Chapter 43: Evolution in Progress
The next day.
The Star Palace had temporarily closed its doors to visitors, though this wasn't much different from usual.
There was one day left until Tengen's evolution.
He really liked the day after tomorrow.
Minamoto Sōjun shook his head, resigned to waiting. He was always in a state of readiness.
As he put it, everything that needed preparation was done. There was no point in stalling. The only solution was to give it his all. Delaying wouldn't improve the success rate; it would only lead to emotional turmoil and hinder the outcome.
The machine known as the Jujutsu High was once again operating at full capacity, the entire school tense beneath its calm exterior.
A large number of personnel were stationed covertly. Overnight, the number of hidden agents outside Minamoto Sōjun's attic had increased significantly. They were no longer subtle, openly watching his every move. If anything went wrong, they would immediately escort Riko Amanai to Tengen.
Masamichi Yaga and others had arrived. The living room was crowded with familiar and unfamiliar faces: Shizuko Mishima, Suguru Geto, Satoru Gojo, Shoko Ieiri, Utahime Iori, Mei Mei, along with two first-year students, Kento Nanami and Yu Haibara.
Each had their own task.
If the evolution failed, it was uncertain whether they would adhere to their inner principles or choose a different path.
As a result, everyone remained silent.
In contrast, the two main figures—Minamoto Sōjun and Riko Amanai—were still jokingly engaged in curse technique lessons, one teaching with laughter and the other learning the same way.
Masamichi Yaga could only hold his head in his hands, exasperated.
"How's the preparation?" he asked Minamoto Sōjun. "What are the chances of success?"
Minamoto Sōjun shrugged lightly without answering, making Yaga pace back and forth in frustration.
At times like this, the mindset of everyone became evident. The younger ones were carefree, while the older and more mature individuals were restless with worry.
How can you accomplish great things with that attitude? thought Masamichi Yaga.
Minamoto Sōjun mentally rolled his eyes.
Even if Tengen lost control, in his opinion, it wouldn't be a big deal—there were plenty of solutions.
These sorcerers just loved to overreact and lacked composure.
By the next morning, Tengen's evolution was set to occur that evening.
As time pressed on, everyone once again gathered at Minamoto Sōjun's residence.
However, Minamoto Sōjun had already gone to the Star Palace.
Tengen had prepared everything necessary for the barrier formation. Five clones of Minamoto Sōjun were sent out to double-check specific locations, ensuring no errors in the barrier's setup.
After confirming, Minamoto Sōjun began crafting stakes and drawing talismans. He precisely buried cursed objects into the ground, their positions subtly interconnected. Forming a sword seal with his fingers, he chanted:
"Born of darkness, darker than black, filth and corruption, be purified."
A new barrier emerged, integrating seamlessly into Jujutsu High's grand barrier system and connecting with Japan's Ten Great Barriers through the Sacred Tree.
After sensing the setup and finding no issues, Minamoto Sōjun glanced at Tengen, who nodded in approval.
The intricate arrangement was, in fact, a restraint. In exchange, it would unleash the peak power of a spiritual barrier.
At the same time, personnel were already stationed at key points of various barriers, ensuring no cursed spirits took advantage of Tengen's vulnerable state.
With everything in place, only half the allotted time had passed.
Minamoto Sōjun, now idle, began checking the final details.
"It all comes down to this…" Tengen murmured, half to himself, half to Minamoto Sōjun.
Their mindsets couldn't have been more different.
"During the evolution, there's bound to be a period of loss of control. Are you confident you can handle it?" Tengen asked calmly.
"If you're willing, I can set up a safeguard on you as the final layer of protection."
Minamoto Sōjun could sense Tengen's hesitation, but they had rehearsed this scenario countless times.
As he always said, preparations were complete, and even in the worst case, he had contingencies.
"Of course, if you don't agree, that's fine too."
He truly didn't understand why Tengen was so wary of him. When splitting consciousness or during the out-of-body state, Tengen would undoubtedly enter a dormant state. If he had ulterior motives, there had been plenty of earlier opportunities, including during previous experiments.
Tengen gazed at him deeply and finally relented. "Fine."
Minamoto Sōjun didn't care either way.
Approaching Tengen, he formed a star-shaped seal with his fingers and pressed it onto Tengen's forehead.
As soon as the seal was activated, a dazzling starry light burst forth, pulsing intensely as crimson veins spread across Tengen's eyes. Minamoto Sōjun injected a significant amount of cursed energy until the light stabilized and the seal shut tightly.
Breaking off his index finger, he regenerated a new one. Holding the severed finger, it transformed into a glowing white spike.
Minamoto Sōjun drove the spike into Tengen's left arm.
Then, one by one, he broke off his fingers and embedded them into Tengen's right arm, left leg, right leg, chest, liver, spleen, both lungs, and kidneys.
A total of 11 spikes.
Each was connected by a crimson thread of hair.
In Tengen's soul, 11 matching glowing white spikes also appeared.
Minamoto Sōjun checked the setup. The crimson threads flickered faintly but remained connected, the embedded points subtly working together.
During the evolution, he would use his technique to maintain Tengen's form. If Tengen failed to awaken his self-awareness and lost complete control, then…
The two fell silent again. Minamoto Sōjun began circling the Sacred Tree, observing its unique features.
Tengen was torn, hoping for time to either speed up or slow down.
As night fell, Tengen sat cross-legged on the ground. He nodded towards Minamoto Sōjun.
Minamoto Sōjun jumped down from the railing, stretched lazily, and finally began.
Forming a sword seal with his fingers, he softly whispered, "Begin."
A new barrier unfolded.
Holding a soul scalpel, Minamoto Sōjun made several phantom cuts toward Tengen, his palm emitting a bright blue glow. In his vision, silver lines converged towards the blue light, drawn into the barrier with lively movements—
The creation of the consciousness drive was successful.
Tengen's head drooped lifelessly, black curses rising and coiling around his body. Flesh and blood multiplied chaotically, layering upon itself, and his soul swelled grotesquely…
His blood...
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