NOVEL WEB Chapter 52: DSWS: Chapter 52
"The Dream World"
"Breath of Devouring, Fourth Style: Thunder Annihilation!"
Aoki's sword severed Enmu's head with unbelievable speed, leaving Enmu momentarily stunned.
The daze was fleeting. "Amazing! You severed my head with a single strike! Your aura is unlike those Demon Slayers I've killed.
You must be a Hashira! Wonderful! Killing you will grant me more of Muzan-sama's blood!"
Enmu's face was ecstatic at the prospect of seeing Muzan Kibutsuji again. His decapitated head hadn't died; a fleshy substance grew from its neck, attaching it to the train ceiling.
"And… the Demon Slayer with the ear ornament is also on board! Perfect! Killing you both will grant me unprecedented amounts of blood.
My luck is incredible! They practically delivered themselves to me! If I get even stronger, I can challenge the Upper Moons! Exciting!"
Aoki showed no surprise at Enmu's survival and continued monologue, disappointing Enmu, who'd hoped to see Aoki's terror.
"I noticed from the start," Aoki said calmly, sheathing his sword. "From the moment I saw you, I knew this body was a shell, not your true form. I don't know where your true form is, but I won't be fooled."
Enmu was momentarily surprised, then laughed. "As expected of a Hashira. Sharp observation.
You're right; this isn't my true body. It's merely a form I maintain. Severing my head only severed the form; my true head isn't here."
"My body is one with this Mugen Train. This train… is my blood, my flesh, my bones. Do you understand?"
"In other words, the two hundred passengers are merely sustenance to strengthen my body. Can you protect them all? Humans scattered throughout the train… can you leave them to me?"
Aoki's eyes narrowed. He drew his sword, aiming for Enmu's head. But as the blade neared, Enmu's head and the fleshy substance merged with the train, Aoki's attack missing its mark.
"Damn it!" Aoki cursed, clenching his teeth. "There are so many cars. I can't protect everyone alone."
"Damn it, Tanjiro! Wake up!"
Meanwhile, Nezuko watched over Tanjiro and the others. Tanjiro, however, was troubled.
Tanjiro's thoughts: Wake up! Wake up! It's a dream!
Asleep, Tanjiro muttered, sweat dripping from his brow, his breathing ragged.
Nezuko approached him, observing his quiet murmuring.
She then performed a shocking act: she headbutted Tanjiro.
"Thump!"
Nezuko slowly lifted her head.
A second passed, then two. Then, a large gash opened on Nezuko's forehead, bleeding profusely.
Pain shot through Nezuko's head, tears streaming down her face. She endured the pain, splashing her blood onto Tanjiro.
"Blood Demon Art: Exploding Blood!"
The blood ignited, and Tanjiro, in his dream reunion with his family, spontaneously combusted, feeling no pain.
"Nezuko… Nezuko's scent… her blood," Tanjiro recognized the familiar scent amidst the flames. His clothes transformed into his Demon Slayer uniform, his Nichirin Sword reappearing at his hip.
He realized he was in a dream. His intense desire for a family reunion had blinded him. Even now, knowing it was an illusion, he felt a pull to stay.
But he wouldn't. It was just a dream. His indecisive nature might have kept him there longer in the past, but now he knew many needed his help in the real world. He couldn't stay lost in his own fantasy.
"I'm sorry, I have to go. I need to get back. I'm sorry," Tanjiro said, reluctantly leaving his dream family.
"Brother, what's wrong?" The children in the dream worried about his sudden change.
It was too real. If not for his suspicions, he might have stayed forever.
Tanjiro ran out, searching for an escape. He bumped into his sister, Hanako, and Nezuko, returning from gathering vegetables.
Suppressing his longing, Tanjiro resolutely ran towards the exit.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters