AN: Hey guys, it's been a little while huh? Sorry, as I said in my other story, I was going to focus on my Original Work for a while. Got 3 chapters up in the new arc and all before New Year, so I guess I did alright.

I saw who this is my most followed story to date (January, 2024), so I decided to give a little focus here before updating my other fics. I am glad you guys enjoyed it! Please, leave a comment and I will try to answer to the best of my ability.

I also need to add the fact that a new DLC came right as I took a break, so I will probably need to look into that... huh...

But, well, enjoy the fic ;)

It's been a few days and things didn't look good.

For Freya, things got complicated since her discovery that whatever Demons have in their blood, has something to do with Yggdrasil. Why the Realm between Realms of all places and time? She had no clue, and it bothered her. Does that mean the [Blood Arts] came from her previous Realm? Does the small amount of magic that exists here came from where she came? And is it all her fault?

Whatever the answer, the wisterias did the job of keeping the Test Subj- Demons asleep. The Goddess looked, studied and tested various things as to understand the biology and chemistry of their body. If it's going to show fruits, only when she gets back and test these finding is when she will be able to tell. But, as to make ends meet, Freya tested these on the Demons here. If they managed to survive sunlight, at least to some degree, that's progress.

If not, no problem, they have other uses.

Increasing her magic levels is one.

As for Tanjiro, things looked both blurry and bright. The former because he used all of his magic powers and the latter because most Demons are terrified of him. None have seen a Human use something so similar to [Blood Arts] before, so they decided to take the best action and just not fuck around with him. Not that Tanjiro allowed of course. The boy chased them in hopes to get an answer for his sister's condition, but all in vain. Demons either called him a "dumbass" or barked incoherent banter.

He fought relentlessly, night after night, barely getting nutrition or rest, all for his family. Some people (that managed to survive some of the days) called him crazy or insane, because he didn't even seemed bothered by the lack of food and water. Tanjiro did rest a few hours, but to someone that is fighting constantly for a week, people start to ask questions. He came to stop only after he realized that he was just under a few trees of wisterias, allowing himself to breath with some ease.

He had made it.

"There is only five of us?"

Tanjiro looked at his surroundings. Of all the people that enlisted, the one hundred or so candidates, only five people came back alive. Even the other boy he saved with the Arm Demon didn't make to the end. The thought made him realize that he's very lucky to have met Urokodaki and Freya, people whose Magic and Skill saved his life. But he still felt a sadness he couldn't hide, at least not to himself.

"What is this aura-?"

Freya was by his side, her blue garments with stains of blood and her hands covered in both red and black marks. He can't even see her tattoos, not even the ones in her fingers. But Tanjiro can feel something else, something different in her.

"In just a week, she became stronger than me. I don't understand magic all that well, but this is both impressive and unbelievable!"

Of course, Tanjiro is lacking in a lot of backstory.

"Tanjiro.", Freya said soothingly.

"U-uh, yeah?"

"Congratulations. You've made to the end."

The boy's face became somber, "But a lot of people died..."

Freya looked at him for a brief moment, silently pondering how she should speak her next words. She chuckled at the irony of the situation, being her of all people to give him this piece of advice. But then again, if it wasn't for Kratos, things might never changed in the Eight Realms.

"People often say they want to have a good life, to have the best job, be the best person and conquer the best partner, maybe even give a great education for their children. But more often than not, what you want to do, what you need to do and what you can do are different things entirely."

She stopped to look at the boy, who was wondering what she meant by that.

With a smile, she continued, "I want to win on life and I want to live to the fullest are quotes often used by these people. But they should focus more on living their lives and enjoying the things they have, so when the time comes when they lose it, they won't feel that it was all for nothing."

Freya's smile became sadder in the end, but her message was clear. She hoped.

"So... The idea of winning puts everyone else as your enemies? Or at least as your adversaries? But I'm no better than anyone else because of that. And even if I am better at something, someone else will be better at another thing... I don't like this idea.", Tanjiro frowned in annoyance.

Freya blinked, "How so?"

"I don't believe that there's a person better than another, just better actions, better ideas. If I had access to a great swordmaster and a great magic teacher, I'm in debt with those who couldn't. I shouldn't feel superior to them.", He spoke matter-of-factly, "That's what I think, at least."

The Goddess felt what for a long time she haven't felt. Awe for a mortal. To be so selfless and humble, it's a rarity to find someone like this.

"I see."

Well, for now all they need to do is wait to see what's going to happen now that they-

"I'm gonna fucking die."

Excuse you?

"I'm gonna die regardless if I survive this day."

"Oh, it's the blond boy from before."

Tanjiro felt that his experience in this Final Selection was tame compared to whatever this blonde got through. He was beaten, sleep deprived and had that thousand stare yard in his face. He mumbled depressing stuff under his breath, which gave him the idea of focusing in something else.

What Tanjiro didn't know was that he killed the strongest Demon in the mountain.

"Welcome back, applicants.", The siblings spoke in unison.

Freya found this unsettling now.

"A commendable effort..."

"...and we are happy that you all came back safely."

This also unsettled Tanjiro. One starts speaking and the other finished?

"What do we do now?", The mohawk boy demanded, "Dafuc is my sword at?"

"Firstly, we will give you all the standard uniform of the Slayer Corps. We will take your measurements and mark your classes.", The white twin said with the patience that only grandmas could have.

"Classes are divided in 10 ranks.", The black twin finished.

From what Tanjiro got from their back to back explanation, the ranks are (from highest to lowest):

Kinoe

Kinoto

Hinoe

Hinoto

Tsuchinoe

Tsuchinoto

Kanoe

Kanoto

Mizue

Mizunoto

Graduates from the Final Selection start at the lowest, which is Mizunoto.

"Yeah yeah, what about the swords?"

Freya groaned at the boy's impatience.

"You may now choose your tomahagane, the iron that will be used to forge your swords. However the time to make them will vary from 10 to 15 days."

"Seriously?", The boy tried to contain his disappointment.

"But for now..."

The white twin clapped her hand and the cry if crows could be heard from afar. The graduates looked up and a few crows landed on their shoulders, resting peacefully or aggressively.

"We will give each of you a Kasugai Crow. Essentially they are meant for communication and will deliver or receive any notice, orders or similar updates to your duties."

"Crow? But mine is a sparrow. Gah!", The beaten boy complained.

As soon as the sparrow was belittled it started to attack his owner.

"Don't you fuck around with me!", The mohawk boy sounded irate, "What difference a stupid crow will make?"

What didn't look good was that he was approaching the twins, and not with good intentions. He grabbed the hair of the white twin and raised her to his eye level, giving the meanest of looks.

"I want my sword, got it?"

"Leave her alone."

Freya silently saw Tanjiro walk towards the boy. He grabbed his arm and spoke in a tone that maybe would make Kratos raise a brow in curiosity. The boy looked confused at the sudden interruption, but noticed that the grip in his arm was tight, so maybe he was talking seriously.

"Who the fuck are you? You can try if you want."

Tanjiro, without breaking eye contact, breathed in and out, slowly tightening his grip. It reached a point where the mohawk tried to resist, but as soon as he did his arm broke. He didn't scream in pain, but took notes to not defy whatever this guy is. They shared a stare stalemate for a few seconds, Tanjiro applying the teachings of Urokodaki to appear superior even in with the injuries he has right now.

"You two have finished already?", Freya said after a while, "Let me help with you hair, dear."

"Thank you."

Mohawk could only infuriatingly comply.

"So, now please, choose your tomahaganes."

The Black twin pulled a fleece, revealing the rocks under it. The tomahaganes are just like any other ore, with the difference that it is almost all black.

"Choose? But with what criteria we choose? Never saw one of these before and they all look the same to me."

Tanjiro looked confused for a moment, until Freya took one of them and started using a [Rune]. He didn't know how Runes worked, but as far as he understands, she is probably using the magic to judge if the stones are of high quality. Maybe he should do it too? But how can he tell if one is better than another?

"This one.", Freya said while giving the stone to the twins.

She walked behind them and looked at Tanjiro. She very carefully pointed at her own nose. And as if on queue, he started sniffing the stones, choosing after that was easy. Thankfully, Freya was there eto give this small amount of advice.

Freya bid farewell for Tanjiro, at least for now. She explained how she studied the Demons as best as she could, but would still need to check something first with the Frigg Clan. The boy understood, but asked for a little favor. Freya rolled her eyes. With a quick [Minor Heal] and a hug, they parted ways.

Checking her notes a few things popped up. For instance, Demons can't have offspring of any kind, which was confusing at first since demons still exist and in great quantity. One of her most plausible theories is that only the progenitor, The Fist Demon, can reproduce the species. This would explain why Blood Arts are so uncertain and variable, but wouldn't explain why he does it. Vampires for example, have a big ego, immense pride and a selfish persona, so to the thought of having more Vampires are either by love or to get something.

And for Freya it wasn't hard to tell what this thing is. If you have a weakness, something that doesn't let you do the things you want you'd do something in favor to nullify this weakness. Basically, The Progenitor is trying to get immunity to sunlight and the only way he knows how is to either biologically modify is body or to have one of his offsprings have this power, so he can steal it for itself. She closed her book after arriving at the main town. The travel would take a few weeks, even months to do by feet or horse, but she's in a hurry. A few magic tricks and et voila, at the destination.

She did want to be in the capital earlier, but alas, things have happened and stuff got going and now she is here, but for different purposes.

The Capital was full of people trying to get their errands together, some homeless folk trying to either get food or money, merchants selling their goods and Town Criers shouting news (or even fake news) as to get money for their services. As usual people started to look at Freya, dropping a few comments of "I've never seen someone more beautiful in my life" or similar sayings. Thankfully the Insignia of the Frigg Clan allowed her to not be bothered even by the guardsman, which was something she didn't expect. The Insignia didn't change in these past six centuries? Curious.

The influence of her actions could be seen. A lot of foreigners walked freely and carefree, be it from Africa ou Europe, they passed on the streets with no resistance from the natives. It's always good to see a country welcome foreigners, developing their culture and sharing it with the world. Not only this, but from what she can see, the Hospital became something available for the public, upgrading the healthcare system by a considerable amount.

Speaking of it, Freya is in front of her big old hospital, the first of many if she so recalls. Opening the door, she was welcomed with the usual scent of a garden. A hospital sould smell nice, after all. The architecture inside was greatly improved, almost feeling like a palace of sorts.

"Welcome, ma'am. What can I help you with?", A female attendant asked.

"Freya Vanadís."

The demeanor of the attendant changed, "How do you know that name?"

In response, she simply showed her Insignia and much to the Attendant's surprise, it was one of the very first made. She quickly bowed and acted a lot more formally.

"I'm sorry for my previous actions. I will call the President, she will be able to handle this way better than me.", She said with care and slight fear.

Freya just waited.

President's Office, a few minutes later.

"So..."

The President was in her refined ankle-length kimono adorned with intricate flower patterns. Her attire reflects traditional elegance, complemented by a subtle air of authority. With a graceful demeanor, she exudes a blend of sophistication and unwavering professionalism, embodying the spirit of the Frigg Clan. Her name was Eiko Hana.

Freya ignored how her name literally meant "flowers".

"That's the situation I'm in. I'd like to get an update on how things got from here.", Freya finished her explanation.

Thankfully, as if she predicted this day would come, she taught a few people how to use magic, but didn't dwell too much on it hoping to see her disciples use magic with discipline, and, in the worst case, be in a small community so she could fix any possible mistake. These people would guard a box sealed with complex (for their knowledge) runes containing a painting of the inauguration of the Frigg Clan, using the photorealistic style of the Europeans, instead of the traditional Japanese style.

That proved to be significantly better and easier to do than explain why she was the founder of the Clan, despite it being founded a long time ago.

"I am not gonna question your authority, Lady Freya. Your magic levels don't lie to me.", Hana said as she served a bit of tea for them, "As for what happened while you were gone, this is going to take a while."

Freya took a sip of her cup, "I see."

"From the records, things have developed as you envisioned, but it got further into things. Science has evolved to a point where electrical devices aren't that rare in the Capital and it's near towns and villages, as you may have noticed. We even have created new treatments for the same diseases. Organ transplant should be achieved in the foreseeable future.", She explained while handling a few documents to Freya, who analyzed carefully the contents within.

"And about the Demons?", She asked since there was no entry related to them.

"That's... where things got tough. We have records of them and their actions, but we never could really do something about it, even with the grace of having the power of magic. Thankfully we managed to hide the Clan's involvement with magic, but there was a lot of close calls.", Hana opened a locked chest with the detailed documents.

The President started reading the documents, and each entry had a more disturbing entry than the other. It reached a point where Hana refused to read and Freya needed to change with her. Even the Vanir Goddess was disgusted with what was written, but also disappointed because all the information that they have was lacking on what she already discovered.

"Have you tried to contact the Slayer Corps?", Freya asked, closing the files with a nose pinch.

"A lot of our surgeons and healers go there to help, but they aren't soldiers. They either come back traumatized or dead.", She said while attending some paperwork.

That changed a few things. Maybe the Slayer Corps are existing because the Frigg Clan exists. Granted that the Final Selection only had three other graduates, but if that was the standard draft for new members, they would need medical attention. The practical understanding of medicine, poison, human biology and basic chemistry allowed the average person to survive alone in unknown locations, so they should probably have increased chances of at least survive.

"Here, take this.", Freya handed her own notebook.

Hana took the notes and started reading. From the face she made after a few entries, she looked both fascinated and dumbfounded.

"Wisterias?", She asked, just to be sure.

"Yes."

"...Unbelievable...", She sighed, "We can start our testing anytime, my lady. Just give the word."

"Then, let's wait until nightfall."

After what it felt an excruciating amount of time, Tanjiro finally got back to Mount Sagiri. The news that Nezuko was awake melted his heart. Knowing that she was alright? That she was alive? It meant a lot to him. Even if his original objective wasn't achieved thanks to his own naivete, Freya said she would try out the Clan. And if it wasn't possible, he could ask directly towards the man- Monster who got all this trouble.

Urokodaki was somewhat surprised and relieved that his apprentice got back alive. When he heard that Tanjiro defeated the Hand Demon both using his Water Breathing and Water Magic, that made the surprise transform into disbelief. The old man took a month to manipulate water and this boy was already using a literal tsunami? He is going places. And, speaking of magic, he explained that maybe Nezuko gets her nutrition via magic and she can only cultivate it by sleeping.

15 days later, an eccentric man with a sun pattern haori came to the house Tanjiro was staying. Apparently his name was Haganezuka and he was there to give him his Nichirin Sword. Even with Tanjiro trying his best at being polite and welcoming, the he was not having it. He handed the sword and almost demanded Tanjiro to unsheathe it. He did unsheathe, but the sword's blade slowly turned black, much to Haganezuka's rage.

Thankfully the Crow of the Slayer Corps was there to save him.

His orders are to go to a northwest town which young girls are disappearing, probably by the hands of a demon. The demon appears to constantly attack, night after night. Of course that's undesirable, so Tanjiro packs a few things in order to fulfill his duty as a member of the Slayer Corps, even being just a Mizunoto. Before he left, Urokodaki gave him a proper well built box of wood so Nezuko could safely travel with Tanjiro, even on day time. With his uniform ready (that apparently had some great resistance) he got going do his job.

After a few days of traveling he arrived at the town, or rather, the city. Even if the majority of the building weren't higher than the average house, they were in a great quantity, almost as numerous as a Capital. Tanjiro had little to no real experience outside his own village and Mount Sagiri, so he took his time to learn how things worked here. And after just a few minutes he found rumors regarding the recent kidnapping.

"Poor Kazumi..."

"He is all drained from emotion."

"I heard he was the one who last saw Sakoto when she was taken..."

"He must feel guilty. I know I would."

Just to name a few.

Speaking of said Kazumi, he saw the man practically wave from side to side without a proper destination. More people kept talking how every night is like this and that this night whoever is doing this will keep kidnapping someone. With that, Tanjiro turned to the man.

"Mister Kazumi! I'd like to hear your story."

"...and it was here when I last saw her. You may not believe me..."

The man explained with teary eyes. It was a simple alleyway that no one would suspect. The perfect place for kidnapping, if Tanjiro could tell.

"I do. I do believe in you.", Tanjiro said and he knees down to look for any clues.

Not really wanting to hide his magical abilities, he started chant some words, magic energy being visible on the ground. The air waves brought a scent to the boy's nostrils and the foul smell of blood and corruption came to him. Kazumi stared this in both awe and fright, not sure how the boy is doing this but not brave enough to question it.

Tanjiro proceeded to continue his investigation while Kazumi (for some reason) followed him. The man noticed how the weird boy was going the same places he took Sakoto with, so maybe he was retracing their steps? So he knows what he is doing, at least. The civilians saw the magic trick and even commented on it,but otherwise didn't interfere. This process of investigation took about the whole day, with each passing moment putting a thought in Kazumi's head.

"Does he think I kidnapped her?"

"You have to believe me. She just... disappeared...", He said in a defeated tone.

"I said, I believe in you. That's the entire reason I'm here.", He said with determination.

"But... you've already been searching for hours. It's already night. Shouldn't you stop for now, rest and resume it tomorrow?", He said with concern but was internally grateful that someone was helping, even if a teenager.

The magic air tensed, hard. Tanjiro, without missing a beat, dashed towards the direction of the Demon. Kazumi even asked "what's wrong?" but was ignored in favor of saving whoever was in danger. He jumped over a few houses, feat that was not possible at all for normal people, running atop of the buildings as to shortcut his way.

"They are here.", He thought.

One scent was from the demon and another from a human woman. He had no idea where they are, but the smell and the spell he casted gave him a great idea. It came from the ground, so he took his blade and struck it as hard as he could. Black water splashed everywhere revealing both Demon and hostage. Tanjiro pulled the woman from the black tar and immediately jumped off, getting distance.

"What was that?!", Kazumi, who jus now arrived, said in shock.

Tanjiro looked at the man, "Take her and stay near me. If you are in my reach I can protect you both."

It didn't sound like a request and Kazumi wasn't going to disobey, even if it was someone younger than him.

Judging by how the black water came from a surface, it could come from either the ground or the walls, even the air, meaning that if Tanjiro wants to have the upper hand he needs to stay focused and sharp. But thanks to his previous spell and his very good nose, the Demon, even if hidden, cannot mask his scent. He managed to predict where he would-

Why there are three of them?!

Out of instinct he jumped, dodging the attacks.

"Water Breathing, Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin!"

Using the momentum of the jump, Tanjiro slashes the ground with all his strength, punishing the attempt at grabbing his legs. Unfortunately his slash was too shallow, missing every single vital point. He did cut off the arms of the demons, but still. The trio of enemies immediately retreats to their hiding spot.

"This Blood Art is troublesome."

With a hand signal and a few more chants, Tanjiro prepared a spell that could turn things to his favor. This impasse would only keep going and would only be a matter of time before he fell victim to this exact same Blood Art.

"Demons don't act together. He must be split in 3."

The scent.

One part of the demon tried to take Kazumi and the girl he was holding, but Tanjiro expected this coward tactic and used his spell. The [Mizu Limb, an appendage made of water is cast, grabbing the demon and pulling him out of the watery substance. After that he didn't even need a Breathing Technique.

One down, three to go.

"YOU PIECE OF SHIT! YOU KILLED ONE OF ME!"

"Said the Demon who eats people for a living.", Tanjiro quipped accidentally.

This brief lack of concentration allowed one of the Demons to have a sneak attack on Tanjiro, who managed to dodge thanks to the scent. But the attacks never stopped coming, since he constantly needed to dodge attack after attack, even dematerializing his Mizu Limb in the process. It reached a point where he was starting to get overwhelmed by it, with one demon being close to hit the attack.

If Nezuko wasn't there, of course.

The kick she gave to him was so strong that it looked like it was a screw being... screwed. Spinning like crazy. Tanjiro immediately got into action, using his last spell of the day to cast [Ice Dust, freezing the remaining demon in his own water. Nezuko ran towards the demon and just yeeted him to Tanjiro, who promptly decapitated him. Urokodaki and Freya told him. countless times that Nezuko is a demon. She doesn't need to be protected, at least not constantly. Still, he didn't want to have her go in unnecessary battles, if possible.

And the girl didn't wait for an order, attacking the demon with all she could. Tanjiro (and the demon) were surprised with the speed she could attack. It was almost as if she understood how the Blood Art worked and decided to interrupt any attempt to regress to that water. Tanjiro could only wait for the correct time to attack and finish this nonsense.

"How much blood you received from him?! How strong are you?!?!"

With a quick grab, Nezuko threw the demon to the ground and he bounced off it, giving the perfect opportunity to Tanjiro strike him down for good. He jumped and slashed his neck, landing on the ground with great professionalism and finesse. The demon however was gradually turning to ash.

"Good call, Nezuko.", Tanjiro said to his sister with a smile.

"Hmhmm."

She immediately fell to sleep afterwards.

"Should've expected that..."

"What about Sakoto...?", Kazumi asked with sorrow.

Tanjiro felt his heart skip a beat, "I'm sorry. Are you alright?"

"I-I just lost my spouse... How can I be alright?"

"Mr. Kazumi, even if we lost our loved ones, we still need to continue living. It's either that or lose the memories we shared with them."

"AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT?! YOU ARE JUST A CHILD!"

Tanjiro took his hands, giving a warm yet sad smile. This small act made Kazumi rethink his words, even if a little.

"I'll be on my way now. I cannot give you anything aside my condolences. Please take care of that lady over there.", He pointed at the woman they saved.

Tying up his hair, he waited for the Crow to come. Surely he came and already gave new orders for him. Toquio is his next destination.

What he wouldn't expect is that this trip would reveal lots of things.

Date of Publication: 7th, January, 2024