Renascence (M.K)

四十二

Plink.. Plink.. Plink..

The rhythmic plink of droplets echoed in the dimly lit room, each sound marking the fall of a droplet from the severely wounded shoulder of Taoshu. 

The crimson trail wound its way down his arm, gathering in a small pool at his fingertips before splashing softly onto the wooden floor below.

Taoshu's breath came in ragged pants, the sweat on his temples mingling with the blood that trickled from a gash on his head. 

He grimaced, his expression twisted in pain and determination.

A disdainful tsk escaped him as he glared at the figure before him. 

Akaza, the Upper Moon Three demon, stood with casual ease, his eyes alight with mocking amusement as he surveyed Taoshu's battered form.

Akaza's grin widened, his amusement growing. 

"How miserable!" His voice was filled with hysteric laughter, the sound echoing off the walls and ringing in Taoshu's ears like a cruel taunt.

"Do you truly believe you stand a chance against me in your current wretched state?" Akaza's voice dripped with disrespect, his tone cutting through the tense air like a blade.

"It's a pity you'll never lay eyes on that woman again," he added, expecting to see fear and despair in Taoshu's eyes. However, to his surprise, Taoshu met his gaze with a defiant look and a giggle.

"You think so?" Taoshu's retort was laced with a quiet confidence that irked Akaza. The demon felt a flicker of annoyance as he noticed the unwavering resolve in Taoshu's eyes, a look that seemed to judge him with an unsettling intensity.

Taoshu sighed, his voice tinged with resignation. "In many ways, we are alike, both trapped in this cruel and unforgiving world."

"Huh?!" Akaza's exclamation was one of genuine astonishment. "Do not speak such nonsense," he scoffed, his brows furrowing in disdain.

"Never dare to compare me to the weak, pitiful human that you are. We are nothing alike," Akaza snarled, his voice dripping with venomous disdain.

"Even in your second life, you continue to live like a pathetic failure! You can't even muster the courage to defend a woman who is clearly far above your station." Akaza's words were a barrage of insults, each one delivered with a cruel certainty.

He leaned back, resting his arms on his laps, his laughter echoing off the walls as he stared mockingly at Taoshu.

"You are nothing but a worthless pile of trash," he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips as he slowly wiped the corner of his mouth with his thumb, his eyes locked on Taoshu's with a cold, calculating gaze.

"Indeed, you are correct," Taoshu gasped, his voice strained with effort. 

With both hands gripping the hilt of his katana, he leaned heavily on the blade, the tip still embedded in the wooden floor. His vision swam before him, and he fought against the encroaching darkness, his body weakened by the severe blood loss.

Despite the burning, searing pain from his deep wounds, Taoshu refused to succumb to agony. His focus remained unwavering, his determination unshakeable as he fixed his gaze on the demon before him.

"We are nothing alike," he declared, his words a testament to his resolve. With a slow, deliberate movement, he drew his katana from the floor and regained his combat stance. 

His eyes blazed with a fervent intensity as he shifted his body, adopting a new stance known as the Te Ura Gasumi No Kamae, a Japanese sword stance that positioned his weapon across his left shoulder, the blade angled downward.