a story of a strong demon

Next Morning

I wake up early today around 7 AM and go to Shushi's house. I tell her, "We need to start training today, time is short." She replies, "Why are you in such a hurry? You look tired, take a little rest, and then we can talk properly." She says she will make me some food. Just then, Muiro arrives. He also suggests that I should relax and wait until Shushi prepares the food as it's really good.

While Shushi is preparing breakfast, I tell Muiro that I have learned from the villagers that a new demon fighter has arrived to help you and defeat the demons. Muiro confirms and says, "You heard right. He recently became a high-ranking demon fighter, and that's why I called him here, so he can train Shushi." I ask him, "When will he start training her?" He replies, "He's just here to get a feel of the environment, so he hasn't started training yet. He plans to stay for a few days, maybe two or three, and then he will begin training her." I say, "Okay."

Shushi brings the food, and we sit at the dining table to eat and talk. Shushi asks why I'm not eating, and I tell her that I had breakfast earlier, but I'm not hungry right now. (The truth is, I'm very hungry, but I can't remove my mask in front of them.) She asks if I cook, and I say, "Yes, sometimes, but mostly I eat outside."

I then tell them that a big problem is coming. "Last night, on my way home, I felt the presence of over 10 groups of demons, possibly around 500 in total. They were spreading out across various places. I sensed something was wrong, so I captured one demon and asked him what they were doing, and if they were just in this village or others too."

At first, he refuses to tell me, but when I threaten him with death, he confesses. "Demon King Keto has ordered us to find the girl who can kill him. Lord Keto said that we should kill any girl who seems powerful because he doesn't know who she is or where she lives."

I tell Shushi, "That's why I came to tell you this and want to train you so you can face these demons alone." Muiro seems suspicious, asking, "Why do you want to make her so strong? Are you doing this for your own benefit?" I respond, "No, that's not the case. When I first saw Shushi, I felt immense power in her, but when she fought, I realized she needs more training." Muiro says, "I was just kidding."

Muiro then becomes suspicious again. "Why would a demon tell a demon fighter so much? A demon would rather die than reveal such details. Who is this person who doesn't want to show his face and provides such unique information that no one else knows? Could he be a demon? But if he was, why would he help us?" However, like last time, Muiro doesn't say these things to me directly.

I ask Muiro, "Can I ask you something?" He says, "Sure." I ask, "Do you know an old man who was a demon fighter, and was recently killed by Demon King Keto?" He responds, "Yes, Keats, the most powerful demon fighter, whose strength was said to be equal to that of the upper rank Shangshu."

"I met him once when he saved my life from a demon. He told me to become a demon fighter, and he trained me for a day and gave me books to become stronger and train new demon fighters. I remember he used a golden staff, which was incredibly powerful."

"I've also heard that Keats hid that golden staff before he died so no one could misuse it, but rumors say that only Keats could wield it."

"Before he died, Keats told me to make my younger brother Suka a demon fighter, but he was killed too."

I then tell Shushi and Muiro, "I have to go now, Shushi, you need to come for training in the evening. Muiro, you should stay alert and keep an eye on Shushi." With that, I leave.