The Onset of Muzan's Transformation

In the dimly lit room, illuminated by only a single lantern, an air of cold, unsettling mystery prevailed. Roxana paced methodically, her shadow dancing across the ancient stone walls, creating a stark contrast with Dr. Akiyama, who was restrained in a chair, the embodiment of fear replacing his usual scholarly composure.

The eerie silence was occasionally punctuated by the creak of wooden floorboards under Roxana's steady footsteps.

"Now that you have examined Muzan.. How long does he have?" Roxana inquired, her voice steady yet laced with frustration.

Dr. Akiyama responded with visible anxiety, "He has roughly a month before succumbing to a coma... Beyond that, I fear he may only survive a year in such a state, if fortune is on his side."

Roxana pondered silently. Her recollection of the original storyline was vague, but she was certain Muzan's fate did not involve a coma at this juncture.

"Tell me about the blue spider lily," Roxana demanded, her voice calm but edged with a sharpness that had begun to unsettle Dr. Akiyama considerably.

Visibly distressed and fearing for his life, Dr. Akiyama replied, "Blue spider lily? I—I've never encountered such a flower in all my research or travels. Please, you must believe me; I have no reason to deceive."

Halting her pacing, Roxana fixed Dr. Akiyama with a piercing stare. "Impossible," she asserted, frustration evident. " This was a crucial component of the original plot, the supposed cure offered to Muzan. Are you suggesting it doesn't exist?"

Struggling against his bonds and his fear, Dr. Akiyama insisted, "I'm unaware of any plot you mention, but I can assure you, no such flower or herb exists within my known medical resources. It's not documented in any pharmacopoeia, ancient or contemporary."

After rendering Dr. Akiyama unconscious, Roxana's thoughts raced in solitude. "Have I misunderstood the situation?" she mused. "Could there be another healer destined to offer Muzan the remedy? But, as far as I know, no other doctor is coming anytime soon."

The prospect of Muzan entering a vegetative state complicated matters. While she could synthesize the blue spider lily from scratch by using her system, it would cost her 500 souls-a price far too high for such an insignificant entity.

Roxana considered her next steps. "I could wait a month, gather some souls, and fulfill my contract. Breaking the contract is a risk I am unwilling to take yet, so I would leave with 1000 souls as promised and something extra for dealing with Muzan. However, merely meeting the terms feels akin to defeat. I yearn for a victory that is undeniable and absolute."

"Wait, what if another demon had been called forth instead of me? Summoned from the upper abyss, it's unlikely any other would possess the strength or knowledge to navigate this predicament. There must be an aspect of this situation that I've overlooked."

Realization dawned on Roxana with a sudden clarity, "Blood—that's the answer. It's the one thing that might work without costing too much. Also in this world Muzan's blood later on is pretty important, almost like a form of currency. It must be the key.

Demon blood must be very special. No wonder I felt a wave of fear just from the few drops of blood Caelum and Ignis shed in their skirmish. Ah, I'll need more subjects for my experiments."

Excited by her epiphany, she accessed her system to evaluate her new idea. Combining her own blood with a common herb as the foundation for the cure drastically reduced the cost—to merely 10 souls. "Looks like I've stumbled onto something brilliant," she mused, her mind racing with the possibilities of this newfound, cost-effective strategy.

As those at the dinner table began to shake off their drowsiness, Roxana took the opportunity to clarify with the healer, "Actually, doctor, when Muzan-sama mentioned 'the flower,' he was referring to the blue spider lily. Now that you're here, how soon can we begin the treatment? I'm convinced that with the Lily, we can cure Muzan-sama."

Dr. Akiyama replied, "Ah, I understand now. Yes, I have the blue spider lily with me. We can initiate the treatment right away. However, I must apologize; the flower was slightly damaged during my travel here. Despite this, its healing capabilities are intact. It's crucial, though, that we provide continuous care for the patient."

A brief wave of discomfort swept through the room, momentarily unsettling the other members as if they were all coming from a deep fog. This fleeting sensation was quickly eclipsed by a surge of relief and hope, fueled by Dr. Akiyama's words. The promise of starting the treatment immediately, despite the flower's slight damage, offered a tangible sense of optimism, calming any residual unease and focusing everyone on the path to Muzan's recovery.

The news brought a wave of relief to Muzan's parents, motivated by the belief that the herb, combined with Roxana's demonic abilities, could fully restore Muzan.

"I'll take care of Muzan-sama," Roxana assured them. "It's the duty of an assistant to look after the patient, after all."

Muzan, absorbed in his own thoughts, couldn't help but feel a spark of self-interest ignite within him: "Finally, there's a light at the end of the tunnel for me." This blend of self-absorption and his growing desire for Roxana painted his hope not just as a longing for recovery, but as an opportunity to draw closer to her.

However, in that moment of optimism, the black aura surrounding Muzan's soul intensified. This peculiar darkness was precisely what had drawn Roxana to assist him in the first place. In all her studies and experiments, she had never encountered a soul's color so profoundly dark, especially in someone still alive.

Turning to Mrs. Katsuragi, Roxana suggested, "Let's get the room ready. We can begin the treatment right away."

In Muzan's dimly lit room, where the tension of anticipation hung heavily in the air, Dr. Akiyama prepared the mixture containing the blue spider lily. Muzan lay on the bed, his eyes betraying a mix of eagerness and uncertainty. The doctor, with a steady hand, mixed the concoction, then turned to Muzan, offering it to him.

However, Muzan, ever the proud individual and evidently drawn to Roxana's presence, insisted with a touch of defiance, "I can take the medicine myself. Or, Roxana, would you do me the honor?" His voice carried a blend of self-assurance and a barely concealed desire for Roxana's attention, casting her in a role that extended beyond that of a mere assistant.

Roxana, masking her irritation with a smile, acquiesced. "Of course, Muzan-sama."

As she brought the glass to his lips, Muzan's anticipation was palpable. The moment the liquid touched his tongue and slid down his throat, a stark transformation occurred. His body tensed, a grimace warping his features as waves of intense pain rolled over him.

It was as if the very essence of the cure was battling the darkness entrenched within him. His fingers clawed at the sheets, knuckles whitening, and his breath came in short, ragged gasps. The pain was not silent; it echoed off the walls in low moans, growing louder, a testament to the internal strife he endured.

Observing the violent reaction, Dr. Akiyama quickly advised, "Perhaps it would be best for everyone to leave the room now. Let the patient rest."

As Dr. Akiyama suggested the room be cleared to allow Muzan to rest, his parents hesitated, their faces etched with concern. They couldn't bear the thought of leaving their son alone in such a state of distress. "We should stay with him. He needs us," Muzan's mother insisted, her voice trembling with worry.

Roxana stepped forward, her demeanor calm and reassuring. "I understand your concerns," she said, gently. "But it's crucial for Muzan-sama to have a quiet environment to recover. The treatment is intense, and rest is just as important as the medicine itself."

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing, "I'll stay with him. I'll ensure he's comfortable and immediately alert you if there's any change in his condition. Please trust me; I'm here to help him through this."

Her confidence and composed assurance offered a beacon of hope to Muzan's anxious parents. Though it was difficult, they nodded, placing their trust in Roxana's hands. "Please take care of him," Muzan's father said, his voice heavy with unspoken gratitude.

With a final look of reassurance, Roxana nodded. "I will. You have my word." The parents, comforted yet still concerned, finally agreed to step outside, leaving Roxana alone with Muzan. 

As they departed, Roxana's gaze shifted back to Muzan, her lips curving into a sinister smile. Alone now with her thoughts, she whispered to herself, "My first demon test subject." The gleam in her eyes spoke volumes of her dark anticipation. "This will be interesting," she added, the thrill of the unknown adding an edge to her voice; a girl embarking on a venture that blurred the lines between cruelty and curiosity.