Qin Xinci immediately kneeled, "I told you to warn them," the Kate with original appearance said sternly.
Su Yan stood in front of Kate, questioning her. "Kate! What are you planning, creating this Ancestral Order organization?"
"You don't need to know anything. Just do your own thing," Kate replied, touching Qin Xinci, who immediately disappeared.
"It's good that in this false world, the illusion is both real and fake at the same time," Kate thought to herself. "No one can know if this is fake or real."
"Kate, we can help you. If we work together" Su Yan started, but Kate interrupted her.
"My sins are mine alone," Kate said firmly.
"Then, I shall take my leave. I still need to punish that little girl for disobeying my orders," Kate said.
"Wait!" Su Yan shouted. "Can you give your powers to anyone?"
"Yes. My current body can't possess the power I had in the past or future, so I gave them to my followers," Kate explained.
"Is that why she couldn't hurt me too?" Su Yan asked.
"Yes," Kate replied as she slowly began to turn to smoke. "Right, I know you've already guessed it, but those to whom I gave a Flowery Spirit Orb are Yang Kai's future wives," she added before completely disappearing. As soon as she vanished, the false world began to shatter.
Kate fell to her knees after landing on top of the Ship of Light, coughing up blood. "The use of an advanced technique is taking a toll on my body," she thought, wincing in pain. "Every time I use the True Art of Mara, it taxes my body due to my weak cultivation," she added. Determined, Kate resolved, "I have to improve my cultivation as soon as possible."
An ethereal hand gently held Kate's face. "Looks like you have a problem," a mysterious being said.
"Why do you always appear just to piss me off?" Kate retorted, glaring. "Plus, I'm doing this for you."
"And that's why I'm here," the being replied calmly. "Targeting Yang Kai's loved ones is a brilliant move, but I don't think that will work on him."
"I know that," Kate snapped, struggling to stand up. "That's one of the reasons that, once we arrive at the Heng Luo Star Field, I'll start phase three of my plan."
"Interesting," the being said, curiosity evident in its tone. "Anyway, I'm here to help you get stronger."
A golden light flew out from the mysterious being's finger and entered Kate's body. "Every time you travel to another universe, you will complete tasks there that give you rewards," the mysterious being said. "You'll know it once you travel."
"Then I shall try it now," Kate said excitedly as she opened her CCC and headed to the Universe Traversal Panel, where she saw the Random Universe button. "Is this it?" Kate asked as she pressed it.
"Then, we shall meet again," the mysterious being said as the whole space around the Ship of Light shattered and began healing itself. Now, only the mysterious being remained, floating alone. "She really does what she likes. She didn't even bother to ask about the cooldown of it," the mysterious being muttered. "I need you to get strong as fast as possible."
The mysterious being coughed violet blood, her body producing many particles of different colors. "Our Universal Tree is in trouble. I need you all to help me as soon as possible," she said, staring at the horizon. "Kate, my destined right-hand woman, become strong," the mysterious being whispered as she turned to dust. "I better go back," she added, her form dissipating into the ether.
While falling in the void, Kate retracted the Ship of Light, watching as it slowly turned to golden dust. "Finally, I'm out of that situation," Kate thought. "Talking to her consumes all of my energy. She's too dangerous and unpredictable. I don't even know if she's an enemy. She helped me a lot, she even healed me just now."
Suddenly, a panel from her CCC appeared in front of her. "The Random Universe option to travel has a random cooldown. You will have different powers in every universe, but once a main quest is completed, you can pick two powers to bring back. These two powers will also be usable in another Random Universe travel," Kate read aloud. "So there is a main quest I need to finish," she thought.
Another panel appeared. "The limit of Random Universe travel is five for each world. Once the limit is reached, that world will be deleted, and you will not be able to visit it again via Random Universe," Kate read. "Then I should pick my rewards carefully," she mused.
"For your first time, you will be given three powers. First is the Element. You can choose between Basic Element, Advanced Element, and Law Element," Kate read from the panel.
"Hmm, what should I choose? I'm sure it's random, but Law Element? That doesn't even make sense," Kate joked. "Since this is an Element option, does the Law Element manipulate natural laws or something?" she pondered. "Should I choose the Advanced Element? Since I will have a new power system here, having a taxing power is problematic in the beginning."
After some time, Kate decided, "Then I choose the Advanced Element." The letters on the panel transformed.
"The second power that will be given is Buffs. You can choose between Double Damage Buff, Double Progress Buff, or Double Charisma Buff."
"This just got a lot harder. What should I choose? Double Damage Buff looks useful, very useful, in fact, but the allure of Double Progress is just too much. And the Charisma... Let's choose the Double Progress Buff," Kate said. The letters on the panel transformed again.
"The third power is a Cultivation Technique. You can choose between Sword Cultivation Technique, Yin and Yang Cultivation Technique, and Qi Purification Cultivation Technique," Kate read.
"I choose the Sword Cultivation Technique. This is easy," Kate said as the panel glowed brightly.
In a beautiful pond, many golden lights compressed, and Kate materialized. "Woah, that feels weird," Kate said as she investigated her body. "Looks like I arrived. First, let me check the powers I got," Kate thought to herself as she looked at her hand. "Looks like the information is transferred in my head. That makes things easier," Kate thought to herself as she started walking.
"First, I got the Holy Element, which is funny because I always cultivated Demonic Techniques in the Martial Peak Universe," Kate mused. "Second, the Sword Technique. It requires a lot of work, but first, I need to make a Sword Spirit and then create a medium for it. And then there's the Double Progress Buff. My progress in practicing and learning is always doubled. Now that's everything I need to think about," Kate thought.
"My main goal for this world is to create a Sword Spirit," Kate said as a magical panel appeared, stopping her walk. "World Event: Choose a Side," Kate read. "Choose a side? What does that mean?" Kate wondered. "But that is my first quest," she added, ignoring it and continuing to walk.
After a very long time of walking, Kate noticed the sun setting. "In a different unknown universe, I'm in a very dangerous situation," she thought to herself as she found an abandoned house. "I can use that for now. It's better than nothing," Kate said.
Entering the abandoned house, she sat at the table. "It's good that I'm not that hungry. For now, I'd better study the Holy Element or, to be precise, the Divinity Element," Kate said as she produced a single orb made of pure Divinity Element. "Wow, this looks so beautiful," Kate said as she looked at it. "This also gives me a soothing feeling. I feel relaxed and satisfied," Kate said, falling asleep on the table.
The next day, Kate woke up. "I fell asleep," she said with a sigh. "I just wasted a whole night," Kate added. "The Holy Element really is holy," she said as she produced another orb of Divinity Element. "First, I need to learn something from it, study it," Kate thought to herself.
She focused on the orb, observing its properties and trying to understand its nature. "The Divinity Element seems to have inherent calming and healing properties. This could be incredibly useful," Kate thought. She experimented, trying to channel the energy from the orb into her body, feeling the soothing and revitalizing effects.
As she continued her study, she realized that mastering the Divinity Element would not only boost her abilities but also provide her with a unique edge in this unknown universe. "I need to harness this power fully," Kate resolved, dedicating herself to learning and integrating the Divinity Element into her repertoire.
Kate opened her eyes and saw that it was night again. "Now I'm really hungry," she said.
"Then please eat this," a voice said, surprising Kate and causing her to prepare to open a Gate.
"Not good!" Kate said as she took a step back.
"Please don't worry, I'm here to help," a voice from outside said.
"Who are you?" Kate shouted.
"My name is Kagaya Ubuyashiki," the voice from outside said.
"Kagaya Ubuyashiki?" Kate thought to herself. "I'm in the Demon Slayer Universe?" she wondered as she started to go to the front door. "I look like a beggar in these clothes. I arrived here with clothes, thankfully, because my last appearance was created by the Isolating One's Heart technique. Let's not think of that. Having these clothes is better for this occasion," Kate thought to herself as she showed herself to Ubuyashiki.
"What do you want?" Kate said to Ubuyashiki.
"I came here to recruit you. I don't know if you know or not, but this world has creatures that eat humans," Ubuyashiki said.
"I don't know that, but if there is, why are you recruiting me? A homeless girl?" Kate said.
Ubuyashiki smiled gently, his calm demeanor radiating reassurance. "Appearances can be deceiving. I have a sense for people with extraordinary potential, and I believe you possess great strength. Our world is in dire need of individuals like you to help protect humanity from the threat of demons."
Kate hesitated, considering his words. "If what you say is true, and this world is indeed infested with creatures that prey on humans, then I have no choice but to get involved. But what exactly do you expect from me?"
"I expect nothing less than your best effort," Ubuyashiki replied. "We have a rigorous training regimen and a dedicated corps of demon slayers who will assist you in honing your abilities. In return, you will gain comrades, purpose, and the means to defend yourself and others from the darkness that plagues this land."
Kate considered her options. Joining the Demon Slayer Corps could provide her with resources and allies in this new universe, not to mention the chance to grow stronger. "Very well," Kate said finally. "I'll join your cause."
"Excellent," Ubuyashiki said with a nod. "We shall begin your training immediately. Come with me."
"We should head back as soon as possible. The creatures are called demons, and they only appear at night," Ubuyashiki said.
"Since they can only go out at night, isn't it dangerous to go back now?" Kate asked.
"It is, but we're currently traveling with four Hashiras, the strongest Demon Slayers from our Corps," Ubuyashiki replied.
"I see, Hashiras, huh," Kate said as she followed Ubuyashiki.
"It's good that we managed to arrive here sooner and find her this quickly, but it took us four days. The four Hashiras have been away from their areas for those days, and it will start to get dangerous there," Ubuyashiki thought to himself. "After having that dream, I immediately set out to find this girl. The being in my dream spoke of her real power against the demons," Ubuyashiki pondered.
"What is your name, my child?" Ubuyashiki asked.
"Sorry for my late introduction. My name is Kate Apocalypse," Kate replied.
"I see. What a unique name," Ubuyashiki said as they continued their journey.
In the morning, Kate arrived at the Demon Slayer Corps area.
"As we discussed, you will train with the Insect Hashira, Kocho Shinobu, and the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji," Ubuyashiki said. "Follow her, and you'll reach the Butterfly Mansion."
"Thank you, Master," Kate replied, following the Kakushi.
"Miss Kate, once we arrive at the Butterfly Mansion, I will take your measurements for your Demon Slayer uniform," the Kakushi informed her.
"Thank you, I will be in your care," Kate responded as they walked.
After some time, they arrived at the Butterfly Mansion.
"Miss Kate, we're here," the Kakushi said as they entered, greeted by Aoi.
"Welcome to the Butterfly Estate, Miss Kate. The Master has notified us of your arrival. The bath has been prepared, and your room is still being set up. We also have clothes ready for your stay," Aoi said.
"Thank you so much," Kate replied.
"Then please follow me to the bath," Aoi instructed, leading the way.
After a long soak, Kate emerged, dressed in a beautiful kimono.
"Wow, you look so beautiful! The kimono suits you perfectly," the Kakushi said excitedly.
"Thanks," Kate replied.
"I'll take your measurements now," the Kakushi said. After some time, they were done.
"And that's it, we're done. Thanks for your cooperation," the Kakushi said.
"Can you please wait a minute? I'll draw something," Kate requested.
"What is it, Miss Kate?" the Kakushi asked.
"I'll draw a haori. Can you please make that and add some modifications to my uniform too?" Kate said, surprising the Kakushi.
"You can draw, Miss Kate? That's surprising! Then please feel free," the Kakushi responded.