When there was time, they would spar. If he still had energy afterwards, he would soak in the hot springs with the two little lolis.
Occasionally, he would also see Mine in the hot springs. Naturally, an increase in loli count was a good thing. The only pity was that the big sister, Leone, was always out on missions. After all, lolis were just nice to look at; they weren't truly fulfilling.
Even though Jean's inner self was a bit of a pervert, he still had the most basic of bottom lines.
On the other hand, the missions to hunt demons continued. Having thoroughly adapted to combat, Jean displayed overwhelming combat prowess against enemies of the Demon Soldier level. As the first swordsman to use a Breathing Technique, his highly efficient demon-slaying naturally served as a significant example.
Perhaps due to the influence of Teigus, the progress in learning Breathing Techniques among Teigu Users was extremely slow. Only the big brother, Brand, could barely use the Flame Breathing. The first spearhead Jean had forged at the Workshop was actually prepared for Brand.
Thus, the current combat pattern was known: Teigu Users controlled the demons, and Breathing Technique swordsmen delivered the finishing blows.
The problem was that Teigus were rare, and Teigu Users were even rarer. Therefore, popularizing Breathing Techniques and enhancing the combat abilities of Breathing Technique swordsmen was arguably the most important task at this stage. Otherwise, even if all the demons in the country were gathered together and left for the Teigu Users to attack, it would probably take several days to finish them off.
Because of this, Jean gained a considerable degree of respect in the village. From time to time, people would come to him seeking guidance on Breathing Techniques.
However, Jean didn't know the first thing about it. He couldn't even use the Breathing Techniques he had collected without modifying them.
Fortunately, Jean had read the Demon Slayer manga and remembered the beginning parts. He offered a few suggestions and managed to muddle through.
Of course, Jean wasn't the type to lead others astray carelessly. After recalling the manga's content and summarizing it himself, he compiled the principles and training methods of the
Total Concentration Breathing: Constant
technique and handed it over to Najenda.
At the same time, Jean specifically stated that this was content passed down within his own family, and that no one in several generations, including himself, had managed to master it. Its usefulness was entirely unknown.
However, Najenda stared at the note Jean handed her for a long while, then hurriedly ran to fetch a box containing tattered, incomplete, and barely legible pages. She carefully began comparing them.
After a good while, just as Jean was boredly drinking tea and looking at the scenery outside, Najenda rushed over. With a chest-first tackle, she gave Jean a bear hug.
"You've been a tremendous help, Jean! The advanced content on this part of the Breathing Technique we excavated was missing several sections. We had no way to proceed. With your materials, we can finally start working on improving the abilities of Breathing Technique swordsmen!"
"Mmph... I'm glad I could help..." Jean managed to breathe through a gap in the softness. The intoxicating scent of nicotine mixed with her natural fragrance filled the air. He couldn't help but think: 'If this leads to a case of death by chest smothering, would that count as euthanasia?'
Of course, Najenda released Jean before he was actually smothered to death. She then took the two notes and went off to do who-knows-what.
Jean also had his own matters to attend to. During the battles of these past days, he had thought of several points for improving his nichirin blade. This time, he planned to go to the Workshop for a proper overhaul.
---
Since his nichirin blade was at the Workshop, and Akame and Kurome were out on missions, Jean was having a rare, leisurely day. Then, on the afternoon of the second day, Najenda urgently summoned Jean to the village chief's residence.
"Jean, there's an urgent mission for you," Najenda said, getting straight to the point. "The situation is critical, and you're the only one in the village with sufficient combat strength right now."
"What's the specific situation?"
"We received intelligence. This morning, our information gatherers discovered that several villages have been completely destroyed. Judging by the traces at the scenes, it was likely the work of the same Teigu User. At the same time, the Prefectural Governor's office has put out word that if we demon hunters don't show up, they will continue to raze villages."
This was both a trap and an overt scheme. However, the organization 'Demon Slayer' was currently operating with the goal of increasing Breathing Technique users, so they truly couldn't just sit back and ignore it.
Nodding to Najenda, Jean said, "I understand. What's the specific time and location?"
After handing Jean a note detailing the mission specifics, Najenda said, "I know this is very likely a trap, so I've already begun recalling our personnel. But even at the fastest, it will take two days. We can't gamble on whether we or the enemy can afford so many losses, so..."
"It's fine, I understand. No need to worry so much. I'll go prepare then."
He hadn't taken two steps before Najenda called out to him, "If you find the situation is wrong, please, do not get caught up in the fight. Even if the mission fails, I hope you can return safely."
Waving to her, Jean left what he thought was a cool-looking silhouette behind and departed.
This mission was indeed a big trap, something Jean understood very well. At the same time, she also considered this mission an opportunity. After all, the condition for leaving this world was to defeat a demon of Lower Rank level. But given the current policy of 'Demon Slayer,' it would probably take years to reach that stage.
She wasn't sure if she had that much time. Would it be troublesome to make 'D' wait that long? And what were the other participants doing? Whether it would affect her was completely unknown.
Obtaining the ticket to leave as soon as possible was the best choice. For that, it was worth taking a risk.
After retrieving his modified nichirin blade from the Workshop and making brief preparations, Jean set off on his mission journey.
---
This mission was for a village not far from a snowy mountain. Using the snowy mountain as a landmark, one could easily find it by following the road.
Walking along the verdant forest path, looking at the massive snowy mountain in the distance, something felt off.
This snowy mountain wasn't the type with untamed ice and snow only at the summit. Instead, even the area near the foot of the mountain was piled with thick snow, as if the entire range was in the depths of winter.
Even though it didn't seem that far away, it was a completely different season—a novel experience.
Just then, Jean suddenly noticed a figure in the distance walking towards him on the road.
Because this person had made too strong an impression, Jean recognized him at a glance.
It was precisely that young man who had directly torn off the burly man's head in the waiting space.
The momentary daze cost Jean the chance to hide. He had no choice but to steel himself and walk straight towards him.
Gripping his nichirin blade tightly, prepared to counterattack at any moment, step by step, they finally passed each other. At that very moment, Jean's nerves were stretched to the limit, ready to counter any sudden assault from the other.
As they continued to put distance between them, step by step, the young man suddenly stopped. "Wait!"
Jean's heart skipped a beat, thinking inwardly, 'This is bad.'
But he quickly composed himself, turned around, and forced a smile. "Is there something you need?"
The young man stood there in silence for several seconds. During this time, due to nervousness, Jean could even clearly hear his own heartbeat.
Finally, the young man spoke. "Which way to the Imperial Capital?"
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