As Dave silently counted the figures moving about inside the facility, he noted, "Seventeen Celestial Dragons... quite a gathering," his gaze darkening with a hint of contempt.
Across from him, hidden behind a worn wooden post, Rayleigh observed Dave with a concerned expression, reading the intensity in his eyes. "He's not... he can't be planning to kill them, can he?" Rayleigh wondered, worry tightening his jaw. He knew Dave was no ordinary person, especially given his power and fearlessness, but going after the World Nobles would be an open invitation for chaos—and a relentless pursuit from the Marines and the Admirals.
Dave glanced back in Rayleigh's direction, as if sensing his thoughts, and flashed a half-smile, his expression a strange blend of challenge and reassurance.
Rayleigh froze as he saw the sword materialize in Dave's hand, muttering to himself, "Oh, this can't be good." But before he could say anything, Dave's voice cut through the tension. "Head back to the ship. I'll catch up." There was no room for argument, and Rayleigh knew better than to try.
With a reluctant nod, Rayleigh disappeared into the shadows, heading back as Dave stepped boldly out of his hiding spot and moved directly toward the Marine District entrance.
The Marine guards there noticed his approach, and one of them immediately raised his hand to stop him. "This area is restricted. No entry allowed," the Marine stated firmly, eyeing Dave with suspicion.
Dave gave a calm, almost amused nod. "Oh, is that so? And what exactly is this place?"
The Marine's expression hardened, his tone growing even more dismissive. "This is Marine territory. You can't just waltz in here!"
Dave's gaze sharpened as he asked coldly, "Then tell me—why are there slaves inside?"
The Marine patrolman scowled, clearly annoyed. "Get out of here before we throw you out!"
Dave clicked his tongue in irritation. "Tsk, tsk. Marines involved in slavery under the guise of the law? You don't deserve to breathe," he murmured, his voice dripping with disdain. In one swift motion, he swung his sword, cutting down the guards with a single, clean strike. Their bodies collapsed to the ground, echoing in the stillness as Dave stepped over them, his gaze locked on the facility ahead.
The true reckoning was about to begin.
Dave continued his stride forward, his face set with unyielding determination. The marines within the facility, alerted by the noise, began to take notice. A few higher-ranking officers rushed forward, shouting orders to the remaining guards to take him down.
"Who dares attack a Marine facility?!" one of the officers yelled, brandishing his weapon.
Dave's gaze remained icy. "A man who despises hypocrites," he replied, his voice steady and unforgiving.
The officers hesitated for a moment, uneasy at the calm ferocity in his eyes. But orders were orders, and soon enough, they lunged at him. Dave was ready. With swift, powerful swings of his sword, he dispatched the first wave of marines, their attacks barely grazing him as he cut through their defenses.
One officer, braver than the others, tried to approach him from the side, only for Dave to vanish from sight, reappearing behind him in a flash. Before the officer could even register what had happened, Dave's blade was already pressed against his back. "Tell me where they're keeping the slaves," Dave demanded.
The officer stammered, his face pale. "T-The inner chambers… beyond the courtyard. But… you'll never reach it!"
Dave gave a slight smirk. "Watch me." He knocked the officer out cold, leaving him slumped on the ground, and moved deeper into the facility.
As he approached the courtyard, he could hear the faint cries and desperate murmurs from the slaves held captive inside. His grip tightened on his sword, anger sparking within him. He stepped into the courtyard, where a squadron of marines awaited him, weapons drawn.
"There's no escape now," one of them sneered, clearly trying to bolster his own confidence as much as intimidate Dave.
Dave simply raised his sword, the air around him charged with his intent. "I didn't come here to escape."
With that, he dashed forward, his sword moving like lightning as he cut down the marines one by one. Despite their numbers, none of them could match his skill or strength. As he fought his way through, he could feel the weight of the captives' eyes upon him, their hope slowly rekindling as they watched their captors fall.
Finally, after a relentless battle, he stood before the iron doors of the inner chamber. He sheathed his sword for a moment, drawing a deep breath, and with a powerful kick, the doors burst open, revealing a dimly lit room filled with huddled slaves, their expressions a mix of fear and disbelief.
Dave stepped inside, his gaze softening. "You're free now," he announced, his voice carrying a reassurance that they hadn't felt in years.
One of the older captives managed to speak through trembling lips, "Who… who are you?"
Dave gave a small smile, extending a hand to help them up. "Just someone who won't tolerate injustice," he replied. "Now, let's get you all out of here."
As the freed captives dispersed, some casting grateful glances back at him, Dave turned his attention to the looming inner buildings of the Marine facility. His expression hardened. This was where the real power—and corruption—lay. These were the quarters of the Celestial Dragons, the so-called "gods" who claimed authority over the lives of others.
"Time to confront these self-proclaimed rulers," he muttered to himself, gripping his sword tightly as he strode toward the opulent, guarded entrance.
A few remaining marines attempted to stand in his way, but the sight of his bloodstained blade and fierce determination made them falter. One particularly brave soldier stepped forward, his hands trembling yet determined. "You… you can't go any further! The Celestial Dragons… they'll bring hell upon us all if you harm them!"
Dave's gaze narrowed, his voice low but cutting. "Hell is already here. I'm just clearing out the demons."
"for I am Demon Slayer"
With swift movements, he dispatched the remaining guards, advancing until he reached the main doors of the inner sanctum. The silence within was almost suffocating, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. The faint murmur of voices reached his ears—entitled, oblivious, and blissfully ignorant of the bloodshed that had occurred just outside their luxurious walls.
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