Animeverse Slayer!

Huff... Huff...

Through the dark forest Leo struggled to get away. He could feel several demon presence getting close, however he tried to avoid them they would still find him. Tired and dizzy from blood loss all he wanted now was to find a safe place to heal.

Dawn is approaching... gotta hold on.

With his current condition getting out of the forest was not possible, so he searched for a high ground where sunlight would hit first.

Just a bit more...

He could already see a cliff. Few more and he would be out of the forest and into the open cliff. Dragging his worn out body he got out of the thick forest and fell down.

Rustling sound could be heard far behind him. Leo's eyes looked over the horizon, waiting for the sun. He could already see those demons coming closer and closer. All of them seemed dazed and yet a crazy intent to slaughter could be seen in their eyes.

Finding their target more than dozen of those demons went crazy. Just as they were about to leap towards Leo a bright ball of flames peeked out from the mountains far towards the east.

A smile crept onto Leo's face, he turned over and looked at the sky. The bright rays of the morning sun created a beautiful image for one to wake up to.

It's so great to be alive.

He heaved a sigh of relief and looked back towards the forest. The demons growled madly while looking at Leo and left.

After resting for some time Leo somehow sat up. He faced the sun and did his Breathing Technique. Each breath would leave out a cloud of white smoke. His wounds seemed to be slightly better after some time however it will take days for him to heal.

Gaining some strength to move he got on his feet and checked the area. As of right now, going into the forest in his condition is a no go.

My injuries aren't that serious but it would still take atleast two days to heal. Gotta get out of this forest while the sun's still up.

Finding a path down the cliff he avoided darker areas and walked in the direction of the village.

Two hours later...

Leo was still walking through the forest. His face however was showing a thoughtful expression.

Three hours later...

Still among the sea of trees Leo was lost. He looked at an arrow mark on the tree and rubbed his temple.

Looks like I am going around in circles.

He already doubted this when he couldn't reach the village even after walking for three hours and now he confirmed his thoughts. However Leo was sure there was no demon tracking him right now.

How is it possible? If I can't get out by nightfall I am screwed grandly. Think carefully, how and when did I get caught in this?

Tracing back his steps Leo analysed everything since last night and came up with a conclusion.

The blood pool... it showed some activity after I killed that demon, didn't it? Could it be that? And those demons could pinpoint my exact location even after I used my Spirit Concealment, it should be that.

Argh!... what the heck should I do? I can't get out nor do I know how to get out and worst of all more than few dozen demons are after me. Well... I will deal with it when the time comes, since I can't get out my priority should be to gain back stamina and be ready for battle.'

Leo found a clear stream and washed himself. Hunting some wild animals and gathering some fruits he satisfied his hunger and rested. After food and some rest Leo started doing his Breathing Technique.

During his training with Akira the old man mentioned the benefits of Breathing Technique if it is done constantly. The prerequisite for a Demon Slayer to fight any of the Upper Moons is to master constant Breathing.

This coincided with what his father always did.

"Leo, a true Martial Artist can perform his Techniques even if he is unconscious. Our body would be fine tuned so that even when we are asleep it will continue to work that way."

Breathe in, breathe out...

Leo held his sword while he went through all the forms of Dragon - Tiger Forms while doing the complimenting Breathing Technique. However, he slowed down his movements, so slow that it seemed as if time was slowed down.

Vapour rose out of his body as he flawlessly went through all the motion. Leo could distinctly feel his wounds healing at a fast rate. He could feel his muscles vibrate to the rhythm of his heart.

Dragon-Tiger Breathing... it's more than what meets the eye. Initially I estimated my injuries would take two days to heal but now... I suppose by nightfall I would be around eighty percent my full power. Hmm... Looks like I will have to practice further if I want to unravel it's mysteries.

The fight last night had already proved the difference between normal Breathing Techniques and his own. While Breathing Techniques could improve the quality of a humans body it was still limited, his however was different.

Even after taking two huge blows last night his body didn't have any grievous wounds. Even those slight cut and bruises during the fight had already formed scabs. His regeneration was scary and he believed it had something to do with Dragon - Tiger Breathing.

He could vaguely remember his father saying something about this but he couldn't remember what it was. With no answer to this question he pushed it to the back of his mind and rested for a while.

Having his fill again Leo did his Breathing Technique while going through all the forms over and over again. Sometimes he went as slow as a snail, sometimes he was as fast as a flash of lightning.

Repeating his actions and having another round of food Leo readied himself as the last light of the sun went out. As soon as the night crept in he sensed a dozen of demons coming in his direction.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Now that he had removed the hidden boss he could play with these minions till he could break out of this damn forest.

Time to hunt.