Boom!
A terrifying explosion accompanied the smoke.
Doma's figure had completely vanished, replaced by a massive deep crater.
The surroundings instantly fell into silence.
Whether it was Mitsuri, who hadn't reacted, or Kanae beside her, both had expressions of dazed shock.
Their pupils enlarged, their eyes seemingly about to pop out of their sockets.
"So this is... Master's power?" Mitsuri murmured quietly.
Come to think of it,
This was her first time seeing Ayato take action.
Snapping back to reality, Kanae asked, trembling, "What was that just now...?"
"Power I obtained from slaying a god."
"Huh?"
Kanae's brain instantly crashed.
The meaning was clear, but why couldn't she understand?
After a long while, she finally said with complex feelings, "Actually, you're a Demon too, right?"
Releasing lightning,
That kind of power could only be a Blood Demon Art.
It was fundamentally impossible for a human.
'This reaction wasn't quite right.'
Ayato was somewhat surprised.
'Logically speaking, having judged me as a Demon, her reaction shouldn't be this calm.'
'Even if she wasn't shouting for a fight, she should be on guard.'
"Sir, are you puzzled?"
Kanae smiled gently. "Even if you are a Demon, you are still my savior."
"And, since Demons were originally human, perhaps they can understand each other and coexist peacefully with humans."
Ayato: "..."
'Fine, so this was her persona?'
'As expected, too gentle and kind.'
Shaking his head, Ayato spoke. "Unfortunately, I am not a Demon."
Kanae was a bit puzzled and asked instinctively, "But your power is clearly not something a human could possess."
"Exactly, because I am not human either."
Ayato looked at her and smiled. "Because I am a Devil."
"???"
Kanae's head was full of question marks.
Then, she realized.
This was a white lie.
He was trying to disguise his identity as a Demon by pretending to be a Devil.
After all, she was a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.
'This gentleman... was a very good person.'
"Yes, you are a Devil."
She thought for a moment, then finally nodded.
'This answer... should be fine, right.'
"..."
Ayato was silent. He said helplessly, "If you said that with a bit more sincerity, I might believe you."
"I'm sorry."
Kanae looked apologetic.
Indeed, she wasn't good at lying.
"Actually, I really am a Devil."
"I know, you don't need to..."
Kanae answered instinctively, but her words came to an abrupt halt.
Because a pair of black wings had unfurled from behind Ayato.
"Now, do you believe me?"
"Th-This?"
Kanae's pupils contracted, her entire body frozen in place.
"Really... a Devil?"
A flicker of disbelief appeared in her eyes.
But soon, she calmed down.
Ayato smiled. "It seems you're adjusting quickly."
"Since Demons exist in this world, it's not too hard to accept that Devils exist too."
Kanae said with a troubled look. "But I just gave a promise to Mr. Devil."
"But how to repay a Devil... that really has me stumped."
"Don't worry, it's very simple."
Ayato smiled. "I'm very interested in you. Become mine."
"Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh?"
Kanae's eyes widened, her ears turning red. "Is this... a marriage proposal?"
"Yes."
Mitsuri came up, smiling. "As long as you become Master's servant, you become Master's wife."
'This person was also Mr. Devil's wife?'
'She looked very happy.'
Kanae's eyes flickered.
Logically speaking, a life-saving grace was impossible to repay.
Not to mention, she had already agreed to Mr. Devil.
And, Mr. Devil was very handsome and seemed like a good person.
But...
She hesitated for a moment, but still said, "Although I should agree to your request, as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, I hope to continue fulfilling my duties."
"Don't worry, you can do whatever you want."
"And no matter what, I will stand by your side."
Ayato spoke. "Even if you want to destroy this world, that's completely fine."
Kanae's eyelids twitched.
Fine!
She felt unprecedented sincerity.
But this sincerity was too frightening.
'And this Mr. Devil seemed very serious about it?'
'Did legendary Devils really have the power to destroy the world?'
"Mr. Devil doesn't need to do something so dangerous for me."
Kanae said slowly. "But Miss, what exactly does 'servant' mean?"
Ayato explained, "It means you reincarnate as a Devil and serve me for life."
'A human turning into a Devil?'
'Could such a thing be done?'
As if thinking of something, a flicker of worry appeared in Kanae's eyes. She asked tentatively, "When that happens, it won't be like those Demons, needing to..."
"You don't need to worry about that at all."
Ayato smiled warmly. "Don't compare us to those low-level beings."
"After becoming a Devil, besides gaining Devil wings and a tail and obtaining greater power, you won't have any other changes."
"And even killing Muzan isn't a difficult task."
Hearing Ayato's words, Kanae was stunned.
'Could there really be such a good thing?'
'No negative effects, and I could even gain greater power.'
In this world, she truly needed power.
Although she believed that Demons and humans could coexist peacefully,
Once she made a decision, she would not be soft on killing Demons.
And Doma, whom she encountered today, made her realize her own insignificance.
She needed power to protect Shinobu and Kanao.
And even to end this chain of tragedy and liberate all Demons.
Looking at her, Ayato asked, "So now, what is your answer?"
Hearing this, Kanae took a deep breath and said firmly, "Then, Master, let me keep my promise."