Demon Slayer : LEveLing uP

[Ishida's POV]

I've still got some time to reach the spot marked on the map, but I just can't stop thinking about that little girl. Her face is stuck in my mind, along with the tears in her eyes and the blood on her body. It's like a picture that just won't go away.

I want to figure out what happened to her, but I'm not sure who to ask or where to even begin.

I keep looking around, hoping to see the girl again. She was standing right in front of me before those demons showed up and then just disappeared. How could she vanish like that?

Was I imagining things?

But why would I make up something that felt so real and disturbing?

I'm really confused and don't know what to do.

If this is some kind of test for my journey, maybe the only way to find out the truth is to go to the spot on the map and keep moving forward, just like the system is telling me. Right now, that's all I can do.

Standing here and thinking won't get me anywhere, so I decided to start walking towards the marked place. Before I realized it, I was already there.

I ended up standing in front of a tall building. I tried to look up to see the very top. At first, I couldn't really see it, but after I tilted my head back a bit more, I finally spotted the top.

The top of the building was hidden in shadows. If it wasn't for the moonlight shining right on it, I probably wouldn't have seen it at all.

I need to stay focused on finishing this quest and figuring out everything that's confusing me right now.

I stood up straight, cleared my mind, and walked into the building through its small entrance. It wasn't too tight or too spacious, just the right size for me to get through. As soon as I stepped inside, a screen appeared in front of me with a notification.

[Quest: Reaching the Marked Destination - Completed]

[Exp. No Changes Made]

So, that's it for this part of the journey. What's next?

[New Task/Quest: Reach the top of the building by defeating the enemies]

[Do you need a detailed explanation?] [Y/N]

Huh!? What's with that question!? Of course, "Yes!" But why would I need a detailed explanation for this quest or task? What's so tough about it?

While I stood in the entrance, the screen gave me a brief rundown of what I needed to do next:

[Task Explanation]

"Ascend the building, defeating demons on each floor. Difficulty increases with each level. Complete the task without exception."

1. Objective : Reach the top floor to complete the quest.

2. Structure : Multiple floors, each guarded by stronger demons.

3. Demon Levels :

- Lower floors: Lower-level demons.

- Higher floors: Higher-level demons.

4. Restrictions :

- No exiting until completion.

- No checkpoints; must be completed in one attempt.

- Retreat is not an option.

5. Time Limit : None, but swift completion is advised.

6. Reward : Significant experience points and potential new abilities.

---

I thought it would be something different, but it turns out to be the same thing again. Defeat demons and get to the top floor. "That's easy! I'm ready!"

The moment I said that, demons I couldn't even sense a few seconds ago began appearing out of nowhere.

[Defeat Enemies, Floor 1: 0/15]

But this still isn't answering my questions! Which means... I have no choice but to fight and finish the quest. I have a feeling I might learn more and possibly get some answers by doing this.

"Alright, let's wrap up the first stage quickly then!"

With these thoughts in mind, I walked further into the building and was quickly confronted by the looming presence of a demon nearby.

As soon as I stepped into one of the open areas on the bottom floor, I could feel the presence of demons growing stronger. I could definitely sense two of them right behind me.

Perhaps they were planning a surprise attack, thinking I hadn't noticed them. Unfortunately for them, I was already aware of their presence and swiftly unsheathed my sword, ready to face them.

I could feel the tension in the air as they prepared to launch their attack. But before they had the chance, I used my speed and agility, which were at their peak right now, and spun around to face the two demons, locking eyes with their fierce gazes.

They seemed startled by my sudden move towards them. Instead of attacking from the same direction, they quickly changed tactics and split up, aiming to come at me from both the left and right, targeting each of my hands from opposite sides.

A small smile crept onto my face as I immediately caught onto their plan. I was more than ready for this.

"Moon Breathing First Form : Dark Moon, Evening Palace"

Taking a deep breath, I focused on my breathing, steadying it quickly. These steps were becoming easier each time.

In a swift motion, I positioned my sword behind my back to create the perfect arc. Before the demon could even react, I swung my sword in front of me, crafting a crescent arc. In an instant, with a smooth slash of that arc, I aimed for the demon's neck, which is usually the weakest spot for any demon. In one clean cut, I severed the demon's neck.

Wasting no time, I immediately shifted my focus to the next demon. It now wore a surprised expression instead of the fierce look it had moments ago, but it was still charging at me with its claws ready to strike. I spun towards it, prepared to counter its attack with the same precision.

With a swift sidestep, I evaded its claws and thrust my sword forward. Instead of going for its neck right away, I targeted its attacking hand. With a single precise slash, I severed the demon's clawed hand, causing it to recoil in pain, its eyes showing its agony.

Not giving it any more time to recover, I quickly launched my next attack. This time, I aimed for its neck. Just like before, with a swift slash, I struck its neck, giving the demon no chance to retaliate. It let out a final, anguished roar before dissolving into ashes.

In no time at all, I had cleared the entire first floor.

[Defeat Enemies , Floor 1 : 15/15 (completed)]

The demons on the first floor were relatively low-level, ranging from level 10 to, at most, level 14. It wasn't anything too challenging, so clearing them didn't take much time at all. It was as straightforward as it gets.

Afterward, the system guided me towards the stairs leading to the next floor, setting the stage for the next challenge.

I just hope I find some answers on the next floor...

Or at the very least, encounter a real challenge.

[Chapter End]

Question Time: Do you enjoy this Ishida's POV style of writing, or would you prefer I return to the previous style? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!