Chapter 181: Swordsmith Village

Chapter 181: Swordsmith Village

Of course, the event that took place in the Infinity Castle remained unknown, even to the Demon Slayer Corps, which boasted an exceptional intelligence network.

After all, the space where the Infinity Castle was located could not be discovered or entered, not even by the Kasugai Crow, making it impossible to obtain any useful information.

However, the intelligence network of the Demon Slayer Corps actually discovered that after their headquarters was attacked by multiple Upper Ranks, the demons' activities became unpredictable.

Some of them mysteriously disappeared, some became extremely active, and some seemed to have other purposes, no longer staying in one place but moving from place to place.

Some even started killing each other, causing significant chaos, especially the Twelve Kizuki.

With the Lower Ranks disbanded and two Upper Ranks slain, their actions became extremely uncontrollable.

Not only did they no longer simply hunt for food or kill the Demon Slayers of the Demon Slayer Corps, but they also suddenly appeared and disappeared in various villages and towns, their movements and purposes becoming completely bizarre and mysterious.

Upon learning this information, the higher-ups of the Demon Slayer Corps became highly alert. It was understandable since the abnormal actions of the demons indicated that everything Riezel had said might indeed come true.

Muzan was about to take action, meaning the great battle between the Twelve Kizuki and the Demon Slayer Corps was about to ignite.

Clearly, this put all the Hashira on high alert, tightening the strings in their hearts. Moreover, the more impatient Hashira, thinking they might soon have to fight the Upper Ranks and even the Demon King, became eager to improve their strength.

Demon Slayer Mark, Bright Red Nichirin Sword, and Transparent World—knowing that these three abilities existed, all the Hashira now urgently wanted to possess them.

Only by awakening these three abilities would they have a chance of winning against the Upper Ranks and Demon King. Even the usually rebellious Hashira, who didn't want to admit this, had no reason to refuse to become stronger.

Unfortunately, the new head instructor did not immediately begin their training. After all, the Demon Slayer Corps was busy relocating their headquarters, collectively moving to the Swordsmith Village.

Evidently, this task was not easy to complete.

Not only because the Swordsmith Village's location was secret and the route complex, but also due to the large number of people. Moving so many people to the village in this situation was indeed not simple.

Training could not take place on the road, so the top priority was to assist in the headquarters' relocation, with other matters temporarily put on hold.

To this end, the Hashira were dispersed and assigned to lead several groups of people along designated routes to the Swordsmith Village.

Riezel, along with the Ubuyashiki family, was among the first group to reach the Swordsmith Village.

"Is this the Swordsmith Village?"

When Riezel arrived at the Swordsmith Village, he took a look around the entire place.

It really was a village.

Most of the buildings here were wooden houses, not too big or too small, looking very simple.

Surrounding the village were watchtowers, seemingly occupied by members of the Demon Slayer Corps regularly, demonstrating how much the Corps valued the village.

On top of that, the village was surrounded by mountains and forests on all sides, making it impossible to enter without going through the winding paths in the forest.

In the air of this village, there was a faint smell of iron and burnt fire, reminding him of the time he entered the industrial area of Orario looking for Tsubaki's workshop.

Even though the village's population didn't seem large, everyone wore a hyottoko mask to signify their identity as swordsmiths.

Meanwhile, as Riezel observed his surroundings, a man who seemed to be the village chief approached while bringing a large number of people to welcome the arriving Demon Slayer Corps and Kagaya.

"Welcome to the Swordsmith Village, Master."

The village chief greeted Kagaya with a respectful tone, even bowing his head.

His name was Tecchikawahara Tecchin—a name that made Riezel hesitate to speak it.

Therefore, staying with the Demon Slayer Corps didn't really concern him.

Of course, there were some benefits.

Firstly, the Demon Slayer Corps had a great intelligence network, which allowed him to obtain information about demons.

Secondly, he could also train the Hashira and help them awaken their abilities during this time to repay the Demon Slayer Corps for their kindness. Beyond this, he had no intention of taking on the responsibilities of head instructor or managing the entire Corps.

As such, Riezel didn't truly acknowledge the position of head instructor, seeing himself more as an advisor or consultant.

Kagaya seemed to notice his thoughts but didn't mind, simply smiling gently.

Tecchin initially wanted to exchange a few polite words, but when he bowed his head, he suddenly noticed the sword at Riezel's waist.

"Oooh... that sword..." Tecchin's eyes suddenly lit up.

His sudden excitement drew the attention of the surrounding swordsmiths to Riezel's sword.

Immediately, several skilled swordsmiths noticed something unusual.

"Hey, isn't that sword look incredible?"

"I can smell an amazing quality from it."

"That's the kind of iron that's superior to anything, even if hammered a thousand times!"

"The materials used to forge that blade are surely extraordinary!"

Saying these, the swordsmiths grew more and more excited.

"Can I take a look at your sword, Lord Head Instructor?"

Tecchin, with a fervent attitude, eagerly approached Riezel to make his request.

"I don't mind but..." Riezel answered with furrowed brows. "Don't touch anything other than the scabbard."

In the next moment, he removed Hermit from his waist and handed it to Tecchin.

"What a superb craftsmanship..."

Tecchin caressed Hermit's scabbard, his voice trembling with admiration.

"It's impossible to see any trace of human handiwork... It's as if the scabbard was formed naturally from a single piece of iron... It's so magical!"

"Who forged this scabbard? Could it be a god, or maybe the heaven and the earth itself?"

"Without a doubt... this quality... this smoothness... as if made by heaven... amazing!"

Without thinking, Tecchin reached out to grip the handle.

"Stop!"

Riezel quickly called out to stop Tecchin, but unfortunately, he was too late.

*Pssst—!*

As soon as Tecchin touched the handle, his hand was burned by an intense heat.