Demon Slayer : LEveLing uP

"Let's get going!" With those words, Ishida got up and started heading towards the stairs that had magically opened up for him after he completed the challenge on the sixth floor to defeat the demons.

These demons were pretty strong, but they weren't like the lower moon demon I fought before. Most of them didn't have any special moves or blood demon powers, and that made me wonder. If they're supposed to be stronger than the lower moon demon I battled earlier, shouldn't they be way more powerful? But for some reason, they didn't seem like that big of a threat," Ishida thought to himself as he began climbing the stairs to the next floor. "Maybe I've gotten stronger since then, but still... it's a bit puzzling."

It made sense for Ishida to feel a bit baffled, but he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on climbing up to the next floor and facing whatever was waiting for him on the 7th floor.

After about four minutes of walking up the stairs, which felt different from the other floors, he reached the top and found himself standing in front of a huge door. It seemed like this was the entrance to the 7th floor.

"Huh, that's odd... But I guess I have to open the door," Ishida thought as he reached out to push it. "But why can't I sense any strong demon or anything on the other side? Yet, there's definitely something dangerous ahead!" he pondered, touching the massive door. As soon as his hand made contact, it lit up, causing him to take a step back in surprise.

Even with the door lighting up, it refused to budge when he pushed it. "Is it locked? I don't get it!" he thought, adding yet another question to his growing list of uncertainties.

While Ishida stood there, confused by the glowing door, a familiar screen appeared in front of him, showing a system notification:

[!Access Denied!]

[Current Level: 27]

[Requirement: Level 32]

"What!? What does that even mean!? I've completed all the challenges given by the system with as much accuracy as I could... So how is it possible that the required level is higher than where I'm at now?" he asked himself, but found no answers.

[New Side Quest Unlocked : Becoming The Strongest]

[Do you want to accept the quest with immediate effect ?][Y/N]

"Yes or No!? It's acting like I actually have a choice here..." Ishida thought, letting out a deep breath. "Alright, yes... If the system wants me to become stronger, I'll go along with it," he decided.

As soon as he agreed, he was instantly teleported back to the sixth floor, right in front of the stairs.

"So, you could teleport me all along!? And I've been walking up those stairs for nothing?" Ishida muttered, shaking his head in disappointment. He glanced around, and a new question popped into his mind, "Wait, what's the quest?" he asked, directing his question toward the system.

[Quest: Becoming Strong]

Task:

Defeat demons to earn experience points (EXP). The amount of EXP earned varies based on the demon's level, ranging from 200 to 3,000 EXP. There is no limit to this quest; the player may continue at their discretion.

Rules:

1. Demon Progression:

- Demons will initially spawn at lower levels.

- Every 10 minutes, the current level demons will be replaced by higher-level demons.

- This cycle continues until the demons' levels match the player's current level.

- If the player has not reached the required level by this point, they will face demons higher in level than themselves as a consequence.

2. Quest Completion:

- The quest concludes once the player accumulates enough EXP to meet the required level.

- The player may choose to continue battling for additional growth or quit upon reaching the required level.

3. Resources and Limitations:

- Healing potions are available for use throughout the quest.

- Other potions and enhancements are restricted during this quest.

4. Player Choice:

- The player is free to quit or continue the quest at any time after reaching the required level.

Objective:

Reach Level 32 to unlock access to the 7th floor and continue the main quest.

---

"Alright then, if this is what it takes to get stronger, bring it on! I'm not backing down until I reach the next level," Ishida declared with determination.

As he spoke those words, a countdown began on the screen in front of him...

[The Quest Begins In - 1___2___3..... ]

[Demons Deployed [Unlimited] Level : 15-18 [Exp. 200/Every demon defeated]

"Alright then, if this is what it takes to become stronger, bring it on! I won't back down until I break through to the next level," Ishida declared, his determination unwavering.

As the countdown hit zero, Ishida found himself surrounded by a seemingly endless wave of demons. Emerging from the shadows, these creatures filled the room with a menacing aura. Each demon, ranging from levels 15 to 18, was ready to attack, their eyes gleaming with malice.

[Level 15-18: 00:10:00]

Ishida stood firm, his resolve steady. The task was clear: defeat as many demons as possible within the next ten minutes. He tightened his grip on his sword, feeling its familiar weight and balance. "Moon Breathing First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace," he called out, his voice steady and determined. His blade cut through the air in a sweeping slash, severing the head of the first demon that dared to approach.

[Demons Defeated: 1]

[EXP Accumulated: 200]

Without pausing, he moved fluidly into a defensive stance as two demons lunged at him from opposite sides. Ishida's reflexes were sharp, honed by countless battles. He sidestepped the first demon's attack, bringing his sword down in a powerful arc that cleaved through its torso. The second demon was met with a swift thrust, piercing its heart.

[Demons Defeated: 3]

[EXP Accumulated: 600]

[Fatigue: 5/100]

[HP: 680/680]

More demons surged forward, their movements synchronized like a deadly dance. Ishida remained calm, his mind focused and clear. He spun on his heel, executing "Second Form: Pearl Flower Moongazing," creating a shimmering barrier of crescent slashes that deflected the oncoming attacks. With precision and grace, he dispatched the next wave, his blade finding its mark with each strike.

[Demons Defeated: 7]

[EXP Accumulated: 1,400]

[Time Remaining: 00:08:45]

The room was a whirlwind of motion as Ishida continued to fight, his movements a seamless blend of offense and defense. A particularly aggressive demon charged at him, its claws aimed for his throat. Ishida met its attack head-on, parrying with his sword and countering with a swift upward slash that sent the demon's head tumbling.

[Demons Defeated: 8]

[EXP Accumulated: 1,600]

The demons showed no signs of letting up, their numbers seemingly endless. Ishida's breath came in steady rhythms, his body moving with practiced ease. He was in the zone, each movement precise and calculated. "Third Form: Loathsome Moon, Chains," he shouted, his sword creating a series of chained crescent slashes that ensnared multiple demons, cutting them down in one fluid motion.

[Demons Defeated: 12]

[EXP Accumulated: 2,400]

[Fatigue: 10/100]

[HP: 675/680]

[Time Remaining: 00:07:30]

The onslaught continued, the demons relentless in their pursuit. Ishida was a force of nature, his blade a blur as he weaved through the fray. He felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as he faced each new challenge, his determination unyielding.

A demon with piercing red eyes lunged at his back. Ishida sensed its approach, spinning around to block the attack with his sword. Using the demon's momentum, he delivered a powerful counter-strike, cleaving its head clean off.

[Demons Defeated: 13]

[EXP Accumulated: 2,600]

The battle raged on, Ishida moving with relentless efficiency. He sidestepped a demon's claw swipe, countering with a decisive slash that split the creature in two. Another demon attempted to flank him, but Ishida was ready, his blade flashing as he executed "Fifth Form: Moon Spirit Calamitous Eddy," a whirlwind of slashes that decimated the surrounding foes.

[Demons Defeated: 18]

[EXP Accumulated: 3,600]

[Fatigue: 20/100]

[HP: 670/680]

[Time Remaining: 00:06:15]

The demons kept coming, their attacks unrelenting. Ishida's focus was razor-sharp, his movements a blur of steel and precision. He parried a series of rapid strikes, then countered with lethal efficiency, his blade cutting down demon after demon.

[Demons Defeated: 22]

[EXP Accumulated: 4,400]

With each demon defeated, Ishida could feel himself growing stronger, the experience points accumulating and pushing him closer to his goal. He embraced the challenge, knowing that each victory brought him one step closer to unlocking the seventh floor.

A particularly fast demon came at him, its claws flashing in the dim light. Ishida met its attack with a swift parry, then followed up with a powerful thrust that pierced the demon's heart.

[Demons Defeated: 23]

[EXP Accumulated: 4,600]

[Time Remaining: 00:05:00]

The remaining demons fought with desperate ferocity, their eyes filled with a wild intensity. Ishida faced them with unwavering resolve, his sword moving with unerring accuracy. He sidestepped an attack, his blade slicing through the demon's neck in a single motion.

[Demons Defeated: 24]

[EXP Accumulated: 4,800]

The final minutes of the battle were a blur of motion and steel. Ishida fought with everything he had, his body a whirlwind of motion as he cut down the remaining demons. Each strike was precise, each movement deliberate, as he brought the battle to a decisive end.

[Demons Defeated: 36]

[EXP Accumulated: 7,200]

[Fatigue: 30/100]

[HP: 660/680]

[Time Remaining: 00:00:00]

Before Ishida could continue, the demons around him vanished.

[Demons Deployed [Unlimited] Level : 19-21 [Exp. 600/Every demon defeated]

"I guess I won't have time to rest..." Ishida thought, "But, I didn't expect to."

With resolve, he held his sword tightly in his hand and waited for the next round of demons to arrive.