The system, of course, couldn't stand by and watch Horitake march to his doom.
In the moments that followed, it meticulously outlined the next phase of this disastrous butterfly effect and the tasks Horitake would need to tackle.
In essence, the system was stepping into the role of a mission guide.
Its explanation went like this:
"When I issued the task earlier, I gave you a gentle reminder: your actions would shape the course of events, determining which demon would ultimately assault the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters.
"And so far, Host, your actions have been commendable. You've influenced the future in a meaningful way, preventing the situation from spiraling into the absolute worst-case scenario and keeping the task's difficulty from reaching its peak."
Horitake's eyes narrowed as a suspicion took root. "System, these 'actions' you're talking about… you don't mean how I handled those brigand demons, do you?"
"Exactly!
"Had you not been so cautious—had you simply slain those demons without first breaking their curses—Muzan Kibutsuji might've taken a passing interest and peered into their final memories, pinpointing the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters.
"In that case, the demon storming the headquarters would be none other than Muzan himself!
"Then, things might've unfolded exactly as you feared, plummeting toward the worst possible outcome.
"But thankfully, Host, you were meticulous. You broke the demons' curses before cutting them down.
"As a result, Muzan remains oblivious, still tinkering away in the Infinity Castle.
"Tonight, the only one who'll deduce the headquarters' approximate location is Akaza!"
Horitake scratched his head, processing the system's words. "Hold on. If Akaza knows where the headquarters is, doesn't that mean Muzan will know, too? As Muzan's most loyal subordinate, wouldn't Akaza report something this important?"
"You're sharp, Host! But no, Akaza won't tell Muzan!"
"What? Why not?"
"For two reasons. First, the location of the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters isn't that critical to Muzan—not compared to the Blue Spider Lily, at least.
"Second, Akaza wants to prove his worth to Muzan."
"Prove his worth? You mean…"
"Exactly as you're thinking! Akaza plans to act behind Muzan's back. He wants to breach the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters, deal a crippling blow to the Corps, and present this triumph to Muzan as proof of his value—his loyalty!
"And there's one more thing. Akaza, the Battle Demon, thrives on fighting the strong.
"If he reported the headquarters' location to Muzan, Muzan would likely raze the entire place to the ground. That would rob Akaza of countless worthy opponents.
"For these reasons, Akaza will keep the headquarters' location to himself!"
Horitake blinked, stunned. That's… actually his plan?
It made sense, in a twisted way.
But something felt off.
"System, let's say I buy that Akaza will withhold the intel and act alone. But to storm the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters single-handedly? Isn't that a bit too bold, even for someone as confident in his strength as Akaza?"
"Akaza will indeed act without informing Muzan, and he'll move against the headquarters in secret—but he won't come alone. He'll bring cannon fodder.
"Tonight, he's expected to deduce the headquarters' rough location based on the brigand demons' deaths.
"Tonight, he's expected to keep that intel under wraps.
"Tonight, he's expected to recruit two Lower Ranks he trusts to aid him in battle.
"And tomorrow night, Akaza is expected to lead those two Lower Ranks and over a hundred of his demon underlings in a full-scale assault on the Demon Slayer Corps' headquarters, kicking off this war!"
Horitake listened in silence, his expression unreadable, as the system laid out its predictions.
It continued:
"This is what lies ahead, Host. This is the situation you'll need to face.
"Muzan isn't coming. It's just Akaza, two Lower Ranks, and a horde of lesser demons.
"Doesn't that slash the task's difficulty considerably?
"This way, you can resolve this negative butterfly effect.
"And more than that, it's a golden opportunity.
"If you can defeat—or even kill—Akaza in the coming battle, your merits will soar, and your reputation within the Corps will skyrocket!
"So, Host, don't worry. Everything the system does is for your growth!"
The system's words were dazzling, almost too perfect, as if it had laid out a flawless path for Horitake to follow.
But was it really that simple?
Horitake couldn't help but question it. Would Akaza truly act as the system predicted?
His mind drifted to a scene from the original story.
In the manga, during an Upper Rank meeting, Gyokko boasted to Muzan about finding traces of the Blue Spider Lily. Muzan ordered Gyokko and Hantengu to investigate together, but their search turned up nothing—a false lead.
Returning empty-handed would've meant punishment from Muzan.
By chance, Gyokko and Hantengu stumbled upon the Swordsmith Village. Rather than face Muzan's wrath with nothing to show, they decided to destroy the village, hoping the achievement would earn them leniency.
With this precedent in mind, Horitake realized Akaza's motives might indeed align with the system's claims. Like Gyokko and Hantengu, Akaza craved merit, yearned to prove his value to Muzan.
It wasn't unthinkable.
But doubts lingered. Horitake's voice carried a skeptical edge as he pressed the system:
"System, be straight with me. Are your predictions accurate? Will Akaza really do as you say? Will he actually recruit two helpers, bring his demon lackeys, and attack the headquarters without telling Muzan?
"What if I prepare at the headquarters, and it's not Akaza who shows up, but Muzan himself? Then what?"
Sensing Horitake's distrust, the system responded with utmost sincerity:
"Please, Host, rest assured. The system has no intention of leading you astray! My sole purpose is to assist and support you.
"My predictions are accurate—absolutely certain!
"Act according to my guidance, and there will be no issues!"
But Horitake's reaction caught the system off guard.
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