Chapter 271: Etenal Darkness
After the train came to a screeching halt and Enmu’s grotesque influence was eradicated, Mitsuri and I began helping the passengers disembark. The chaos had subsided, and thanks to our combined efforts, there were no casualties.
Relief was visible on everyone’s faces, though weariness lingered from the nightmare they’d endured. As Mitsuri assisted a child down the steps, I suddenly felt it—an aura, cold and oppressive yet electrifying. It was the presence I’d been anticipating.
Mitsuri froze mid-step, her cheerful expression replaced with tension. "Alex-san, someone’s coming. Their aura... it’s—"
"I know," I interrupted with a calm smile. "I’ve been waiting for him."
Her brows furrowed in confusion. "You know who it is?"
"Not by name, no." I stepped forward, my gaze fixed on the distant treeline. "But I know what he represents. Don’t worry, Mitsuri. Leave this one to me."
Mitsuri’s hesitation was evident, but she nodded, gripping her sword tightly.
As the presence grew closer, my excitement only heightened. Today, I would have the opportunity to face Akaza, the Demon Moon who embodied martial arts at their peak. While he hadn’t fully achieved the fabled "Transparent World," he was the closest any demon had come.
This was my chance to test myself against a true martial artist. However, for the fight to be meaningful, I needed to level the playing field. My innate strength, magic, and vampiric abilities far outclassed his. If I used my full power, the fight would be over in an instant, and that was not what I wanted.
Warrior Takemikazuchi’s words echoed in my mind: When you meet a true warrior, give them your respect.