Chapter 13: Finish It Off

More importantly, in Haru's eyes, Nezuko held greater significance—after all, his own survival depended on her.

Everything Haru did was tied to his mission. If something had no relevance to his task, he simply wouldn't bother with it.

Under the effects of the Demon-Slaying Blade, what would have otherwise been ineffective attacks against the demon were gradually showing their true power.

The wounds inflicted by the blade couldn't heal due to its unique properties, causing an immense amount of blood to pour from the injuries, soaking the entire demon's body.

The demon's form was now completely drenched in red, resembling a grotesque blood corpse. The countless cuts covering its body made it appear even more terrifying.

One could say this method was a hundred times crueler than simply killing the demon outright. Haru's approach was akin to death by a thousand cuts, showing not an ounce of mercy.

Due to extreme blood loss, the demon's movements slowed to a crawl, on the verge of collapse.

Meanwhile, its severed head—the true core—was also affected, though not fatally. However, the weakened state provided Tanjiro with the perfect opportunity to strike.

The demon's head, which had sprouted two arms, was locked in a struggle with Tanjiro. The axe in Tanjiro's hands was firmly grasped by the demon's new arms, while its long hair coiled tightly around the axe handle.

The two battled for control over the weapon. But due to the damage sustained by its body, the demon's strength had significantly weakened. Tanjiro seized the moment and used his rock-hard forehead to smash into the demon's head several times.

Dazed and disoriented, the demon momentarily lost its grip. Tanjiro took full advantage of the opening, swinging his axe forcefully toward a nearby tree.

Because the demon's hair was still tangled around the axe handle—and due to its dizzy state—it couldn't react in time. In the end, its head was nailed firmly to the tree trunk.

Meanwhile, on Haru's side, the demon's body finally collapsed after enduring countless strikes. The ground around it was soaked in the blood it had lost.

The crimson liquid had dyed the earth beneath them, filling the air with the thick scent of blood.

Seeing that the demon's body had fallen, Haru finally halted his attacks. After striking so many times, his Demon-Slaying Blade had absorbed a significant amount of demon blood. At this moment, the blade shimmered with a faint purple glow.

[Demon-Slaying Blade Upgrade: Mortal Grade (Low) → Mortal Grade (High)]

[Blade Attribute Effect Increased by 5%]

At that moment, a system notification echoed in Haru's mind. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement—the blade had actually leveled up. If he were to soak it in a pool filled with demon blood overnight, would it evolve into a divine weapon?

Just imagining it made Haru a little thrilled. However, he knew that idea was likely unrealistic.

Future upgrades would probably require a specific type of blood. That was his guess, based on his experience with online games—after all, he had played enough to understand these patterns.

"Senpai! I've got the demon's head under control—come over quickly!" Tanjiro called, waving at Haru.

Haru sheathed his blade and turned to Nezuko. "Come with me."

As if she understood, Nezuko obediently followed Haru as he walked toward Tanjiro.

"Tanjiro, finish it off," Haru said calmly, his gaze fixed on him.