The morning was young, and the sun had just started to rise, casting its tender rays over the village. Small houses stood in its light, their shadows stretching dimly along the ground.
Villagers who had just woken up were busy tidying their homes and courtyards. Those already prepared for the day began their usual routines—farming, tending livestock, carpentry, sculpting, and more.
Now, laughter and conversation filled the village, a peace that hadn't existed when I first arrived. Back then, people lived in fear of man-eating beasts. At night, the men would gather, armed, ready to fend off the demons. Most times, they succeeded with minimal losses. Other times, they'd retreat, relying on the protective wisteria incense around their homes.
I'm relieved to see the village so lively now. They don't know I'm the reason for the absence of demons, but their happiness is all that matters.
Still, I need to take better care of myself. My clothes are too small and worn, patched in places, and I'm starving.
I strolled through the village, looking for a place to eat. Suddenly, the delicious scent of food hit me. Following it, I arrived at a small shop, where a girl was sweeping the entrance. She wore a simple purple kimono and oversized wooden sandals. Her long dark blue hair was pinned up neatly with a hairpin.
I approached quietly, a habit of mine. It took her a moment to notice me standing there.
"Oh! Good morning," she greeted, bowing slightly.
"Good morning," I replied.
"You can head inside and sit down; we're still opening." She gave me a quick look-over. "Are you… a customer?" she asked, hesitantly.
I must've looked like a beggar. Even the farmers wore better clothes than I did.
"Uh, actually, I'm—"
Growl.
My stomach spoke for me, I was embarrassed but had to deal with jt.
"Oh, I see! Come inside. Let me see what I can do for you. But… I don't know what Mama will say about this."
She gently took my hand and led me inside.
Such a kind girl. I only hoped her mother might be the same—there's an old saying, "A girl mirrors her mother's attitude."
The shop was clean and well-organized; it must've been her work. She brought me to the back room, where her mother stood, stirring pots of soup. She wore an apron splattered with colors of various broths.
"Mama, I found someone hungry outside. I think we should feed him," the girl said.
"Again?" Her mother emerged from the steam, revealing herself to be a surprisingly young woman.
"Hanako, this is a grown man. We only feed kids for free," she said softly, eyeing me from head to toe. "The only way we can feed him is if he can work. So, tell me—can you do anything useful?"
"Yes, ma'am. I can do anything you need."
She smiled, lips curling slightly. She led me to the backyard, where a mountain of wood waited to be chopped. With a small huff, she dragged an axe toward me.
"My neighbors usually help with this, but if you can handle it, you'll earn yourself a meal. Sound fair?"
"Yes, ma'am, I'll get it done."
She handed me the axe, surprisingly light in my grip.
"Well then, we'll be inside opening up. Come tell me when you're done. Hanako, let's go."
The two of them left, and I set to work. It didn't take long to finish, and as instructed, I went back inside to tell Hanako's mother. Inside, the shop was bustling with villagers, and Hanako and her mother moved swiftly from table to table, serving their customers.
I thought about offering to help, but my patched clothes and unkempt hair might not sit well with the customers. So, I went back to the woodpile and sat down.
"Status."
The window popped up
—-----------
Name: Tatsuya Uzui
Age: 16
LVL: 68
CLASS: None (Tap to select)
ATTRIBUTES
STR: 77
STA: 119
SPE: 86
AGI: 84
CLASS ATTRIBUTES
(Class not selected)
SKILLS
Neural Shell (Lv20 MAX)
Pain Resistance (Lv5)
Tunnel Night Vision (Lv10)
CLASS SKILLS
(Class not selected)
—-----------
After reaching level ten, I was excited to see if I could select a job. But to my disappointment, there was no Demon Slayer option—only farmer, carpenter, swordsmith, florist. I know it's not exactly a government-regulated job, but still it wasn't the fucking government that made the system.
My eyes felt heavy; I hadn't slept well, thanks to my messed-up schedule. I lay back and drifted off.
***
"Hey, hey." A voice reached me. It was familiar, but I was too tired to open my eyes.
"You didn't even ask his name. That's so rude, Hanako."
"I'm not the only one to blame. You didn't ask either, Mama."
There were two voices now, both familiar.
"Hey, wake up! Your food is ready."
Did she say food?
I sat up, the scent of food pulling me awake. Hanako was holding a bowl, and before I knew it, I'd taken it and was devouring the meal. I barely tasted it—I just needed something in my stomach.
"Thank you for the food," I said, finally full. I hadn't eaten this well in ages.
"No, thank you! Look at all the wood you chopped—our neighbors couldn't finish it in three days!" Hanako's mother exclaimed.
"Really, it's no big deal, ma'am."
"Leaving you with just food doesn't feel right…" She eyed me again. "I know! Hanako, go find him a change of clothes."
"Really?!"
"Yes, it's the least we can do."
"Thank you so much, ma'am."
Hanako led me to a building beside the shop, their home. Inside, she took me to a tidy room with a sack of hakama that looked about my size.
"Do you have a brother?" I asked, curious.
"I… used to," she replied, her voice softening.
"Oh… I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you. Now, try these on. I'll wait outside."
She slid the door shut. I put on each garment carefully. I was a bit picky—this felt like a new beginning, so I wanted something well-fitted and black, just right for my return to the Slayer Corps.
When I stepped outside, Hanako and her mother were waiting.
"Oh, you look good!" Her mother said approvingly. Hanako, however, said nothing, likely annoyed that a stranger was wearing her brother's clothes.
"Wait a minute!" Hanako suddenly ran inside and came back with a small knife, a chair, and a rubber band.
"Here, sit down."
I obeyed, and she trimmed my hair, tying it into a ponytail with a bang over the left side of my face.
"There. Now you look decent."
"Thank you, Hanako. And you too, ma'am—I appreciate everything."
"It's the least we could do after what you did for us."
"Well, I'll take my leave."
"Are you sure? It's getting late," Hanako said.
"Don't worry. My destination isn't far."
And besides, I have night vision and can't sleep at night. I'm basically a demon myself now.
"Oh, and my name's Tatsuya, by the way."
Both of them blushed, clearly embarrassed. It seemed they had a habit of not asking names.
"B-Bye, Tatsuya. Come back sometime," Hanako said.
"Bye."
But I probably won't return. My mission here is simple—get stronger, defeat Muzan, and leave. Nothing more, nothing less.