Under the fading daylight, Bell Cranel surveyed his grim training grounds with an amused, devious glint in his eyes. His "Cranel Trials" were meant to push each Slayer to the brink, both physically and mentally, while adding the eerie chill of fear and adrenaline.
Bell had spent hours crafting the details, inspired by each training they had undergone so far. There were massive weights borrowed from Gyomei's regimen, flexibility and coordination challenges akin to Mitsuri's exercises, and a seemingly endless array of wooden targets and sparring dummies reminiscent of Obanai's precise blade work. He even constructed several small waterfalls, dousing them with frigid water to echo the trials he, Tanjiro, and Inosuke had endured under Gyomei's watchful eye.
The final touch was his crowning achievement: the "Bloodied Chamber." With the help of Tanjiro and Inosuke, Bell had artfully smeared red ink and the viscous contents of crushed berries on every surface, splattering some across the training mats and a few tattered dummies, painting the corners of the area to mimic old stains. They'd even thrown in a few limbs from broken dummies and torn bits of cloth to heighten the illusion. And now, to sell the ultimate scare, Tanjiro and Inosuke were tied dramatically to a pillar near the back, heads drooping as though in defeat.
The tension in the air thickened as the other Slayers gathered around, each casting nervous glances at the bloodied figures of Tanjiro and Inosuke.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Cranel Trials," Bell announced in a low, ominous tone, a dark grin spreading across his face. "I hope you're prepared to test every ounce of your courage. Remember, fail… and you may not walk out of here. Succeed… and you'll earn your place in the final battle."
As he paced through the training grounds, he caught the startled looks of the other Slayers, some already breaking into a nervous sweat as they eyed the blood-spattered corner. Every now and then, he'd let his gaze drift pointedly to the "bodies" of Tanjiro and Inosuke, adding an extra layer of intimidation that made a few recruits stiffen.
Bell's first order of business was clear. He squared his shoulders and raised his voice, calling out the first few challengers. "For today, you fight me. Do not hold back if you value your pride."
With that, the trials began. One by one, the Slayers stepped forward, each combatant steeling themselves to face Bell's fearsome attacks. The Cranel Trials were not just about strength; they were an endurance test for the mind. Between the fake blood, the horrific scene in the corner, and Bell's relentless pace, many quickly realized that fear could be as exhausting as any physical strain.
"You're slowing down!" Bell barked at a particularly arrogant Slayer who hesitated after glancing at Tanjiro's tied-up form. "Keep your mind here, not there!"
The Slayer barely blocked Bell's next strike, and with the next, he was thrown to the ground.
It was a harsh lesson, but after seeing several others defeated in a similar manner, the Slayers began to focus, blocking out the morbid surroundings and concentrating on their opponent. A transformation took place, and gradually, fear and apprehension melted away, replaced by unyielding resolve.
"Excellent," Bell said, watching the shift with approval. "Every one of you has potential if you choose to use it."
After hours of combat, grit, and countless knockdowns, every single Slayer had either fallen or been exhausted by the relentless onslaught. In the end, Bell stood at the center of the field, dusting his hands and nodding in approval. The trainees, still on edge, glanced uneasily at Tanjiro and Inosuke, their bodies still bound to the pillar. Some began to whisper, but none dared to approach.
Finally, with a mischievous grin, Bell dropped his mask. "All right, you've passed. Good work."
He strode up to the pillar, unbinding Tanjiro and Inosuke with a flourish. Tanjiro smiled sheepishly, while Inosuke gave a fierce whoop, clearly entertained by the whole affair.
"Wait… so they're not… dead?" One of the Slayers stammered, clearly caught off guard.
Bell let out a laugh. "Of course not! This was all a… test of courage."
The tension shattered, and everyone burst out laughing, relief spreading through the crowd. Even the usually stoic Hashira couldn't hold back smirks as the Slayers realized they'd been thoroughly tricked. As the group settled down, Bell joined them around a warm fire, stories and laughter filling the night air.
But while the Corps celebrated, a shadow loomed in the darkness far from the estate. Deep within her lair, Muzan, the Demon Queen, watched through the eyes of her minions. She'd seen Nezuko withstand the sun, felt her strength through the blood bond they shared. Her dark eyes glinted with malice as she considered her options, her obsession growing more feverish with every thought of her final victory.
With her dark laugh filling the chamber, she traced a finger down her own arm, envisioning the strength she would attain once Nezuko was hers. "Soon," she murmured to herself, "I will be perfect. Nothing will stand in my way."
The final battle loomed on the horizon, closer than any of the Hashira could imagine. And Muzan, ruthless as ever, was preparing her night assault.
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