“Are you sure you’re not lying to me?” Upon hearing the system say that besides him, there were only five other exorcists in all of Japan, Hikigaya Hachiman was highly skeptical.

Just in Chiba alone, there were 31 high-level evil spirits, including some at the King-level. Across East Japan, there must have been thousands of King-level or higher spirits. With only five exorcists, how could they possibly suppress so many evil spirits?

“Why would I lie to you?” The system sounded very aggrieved. To be honest, it didn’t quite understand why the power structure in Hikigaya’s world was so unusual. The number of exorcists was extremely sparse, yet their individual combat strength rivaled that of its previous previous previous host.

“Fine.” Hikigaya Hachiman accepted reluctantly that the truth was that the spirits in his world were suppressed by just a few humanoid exorcists.

“Then we’re almost there, Host. Please get ready.”

…

In an unnamed mountain range, a fierce battle was underway. Calling it a “battle” was a bit of an exaggeration—it was really just hundreds of demons besieging eight humans in the center.

Cough, cough… Watching the demons recklessly rush forward to their deaths again, Kamado Tanjuro covered his mouth with his sleeve and coughed lightly a few times.

Then he swung the system-issued katana, performing the Fire God Dance to send the demons to rest.

“System, when will the reinforcements arrive?”

After once again driving away the attacking demons, Kamado Tanjuro did not relax, instead looking up anxiously toward the distant mountain forest.

He knew that in the snowstorm-covered forest, the Demon King who had just left claw marks on his back was silently watching him, waiting for the moment his injuries and exhaustion would make him unable to resist, so it could strike and end his entire family’s lives!

“Soon, soon. They’re already inside the tunnel. Just hold on a little longer!”

The system’s somewhat anxious voice echoed in Kamado Tanjuro’s mind. Although demons occasionally rushed forward to “gift” spirit coins, the medicines to treat Kamado Tanjuro’s body were extremely expensive.

Especially the wound the Demon King had left contained its blood and a curse.

To avoid becoming a demon himself, Kamado Tanjuro had spent nearly all his spirit coins to dispel the curse. Therefore, even though spirit coins were continuously flowing in, Kamado Tanjuro’s condition was worsening.

“Until that demon is cut down, I will of course persist…” Hearing that reinforcements were on their way, Kamado Tanjuro looked at his pale reflection in the katana’s blade, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

“Father!” Seeing Kamado Tanjuro fend off another demon attack, Kamado Tanjirou hurried over with an axe and helped support his father’s arm.

“Don’t worry about me. Take your mother and siblings and head out quickly!” Gently stroking Kamado Tanjirou’s hair, Kamado Tanjuro urged his eldest son to lead the family forward.

Even though reinforcements were nearly there, the sun was still about three hours away. Before that, they absolutely had to leave this exposed flatland and find shelter down the mountain.

“Yes!” Upon hearing his father’s orders, Kamado Tanjirou ran back to help his mother and Nezuko carry the younger siblings down the mountain.

Rustle, rustle… Only ten minutes after Kamado Tanjuro’s family had left, the sound of footsteps in the snow surrounded them again.

“Again?” Hearing the sound, Kamado Tanjuro quickly drew his weapon and looked around. But in the thick snow, he could see no demons. There was no other choice…

The footsteps grew louder and closer, yet Kamado Tanjuro still couldn’t find the enemy. Sighing helplessly, he prepared to open the Transparent World ability to locate the demons.

“Wait!” Suddenly, the system’s voice rang out in his mind.

Then a black vortex appeared above Kamado Tanjuro’s head. The violent whirlwind instantly blew away the surrounding snowflakes, revealing six figures hidden within.

“Detected six special-grade evil spirits nearby. Please be careful, Host!”

Hikigaya Hachiman had just emerged from the vortex, and the cold wind hitting his face made him shiver.

Fortunately, alerted by the intelligent system, he used spiritual power to form a thin barrier over his body, avoiding the embarrassing situation of being frozen stiff and unable to wield his weapon.

Meanwhile, the six evil spirits sensed Kamado Tanjuro was distracted by Hikigaya Hachiman’s arrival and charged directly at them.

“Please protect my family!” Seeing two of the six demons rush toward his family, Kamado Tanjuro asked the newly arrived Hikigaya Hachiman for help, then charged headlong at the other four demons.

“Hmm…” Nodding lightly, Hikigaya Hachiman flickered forward to block the two demons.

“You brat, asking for death!” Though Hikigaya Hachiman’s entrance was unusual, with Muzan Kibutsuji watching from behind, the two lower-rank demons had no choice but to attack him head-on.

However, once fighting, the two demons were pleased to find Hikigaya Hachiman’s strength was roughly equal to theirs—far less terrifying than Kamado Tanjuro. For a moment, their attacks became more ferocious.

“Spirit Flow!” Seeing one demon split off and rush toward the ordinary humans behind him, Hikigaya Hachiman raised his hand and unleashed a blast of spiritual energy.

Feeling the shockwave from behind, Byakuya, the demon ranked Lower Rank 3, who had been charging toward Kamado Tanjuro’s family, quickly stopped and dodged to the side to avoid Hikigaya Hachiman’s attack.

Boom! The blast hit the snow-covered ground, creating a huge roar and blasting a pit more than a meter deep.

“What the hell is this guy?” Watching the power of the Spirit Flow, Byakuya swallowed nervously and fearfully looked at Hikigaya Hachiman, who was raising his hand to attack again.

Though this human’s strength was roughly on par with Byakuya and Rui, why had that last strike made him feel death was near?!

Hikigaya Hachiman obviously wouldn’t explain the concept of spells to Byakuya.

Seeing the demons successfully blocked from reaching his family, he immediately retreated to Kamado Tanjuro’s side, vigilantly watching the two demons flanking him.

“Attack together!” Seeing Byakuya still shaken by Hikigaya Hachiman’s last blow, Rui, ranked Lower Rank 5, gave Byakuya a look.

Although unwilling, Byakuya agreed to Rui’s proposal because Muzan Kibutsuji was watching them.

However, Byakuya played a trick during the attack. After Rui charged at Hikigaya Hachiman, Byakuya only attacked afterward, hiding behind Rui and rushing at Hikigaya Hachiman.

Obviously, he intended to use his comrade as a human shield.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Hello everyone! I’m VarieTL.

I have posted a new Fanfiction!

A crossover of Danmachi and Fate this time

Danmachi- The Heroic Legend of Emiya!

After slaughtering his way through the Holy Grail War in a single night to save his sister, Shirou Emiya was transported to the labyrinth city of Orario.To repay Hestia for a meal she gave him, he resolved to offer his strength to this unreliable goddess.The path of justice has not yet come to an end—as long as the sword remains tightly gripped in his hand, there is no need for hesitation.”Whether god or man, no matter who tries to harm the ones I wish to protect, I will defeat them with the sword in my hand!””Watch closely—this is my Unlimited Blade Works!”This is the story of a hero of justice who sweeps away evil in Orario while also uncovering the truths of the world.

As Always

Read ahead (60 chapters) by supporting me on Patreon VarieTL

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep