Time quietly slipped into a new day, the morning sun driving away the last bit of night's coolness.
As agreed yesterday, Kanae led Phaethon and Miko to visit the highest leader of the Demon Slayer Corps—Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
Kanao and Shinobu stayed at the Butterfly Estate to continue assisting with the wounded and miscellaneous duties.
Passing through the meticulously maintained garden, the group finally reached the main hall where Kagaya received guests.
Even before entering, one could feel a solemn atmosphere permeating the air.
The main hall was spacious and bright, decorated elegantly without losing its dignity.
Kagaya was already seated in the main position, his face, though eroded by the curse, carried a sickly paleness.
But those deep eyes contained wisdom that saw through people's hearts and a gentleness that put people at ease.
On both sides of him stood several figures, each emanating a powerful aura far beyond ordinary people.
They wore the Demon Slayer Corps uniforms, their gazes as sharp as eagles—these were the Pillars, the core strength supporting the Demon Slayer Corps against evil demons.
Seeing the arrival of Phaethon's group, all the Pillars cast their gazes over.
With varying degrees of curiosity, scrutiny, and even confusion.
Especially when their eyes fell upon Phaethon and Miko, who obviously did not belong to this era.
However, Kagaya showed a heartfelt smile the moment he saw Phaethon.
His voice was gentle, yet carried a power that soothed people's hearts.
"My Lord Deity, and Miss Mikofrom another world, as well as Kanae, welcome to you all."
He bowed slightly and continued.
"Last night, I already heard about your deeds from Kanae, My Lord.
Learning that you, a God of Light from another world, have descended to this place and are willing to lend a hand, we of the Demon Slayer Corps are deeply grateful."
Kagaya's gaze turned to Phaethon, and in those eyes that seemed to see through all the suffering in the world, sincere light of hope flickered.
"Today, seeing My Lord's true appearance makes me deeply feel.
The long-cherished wish that has troubled my Ubuyashiki clan for a thousand years may truly no longer be distant."
His words were full of yearning for the future and trust in Phaethon's power.
This trust came from the shocking news Kanae brought back last night—Upper Moon Two, Doma, had been slain by Kanae's own hands using the power bestowed by the deity.
This news was like a thunderbolt cutting through darkness for the Demon Slayer Corps, which had long suffered from the Upper Moons.
Faced with Kagaya's solemn welcome and expectation, Phaethon merely nodded calmly.
He looked around at the Pillars with their varying expressions, then returned his gaze to Kagaya.
"No need for pleasantries, I'm not good at this form of communication."
He paused, his voice not loud but clearly reaching the ears of everyone present, carrying an undeniable sense of power.
"My purpose in coming to this world is very clear—to resolve the crisis brought by the evil demons here. As for how specifically to do it, I'll just go and deal with Muzan directly."
Phaethon's directness made the Pillars present slightly stunned; they were accustomed to their master's gentleness and indirectness, and rarely saw someone so straightforward.
However, before Kagaya could respond, a rude and untimely voice exploded in the main hall.
"Hey! You make it sound so easy!"
The Wind Pillar, Sanemi, stepped forward fiercely, his scarred face filled with undisguised doubt.
"What god from another world?"
Sanemi's personality had always been like this—impulsive and quick to anger, highly suspicious of any unverified power.
Especially this person before him who looked no different from an ordinary young man, and even brought along someone who was obviously just an ordinary girl.
Yet he dared to boast that he would solve the demon problem that the Demon Slayer Corps had failed to eradicate after a thousand years of fighting?
In his view, this was simply a huge joke!
"Don't be disrespectful!"
The Flame Pillar, Rengoku, immediately scolded him, his voice resonant and carrying undeniable authority.
Kagaya's smile remained unchanged, but there was a hint of helplessness in his tone.
"Sanemi, do not be disrespectful to Lord Phaethon. Kanae has already confirmed..."
"Master!"
Sanemi suddenly interrupted him, his attitude still firm.
"I know you are kind-hearted and easily trust others! But this guy's background is unclear, unless he can demonstrate real abilities!"
His gaze swept over Phaethon!
"Mr. Shinazugawa."
Just as the atmosphere became tense, Kanae, who had been standing quietly beside Phaethon, finally spoke slowly.
Her voice was still gentle, but in those beautiful purple eyes flickered a sharpness different from before.
She stepped forward, standing between Phaethon and Sanemi, calmly meeting the Wind Pillar's fierce gaze.
"I understand your doubts about Lord Phaethon's power, which is normal.
After all, without experiencing it personally, such great power is indeed difficult to imagine."
Kanae paused, her tone carrying an undeniable firmness.
"Verbal explanations are always inadequate. Since you don't believe, then please cross swords with me once."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of every Pillar, causing a commotion.
"What?"
"She wants to fight Sanemi?"
"Can she win?"
The Pillars all showed surprised expressions.
They all knew that although Kanae was the Flower Pillar with considerable strength.
But compared to the Wind Pillar Sanemi, known for his wild fighting style, there was still an obvious gap in power.
Moreover, Kanae had just gone through a death battle with Upper Moon Two, and by rights should need rest.
Sanemi was also stunned for a moment, then showed a sinister smile on his face.
"Huh? Fight with me? Are you sure you're not mistaken?
Don't think you're so great just because you killed Doma! I won't go easy on you just because you're a woman!"
Kanae just smiled and shook her head, her gaze calm and unruffled.
"I don't intend to determine victory or defeat with you, I just want to use this most direct method.
To let you and all the Pillars present witness firsthand—exactly what level Lord Phaethon's power bestowed upon me has reached."