As the Final Selection came to its conclusion, the system sent a notification to Ryou, notifying him that his task was successfully completed:
[~ Task: Complete Final Selection and Defeat Hand Demon.
Status: Complete
Reward: 2 Demon Points ~]
Descending the mountain, Ryou took a moment and checked his current Demon Point balance.
He had slain nearly twenty demons during the trial, plus the Hand Demon at the end. That alone gave him 22 points. With the additional 2 points he gained as a reward for completing the task, he had '24' Demon Points in his possession.
[~ Name: Ryou
Physique: Nature [Entry - 81%]
Skill: Nature Breathing - Intermediate [0/50], Tekkai - Intermediate [2/10], Sharingan[Not upgradeable]
Demon Points: 24 ~]
'It's good to have so many points! Now, how am I going to put them to good use?' He thought and set his sights on Tekkai.
'Anyway, I can't upgrade Nature Breathing to the 'Advance' level within a short time, but Tekkai can be enhanced to the next level.'
As Ryou added 8 points to his Tekkai skill, it advanced to the next level: Tekkai - Advanced [0/25].
As his Tekkai advanced, he didn't feel a surge in strength, but he felt a significant rise in control over his skill. It's no longer limited to static defense; he can now move while performing Tekkai.
'Tekkai!' With a thought, his entire body hardened like iron. He directed a punch at the nearby tree, just to see his blow shatter the tree trunk without a scratch on his hand.
He can now fight Demons bare-handed without worrying about injuring himself. He can deflect powerful blows and resist even sword slashes with ease.
Ryou added the remaining points to Nature Breathing: Intermediate [16/50]. 'Let's set a small target and improve my physique to the Intermediate level before the Nichirin sword gets delivered.'
--
With a relaxed pace, Ryou strolled towards the Butterfly Mansion, enjoying the scenery along the way.
When he reached, he was welcomed by Kanae, Shinobu, Aoi, and the other Butterfly girls. Everyone's happy that he came back alive. Their smiles and kind gestures made his heart warm, filling him with a sense of belonging to this place.
Shinobu said, "Welcome back, Ryou-san! We're all relieved to see you safe and sound. How was the Final Selection? Did you encounter any strong demons?"
Thinking for a moment, Ryou replied. "I won't say strong. But there's one particular demon with a special ability, which could generate countless hands out of its body.
Of course, I beheaded it with ease!"
Aside from Kanae, everyone's eyes widened with interest. "Countless hands? That sounds strong!"
Shinobu asked her sister, "Nee-san, how did something like that get into Final Selection?"
Kanae smiled softly. "It probably mutated after consuming the candidates… and perhaps other demons as well."
Looking at Kanae's graceful figure, Ryou asked. "So, Miss Kanae, are you relieved to see me without any injury? Did you miss me while I was gone?"
"No! Considering your strength, I know the Final Selection doesn't pose any threat to you!" Kanae replied, with no change in her smile.
As for his other question, she ignored it, having grown accustomed to Ryou's sweet words and gestures.
"Please take some rest, as you had a long journey and just completed the trial," she added before walking off with Shinobu.
Watching her departing figure, Ryou couldn't help but smile softly to himself. Despite being ignored once again, he believes his antics and affection will melt her heart over time.
With nothing to do, Ryou stayed at Butterfly Mansion waiting for the delivery of his Demon Slayer Uniform and Nichirin Blade. Only after that can he embark on slaying the demons.
--
For the next few days, Ryou didn't do much aside from practicing his Nature Breathing. Finally, he had a breakthrough today.
His Nature Physique advanced to the Intermediate level, surging his strength and life force to another level. It was an electrifying sensation, feeling his entire body transform.
His muscles grew strong but not big, his bones got strengthened, and his blood coursed through his body with enriched vitality. Ryou's entire being thrummed with energy. He felt like he could break through walls with a single punch.
'What a wonderful feeling!'
Despite the changes that happened within him, his appearance remained unchanged. But someone with sharp eyes and keen perception would find Ryou radiating with power.
Just then, a knock interrupted his thoughts. Knock! Knock!
He opened the door to find Kanae standing outside. It had been a week since he last saw her. Hashira duties kept her busy. Smiling, Ryou greeted, "What brings the beautiful Kanae to my door? Want to come in?"
Kanae ignored his words as her senses perceived something different about him today. She remarked, "You look different today!"
His eyes radiated with strength and confidence, making her believe Ryou's strength had undergone a change. Only someone with that transition would exude such an aura.
Ryou brushed it off with a smile and teased with a playful expression. "I think it's just the effect of your presence, Kanae."
Kanae rolled her eyes, unamused. She explained the reason for the visit. "I came to inform you that your Demon Slayer uniform has been delivered, just check whether it fits you. As for your Nichirin Sword, it will arrive in a few days. I think."
'As a Hashira, you came to inform me of such a simple thing. You're such a cute girl, Kanae!' Ryou mused inwardly. Of course, he didn't dare say it to her or aloud.
Kanae's good at masking her feelings. It's not to the extent of saying 'love', but he could tell there's a touch of fondness or likeness in her actions. 'At least, there's some progress!'
Being a Demon Slayer, there's a chance they will lose their lives any time! Along with the looming threat of Kibutsuji Muzan and his demons, there's no way Kanae, being a Hashira, will express her love or feelings. It's understandable!