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Chapter 49 - CHAPTER 20: CULT LEADER

Deep within the Infinity Castle, the halls twisted like illusions made real—ceiling flowing like rivers, walls pulsing with a heartbeat not of this world. Somewhere beneath it all, in a golden room laced with red petals and frost-lined pillars, Douma sat cross-legged, a grin painted across his flawless face.

Across from him knelt the new Lower Moon Four, a demon with long, twitching limbs and an expression of eternal nervous laughter—Tazuna.

"Ah, Tazuna-chan," Douma cooed, playfully twirling a lotus petal between his fingers, "how wonderful it must feel, to have inherited such a fragile seat after the last rampage. You're lucky Lord Muzan was feeling merciful."

Tazuna bowed lower, his clawed fingers trembling.

"I-I will do whatever Lord Muzan asks… anything…"

Douma's eyes glinted with amusement—and something far colder.

"Then listen closely. I have an opportunity for you… something that could make you more useful than your shattered predecessor."

He leaned closer, breath like frozen perfume.

"The Butterfly Mansion. No one's there now—except two lovely girls. One of them…"

His smile widened.

"…is Nezuko Kamado."

Tazuna's head shot up. "T-the sun demon?!"

"Yes, yes!" Douma sang. "The girl who conquered the sun. Lord Muzan wants her... devoured. Can you imagine the promotion that awaits if you succeed?"

Tazuna's eyes widened with a madness nearing desperation.

"I—I'll go right away! I'll—I'll make her scream!"

Douma rose slowly, clapping his hands like a proud parent.

"Atta boy. Go then. Leave no trace… except ash and silence."

As Tazuna vanished into darkness, Douma turned toward the wall of ice behind him, where a distorted reflection of his face lingered.

"Now then… let's see how Nezuko-chan blooms… under winter's kiss."

Far away, in the quiet halls of the Butterfly Mansion, Nezuko hummed softly while Kanao watered flowers under the morning sun.

Neither of them knew…

Death was already walking through the trees.

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