A Good Liar

Chapter 11

A/N: My apologies for the years of delay; I experienced writer's block during that time, and being a graduating high school student sure is difficult. Anyway, I'm not sure whether my "writing skills" are still intact, but I'll try to write somehow.

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Confrontation

A sharp blade piercing the flesh can be heard from a distance. As I had planned, I would be a spectator and observe if Tairuku is as strong as he claims. His arrogant demeanor irritated me to the point that my sense of worth would vanish as of today. However, an unexpected figure quickly drew my attention.

That's right, a powerful demon hunter had reached my range. She hasn't exposed herself, but I made an oblique reference to her. A sign for her to face me. I told this inferior demon Tairuku to prove his worth as my "subordinate." He eventually confronted the demon hunter I pointed out to him with pride.

Unfortunately, as expected, he couldn't even leave her a scratch. The battle already ended before it even started. In fact, can you really call that a battle when it's that lopsided?

I couldn't let this demon die since I still had a use for him. In terms of saving his life, I'll let him suffer on my behalf. Let us confront this individual for the time being.

"What do you want?"

I went straight to the point. Leaving pleasantries, introductions, and everything behind. Her stunned expression, on the other hand, was intriguing.

"I'll bring you back home."

She said it in her mind, of course, or at least what it said in her face.

I see she's a silent talker. Her visage, though, speaks louder than her voice. I've realized she's wary of me, hasn't she?

I didn't respond to her thoughts, but instead reflected on what she expressed. Bring back home, whom? I have no recollection of ever meeting her in the first place. 

Who she was referring to is unimportant to me. I might as well deal with this right away.

I unsheathed my blade without saying a word. When she noticed my movement, she braced herself for a fight. 

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Before executing it, I felt the annoying presence of a pest nearby. They really chose an optimal time to meddle, huh?

"Present yourself."

I said this coldly to that being, who was positioned a respectable distance away on a tree.

That being was obedient enough to obey my command to show himself. He, as expected, would not settle without a fight.

"It's been a while, Takashi-sama. You're just as vivacious as I recall."

Ozu, the demon, appeared without making a sound. It caused the flower Hashira to remain vigilant. Despite holding the highest status, the flower Hashira has yet to find her mental equilibrium. Of course, unranked demon slayers would have died just by being on the same plane as two formidable demons. What's more, if they're a Hashira bound between the aforementioned demons.

Furthermore, it's only been a few moments since we met, right? Do demons believe that a moment is equivalent to a while?

"Your sense of time is probably as ruptured as your arm."