One-Hit Kill Against Four Demons

Akino and Yuka were focused on the demon in front of them when they suddenly heard a few strange cries from behind. Turning around, they saw three demons forcing Nohime back and then charging towards them.

The two immediately turned ashen, their panic causing their sword swings to become chaotic. They were pushed back by the demon in front of them, which in turn brought them closer to the three demons behind them.

Just as the two didn't know what to do, they heard the girl's clear, bell-like voice again from behind them.

A strong gust of wind came from behind them. The two eagerly awaited a miracle to happen again, but it was clear it wouldn't this time.

Although the girl's techniques managed to sever a leg from two of the demons each, they couldn't stop the demons' momentum. In their despair, what surprised them even more was that they could clearly feel the girl landing on them.

Soon, the two understood what the girl intended to do. An indescribable sense of gratitude washed over them. It was this timid, self-deprecating girl, whom everyone disliked, who would do such a thing for two strangers.

What kind of kind heart could repay malice with kindness?

"You... you don't need to worry about us. We were blind on the plaza. I heard your name, you're Kanroji Noe, right? Noe, I'm so glad to know you. Thank you. You should leave quickly," Yuka turned her head and pushed Nohime hard, trying to move her from behind them.

"You know my name?" Nohime felt an inexplicable joy and grinned at Yuka, her eyes crinkling. "Hee hee, someone will save us."

Who else would save them? Him?

Akino twisted his head to look at the boy on the stone platform who still hadn't moved. If he truly wanted to save them, he would have acted long ago. Why wait until now?

Now that the demons were right in front of them, and he was so far away, even if he acted, how could he possibly save three people from four demons simultaneously?

"Ice Breathing, Sixth Style, Phantom."

Akino watched as the person on the stone platform vanished into thin air. In the blink of an eye, someone in white stood before the three of them. It was as if a cold wind had swept through, and the bone-chilling cold made the three crouching on the ground shiver involuntarily.

"Ding." The Nichirin Blade was sheathed, and the sound of the hilt hitting the scabbard was a crisp metallic sound. Besides that, there was a dull thudding sound, like a ball hitting the ground.

A demon's head, with its eyes wide open, rolled to Yuka's feet. Yuka screamed in fright and kicked the head away. The neatly severed neck was covered in a layer of snow-white frost, emitting white cold air.

A headless corpse lay on the ground, trembling incessantly.

Akino turned to look behind him. The other three demons were no different. They too had their heads cleanly severed, lying on the ground in their final tremors. Soon, they all turned to dust and vanished without a trace.

Akino turned back and met Yuka's gaze. All they felt was shock.

Blind? They were more than just blind to the girl behind them.

The two of them had nearly died at the hands of demons several times. Even with the combined strength of the three of them, they could only barely fight the four demons to a standstill. Yet, he had instantly killed all four demons with a single move, so fast that they couldn't even see how he had done it.

Just how strong was he?

And someone this strong wasn't even a true Demon Slayer Corps member?

A true Demon Slayer Corps member wouldn't be much different from this.

Akino and Yuka's mouths hung open, unsure of what to say. Akino, in particular, who had just berated the person, was now overcome with shame.

"See, I told you someone would save us."

Nohime grinned triumphantly, as if deliberately showing off to the two of them. She then looked up at the person beside her. "Han Zhiqi, I knew you wouldn't stand by and watch," she said, but was immediately put in her place by a cold glare.

Nohime quickly lowered her head, stuck out her tongue, and dared not speak further.

Looking at Nohime's adorable demeanor, the two beside her could only manage an awkward smile. Indeed, you can't judge a book by its cover, and everything has its counter.

The girl who was shy even to speak to people in the plaza possessed remarkable skills, while the boy who was cold to everyone was devoted to the girl. What kind of fate was this?

As expected, there was a mysterious attraction between oddities.

"Thank you," Yuka said, turning to look at Han Zhiqi, who stood beside her.

Han Zhiqi did not reply. He glared fiercely at Nohime, who was squatting on the ground with her head down, then turned and walked back towards the stone platform.

The invisible pressure and cold air surrounding the three dissipated as Han Zhiqi left.

Nohime's gaze followed Han Zhiqi's footsteps from below. Only when he was far away did she let out a long sigh. She cheerfully helped the two on the ground up and asked with concern, "Are you two alright?"

The two shook their heads.

"We're fine. Thank you so much just now. If it weren't for you, we probably would be..." Recalling the scene, Yuka felt a renewed sense of fear.

Nohime quickly waved her hands. "No... no, he saved you. Not only did I not help, I almost got you killed." She then scratched her head sheepishly.

"Regardless, you saved us in the first place. Hello, my name is Yuka, and this is my friend Akino. We're traveling together to participate in the final selection for the Demon Slayer Corps."

Yuka and Akino introduced themselves.

Nohime was a little overwhelmed by Yuka's enthusiasm.

"Hello, my name is..."

Before Nohime could speak, Yuka said cheerfully, "Noe, Kanroji Noe, right?"

Nohime nodded shyly. It was the first time anyone had treated her with such warmth.

"I heard you introduce yourself on the plaza. Kanroji Noe, that's a beautiful name."

"Thank you."

Yuka turned to look at Han Zhiqi, who was leaning against the stone wall, wanting to thank him in person. Seeing his aloof demeanor, she felt a little timid and could only turn to Nohime for help.

"Han Zhiqi, Ice Time Han Zhiqi. Please don't mind him, he's actually very nice. He just looks a bit intimidating, but you'll get to know him if you spend more time together."

Yuka gave a soft hum, thinking that perhaps only she would say that.

After a brief exchange, the three of them found a clearing not far from the stone platform and sat down on some smooth stones.

"Why did you two come here?"

Akino and Yuka exchanged glances and recounted the situation of Kimura's team, from leaving the mountainside in the evening and entering the forest, to being surrounded by a horde of demons, the silent appearance of the Bouncing Demon, then the Spider Demon and the Three-Eyed Demon chasing each other, and finally the complete disintegration of the team.