Chapter 441: The Exorcist

The dog-headed creatures’ cave contained numerous animal and human bones, indicating they had hunted in the past but recently went hungry.

Their reluctance to hunt in the forest suggested a presence far stronger than them.

It seemed this tiger might be the cause.

Helag decided to avoid direct confrontation with the tiger, opting to bypass it while it remained unaware.

Though it appeared manageable, the tiger’s true strength was uncertain, and Helag saw no need to risk himself.

New to this world, caution was paramount.

As he prepared to leave, Helag noticed a young man, around seventeen or eighteen, approaching.

***

Aed was the only exorcist in Leaf Town, defending it single-handedly at just seventeen.

Orphaned by war, he wandered to Leaf Town, where an old exorcist recognized his potential and took him as a disciple.

Three years ago, the old exorcist died fighting demons, leaving Aed to protect the town.

Without hesitation, Aed accepted the responsibility, actively safeguarding the townspeople.

Nearly starving as a child, Leaf Town’s residents took him in, raising him.

To Aed, the town was family, deserving protection.

He glanced at his black sword, his reliance and power source.

Even as an apprentice, Aed’s unique talent impressed the old exorcist.

This world harbored powerful demons, using demonic aura to enhance themselves.

Crucially, demonic aura could be seized by killing the source.

This led to formidable demons, rapidly growing like snowballs, becoming terrifying.

But humanity advanced, and exorcists provided a fighting chance against demons.

While demons absorbed demonic aura, some humans could too, becoming exorcists.

However, absorbing aura wasn’t enough; humans were naturally weaker than demons.

Long training was needed to unlock their potential.

This phase marked apprentice exorcists, who became full exorcists upon awakening their exorcist ability.

Exorcist abilities varied widely.

Aed’s black sword was his ability, unmatched in sharpness, cutting through anything.

Each demon slain and aura absorbed strengthened the sword.

Aed and the sword grew stronger together.

Compared to other exorcists, his ability seemed weak.

Some exorcists gained fire control, hurling powerful fireballs.

Aed’s sword required close combat, relying on his fighting skills.

Unlike others, he lacked special abilities, akin to a warrior with enhanced strength.

Relying on learned combat skills and his sharp sword, Aed fought.

Other exorcists easily dispatched demons with awakened powers.

Aed faced each demon directly, increasing danger.

A single mistake could mean death.

Aed entered Silver Frost Forest to eliminate a new demon.

The demon had killed two hunters, deterring others from hunting there.

For the town, hunting was vital for meat.

With the demon present, hunting ceased, reducing food supply.

Crucially, Aed needed to eliminate the demon quickly.

Exorcists knew to swiftly handle demons before they grew beyond control.

Hearing of the demon, Aed immediately went to confront it.

In the forest, his experience quickly identified the demon’s territory.

Crouched low, Aed moved silently through the forest, like a wild animal.

Familiar with the forest, he navigated it effortlessly.

Spotting the tiger, Aed paused.

The tiger appeared ordinary, a typical predator.

Yet Aed’s experience warned it was deceptively dangerous, possibly a first-tier demon.

Low and high-tier demons matched apprentice exorcists, while first-tier demons equaled full exorcists.

First-tier demons had special abilities, making them formidable.

Aware of this, Aed didn’t retreat, strategizing the tiger’s defeat.

A breeze stirred the forest, creating a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere.

But Aed’s eyes widened in alarm, thinking, “This is bad.”

The breeze carried his scent to the tiger.

Aed doubted the tiger’s sense of smell was ordinary.

Indeed, the resting tiger raised its head, spotting Aed.

With a sharp gaze, Aed sprang forward, charging the tiger.

He moved like an arrow, incredibly fast.

The tiger stood, roaring at Aed, its body emitting black smoke and transforming.

From an ordinary tiger, it became a five-meter-tall black giant.