best. So I'm satisfied with this encounter." Within moments a brand new arm shot out from his stump.

I should've been shocked… but I was more annoyed than anything else. "Since we're in Japan I'll stick to the location and simply say… Oh kami dammit." That got Val'gin to snort in amusement before outright laughing.

"Hahaha! You are quite the riot! HAHA! Oh I'm going to miss you when you're gone." Sheathing his blade he bowed before standing straight up. "I'll let you have this small victory for now. But I want you to remember that I was holding back as to not kill you. Though from one swordsman to another… I do wish you luck on your journey to power." With his piece said the Abysswalker seemed to vanish in a black vortex. Sighing I re-sheathed my sword. It was a short fight… and I was more or less handed the victory out of respect for injuring the Abysswalker once.

I took it for what it was however… proof that I still had a long way to go. Smiling lightly as I left the area, I also took a small comfort in confirming how far I've come since my loss… my loss against Grel'Slyfer. Walking out of the village I smiled as I saw the sun start to rise.

"No matter what… I won't let my flames die out. Isn't that right… Roka San?" As I moved away from the village Oniki landed on my shoulder.

"CAW! People have been going missing in a mining town to the east! Caw! Make way to Tsurusumi town immediately!" Nodding I scratched under her chin a bit before grabbing a piece of rice cracker.

"Will do! Also here you deserve something for all the work you did." Oniki quickly took the rice cracker piece before flying off. Smiling I looked to the east road and starting making my way down it. "Don't worry… the newest flame swordsman will be there to save the day!" Grinning I starting running, my blood still pumping with adrenaline from my previous fight. My heart ablaze with conviction and determination, and with steps never faltering I charged forward. Already desiring another fight to increase my skills and power. Little did I know something in that last fight awoke something deep inside of me. But that's for next time~.

And so I walk in the sound of line breaks!

Argentum: Alright! Got some more action! Even if it was rather short I hope you enjoyed it.

Val'gin: They better… I lost an arm after all! Though I can grow those back do you have any idea how painful that is!?

Judan: I do actually.

Val'gin: You don't count.

Judan: Aww…

Oniki: Caw! Burned!

Judan:… you're getting desperate for new people aren't you?

Argentum: I will neither confirm or deny that.

Grel'Slyfer: You are one sad little man…

Argentum: Still taller than Slayer!

Judan: Yeah… he's pretty short compared to us.

Argentum: Yep! Also a small announcement! For those of you who are curious I've put my stats on our profile page. Do note that while they might seem high… compared to everyone else they really aren't.

Grel'Slyfer: Whelp better wrap this up, again if you have any questions feel free to ask. For now… Oniki mind sending us home?

Oniki: Sure CAW! This has been a Dark Guard production CAW! Now signing off! Caw!

Everyone: Goodbye!