It wasn't very often that Pandora found herself genuinely smiling. Sure, she often had a smile plastered on her face, but that didn't mean it was her true smile. Due to her being sociopathic, conversations were never a source of joy or entertainment.
However, a few times in her life, there were moments where she did feel her heart and soul delighted by what she witnessed. Feelings of joy, pleasure, delight, and amazement were all feelings she had experienced more than once before.
One of these memories she treasured was the assault on Ellior Forest over 100 years ago. Ellior Forest, a mystical woodland with trees over 20 meters tall, wooden huts handcrafted with the finest of detail, and most intriguingly, an elf species that dominated the woodland.
Pandora's goal of going there was not to sightsee or explore, rather, inside the depths of the forest was a seal that held unimaginable energy. Some speculated that the seal was a gateway to the soul of the world, Od Laugna. Others believed that this was the seal of Satella, the Witch of Envy.
Either way, opening the seal was her primary goal, regardless of what was contained within it. As long as she could get her hands on that power, she would be satisfied. She was already equipped with the Vainglory Authority, so she had nothing to fear.
But at the time, her control of her Authority wasn't as complex and understood as it is now. Even in the present, her Authority had never been close to its full potential, far from it. If she were to compare the two side by side, her power then would be half as potent as it is now, maybe a quarter.
Due to her lack of "firepower," Pandora had led the former head of the Witch Cult's radical faction, Bishop Corneas, and his men along with the great demon beast, The Black Serpent to help deal with any resistance the forest had.
Countless corpses and blood were shed that day, mostly caused by the rampaging serpent as Pandora, despite her authority to make reality perfect, was unable to control the demon beast, but she could direct it. Regulus and his forces were also responsible for the lives of many that day.
Pandora herself witnessed the destruction of the forest. Regulus had cut down and disintegrated those that threatened Pandora, though they posed no real threat anyway. They marched through the forest together, towards both their goals.
Regulus had his own achievement to look forward to, an addition to his collection of wives. at the time, Regulus had 78 wives at his personal mansion. How he afforded that mansion, well, he just killed the owners and any debt collectors who came.
His new subject, located with the help of the Witch Cult's Gospel, was to be his 79th. And soon enough, they would find her deep down the many trails of the forest. Down that trail, was Pandora's first taste of excitement.
Lady Fortuna, an elf who bore a striking resemblance to Satella with the exception of her hair being short, was to be the newest addition to Regulus's surplus of wives. Not only was she a pure treat to the eyes, but she also wielded a powerful form of Fire magic, which was what helped her stall Regulus and Pandora for a good time.
Not only this, but Bishop Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti was present too. At the time his strength was very little for a Sin Archbishop, but this was due to his lack of a Witch Factor. However, this day marked a change for him.
When the two groups met, Pandora's and Fortuna's, Fortuna took her niece, Emilia, into the backwoods whilst Petelgeuse faced down Regulus and Pandora.
Petelgeuse, armed with a valiant determination, took in the Witch Factor of Sloth and gained its authority. Due to his diligent nature and his race being an Earth spirit, his body was incompatible with the Witch Factor. Due to this, his physical body and soul suffered immense pain and damage from absorbing the Witch Factor.
However, his determination and his love for Fortuna and Emilia would not allow him to back down to something so small as pain. If he were to fall upon one knee because of that, then the pain of hell itself would be the only pain to make him kneel, and hell would be all that he deserved.
Such a display of raw emotion, the strength of the soul, brought tears to Pandora. Every amount of excitement she felt in the past was triumphed by Petelgeuse at this moment. He rejected the Witch Cult, the soon-to-be leader Pandora, and the pain he felt in his body to kill or at least stall the two standing before him. Though of course, he was put in his place, and Fortuna fell at the hands of his own.
That day would leave a scar on her heart, but not a bad one. Time and time again, she would reminisce about that feeling, that excitement she felt once and only once. Though she tried countless times to match that feeling, even going so far as to kill a Sword Saint, she could never attain that level of emotion again—
—And this stayed true, until the day she entered the homeland of Natsuki Subaru.
△▼△▼△▼△
[Muzan: I am Muzan Kibutsuji, King of Demons. As the rightful ruler of this land, I shall see to it that you die by my hands, slowly and painfully.]
Muzan stood upon the wooden platform in front of them, perpendicular to the wooden cube the group was standing upon. His presence alone brought an aura of destruction as if even breathing would result in his fury. Of course, the Archbishops didn't feel a thing.
The smoke made from the impact cleared the way as Debrie lingered in the air, still fresh from its attack on Regulus. It was a sight to behold, as no damage had been dealt to him, not even his clothes received even a speck of damage or stain. Had he parried or cut down the wood? Muzan's interest had just been piqued by this strange man.
[Muzan: But until then, you may have a chance to redeem yourselves. You there, in the white coat, I won't ask again. State your name.]
Muzan pointed toward Regulus as he demanded his name. He of course took offense to this act, as even something insignificant was a "violation" of his "rights." Coupled with Nakime's earlier attack on him, his ego and rage had been inflated past its limit.
[Regulus: Y-You're joking right? You're asking ME, my name?! Not only that... You're demanding it from me... ME!!!]
Regulus raised his arm up in the figure of a chopping motion. His teeth grit together, his eyes full of hatred for the man who just disrespected him so nonchalantly. How could he do that? When he's so utterly inferior to Regulus, a divine being?
Regulus swung his arm down in Muzan's direction. Despite the difference in range between the two, that was not the point of Regulus's arm swing. His power, the Authority of Greed, allowed him to stop the time of an object. This, in turn, nullified any interference with the object, and instead only allowed its interference on the world. Using this, stopping the time of the wind gust created from his swing, it would cut that wretched Muzan down, spraying his blood along the platform where he stood—
[Pandora: Bishop Regulus Corneas...]
Without needing to say her command, Regulus had already understood her intent. His swing stopped instantly, making the trail of wind that was to launch at Muzan redirect to the "ceiling", severing multiple corridors and stairs alike in half.
[Pandora: My children, you are to stay where you are until I give you new orders. You may not move or act until I say so.]
Her words struck through to the Archbishop's souls. Regardless if she had her authority in use or not, her words were always absolute and her children were to follow every command, no matter if they liked it or not.
Pandora led Regulus back to the group and turned to face Muzan Kibutsuji, who was observing the damage done to the upper floors. His ability tore through the ceiling without any resistance, in fact, it was probably still cutting through the wooden structures. Regulus was undoubtedly a powerful force, one that Muzan considered very useful if he had his hands on him. However, with the way he acted now and the unknown nature of his power, that reality would be a tough one to achieve.
Pandora, who was walking up the steps leading to Muzan's platform, gave off a small smile, to which Muzan didn't even acknowledge as he looked back down at her. The height difference of 10 inches made it hard not to judge Pandora as weak.
The two stood face to face, looking at each other directly as Muzan awaited Pandora's response. She stuck her hand out to Muzan, introducing herself.
[Pandora: I am the Witch of Vainglory, Pandora. These are my subordinates, forgive them for acting so rashly.]
Pandora spoke in a calm, formal manner, her soft voice being nearly as beautiful as her appearance. She looked back at her subordinates, who were still standing as they were, watching her silently.
[Pandora: Perhaps we could come to equal terms an—]
—As she turned back around to speak, a black silhouette crossed her vision. Before she knew it, her entire head had been blown off her shoulders, smashing and splattering on the wall beside Muzan.
Without saying a word, he looked back at the Sin Archbishops, who had just witnessed their master being murdered so easily. It was so fast, that they hadn't even processed her head's entrails sprawled across the ground.
[Roy: W-Wh... -at...?]
To most, this was a first, seeing Pandora being killed right before their eyes was a shocking sight indeed. Roy and Lye had never thought that Pandora would be killed, let alone right in front of them. Their pale faces made Muzan smile, he loved their despair, it made him feel superior as he was.
[Regulus: Hah, fool...]
A small scoff exhaled from Regulus, which garnered Kitsubishi's immediate attention. Regulus was... Smiling at what just happened. This wasn't toward Pandora, who he harbored hatred for after she frequently "violated his rights." No, this was a different matter.
[Muzan: What are you laughing at.]
[Regulus: Do you really think that's enough, A simple slap to kill her? You really don't know anything about us.]
Muzan at this point had enough of Regulus's antics. From attempting to lob off his head to insulting his power and worth, this child in a man's body was to be punished. At the very least, combating him would bring some information about his power—
[Pandora: —Yes indeed, you truly don't know a thing about us.]
Muzan jolted back in surprise only to see Pandora, completely unharmed, standing right behind him. Muzan was in complete shock, understandably so as he took 2 sets of precautions when "killing" Pandora. He applied as much force to the strike as he could, he then added part of his blood to her neck as her head flew off, which would've caused instantaneous death due to the amount given.
"How did she... Could she be a demon? Her eyes match the shape of an average one. No, not even a Lower Moon could survive that much of my blood circulating through them. Even if she could, her body's transmutation would have overpowered her ability to move, or at the very least I would have seen it...
This is... certainly interesting..."
Muzan lost himself in thought, completely amazed at how Pandora survived his attack, one calculated enough to make sure she would've stayed then.
Muzan straightened his posture, removing a small speck of blood off his shoulder as his expression changed to a solemn figure.
[Pandora: You seem to be a bit surprised?]
[Muzan: ... You declared yourself a witch, correct?]
[Pandora: Yes indeed, the Witch of Vainglory. Again, it is a pleasure to meet you.]
Muzan pondered for a second, a quick second due to his intellect. This woman declared herself a Witch, could it be that such a taboo practice really exists? Come to think of it, a Demon was such an unnatural entity that not even the government acknowledged it. Despite them being widespread in Japan, most were never aware of their existence.
"If what she says is true, that she is indeed a witch with supernatural powers, this could be a lot more interesting than I first presumed."
2 seconds passed in total as another thought crossed his mind. What if he tested her powers, and had her demonstrate her abilities? Of course, he wouldn't just ask her to do so, that be demeaning himself.
Instead, the best course of action was to take it into his own hands. A slash was delivered to her face, so swift that not even sound could keep up with him. Blood splattered on the floor, with Pandora's fragile figure being knocked to the ground as her face, and soon her whole body began to morph into a gross physique. Blobs and veins popped out of her skin, her majestic white skin tone turned into a sour purple, and her entire body became bloated.
Soon enough, a stream of blood spewed out from where her head and stomach were, as her body quite literally imploded in on itself. Just as Muzan thought would happen, her body lay there, dead and unmoving.
[Pandora: If this is due to being uncalm, I suggest you relieve yourself of that anger. Perhaps taking slow, controlled breaths would help?]
Pandora's voice echoed behind him, causing him to jump and look behind him. He looked to be in a state of amazement and shock.
"How is this possible? I just killed her, I inserted my blood into her body, and it killed her right in front of me, so how..."
[Muzan: Woman, answer me. I clearly killed you, I saw it with my own eyes, so how did you survive my strike?]
Pandora tilted her head slightly in confusion.
[Pandora: I'm sorry? Oh, I believe your eyes deceive you.]
[Muzan: What?]
[Pandora: My death that you speak of, perhaps you saw something you believed to be true?]
Pandora pointed past Muzan and to where her corpse once lay. When Muzan turned around to see it, the body was not there, including all traces of her demise, not a single speck of blood remained.
Muzan's brain was rattled at this prospect, but he quickly found a solution.
"Blood demon art, that has to be what this is. Her power far exceeds that of an Upper Rank. ...Still, I have to take into consideration that she hasn't engaged in combat, nor has she made any attempt to do so. Perhaps she possesses no fighting experience? Either that or Tamayo had a part in this...
Muzan looked past Pandora, towards the odd group down the stairs.
What role do they have in all of this? Perhaps maybe this is an illusion, maybe I AM in a dream... Has Enmu...? No, he'd never slip past me so easily. Worst case scenario, I'm already dead or subdued, and this is the result of a toxin in my body. Best case scenario, this woman's power allows her to revive or create illusions. Like some blood demon arts, they can't be used so frequently and have to go on cooldown... If her power is like that, then there's only one way to permanently kill her...
I'll just have to keep on killing her until dies permanently!"
A backhand strike was delivered to her arm, the kinetic force connecting with her torso and resulting in her body being decimated. Guts and intestines were flung about the corridors, some falling into the abyss below.
Despite that, her voice still rang out behind him.
[Pandora: Your anger will only result in you becoming exhausted.]
[Muzan: Exhaustion is a weakness that demons don't suffer from.]
[Pandora: A demon? Oh, so that's what you are, how interes—]
An upward kick was delivered to Pandora's chin, launching her head right into the ceiling, a testament to Muzan Kibitsuji's power. Nothing more than a simple slap was enough to kill her.
[Pandora: —ting, I never thought demons would differ so heavily from the ones I'm familiar with.]
Instantly after her body was destroyed, her voice continued to speak as she "revived" behind Muzan once again, only to be greeted with another strike, this one to the abdomen that killed her instantly. When she revived, a roundhouse kick met with her head before she opened her mouth. Again and again, she was struck without delay, being killed in an instant.
[Sirius: I knew her power was able to revert a person's death, but not to the extent of herself too…]
[Regulus: Huh, then it seems you truly don't know Pandora at all.]
[Capella: Oh really? Well go ahead, tell us all about "Her Majesty," and why you acted like a pussy whenever she spoke? Kee hee hee hee!]
Capella tauntingly giggled at her own statement and at Regulus. Though despite all this, his cool didn't falter in the slighest.
[Regulus: I dare you to say that to her face, see what she does to you after you disrespect her so.]
[Capella: Sti~ll didn't answer the question~]
[Regulus: That doesn't matter! As a Sin Archbishop, you should already know the scope of Miss Pandora's Authority. Failing to meet such standards just highlights your incompetence, and just shows how much of a failure you are.]
[Capella: Oh, "incompetence" you say? Speaking of which, how exactly did you learn so much about her Authority? Last I checked, she dragged you off into the caves and punished you, all 'cause you couldn't keep your temper in check~ Bravo to you! Now you constantly act all goofy-two-shoes whenever she's around like a little dog!! Kyahahahaha!!!]
Regulus began to clench his fist again, snarling at Capella as she continued to cackle over his little charade of 'I'm actually calm and mindful at times!' attitude. Lye and Roy were too focused on Muzan and Pandora's conflict to even care, whilst Sirius looked panicked over Regulus and Capella. Were they to disobey her orders, a minor one at that, who knows what would happen, especially because the situation escalated even further.
Capella's body shifted and morphed, eventually taking on the figure and shape of Pandora herself, even having her clothes morph into her cloth gown. Her right hand had transformed into Regulus's face, and she held it up to her face and continued her proviction.
[Capell-Dora: Bark for me my child, Bark like the dog you are!~]
[Hand-Ulus: Woof Woof! I'm your little doggy Pandora! Woof!]
The sheer level of disrespect Regulus just received shattered him, literally. Even Sirius could understand him getting angry over that. If it were her, she would've burned Capella to a crisp.
[Regulus: Why you LITTLE SH-]
[Pandora: Bishop Corneas, Bishop Lugunica, did I not tell you to obey my commands until given proper retirement? Not only this, but you use my figure for such trivial means?]
Both Archbishops immediately shut their mouths, not even daring to laugh at each other as Pandora stared them down from above. Capella morphed her body back to its original state, along with the clothes that once covered her body.
Yet again, however, Muzan dealt a blow that killed her instantly.
[Pandora: Haven't you tire of doing this?]
Muzan looked back stoically, locking eyes with Pandora's.
[Muzan: Not at all, in fact, I just gathered what information I needed. What you just said including our actions confirms that this isn't an illusion, nor is it any form of poison or toxin. By now I would've formed a resistance to it, and your illusions wouldn't have an effect on me. 15 times I've killed you, so this narrows your power down a bit.]
[Pandora: Well, how wonderful it is that you figured this out, but that doesn't change anything. Does this have any purpose for you killing me?]
[Muzan: You yourself are not a demon. If you were, your blood demon art would have run dry, and the stench you give off is nothing close to a demon's. You are a human, not just that, but a threat to me. I have no threats, I have no enemies, only cockroaches who continue to linger around despite my best efforts. That is why I kill you.]
[Muzan: ——?]
Pandora began to clap at the demon's beliefs, as she believed them to be quite an ideal mindset to have.
[Pandora: Wonderful... It's not often I encounter people who are so unique. Tell me, this place, it's unlike anything I've seen before. A labyrinth with no exit in sight, countless corridors, and structures made of wood, yet you manage to survive and live here?]
Muzan's expression softened a little. His guard was still well kept, no way this woman would just let his actions go unpunished. She was powerful, but Muzan was keen on always being one step ahead.
[Muzan: The Infinity Castle, that's what this endless expanse is. It's a beneficial asset for me, I'm deeply pleased with my knowledge and use of it. Consider it a Base of Operations.]
Pandora, delighted by Kibitsuji's sudden openness, decided to engage in conversation with him. Muzan did so as well, even though it wasn't his intention.
[Pandora: May I ask what this "operation" is?]
[Muzan: Don't expect any answers. This place is kept secret and for good reason.]
[Pandora: Hmm? Well, since this is your little hideout...]
Pandora walked up to Muzan without a hint of fear or malice, not one trace of emotion except a false smile she kept up throughout her death. She stuck out a hand to the Demon King.
[Pandora: Why don't we assist each other? You're all alone with the exception of that instrument girl, so why not have some company to keep?]
Muzan cocked an eyebrow at Pandora. This woman who had just died 15 times decided to ask for an alliance? How odd, how weird, how… disgusting… Disgusting because of the sheer pride one must have to ask such a question.
However, despite this repulsive suggestion, Muzan decided to hear her out.
[Muzan: … What purpose do you have for asking? My business here is discret, not only that but a crucial, major benefit to me. Having an outsider who's intentions are unknown isn't one of my goals.]
Pandora, nodding at his demands and statement, began to speak once again with words that shocked Muzan deeply.
[Pandora: Simply because… I'm bored.]
[Muzan: What…?]
Muzan's interest had been piqued once more as Pandora took a step closer to the demon king.
[Pandora: Simply put, for a time I've been seeking refuge in mild entertainment. Viewing the glorious sunset, exploring nature, having a few scuffles with some people to my delight… But none were enough to satisfy me deeply, none were enough to truly make me feel… Alive…]
Pandora looked up at Muzan who was listening deeply to her words, thinking carefully about what she had just muttered.
[Pandora: So, as luck would have it, I was blessed with the idea to visit this place. Unfortunately, it appears I've ended up in the wrong area, but I believe my call to this world was not for dull purpose.]
Pandora, with her arms outstretched to the heavens, smiled at Muzan even more. Her childlike appearance was a stark contrast to her cold, quiet demeanor and personality, and seeing this was a shock to Muzan and even the Archbishops. Her voice was a joyous one when the words spilled from her mouth once more—
[Pandora: My goals prevented me from truly doing acts that could satisfy my desire, butin this world, I can do anything I want to banish this feeling from my body! I'm unshackled from the limits of my duties here, and thus, this world shall experience all the Witch of Vainglory has to offer… The mere thought makes me shiver…]
[Muzan: … ]
[Pandora: Just imagine it, all the wonderous activities we could perform without the burden of duties or rules, without influence or care… That reality would surely bring interest to you, correct?]
Muzan looked at Pandora with an odd look, a look of skepticism and doubt. In now way did Muzan take her seriously. Her vivacious and childish look was unappealing to him, it made his stomach churn a little from how she could even act like this. Nevertheless, it was an intriguing fantasy in all consideration…
However—
[Muzan: Had your words actually been logical, I may have been inclined to ally with you. But it seems you and I have been mistaken. I do not wish to vacuously wander around, following your guidance with every step. That itself would destory my person as a whole.]
Muzan stepped closer with Pandora, their figures nearly touching each other from the distance between the two.
[Muzan: My goal is simple, and simply put, your goals do not align with my own.]
A loud pop echoed throughout the Infinity Castle, with a snap of Muzans fingers being the cause of such a noise. In accordance with his snap, the girl grasping the wooden biwa, Nakime, strummed a single string that led to an abnormality inside the Infinity Castle.
A wooden, well-decorated sliding door flooded Pandora's vision, blocking sight of Muzan wholly.
[Muzan: As such, my business with you has reached its finale. Though you've piqued my interest, your desires and aspirations clearly present themselves as facets of demerit, and possibly the destruction of my own plans. And of course, I can't allow that to happen.]
A second strum of the Biwa played again, then another, and another accompanied with the sight of sliding doors closing in front of the Witch. Pandora felt herself being sucked into a dark expanse as the strumming reached its peak speed, and with a final twang, Pandora had been exiled from the Infinity Castle.
[Muzan: Farewell, Witch of Vainglory…]
Muzans departing words echoed in her mind, as she felt the force of gravity shift back down in the direction she was falling from. A moment later, her head collided with something hard, smooth as a chiseled stone. Had her authority been inactive, her head would've cracked like an egg on impact.
[???: Huh? W-Where did you come from?]
A voice rang out as a young man observed the night sky above him, searching for the cause of this lady's fall. Of course, Pandora instantly recognized she was outside due to the sky being visible.
[???: Miss, are you okay?]
The young man beckoned a response, but Pandora simply gazed at him. He was of no distinct features or characteristics besides his athletic build and black hair, which surprised Pandora as black hair was a rare sight in her world. His clothing was jet black with a uniform-like appeal to it. It consisted of a jacket that had 4 large buttons from the collar to the waist line. His belt was a brilliant white, neatly cleaned and with it a sheath that possessed a katana inside. Pandora recognized the weapon by its grip and hilt as it was a common weapon in Kararagi, a country in her world.
Below the belt were baggy pants that had been wrapped in a sort of bandage by the midpoint down from his shins, and bland black socks that were supported by a pair of white Zōri. He looked to be part of an organization of sorts.
[???: Miss…?]
The young man attempted at asking her well-being to no avail. As a matter of course, the man was scared to touch her due to the Witches divine beauty. Perhaps it was due to her authority that made her appearance so entrancing to others. Some once said that her beauty was akin to a porcelain doll, one that even a single touch would shatter it. This held true to the man, as he felt as if touching her even for a good cause was a sin.
[Pandora: … What might your name be?]
Her voice was soothing and perfect in every aspect, tingling his ears as he hesitantly spoke.
[Murata: M-My name is Murata… Miss, you just fell from a great height, are you alright?]
[Pandora: My well-being is of no concern. Moreover, I appreciate your attitude toward me.]
Pandora had somewhat missed the respect her subordinates should give her after dying repeatedly to Muzan, it felt nice to have someone treat her so well. Murata was also pleased, blushing slightly at the fact that he'd done good to help her.
[Pandora: … This place… might you tell me where I am?]
[Murata: Oh, this place? We're in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Are you a foreigner? Your accent is a little rough. Oh, forgive me for that but, do you need help navigating around?]
[Pandora: Tokyo…]
Pandora mumbled the name of the city, as she looked around her. Surrounding Pandora were countless buildings, each made of wood and delicately decorated and detailed. Despite the night reaching its peak, the city had not lost its light as countless lanterns and lamps hung from poles, balcony's and railing. It was quite literally a living city.
Pandora's eyes widened at the sight, including her vision being plagued by the countless men and women walking throughout the district. The similarities to Karagi were striking, stunning Pandora for a moment.
[Pandora: Would it be correct to say that… we're in Japan?]
Murata confirmed this with a single nod, and Pandora's eyes beamed with joy and excitement. A smile spread across her face, highlighting her youthful look. She had made it, her authority had worked, and her excitement could not be contained.
[Pandora: I must thank you, you've been of great help to me thus far.]
Pandora shakily commended Murata as she stood up and dusted off her clothing.
[Murata: … Um… Miss? Are you sure you don't need clothing? I can offer you some.]
Murata nervously asked in regards to Pandora's small cloth that merely covered part of her torso and legs. Coupled with her lack of anything else, not even any footwear, it concerned Murata. Now that he thought of it, her cloth was more like a white poncho than anything.
[Pandora: There's no need, but thank you for asking.]
Her voice stung his ears with indescribable pleasure, a warmth that tickled his ears. It was unnatural, inhumane, a feature that would scare most people, and yet Murata didn't falter much.
[Murata: No problem! And if you mind me asking, what might you name be?]
Pandora's small small widened slightly, which tugged at Murata's heart strings again.
[Pandora: You may call me Pandora.]
The name struck a fear in Murata, not a primal fear, but a maternal fear, as if it was worth death to disrespect her perfect name.
[Pandora: Though our short time together was nice, I'm afraid it's time for me to leave.]
Pandora spoke elegantly as she glanced at Murata one last time, with Murata barely able to keep balance due to her aura.
She gave a smug smirk to Murata, to which his blush widened further.
[Pandora: You've earned the Witch of Vainglory's commedment, be grateful as you may, it's not often I take a liking to anyone.]
Pandora said as she looked away and closed her eyes, ready to activate her authority once again.
[Pandora: Of course, I would appreciate it if you never spoke of this again, Murata.]
With her own departing words, Pandora said something under her breath that activated the Vainglory authority. In one moment, she was right in front of him, and in the next blink, she was gone.
[Murata: Huh?!]
Murata panicked as he scowered around to see where she went. Pandora had already been long gone, and his efforts were in vain.
He let out a sigh, and looked up at the sky and to where she once stood.
[Murata: Pandora…Witch of Vainglory… I'll never forget that name…]
He said with no other emotion other than admiration, as he walked away from the crowd that had witnessed her disappearance. His encounter with the Vain Witch would never leave his mind, this he would make sure of.
[???: Gah, Ga~wk! To the mountain, the corps requires your presence at Mt. Natagumo!]
A crow of all things barked orders at Murata. This however was commonplace for him, as his organization had provided guiding Kasugai Crow to help with any missions and information that needed to be provided to their employees.
[Murata: You've got to be kidding me… That's like a 2 day trek!]
[Kasugai Crow: We'll, you best be on your way, and hurry it up! A Demon Slayer never rests or complains!]
[Murata: Ow, Ow! Stop pecking me dammit!]
Murata shouted back at his guide, as he looked toward to his journey up the mountain. Maybe he'll have to fight a Lower Moon, the thought made him shudder.
But regardless of that, he moved foward to his next mission. Pandora left a mark on him that would never fade, and such, he would give it his all.
[Murata: Mt. Natagumo, here we come!]
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