As she watched the two composed, similar-looking children methodically direct the Kakushi in clearing the scene, the Sapphire Star's brow remained tightly furrowed.
The smell of blood in the air and the young lives lost on the ground weighed heavily on her heart.
"Ah..."
She sighed softly, deep concern in her golden eyes.
"They're all just kids coming here for a test... why does your test get people killed...?"
She walked over to a fallen young swordsman and crouched beside him, gently closing his staring eyes as she murmured to herself.
"If I'd noticed something was wrong sooner... maybe I could've saved a few more."
It was her instinct as a hunter-
To protect the weak and fight threats. The sight before her reminded her of the investigators who had died facing unknown Elder Dragons during the early exploration of the New World.
She stood and surveyed the unfamiliar mountains and vegetation around her, her confusion deepening.
"Where the hell did that bastard dump me?" she muttered.
"This terrain... it doesn't look like any known region of the Old World, or anything in the New World..."
A thought made her scalp prickle.
"Don't tell me... I actually landed somewhere near the Frontier?"
Thinking of those legendary "Frontier Gods," with their bizarre outfits and hunting methods that defied common sense, who could even hold their own against forbidden monsters, the Sapphire Star instinctively tightened her grip on the hilt behind her.
Their territory was even more trouble than an Elder Dragon's nest! She would rather fight Miss Miralis alone another hundred times than somehow get on the wrong side of those secretive old monsters.
Forget it. I'm just scaring myself~
She shook her head, casting her worries aside.
Seeing the twins preparing to leave, she called out:
"Hold your horses! You two, wait a moment!"
Hinaki and Hika stopped and looked calmly at her.
"Please wait. I'll head down the mountain with you. Just give me a moment!"
As she spoke, the Sapphire Star turned toward the still-shaken Tanjiro, Zenitsu clinging desperately to him, and Inosuke, who was baring his teeth as he rubbed his ribs.
She hurried over, concern on her face.
"How are you three feeling? Are you badly hurt?"
She examined the claw wounds on Tanjiro's abdomen, then looked at Inosuke.
"Boar boy, are your ribs all right? I might've hit a little too hard in the heat of the moment. Let me see?" She reached out to check him.
"Hmph! I'm perfectly fine!" Clutching his chunk of Anjanath meat, Inosuke sprang away and glared warily at the Sapphire Star, though there was less hostility in his eyes now and more awkwardness.
"I-I'm fine, Lady Sapphire Star! Thank you for worrying about us!" Tanjiro hurriedly answered, supporting Zenitsu.
"Zenitsu is just... a little frightened."
"Ugh... Tanjiro... she's so scary..." Zenitsu buried his face in Tanjiro's shoulder.
Looking at these three boys, so different in temperament yet all possessing a stubborn resilience, the Sapphire Star's gaze softened, as though she were looking at the eager newcomers in the New World.
"All right, don't try to tough it out. There should be somewhere to rest and treat your wounds down the mountain. Come along."
She gave Tanjiro's shoulder a light, encouraging pat.
"Off we go, kids~"
The mountain path, nestled amid a sea of wisteria blossoms, was peaceful and beautiful, easing the bloody horror of the mountaintop.
The Sapphire Star led the way with steady steps, deliberately reining in her oppressive chill so the boys behind her could feel more at ease.
From time to time, she glanced back to check on them.
"Tanjiro!"
She slowed to walk beside him.
"Those sword strikes you used against the demons were pretty impressive. Have you trained?" Her tone held a veteran's appreciation for a junior.
"Yes! I trained in Water Breathing under Master Sakonji Urokodaki!" Tanjiro perked up and answered earnestly.
"Huh? What's that? Water Breathing..."
The Sapphire Star nodded thoughtfully.
"Sounds like a very fluid way of channeling your strength? Surviving a monster like that is no small feat."
She noticed the unusual scar on Tanjiro's forehead but asked nothing about it. Instead, she took several wrapped pieces of jerky from her waist pouch and handed them to Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, who accepted his despite looking reluctant.
"Here, a New World specialty. Get your strength back. Especially you."
She looked at Inosuke.
"You just took a hit. Eat something good and you'll recover faster."
Inosuke looked at the enticingly fragrant jerky in his hand, then at the huge chunk of Anjanath meat in his arms. After a moment's hesitation, he stuffed the jerky into his mouth, and his eyes instantly lit up.
"Whoa! It smells amazing! It's delicious!"
The Sapphire Star smiled and continued asking:
"These demons you mentioned, and the Demon Slayer Corps... what exactly are they? Those things seem to regenerate incredibly well. Having to face them at your age is far too dangerous."
Tanjiro hurried to explain:
"Demons are humans transformed by a monster called Muzan Kibutsuji! They eat people and fear sunlight! Our Demon Slayer Corps exists to destroy Muzan and all demons! You can only kill them for good by cutting off their heads with special Nichirin Blades, or exposing them to sunlight!"
"I see..."
The Sapphire Star nodded.
"One source creating monsters... no wonder you need a dedicated organization to fight them. What about the Hashira? I heard you mention them earlier. Are they the strongest people in your organization?"
"The Hashira are the Demon Slayer Corps' strongest swordsmen!"
Zenitsu jumped in to answer.
"Every Hashira is a legend who can slay powerful demons single-handedly!"
"The strongest swordsmen..." The Sapphire Star turned the phrase over in her mouth.
How can anyone who doesn't use a longsword call themselves the strongest?
"Got it. Looks like I've landed in some seriously remote country."
She asked no further questions, merely patting Tanjiro on the back.
"Keep at it, boys. Stay alive and grow stronger. That's how you protect the people you want to protect."
As they spoke, the wisteria estate came into view. Its peaceful, elegant surroundings eased some of the Sapphire Star's tension.
Looking at the estate, she instinctively began assessing its defenses out of professional habit. There wasn't a single fortification in sight, just flowers everywhere...
Seriously? These walls are low and thin, and right next to a demon-infested mountain. If the enemy attacks, won't everyone be doomed?
But seeing the relief on the three boys' faces, she could only smile helplessly.
"Mm... lovely surroundings. A good place to recuperate."
A composed member of the Kakushi hurried over and bowed respectfully.
"Lady Sapphire Star, swordsmen who have passed the selection. The Master is waiting for Lady Sapphire Star. The three swordsmen may follow me to the side room to rest and receive treatment. The Master will summon you later."
"The Master..."
The Sapphire Star was curious about this unfamiliar title.
She nodded and gently addressed the three youngsters.
"Go on. Get those wounds properly treated. Especially you, boar boy. Don't push yourself." She made a point of warning Inosuke.
"Hmph!" Inosuke snorted, clutching his meat, but didn't argue.
The Sapphire Star followed her guide deeper into the estate.
She restrained her presence and kept her footsteps light out of respect for her host and the surroundings.
The quiet, traditional corridor made her feel as though she had entered a Wyverian elder's home.
The sliding door opened silently, revealing a gentle, comfortable Japanese-style room.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat quietly inside, kneeling formally. His white hair and the shocking scars on his handsome face could not diminish the calm, accepting presence that surrounded him, soothing the heart like a forest.
His wife Amane, seated beside him, had the same gentle grace.
Standing in the doorway, the Sapphire Star felt something stir within her at that presence.
This feeling... it's much like those legendary sages who live in harmony with nature and Elder Dragons.
She put aside all her casualness and gave a solemn nod.
"Hello."
"Welcome, warrior from afar." Kagaya Ubuyashiki raised his head, a pure, gentle smile spreading across his face like moonlight breaking through the clouds.
"The children on Mount Fujikasane are safe thanks to your help. The Demon Slayer Corps will never forget this kindness." His voice was clear and gentle, with a strange resonance that seemed to soothe the soul itself.
The guide and Lady Amane bowed their heads respectfully.
The Sapphire Star entered the room and sat cross-legged on the cushion opposite Kagaya Ubuyashiki. She unfastened the Fatalis Demolisher from her back and carefully laid it on the floor beside her, doing her best to keep its ominous chill from leaking out.
The blade met the floor with a soft, low thud.
"I'm a hunter with the Fifth Fleet exploring the New World." She met Kagaya Ubuyashiki's gentle gaze directly, her tone frank.
"Mr. Ubuyashiki, sorry for intruding, but there are some things I don't understand. I'd like to ask for your guidance."
She paused to gather her words.
"First, where exactly are we? What part of the Old World or the New World am I in? Or... are we near the Frontier?"
"An anomaly caused by a forbidden Elder Dragon called Dire Miralis threw me here. I urgently need to establish my location and contact my companions, or find a way back to the Research Commission's headquarters."
"Second."
Her expression grew serious and concerned.
"I encountered those regenerating monsters called demons on the mountain, and Tanjiro and the others told me about the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan. Making children this young face such dangerous enemies... isn't that asking too much of them? Is there anything a passing hunter like me can help with? Fighting monsters and protecting the weak is our duty as hunters."
The gentle smile remained on Kagaya Ubuyashiki's face, as though he had already understood her purpose and confusion. He nodded slightly, his voice even yet compelling.
"Lady Sapphire Star, I understand your confusion and your goodwill."
Looking into her golden eyes, filled with curiosity and sincerity, he spoke each word clearly.
"However, I regret to say that finding the way home you seek may not be easy. For this place..."
He paused, a strange, ethereal quality entering his voice.
"Is neither the Old World nor the New World you know, nor the place called the legendary 'Frontier.' The world we inhabit and the place you came from... may have no road connecting them."
Before you continue