Why does the world show a health bar? !

Kanae Kocho sat at her desk, her head bowed as she held a brush in her hand, writing a letter to her younger sister.

*To my dear sister, Shinobu Kocho:*

After writing the first line, she paused, unsure of what to write next. Then, she remembered the letter she had received from Li Mo a few days ago.

In that letter, Li Mo had written about how he had successfully passed his trainer's test and was preparing to participate in the **Final Selection**. By her calculations, Li Mo should already be near **Mount Fujikasane**, likely undergoing the **Final Selection** by now.

"I still have so far to go," Kanae murmured to herself.

Kanae had been training under her mentor for some time now and had received high praise for her progress. But compared to Li Mo, she still felt far behind.

In his letter, Li Mo had mentioned that he had achieved **Total Concentration Breathing: Constant**, maintaining that level of breathing for twenty-four hours a day. It was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Kanae, on the other hand, could barely manage half an hour.

"The gap is too big," she sighed.

But it was only natural. Li Mo had already killed demons multiple times before even joining the Demon Slayer Corps. It was no surprise that he could easily pass the **Final Selection**.

"I'll pass this information on to Shinobu. Yes, and the training method with the gourd too."

The gentle girl sat by the window, basking in the sunlight as she poured her thoughts and experiences onto the paper. This letter would soon reach her sister with the help of a messenger crow.

Though both Kanae and Shinobu had been recommended by Himejima Gyomei to train under mentors, they were not under the same one.

After finishing the letter, Kanae pondered a question: *What is Li Mo doing right now?*

---

Wisteria flowers, to humans, were merely ornamental plants. But to demons, they were a hated existence. **Mount Fujikasane** was covered in these flowers, except for the center, where no wisteria bloomed. This was the site of the Demon Slayer Corps' **Final Selection**. Every year, the Corps would capture weaker demons and release them into the mountain to serve as test subjects for the selection.

On the day the selection began, Makomo and Li Mo stood side by side at the entrance. The area was a platform surrounded by wisteria flowers. It was said that these flowers bloomed year-round here.

Li Mo tapped the ground ahead. Following the path, they would soon reach an area devoid of wisteria.

Demons lurked there.

"Makomo, who do you think will oversee the start of the **Final Selection**?" Li Mo asked.

"I don't know," Makomo replied, not wanting to engage with her junior brother, who had asked this question countless times already.

Li Mo, feeling a bit dejected, stopped asking.

On the platform, many people carrying **Nichirin Blades** waited. Most were men, as women were at a physical disadvantage. But there were exceptional women like Makomo among them.

Regardless of gender, everyone wore serious expressions. The **Final Selection** was a life-changing event for all. The selection itself was dangerous, and no one could afford to be careless.

Except for Li Mo. He had no fear of demons. With his overwhelming strength, he saw this as just a beginner's task.

Time passed slowly. Finally, something changed. The person overseeing and guiding the **Final Selection** arrived, escorted by a towering figure.

The overseer was a frail-looking young man with a scholarly air. However, the area around his eyes and above appeared decayed, marring his otherwise delicate features.

Seeing him, Li Mo's expression turned serious.

Memories flooded his mind. This appearance, with Himejima Gyomei as his escort, could only mean one thing.

This was the **Master**, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.

"Junior brother, is that tall man Himejima Gyomei? I remember he was the one who recommended you. Is he special to you? Why do you look so serious all of a sudden?" Makomo asked, noticing the change in Li Mo's demeanor.

"No, I'm not concerned about Himejima Gyomei. Senior sister, haven't you noticed? Himejima Gyomei is actually acting as a bodyguard for that frail man."

Himejima Gyomei had already become a **Pillar**. Someone who required a **Pillar** as an escort was no ordinary person.

What was the Master's name? Li Mo couldn't remember. He only knew that the man was incredibly charismatic.

He even felt that when the Master arrived, he had glanced in his direction. When their eyes met, the Master had smiled.

"Everyone, I am grateful that you have come to participate in the **Final Selection**."

"Mount Fujikasane is covered in wisteria flowers year-round. To demons, these flowers are poison. They cannot escape the mountain."

"But beyond this point, there are no wisteria flowers to protect you."

"The test is simple: survive here for seven days."

"You may also choose to leave early, but that will result in failure."

"Finally, once you've confirmed your supplies, you may proceed up the mountain."

"I wish you all the best of luck."

The Master's voice was calm and soothing, like a gentle breeze in spring, a cool breeze in autumn, rain in summer, or warm sunlight in winter. It was comforting and serene, soothing the soul.

His voice reminded one of a kind elder, chatting idly on a summer afternoon.

As his words faded, the swordsmen on the platform began to move, following the path ahead. Most of those who had come here had already made their decision.

Li Mo and Makomo were among the last to enter the selection.

As their figures disappeared from the platform, only the gentle man and his escort remained.

The Master looked at the now-empty platform and said, "Another year, and still no one withdrew."

"Master, those who come here have already made their resolve."

"I know, Gyomei. The children who come here are all good children. Alas, all I can do is stand here and pray for their safe return."

Himejima Gyomei stood beside the frail young man, his massive frame seemingly enveloping the Master. He was vigilant, aware of every movement around them.

"Gyomei, that last boy who left, was he the Chinese man you encountered?"

"Yes, Master."

"What do you think of his current strength?"

Himejima Gyomei recalled the familiar face he had seen earlier. At first glance, the boy seemed relaxed, but upon closer observation, one could sense a stable, underlying power. He appeared calm, but at any moment, he could unleash terrifying strength.

"Master, he could become a **Pillar**."

Himejima Gyomei could feel a threat to his very life emanating from that young man.

"Become a **Pillar**? That's good," the Master said with a smile. "It seems there was no mistake. Gyomei, I've wasted your time today, making you accompany me on this trip."

"Master, it was no waste."

Himejima Gyomei knew that this trip had been specifically for the Master to see that peculiar Chinese man.

Ever since the Master's illness had worsened, he had taken a special interest in that foreigner.

"Take me back now. This frail body of mine shouldn't waste any more of your time. As a **Pillar**, Gyomei, you should be doing more meaningful things. I apologize for making you accompany me today."

"Master, it is my duty."

The Master smiled. He had seen what he wanted to see.

Would the story unfold as he had envisioned?