From the beginning, El had guessed that Akaza had a physique that exceeded that of a normal human, truly a demon.
Coupled with super regeneration and endless stamina, Akaza became an extremely difficult opponent, without possessing the Demon Hunter Mark.
El had estimated Akaza to have 70 points in overall physical attributes. With that kind of strength, this demon was truly a strong opponent.
El tightened grip on his sword, "If I use the Sun Breathing Style, maybe... I can defeat him?"
However, on the other hand, El also knew the price to pay. Movement using this technique would make his body quickly depleted, like a fire that burns too fast and burns out the firewood.
This reality slapped El hard. Without the Eye of Insight ability, he was just an ordinary warrior in the face of demonic forces like Akaza.
Bitterly, El admitted, "I was too proud of myself. This eye ability is God-level. But, I forgot I'm not a god."
"Anyway, I also intend to demonstrate some Hi no Kokyu moves to Tanjiro." El said calmly.
El's focus returned to the reality before her, eyes that had been lost in reverie now sharpening. In front of his, Akaza stood tall, the arm previously sliced by his attack now fully recovered.
The torn flesh and skin had been fused back together as if the wound had never happened, now Akaza radiated a menacing aura that was even more obvious under the moonlight.
Akaza looked at El with an enthusiastic smile, his eyes seemed to shine as if he had found a perfectly sculpted diamond. "You are so strong! What's your name?"
El stared back, feeling the positive energy emanating from Akaza. "El Ira Adrian, Hashira dances. And what's your name?" he replied, getting ready for the unexpected.
Akaza laughed, "I am Akaza, a demon struggling to find true power and you have incredible strength."
"El Ira Adrian, being human will definitely limit you. Why not join me and become a demon? With your powers, you can become more powerful than you ever imagined. There will be no limit to your growth." Akaza said, his voice firm, but there was no hatred in it.
El stood firmly, like a marble pillar supporting the world, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword tightly, but not immediately attacking. El looked at Akaza whose eyes shone with determination.
With a calm tone and a smile that held a lot of mystery, El said. "Interesting offer, why don't you give me your blood?"
Hearing that, Tanjiro was shocked as if he could hear the sound of thunder in the silent night. 'Why did uncle Adrian ask for his blood? But, this scent... Uncle seems to be hiding something.'
'I'll believe it.' Tanjiro thought silently.
Akaza frowned, surprised by the reply, but there was respect in his smile. "Ah, you are brave indeed, El Ira Adrian. But remember, my blood is not something you can just take. If you want more than just power, you must be willing to pay the price."
Immediately, El took out three large-sized injections from inside the space storage ring. Looking at the injections that seemed to appear from the void, Akaza smiled with confusion and curiosity.
However, that fact was silenced when El suddenly threw the three empty injections at him.
Akaza, who was trained in combat, caught the three injections easily, but his eyes showed question marks.
"Where did you get these out of?" Akaza asked, his voice full of curiosity.
El replied casually, "Stop saying nonsense. Just give me your blood and call me Adrian."
Akaza frowned, feeling the tension in the air. "Adrian, huh? Interesting name. But, are you sure you want to do this? My blood is not for just anyone."
El just smiled and her gaze was sharp. "I wouldn't ask, if I didn't know the consequences. You might be surprised at what I can do with that blood."
Akaza laughed widely, "Interesting! Very interesting! You are a very interesting person, Adrian! Well, I fulfill your wish."
Akaza used the empty injection El gave him to suck out a small portion of his blood. Since Akaza was an Upper Moon Rank Three demon, even if he lost a large amount of blood, his blood would recover thanks to his super regeneration.
The moment Akaza injected the needle into his skin, his demon blood began to flow slowly, emitting a dark red glow that sparkled as if it was charged with magical energy.
The color of the blood was no ordinary red. For it was more like a deep garnet color and held a myriad of mysteries, with a purple tinge that seemed to burn within it, creating an aura that was both terrifying and mesmerizing.
The blood looked extremely thick, with fine dew-like beads flowing along the needle, giving the impression as if it contained abundant power.
When the blood filled the injection to the brim, it surged with life, as if bound with the deep desires and regrets of Akaza's soul.
"You might have anticipated this because to transform a Demon slayer requires a very large amount of demon blood." Akaza said, his voice firm but holding a big question mark.
After filling the three empty injections, Akaza threw them back to El. Very deftly, El was able to catch all three injections.
Then, something very surprising happened. El didn't immediately use Akaza's demon blood to turn himself into a demon, El stored the three injections containing Akaza's demon blood in a space storage ring.
Akaza was confused, his expression became more and more full of question marks, making her enthusiastic smile bend slightly. "Why not use my blood?"
Instead of answering Akaza's question, El prepared her stance to start the battle that would determine her life or death.
Would El survive after this and get the Demon slayer mark? Or have to swallow disappointment because fatal wounds will make his life short.
With a cold and determined tone of voice, El said, "Beat me! Maybe I'll use your demon blood, Akaza."
Akaza smiled, as if not offended by the invitation to fight. To his, this was not just the beginning of an argument that he could win and but something exciting, to the point of triggering his adrenaline.
Confidently, a little urgently, Akaza said in a loud tone of voice. "Alright, I'll gladly accept the invitation to battle."
The look in Akaza's eyes was suddenly very serious. "But think about it! Being human only means you'll be fragile and destroyed by time. If you become a demon, you can live forever, with no time limit to keep practicing. The power you have now is just the beginning. You can be more than this!"
El remained as calm as the flat surface of a lake, without the slightest ripple, reflecting the sky clearly. A cold smile, yet filled with a myriad of mysteries was etched on his face.
With a slight smile, El answered Akaza's words. "To become immortal, I don't need to become a demon. I just need to make myself written in gold ink in the hearts of people and history."
Akaza's tone slightly turned colder, his eyes still burning with the belief that El was a very interesting human, "Adrian, you really are a very interesting human! I will cherish your words!"
In Akaza's life as a demon for over a hundred years, never once had he met a human or demon hunter like El. "Get ready, Andrian!"
Akaza positioned his initial fighting stance. Focusing the power within his body and muscles tensed like they were bursting, sending a rush of evil energy through his veins.
"Demon Blood Art Technique: Destruction Compass!" Akaza exclaimed loudly and proudly.
In the silence, suddenly all around Akaza, a terrifying blue aura burst out and formed like an ice flower (Koyuki) that sparkled beautifully on the ground, but emitted energy vibrations capable of cracking the air.
(N/A: Koyuki can be called small ice grains or ice flowers. And Akaza's lover's name is Koyuki, what a loyal man. Even though he lost his memory, his body reminds each other of his wife's name).
The ice flower on the ground functioned like a deadly compass that reacted to the opponent's strength. El's every move was now detected within the attack radius, and Akaza could respond with lightning speed.