Chapter 6: 6 Years Old
Mori stood before Kagaya Ubuyashiki, his heartbeat steady despite the battle he had just fought. Sanemi lay unconscious at his feet, his body riddled with bruises and welts from their brief but intense encounter. Kagaya had remained silent for a few moments after his daughter's recounted Mori's strength to him, but instead of reacting with surprise or anger, he simply gave a gentle smile and dismissed him.
"You may leave, Mori Jin," Kagaya said softly, his voice as calm as ever.
Mori bowed slightly, not wanting to overstay. However, as he turned to leave, he glanced down at Sanemi. Despite the fierce fight they had just engaged in, Mori did not bear any ill will toward him. Instead of leaving him lying there, he heaved the unconscious Wind Hashira onto his back and carried him away.
After walking for some time, he finally reached the Butterfly Mansion, where the injured Demon Slayers were being treated. Without hesitation, he plopped Sanemi down among them, leaving without saying a word. The Kakushi, who were responsible for tending to the wounded, were baffled when they found him. None of them had any idea how Sanemi had ended up in such a sorry state, and the injured Hashira himself had no reason to spread of what had happened between him and a 5 year old.
Thus, rumors began to spread. No one could determine who had defeated the Wind Hashira, and soon, the incident became an unsolved mystery among the Demon Slayer Corps. It was eventually given a name— "The Wind Hashira's Defeat."
Time passed, and Mori was officially six years old. Ever since his meeting with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, he had been sneaking out at night, hunting demons in nearby villages. These battles not only allowed him to sharpen his skills but also rewarded him with something equally valuable—MCoins.
Standing in the quiet of his room, Mori called out mentally.
"Status."
A translucent screen appeared before his eyes, displaying his stats.
[Mori Jin]
-Age: 6
-Race: Human (???)
-MCoins: 9500
-Skills: Kyokushin Karate (Mastered)
-Items: Letter 1
-Weapon/Armor: Yeoui (Imitation)
Ever since he began hunting demons, he had finally accumulated enough MCoins to unlock a crucial feature.
"System, use 5000 MCoins to unlock the shop," he commanded.
A mechanical chime echoed in his head as a new interface appeared before him.
(-5000 MCoins deducted)
[Shop]
Mori Dan Transformation – 40,000
Nirvana Transformation – ???
Miracle Transformation – ???
Gungnir – 8,000,000
Borrowed Power Longinus – 500,000
Dragon Armorsuits [Tattered] – 5,000,000
Sage's Robe – 15,000,000
Sage's Wisdom – 20,000,000
Sage's Body – 20,000,000
Yeoui [Weight Limit: Unbound, Fully Controllable] – 9,000,000
(Items are scaled up from the original version in the manhwa.)
Divine Pellets x5 – 15,000
Subhuti Staff Technique – 10,000 (70% off)
Wolgwang Swordsmanship – 10,000 (70% off)
Renewal Taekwondo – 10,000 (70% off)
Zero Punch: Jeollabuk Do Ikesan – 50,000
Jeabonchim – 50,000
Green Eye Mask – 300,000
Mori's eyes widened as he scrolled through the shop.
"Holy shit... it has everything," he muttered in disbelief.
There were even Character Experience Cards, allowing him to temporarily use the powers of legendary figures. His breath hitched when he spotted names like "666: Satan," "Maitreya Mubong Park," and "Miracle Mori Jin."
He was stunned. These were beings who defied even the laws of time and reality, and yet their powers were available for purchase. However, the price tags were just as absurd.
For now, he focused on something more realistic. His eyes locked onto the martial arts techniques that were discounted by 70%.
Without hesitation, he purchased Renewal Taekwondo for 3,000 MCoins.
(-3000 MCoins deducted)
The moment the transaction was complete, an overwhelming influx of knowledge surged into his mind.
He clenched his fists as memories of the martial art's techniques flooded his consciousness— Hwechook, Arang, Baekdu, Blue Dragon Kick, Twin Dragon Kick, Jin Hoechook. Even the more advanced techniques, like Jichuk, Jin Jichuk and Mori Original: Railgun, were now within his grasp.
The sheer depth of Renewal Taekwondo left him momentarily dazed.
Taking a deep breath, he muttered to himself, "Daewi once told Mori Dan that he had the ability to constantly reset and level up. Mori Jin never needed to hone his skills because he started out overwhelmingly strong. But what if I, as a normal human, hone my skills first before leveling up?"
A shiver ran down his spine at the thought.
"If I master my foundation before growing stronger... what would happen then?"
Without realizing it, Mori's feet carried him toward his usual secluded training ground. Snapping out of his thoughts, he took a deep breath and assumed the Re-Taekwondo Basic Stance.
"I remember Ilpyo Park explaining that Recoiless is a concept that can only be achieved when someone reaches the pinnacle of technique. I'll probably have to master multiple martial arts before I can even attempt that," he murmured to himself.
Closing his eyes, he began performing the fundamental techniques of Renewal Taekwondo. His movements were swift, calculated, and precise.
"Arang. Axe. Fangs. Goryeo. Ground Drawer. Halla. Dragon Catcher. Hwechook. Three-Stage Hwechook," he whispered, executing each move with increasing fluidity.
As he continued practicing, his breathing slowed, his mind becoming clearer. His body moved almost on its own, flowing between techniques as if guided by something beyond himself.
Deep within his subconscious, Mori found himself walking upon the surface of an endless body of water. Each step sent gentle ripples across the liquid expanse, yet he did not sink.
An unknown amount of time passed as he walked aimlessly. Eventually, a thick mist began to form, and within it, he saw a figure.
As he drew closer, the mist dissipated, revealing a short yet powerful-looking man with blue hair, multiple scars across his shirtless body, and a green eye mask covering part of his face.
Mori's eyes widened.
"Mori Dan," he whispered in shock.
The figure simply turned his head slightly, his expression unreadable.
"You're doing it wrong, kid," Mori Dan said. "You almost have it, but you're too rigid—just like I was in the beginning."
Without another word, he began demonstrating Re-Taekwondo's techniques.
Mori stood frozen, completely mesmerized. Every movement Mori Dan performed was breathtaking—each technique perfectly executed, carrying an undeniable sense of purpose and precision. Every kick, every spin, every strike felt as though it contained the weight of the universe itself.
"Beautiful," Mori muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mori Dan repeated each move three times before finally turning to face him.
"You've got more talent than even Dean," he said, his tone serious. "Dean personally witnessed these techniques, yet you, with nothing but theoretical knowledge, are already applying them. Even I think you have more talent than me when I was 'Mori Jin.' "
Mori felt his chest tighten at those words.
"I look forward to meeting you one day, kid..." Mori Dan said before turning around and walking back into the mist, fading from sight.
Mori jolted awake, his breath ragged.
"That was… real," he muttered.
His hands trembled slightly as he recalled the encounter.
"The real Mori Dan… but how is that possible?"