Nae walked up to the stone platform with heavy steps, standing in front of Hatsune. She kept her head down, hesitated for a moment, and finally gathered the courage to look up, meeting a pair of cold eyes. She was about to speak.
"No." Hatsune didn't give Nae a chance to speak.
"But I... I haven't even said anything yet."
"I know what you want to say. In any case, those two cannot stay here."
Just as Nae had expected, Hatsune had no intention of keeping them. If he had, he would have done so when Kimura first invited them. For him, more people meant more instability, and it was better to rely on himself.
"They're injured. If they go out now, they'll definitely be eaten by demons."
"Before coming here, didn't everyone come prepared to be eaten by demons? If we take them in, what will you do if two more people ask to stay? What about ten more?"
Nae was at a loss for words. "I... I didn't think that far."
Hatsune looked at the two people on the open ground, and Yuka intentionally showed a kind smile.
Hatsune found the woman hypocritical, tricking the simple-minded Nae into pleading on their behalf.
If it weren't for the fact that Yuka had tried to push Nae away during the final moments of the four-demon attack, he wouldn't have allowed them to stay even briefly.
"You saw the strength of that bouncing demon. We don't know how many similar demons there are on this mountain, probably more than one. Do you think you can handle several of them with your skills? You don't even dare to kill a demon, yet you want to protect them?"
Nae lowered her head, unable to speak. She felt ashamed for pleading on behalf of the two when she herself needed protection.
"If they die outside, it's because they weren't strong enough. At most, they'll blame us for being cold-hearted and not helping. But if they die while with us, it will be your responsibility for not protecting them. Are you sure you can bear that responsibility? If you can endure endless regret and guilt in the future, you can keep them."
Nae couldn't help but tremble. She had never considered this problem. She had simply wanted to plead for the two of them without thinking of the consequences.
Hatsune's words completely shattered her intention to plead.
Hatsune was right. Keeping the two would mean taking their lives into her own hands, a burden she couldn't bear.
Although she felt bad, Nae had already found her answer. Realizing that the two indeed couldn't stay, she turned and walked down the platform.
Better to hurt for a moment than for a lifetime.
Seeing Nae's sad and dejected back, Hatsune softened. How could there be such a simple girl in this world? Not wanting to put her in a difficult position, he added, "Tell them we can escort them to the wisteria forest halfway up the mountain. But if they want to stay with us to pass the trial, they shouldn't even think about it."
Hearing this, Nae suddenly felt overjoyed. This was a great idea! How had she not thought of it? Escorting them down the mountain meant they wouldn't have to die, and she and Hatsune wouldn't have to bear a heavy burden. It was the perfect solution.
"Hatsune, you're so smart! You're really too smart." She said, running eagerly towards the two on the open ground.
Seeing Nae's excited expression, the two thought their plea had succeeded and smiled happily. But when Nae said they could be escorted down the mountain but couldn't stay, their smiles vanished instantly.
They had hoped to stay and use Nae and Hatsune's strength to pass the Demon Slayer Corps trial. It was clear the boy had seen through their intentions.
After half a night of fighting, the idea of retreating down the mountain felt humiliating. But without Nae and Hatsune's protection, they faced the risk of being eaten by demons.
Yuka tried to ask Nae to plead again, but Akino stopped her.
Akino shook his head, seeing more clearly than Yuka. With their skills, staying would only be a burden.
The demons' strength was too overwhelming. Even with Hatsune's strength, facing multiple demons at once would be difficult. He might not be able to protect himself, let alone others.
The fact that Hatsune was willing to escort them down the mountain was already a great help. Asking for more would be greedy.
Time passed slowly. After the brutal first half of the night, the latter half seemed relatively calm. Occasionally, a scream would come from a nearby forest, but it would soon fall silent.
By dawn, no more demons had appeared, and the night passed peacefully.
As the sky brightened, the air was thick with the smell of blood.
Hatsune opened his eyes from meditation, finding it easier to use "Total Concentration: Constant" in such a tense environment.
The two girls had talked all night and had become close friends. As dawn approached, they both knew it was time to part.
Nae and Yuka held hands as they walked ahead, with Akino in the middle and Hatsune at the back, escorting them to the starting point halfway up the mountain.
A long drag mark on the ground extended into the forest, a sign of last night's events.
Yuka remembered hearing the first scream from this direction last night. Three male participants had stayed here, thinking it would be safe. But...
"That's enough, Nae. It's safe here now. There won't be any more demons."
"Mm~"
They held hands like lovers parting.
"Nae, please stay safe. We'll be waiting for you down the mountain."
Nae nodded firmly.
After their farewell, Hatsune didn't return the way they came but took the path Kimura and others had used yesterday.
As he passed Yuka and Akino, he glanced at them and their backpacks without saying a word before leaving.
Nae waved to Yuka and quickly followed Hatsune.
"Do you think he noticed?" Akino asked, watching them leave.
"Probably. That boy's eyes are too sharp. He's smart and resourceful. Nae is lucky to be with him."
"Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes, I have. My family was killed by demons. I want to do something for them."
"Then let's go."
"You don't have to stay with me."
Akino smiled gently, "I want to."
Nae caught up with Hatsune, happily saying, "Thank you, Hatsune."
"Thank me? Thank me for what? For saving their lives?"
Hatsune looked at Nae and snorted, "No need. Just don't drag me down, and I'll thank you."
Nae knew Hatsune was being sarcastic. She stuck out her tongue and made a playful face at him.