Chapter 11: Demon Slayer
It was a quiet night in the "dungeon" for the jailed oni. As it is expected like the rest of the mansion. The room was fully furnished but the maid couldn't perform her duties. She had mostly taken to laying on the bed or sitting on the chair. Reflecting on what she had done the night prior.
Rem: I am truly worthless. If I had only listened to Sister and Lord Roswaal. I wouldn't have tried to murder Kaoi. Instead, I acted out of control and nearly killed an innocent man. I'm no different than the demons of his world. Maybe he should have killed me like he did the rest of those monsters. I would save everyone the trouble of-
But before she can continue this self-destructive train of thought. She hears the doors being unlocked and soon Emilia walks into the room.
Rem: Miss Emilia! What are you doing here at this hour?
Emilia: Kaoi told me that there is an attack in the village so he and Ram are going over there to stop it.
Rem: Sister and Kaoi are going to stop an attack!
Emilia: I wanted to help but Kaoi told me to trust that he and Ram will be okay. That I should go here to get you and hide in the Forbidden Library.
Rem: But Miss Emilia. Rem is under punishment by Lord Roswaal and shouldn't leave the dungeon.
Emilia: I know but Kaoi told me that you are still able to fight and protect me. If the attack reaches the mansion he wants us to be as safe as possible.
Rem: Kaoi thought Miss Emilia would be safe with me?
Emilia: While I am still upset with you, I want to believe you can still be a good girl and it seems like Kaoi thinks that way too. So please come with me. Hopefully, Kaoi has convinced Beatrice to let us enter the Forbidden Library.
Emilia then holds out her hand. Stunned Rem thinks this offer over for a moment.
Rem: Kaoi, the man I try to kill, believes I can be of use to Miss Emilia. Maybe this is Rem's chance at redemption.
Slowly Rem grasps Emilia's and soon Emilia guides Rem as she opens the door.
Beatrice: Took you long enough, I suppose.
Meanwhile with Kaoi and Ram
The sounds of fast steps can be heard as our butler and maid ran down the hill. As they approached the village it became clear that Teruo was telling the truth. The adults scurried around shouting the names of the missing children.
Ram: Mabeasts!
Kaoi: Mabeasts?
Ram: Unholy creatures of the witch's creation. The barrier must have been broken somehow!
Kaoi: Well that doesn't matter now! Look, Teruo is leading us to the forest!
The duo makes their way to the boarded-off forest area. Immediately seeing the footprints on the ground Kaoi jumps into action while Ram follows, catching the attention of the fretting adults.
?: Where are you two going?!
Kaoi: To find the missing children!
With that Kaoi and Ram enter the forest. Now trekking through the muddy terrain and endless foliage. Eventually, the duo arrives in a clearing with a hill in sight. On top of the hill are the missing children, passed out with a bite mark on each of them.
Kaoi: There they are!
Ram: This is bad! They've been cursed!
Kaoi: Cursed!
Ram: When a Mabeast bites a person, they are then cursed, and if that curse is activated. It will drain the person of their mana leading to death.
Kaoi: That sounds like the convulsion I had! But the only thing that bit me during that week was…
Ram: Luckily for them, the curse has not activated. If we can get them to Miss Beatrice. Then I am sure she can cure them.
Kaoi: Okay, I keep-
Petra: Kaoi?
Kaoi looks down to see the orange-haired girl who had just weakly called out to him.
Kaoi: Petra? Don't worry, we are going to get you help and-
Petra: One is… still… in the…
The girl then fell unconscious.
Kaoi pondered on what she had said for a moment before realizing…
Kaoi: The girl with blue hair and green eyes is missing!
Ram: Wait, Bakaoi! Your mana still hasn't fully recovered yet. If you continue to push your gate-
Kaoi: I will not let more families be destroyed! Whether it be by demons, mabeasts, or the goddamn witch-cult!
Ram: Bakaoi, why are you so dead set on saving these children? You have not even known them for long.
Kaoi: Do I really need a reason?
Kaoi thinks back to Rozu and Hoshi.
Kaoi: I will uphold my duty as a demon slayer and fight against those who will do others harm! And protect those who can't fight for themselves!
Ram: I see, then I will bring these children back to the village. Afterward, I will come back and join you.
Kaoi: Thank you, Ram. I'll have Tero lead you to me.
Teruo: Caw Caw Very Well Caw Caw
Timeskip
Kaoi: Not tonight. This night no one will lose their lives!
Kaoi looks through the bushes and soon finds the girl's legs.
Kaoi: There she is!
Just as Kaoi reaches her, he suddenly finds himself sensing a large amount of bloodlust coming from the trees.
Kaoi: A trap?!
[Growls]
Out of the bushes, came a fierce-looking wolf-like Mabeast with red shining eyes glaring towards Kaoi as the monster growled hatefully.
Kaoi: So you did this to them.
Kaoi pulls out his blade as it once again lit up in orange flames.
Kaoi: Come at me!
However, the mabeast decided to go back into the shadows. Kaoi was just left there to wait. Until the wolf returns from behind to strike.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!
The beast's head began to fly as the body dropped dead from the decapitation.
Kaoi: I killed it but the bloodlust is still there. There must be more of them.
[Growls]
Just as Kaoi thought, the entire dark forest began to fill with shining red eyes. Kaoi just glares his eyes at the mabeasts.
Kaoi: Well what are you fighting for!
The five angry wolves charge at Kaoi with one jumping to bite his face!
Kaoi: Flame Breathing
Suddenly a fast gust of wind sliced the wolf's head before Kaoi had the chance to counter.
?: This is the second time I saved you, Bakaoi but the children have been returned safely to the village.
Kaoi turns around and sees Ram holding a stick-like object that resembles a small cane. Teruo perched on her shoulder
Kaoi: Thanks for the save anyway. What's that you have in your hand?
Ram: My wand, it allows me to better channel my mana and reduces the burden of using magic. Observe.
She then points her wand behind her where a mabeast was waiting to attack and blasted it to pieces with wind magic.
Kaoi: Impressive, now do you think you can take them all out like that?
Ram: We are outnumbered. With this many Wolgarm, our situation is dire.
Kaoi: Damn! We will just have to create an opening and make a run towards the village.
Ram then uses her wand to blast at the ground forcing mud and dust to fill the air. Kaoi picks up the blue-haired girl and makes a dash to the village. Teruo flies to lead the duo back into the village.
While Kaoi was busy carrying the little girl, Ram was using her magic to slice any wolgarm that came close to pieces.
Kaoi: There it is! I can see the light!
Kaoi stops to look at his ally and is shocked to see that she is bleeding all over.
Before he could say anything, an earth attack was cast where chunks of mud and rocks started flying at the butler, maid, and girl.
Ram pushed Kaoi out of the way and was sent flying by the attack.
Kaoi: Damn it! I was caught off guard!
He instantly looked back where the attack was sent from. A wolgarm horde stood all around them and in the middle was the same small pup he met in the village this morning.
Kaoi: So it was you that cursed me.
Kaoi puts the little girl down and draws his blade again. The wolgarm were not even a little intimidated by the orange flames.
Kaoi: Ram! Are you okay?
Ram: I'm fine, Bakaoi. However, it seems like I can't continue to fight.
Ram rested on her knees as she had become extremely exhausted.
Kaoi: Great, Ram is out of commission and we're surrounded by mabeasts. If only I can use flame breathing without consuming my mana! Think Kaoi!
Mana is pushed through my gate and that allows me to light my blade on fire. I just need to disconnect it from Total Concentration Breathing and then I can use Flame Breathing without using my mana. Maybe if my gate works like an actual gate then it can maybe be closed!
Kaoi raises his sword in front of him as he closes his eyes.
Ram: Bakaoi?
Kaoi: Visualize it Kaoi! Ram and everyone else is counting on you!
Similar to when he cast Shamak, Kaoi imagines a circular opening but now that opening is being closed like an eclipse.
In a second, all of the orange flames that permeated his sword disperses.
( watch?v=EV4Tc014Hek)
Kaoi: I did it!
Ram: Bakaoi, what did you mean?
Kaoi: I was able to separate Total Concentration Constant from my gate. I am now able to fully perform Flame Breathing without the risk of exhaustion!
Ram: What!
Kaoi looks back at the immobile maid.
Kaoi: Ram, Thank you for saving me multiple times so far. Now let me be the one to save you.
The demon slayer smiles as he places his blade atop his shoulder and holds out the other in front of him.
Kaoi: Witness Ram! The true might of a Demon Slayer and the beauty of Flame Breathing!
Just like that, Kaoi jumps into the horde. Each wolgarm roared as they jumped at Kaoi.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing First Form: Unknowing Fire!
The first was instantly decapitated.
Kaoi: Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!
A second was cut in half by the upward attack.
Kaoi: Third Form: Blazing Universe!
Then a third shared the same face by a downward slash.
One by one they fell as they were sliced in two.
Ram could only look at this display of swordsmanship as each wolgarm that attacked was quickly cleaved. If one were to attack the maid and girl. Kaoi would only dash and save them.
Kaoi: Third Form: Blazing Universe!
Soon the area was getting cluttered by the corpse and decapitated heads of the demonic wolves and Kaoi showed no signs of slowing down.
A few try jumping him from various directions.
Kaoi: Seventh Form: Ring of Inferno!
Only for the demon slayer to perform a full horizontal rotation and sliced all of their necks.
Ram: Amazing. Despite not using his fire magic. The way he swings his blade. It is like they are still there.
True to her word, she still sees the orange flames every time Kaoi performs one of his techniques. She couldn't help but be mesmerized by the display. To her, she was seeing a spectacle.
With his numbers quickly decreasing, the pup growled and stomped his paws into the dirt as hard as he could. Black smoke began surrounding the creature and he began getting bigger. Soon a giant wolgarm revealed himself.
Kaoi: So you decided to finally reveal your true form. Fine by me! I shall finish you off with the most fitting move.
Ram: Bakaoi!
Kaoi looked back at his ally. Seeing that she has her hands together. Kaoi got what she had in mind.
Kaoi: Alright!
Running towards Ram, Kaoi places his foot on top of the pink maid's hands. Using the last of her strength Ram launches Kaoi into the air. The wolgarm leader looking up as Kaoi's silhouette is in front of the moon.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing - Fire Magic Style - Fifth Form
The air hissing from his teeth ignites as he activates his magic. The purple blade is set ablaze as Kaoi begins to fall. The giant demon wolf jumps to intercept his attack.
Giant Wolgarm: [Roars]
Kaoi: FLAME TIGER!
Kaoi however, unleashes a powerful series of sword slashes and the flames take on the form of a rampaging tiger. One that is much bigger than the wolgarm before it.
Flame Tiger: [Roars]
The Wolgarm stood no chance as it was quickly ripped apart into pieces and the remains were set aflame.
Thus ends the night of the wolgarm attack.
(End OP)
Kaoi: I did it! I saved everyone.
Slow clapping can be heard as a familiar voice speaks up.
?: Indeeeeeed you did, Kaoi. You have performed just as expected.
Ram: Master Roswaal?
The clown man flies down to greet the two victors.
Roswaal: In the fleeessshhh! It seems like I was able to make it back early from my meeting when this whole wooooolgarm business started. I came over here as soon as I was informed by the villagers. I was prepared to eliminate the threat with my magic. But it seems like I made the right choice hiring you as my combat butleeerrr, Kaoi.
Kaoi: Thanks. Oh, wait the children!
Roswaal: Are okaaayy. You see, by destroying the wolgarm that bit those childreeen, you were also able to destroy the curse that was placed on them.
Kaoi: I see then everyone is safe.
Hearing wind flapping, Kaoi looks up to see Teruo flying over him.
Teruo: Mission Success! Return to Roswaal Mansion, Recommended.
Roswaal: What a woooonderful idea! While it seems like you can still walk. You can carry the child and Ram back to the village and then return to the mansion where Miss Emilia will be able to heal Ram. Meanwhile, I will work to repair the barrier leeeessst that more should show up.
With that Roswaal takes off into the sky.
Kaoi: Okay then.
Kaoi then proceeds to use the last of his stamina to carry Ram's bridal style as she holds the little girl. After dropping her off at the village.
( watch?v=Rss5PAPSr1Y)
It was just the two of them on a dirt road with Kaoi still carrying Ram. The night sky filled with shining stars. Teruo had already flown ahead to tell the residents of the mansion the good news.
Kaoi: This is a nice night. Shame it has to be ruined by that Mabeast attack.
There was only a slight moment of silence before the pink maid decided to speak up.
Ram: When you first came here.
Kaoi: huh?
Ram: I had thought you were someone looking to leech off Lord Roswaal's kindness and Miss Emilia's naivety. I didn't want to even look at your face.
Kaoi: That's a bit harsh.
Ram: But then you started working at the mansion and I started to tutor your studies. I was surprised at the hard-working and determined person you came out to be. However, I couldn't fully trust you as Rem felt threatened by you. Last night, I originally was going to help Rem
Kaoi's eyes widened at the news.
Ram: But then I saw you were holding back. An action that I couldn't believe is done by a member of the Witch Cult. I will admit I didn't know what to make of you after you told us the truth about yourself. Although, your actions today proved that you are a kind and selfless individual. You have proved yourself to be a worthy member of Roswaal's staff. All I have left to say is this…
Kaoi couldn't help but look at Ram for this last part. He could feel the sincerity coming from her heart. He can once again see both of her eyes.
Ram: Thank you for everything you have done, Kaoi.
Kaoi: That's the first time she has said my name.
Awestruck, Kaoi simply smiles and said
Kaoi: Your welcome, Ram.
Upon arriving back at the mansion. The two were met with gleeful smiles. Emilia, happy that her friend came back and Rem, while a bit worried, was glad that her sister came out okay. Even Beatrice felt a little pride that her student was able to gain full control of his mana to achieve victory. The night ended in victory and Kaoi for once was able to sleep peacefully. Knowing that he will soon wake up to a brand new day.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing this fight scene and the cute scene after. After this is the aftermath chapter to bring this arc to a close. Maybe a behind-the-scenes chapter to explain some of my decisions in this story. Tell me if you are interested. Otherwise, tell me what you think of the chapter and have a good day.