Slayer of the Five Leaf Clover

Chapter 29: Would They Even....?

(Acier's p.o.v.)

  "These people.....are Demon Slayers." Yami said. And I could speak for everyone in the room, we were interested in hearing more. Julius replied, "Demon Slayers? I had traveled a lot, and heard the name a few times, but I don't know anything more than that. I'd like to hear more." Yami explained, "First of all, the demons these guys hunt and kill are something different than the one that the first Wizard King defeated. These demons multiply by infecting humans with there blood, and they consume humans not just for nourishment, but also to grow stronger. They're insanely fast, strong, have unlimited stamina, can regenerate almost instantaneously, and above all, nigh immortal. No matter how strong your magic is, it would never kill a demon. Only sunlight, or a Demon Slayer's sword can kill them. These creatures have been around for over a thousand years now." We were all shocked by what Yami had told us, but also puzzled about one little detail. Rill asked, "How come we never heard about them?" He explained, "Demons keep quiet and stay in the shadows until they grab their prey. Plus, their fight with the Demon Slayers in more or less a private war. Only those who encountered demons know about them. Also, commoners see them more often than aristocrats. And royals and nobles refuse to listen to the low class." We all knew what he meant, a majority of aristocrats couldn't care less about commoners, so they wouldn't care if a few came up missing. Charlotte said, "Let's talk about these 'Demon Slayers' you mentioned, what do you know?" Yami explained, "The Demon Slayer Corps, an independent international organization whose mission is to protect humanity from the Demons. They aren't affiliated with any country, and they number in the tens of thousands. Most of it's members have as much magic as your average commoner, but they don't use it to fight Demons. They fight using swordsmanship, and a unique martial arts technique that has been used since ancient times." We were again surprised that there were people who fight such dangerous creatures with nothing but martial arts. "Are you saying that these Demons are the ones eating the people of Clover?" Gueldre asked. He replied, "Based on everything we've heard so far, I don't see what else could be doing this." There was just one question I had to ask him, "How do you know so much about this, Yami?" Everyone had eyes on him, also curious about how he got this information. Yami replied, "My father was a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, one of the elites known as the Hashira. He planned on making me his successor, so he taught me everything there is to known about the Demons and the Demon Slayer Corps. But, he never got to train me in the ways of the Demon Slayer, because I got caught in a storm at sea that made me wash up on this country's shores." I was rather intrigued to hear something about Yami's past, considering that he doesn't talk much about it. But that aside, the meeting was still going on. Julius said, "Well, seeing that the number of missing people is increasing every night, I think it might be in our best interest to work with these Demon Slayers. Since they are more experienced and trained to deal with these matters, we'll need to cooperate with them." He was right, Yami said that magic won't defeat these things so we need the Demon Slayers' help. But, I was unsure that they would even entertain that idea. "Respectfully Julius, I have my doubts that they would agree to an alliance." I said to the Wizard King. All the captains looked at me puzzled and Fuegoleon asked, "What do you mean?" I explained, "About 9 days ago, I was paying a visit to an old friend of mine in Hage village when I came across for young men wearing Demon Slayer uniforms. I walked over to talk to them, and I heard them talking about the first Wizard King, and one of the four said that the first Wizard King may have been the only aristocrat that he could respect. That alone made it clear that they weren't fond of royals and nobles. When I got to talking with them, they could tell that I was royalty at a glance. Every word they said to me was harsh, they refused to give me a chance to prove them wrong, and they left. I honestly believe they won't even entertain the idea of an alliance." Everyone seemed to understand my doubts. Julius said, "I understand, but that doesn't change the fact that we need their help." Yami replied, "Still, even if we leave them alone, the Demon Slayers will continue their work in Clover. Besides, an alliance would seem pointless considering that they're the only ones who can kill demons, the Magic Knights would just be a burden to them." The Black Bulls captain was right, the Magic Knights would be dead weight for the Demon Slayers, I couldn't see how an alliance with them could possibly work out. And even if we did get the Demon Slayers to agree, the other Magic Knights wouldn't be so cooperative with an outside force, especially since the royals and nobles of the our ranks would never agree to fight alongside a group of people with less magic than them. So, how could an alliance between the Magic Knights and Demon Slayers even work. "You have a point, Yami. But still, it wouldn't hurt to at least talk to them, and instead of a royal or noble speaking with them, what if we send someone like them to at least get their attention........... Yami, if you ever encounter these swordsmen, I want you to pass on a message for me. Tell them that I would like to speak with them at my castle." Yami replied, "No guarantee they'll agree to that, but I'll at least make an effort." He nodded and said, "Thank you, now this meeting is adjourned." We all stood up and left. As I was walking home, as I was wondering how could we even work together with the Demon Slayers, when the Magic Knights and them will likely never see eye to eye. I was always one to believe that commoners and aristocrats could be on friendly terms with each other, but when I looked these Demon Slayers in the eye, I could tell that the were steadfast with their beliefs on royals and nobles. 'It makes me wonder, would those four even wish to save aristocrats from demons?'