Repeated attacks failed to break through, instead leaving everyone covered in wounds. Although the wounds healed quickly, the pain lingered.
Many demons became adept, no longer charging straight ahead but maneuvering left and right to evade the Nichirin Sword's strikes.
A green-faced, fanged demon used both hands and feet to swiftly dig through the earth towards the battlefield.
Unlike other demons charging head-on, it alternated its approach by maneuvering left and right, confusing the defenders about its intended target.
Its low-to-the-ground posture made it challenging for defenders who had to lower themselves to counter its attacks, unlike the upright-walking demons.
Approaching a team member, the demon seemed ready to pounce.
The member swung their Nichirin Sword towards the ground, expecting the demon to attack them directly. Unexpectedly, the demon feinted and lunged towards another member to the left.
This unforeseen attack caught both members off guard.
In the panic, the left member hastily swung their Nichirin Sword in a chaotic defense, but such disorganized efforts couldn't withstand the demon's assault.
As the demon closed in, the member could only instinctively retreat and swing their sword, but at that moment, another demon approached from their right in a similar fashion.
Suddenly, two demons converged, one attacking low and the other high.
Although forced together, their attacks remained coordinated, inadvertently forming an alliance.
Meanwhile, the members on both sides became disoriented, torn between attacking and risking friendly fire or watching helplessly as the defense circle was breached, causing chaos.
Bound by Kimura's commands, the team operated mechanically. Any collapse in one section would affect the entire formation.
Unintentionally, what was perceived as an iron-clad defense circle was torn open by two demons, shocking everyone inside and outside the circle.
If they didn't quickly mend the breach, the consequences were clear to everyone.
Members from the outer circle, who weren't under attack, wanted to help. Those inside wanted to seal the breach. The orderly formation was on the verge of collapse.
Seizing the opportunity, demons howled and surged forward. The already precarious defense now faced internal panic and despair. Under such conditions, survival was already a challenge, let alone proactive defense.
Soon, screams echoed as two members were overwhelmed. Demons swarmed them immediately.
The piercing screams were like needles in everyone's hearts, shattering their fragile defenses.
Have you ever heard the screams of the dying?
Not from the mortal realm, but from hell itself, chilling the soul.
Kimura was momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events but quickly regained his composure.
He knew that if he didn't quell the chaos immediately, the entire team would disintegrate.
Taking a deep breath, he sternly commanded, "Everyone, stay put. Outer circle members, return immediately and stop the demons' advances. Inner circle, fill the gaps left and attend to the injured."
Kimura's words acted like a calming balm, guiding the panicked team back on track.
Following Kimura's orders, especially those who had been defending the outer circle, quickly returned to continue battling the surrounding demons.
Meanwhile, Kimura directed the inner circle members to plug the breaches.
After everything was set, Kimura charged towards the two demons that breached the circle, joining forces with several members to slay one while the other escaped amidst the chaos.
The fallen member lay on the ground, eyes dull and lifeless, their neck a gaping wound oozing blood bubbles.
As the stabilized team held off the demons' renewed assaults, the first demon withdrew, followed by others retreating to the forest edge to regroup and seek new opportunities.
On the open ground not far away, three mutilated bodies lay. One demon toyed with a severed head, resembling a cat playing with a ball.
For a brief moment, the tension eased as they successfully repelled the demon's advance again. However, everyone knew another, fiercer assault would soon follow.
The demons, tasting blood, grew more excited. In contrast, the participants were worn down, their spirits ashen.
During the lull between attacks, Kimura ordered inner circle members to relieve those on the outer circle, preparing for the inevitable waves of demon assaults.
Several female teammates tended to the wounded, bandaging their injuries and distributing water and food.
The atmosphere around was eerie and oppressive. The corpse of the fallen member lay there, staring blankly, unsettling everyone.
Many harbored the thought of disposing of the body to avoid the eerie sight, but no one dared to suggest it, knowing it would mean feeding the demons.
Such an act would disrespect the dead and undermine the sacrifices of those who fought bravely to protect the team.
More importantly, it could fracture the team's unity. After all, who knew if the next body lying there would be their own? If it were, would they too be cast out to feed the demons?
Time passed slowly. It felt like ages until, suddenly, the demons, sensing something, dropped their macabre playthings and slunk back into the shadows, joined by others hesitating outside.
Kimura and the others noticed the anomaly. It reminded them of the previous disappearance when the female team member vanished.
Could it be...?