Fear.
Pure fear, rising from the depths of the soul.
This was an emotion Lower Rank Five, Rui, had tasted for the first time in his long life since his birth.
His strongest Blood Demon Art.
The inescapable killing cage he took such pride in.
Before this boy, it was like a transparent joke.
His opponent had not even drawn his sword.
He had simply stood there, using the smallest movements and the most unbelievable motions to reduce all of Rui's attacks to nothing.
No.
Impossible.
I don't believe it!
In an instant, boundless rage and humiliation replaced his fear.
He was one of the Twelve Kizuki.
One of the twelve strongest demons under that lord's command.
How could he be toyed with and scorned like this by a brat who could not even wear the Demon Slayer Corps uniform properly!
"What... exactly are you?"
Both of Rui's bodies spoke at once, their voices hoarse, as though squeezed from deep within their throats.
Sasuke did not answer.
In his eyes, the demon before him no longer qualified as an "opponent."
He was merely prey about to be disposed of, letting out his final whimpers.
This disregard was a blade sharper than any taunt, piercing straight through the last of Rui's dignity.
"Aaaaaah!"
Rui screamed madly, veins bulging all over his body, his once-pale skin turning purplish-blue as he drove his power too hard.
"I'll cut you into mincemeat!"
He slit his fingertips.
Crimson demon blood, brimming with terrifying power, rapidly stained the threads around him.
"Blood Demon Art: Thread Prison-Heavenly Net!"
Buzzz!
The air groaned beneath the unbearable strain.
What appeared this time was no longer a cage.
It was a truly immense net that blotted out the sky and sun.
Every thread had turned a heart-stopping blood red, an