𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 • ᵈᵉᵐᵒⁿ ˢˡᵃʸᵉʳ

The Curse Cast Upon The Unworthy I

Today was one of those rare days I could come out, when the sun was hidden by the clouds. I had always preferred the night, but I still enjoyed coming outside my house every once in a while during daytime.

As today was the last day in my current house, going outside to visit the village didn't seem like such a bad idea. The snow covering the trees and the land fit the dull gray of the sky perfectly. In case I needed it, I brought a small umbrella. If the sun were to show its face to me, at least I wouldn't have to worry about being killed in a disappointing way.

Sadly, my visit would have to be short. Not so long ago, the village chief and his whole family were executed in their mansion, leaving behind a gruesome sight. Plus, a few demon slayers were sent. When the headquarters of the organization will realize they aren't coming back, they would send more.

Everyone were well aware that deep hidden in the woods stood a small cabin, but no one dared to approach it yet. With the death of such an important person, it was most likely they would finally overcome their fear and interact with the abandoned house and its occupant. I was sure that once the night would fall, they would come, giving me the opportunity to enjoy a nice last meal and a gift to future demon slayers that would come this way.

That was one guilty pleasure of mine: I loved making a scene. I adored even more making the slayers struggle into killing me. And the best of the best, is when they sent higher ranks after me. Obviously, they never sent any Hashira. I wasn't strong enough to fight one and win, and so I was careful to never stay in the same place. If I always move, I disappear. If I disappear, they forget about me. Strangely, most demons don't do that. Some even establish a turf where they would stay and kill until there was no one else to eat. It is how they got tracked down and died by the hands of the demon slayer corps. Pathetic, if you want my opinion.

I am older than I seem, and I have experience. 59 years ago, I was born, 27 years later, I was revived. I have fresh memory from my past life, and I know what to expect of life on Earth and my enemies.

I stood on top of a cliff, having a plain view on the whole village. I would usually sit there when the wind was in my favor and I could pick up the scent of those I desired to eat the following night. Today, it was different. I sat, listening to the chaos I caused. My reborn-self had its senses tripled, and could pick up many conversations the villagers were having.

"...come on, Aki, you wouldn't want to stay outside during those times..."

"...you walked all the way over there? Let me buy you some charcoal..."

"...with all those people disappearing, what if we are cursed..."

I grinned. This is exactly what I liked. Everyone was doing their usual occupations, but the feeling of fear was present, floating over their careless heads. I noticed a few different scents, and was intrigued at how everyone tried to act normal, as if they would be able to redeem themselves if they didn't involve outsiders in this. To them, I was a curse cast upon them by an angry God. It was almost sad I'd have to leave everything.

The day passed by, I used most of my time to watch over the habitants, or see if any slayers came. Everyone was worried, making plans, thinking about leaving, and asking who would replace the village leader.

Then, finally, the night I had been awaiting finally came.

~•~

The house I used for some time was small. My guess is that the people living in it left a long time ago, probably in a hurry, as mostly everything was still there. I mainly lived there to hide from the sun, but it was easy to find a new home. After all, I was a nomad.

From afar, I could see the few lights of the courageous villagers that decided to approach it, and I was waiting for them. The fire coming from their torches danced in the wind, illuminating their pale and worried faces.

Sitting on a big tree, I watched the habitants walking over to the door, hesitating, then opening it wide open, just to find it empty. I smiled. Originally, they used light, so they could see their surroundings. Unfortunately for them, they were now visible to me, while I was completely invisible in the dark of the night.

The person who was undoubtedly the leader of the small group yelled orders to search the place. They will not find anything. As a demon, I cannot die by something other than the sunlight, or the demon slayers' blades. There will be no food, nor water, nor any sign of any being living there.

As the visitors were about to leave, I finally decided it was my turn to make a move. I jumped down from the tree, landing in front of the squad. Their confused look was quickly wiped off to give place to fear for certain, and anger for others. With the marks on my purple skin, my snow-white hair, and cat-like pupils, I looked outer worldly compared to their boring human faces.

"You! Are you the cause of our village's malediction? Leave now, or else we will have no choice but to execute you!" screamed the leading man.

Humans are weak creatures. They think they are stronger, threatening those that wrong them. The men that faced me were like that too. The smell coming from them started getting stronger and stronger, and made me even more hungry. If it were to continue like that, I would have to kill them quickly.

I raised my hand, prepared to strike. The surrounding woods watched the scene, silent. The animals kept quiet too. Before they were able to scream, I swiftly cut their throat, leaving a trail of blood on the frozen floor. The four bodies fell on the ground, as puppets would do.

With the smell of so many corpses, I didn't notice immediately the other one yet. A fearful scent, the only one that is able to make chills run down my spine. A tall figure appeared behind the trees.

"I see you did a good job with those villagers. You already possess the will to kill anyone in your path," he spoke. "Do you wish to become stronger?"

Before responding anything, I quickly fell on the floor, bowing to him. His identity was not unknown.

That man. The one who transformed me so long ago.

The only one who had that scary aura, hiding powerful abilities that could not be rivaled. A strength I dreamed to have, despite never being able to achieve it.

This person wasn't someone I could lie to.

"Yes, sir. I do desire it," I admitted, not daring enough to raise my eyes and meet his glare.

"Your power seems like one that could prove itself very useful to me. I will ask of you one thing," his nail grew, cutting his hand and letting a few drops of blood fall, "If you succeed I will reward you. If you fail..."

His words floated in the cold air. He hadn't finished his sentence, but what he meant was obvious.

If I fail, I die.

"I need you to find a demon that has defied me multiple times," he continued, "You must get his head and bring it to me."

"I will carry on your mission with great pride, my lord," I whispered in a short breath.

Yes, that's the perfect word to describe him.

A Lord.

The Demon Lord.

1295 words