章 19: Armor of Flesh and Blood
Tokyo in March was still cold, clinging to the last traces of winter and occasionally sending chills deep into one's bones.
During this seasonal shift, even curses seemed to enter a period of dormancy, with incidents occurring less frequently.
But no matter what, spring was on its way, and the earth would soon awaken.
...
Mishima Shiko suddenly approached.
"There's a specific mission that requires us to complete it," she told Minamoto Sōjun.
A "designated mission" meant a task where a sorcerer, having built a reputation during their work, was specifically requested by the client to handle the case.
These missions often offered higher rewards and valuable experience.
Of course, sorcerers had the freedom to decline missions, but refusals were recorded and could lead to negative evaluations. Moreover—
"This one was assigned directly by the Jujutsu High," Mishima Shiko added.
"So, there's no refusing this one, is there?" Minamoto Sōjun said thoughtfully.
Jujutsu High provided free accommodations and meals, which naturally attracted some freeloading sorcerers who exploited loopholes to avoid work and slack off.
However, policies had countermeasures.
Jujutsu High mandated monthly mission quotas and allowed for two compulsory missions within reasonable limits.
What Mishima referred to as a "direct assignment" from Jujutsu High was essentially a euphemism for a compulsory mission issued to both of them—or rather, specifically to Minamoto Sōjun.
This wasn't unusual. As bounty sorcerers, enjoying the benefits came with corresponding obligations.
The two packed up and immediately set out.
In the car, Mishima Shiko briefed him on the mission:
"This is a Grade 1 Curse Exorcism Mission. A middle school has encountered a Grade 1 curse, which has caused significant harm and claimed numerous student lives. We must arrive as soon as possible and exorcise the target curse!"
Before they even reached the destination, Minamoto Sōjun spotted a black vortex swirling ominously above the school.
His paranoia began to stir, and an uneasy premonition crept into his heart.
Upon exiting the car, Minamoto Sōjun immediately raised his sword fingers and cast a barrier:
"From darkness it is born, darker than black itself, filth and impurity, be cleansed."
A black barrier descended and then vanished into the void. Through his connection with the barrier, Minamoto Sōjun carefully sensed the interior.
Mishima Shiko stood beside him, curious but refrained from questioning. They had collaborated enough to share an unspoken understanding.
The two stepped into the barrier.
The school grounds were eerily quiet. Not a single curse appeared as they made their way toward the vortex's center.
Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. Though they knew something was amiss, they couldn't pinpoint exactly what was wrong. The oppressive atmosphere was deeply unsettling.
Minamoto Sōjun sent forth his fly-head shikigami to scout ahead, sharing its vision and senses.
Gradually, the two reached the vortex's center.
It was a seemingly ordinary school building with no external abnormalities.
The two exchanged glances before entering the front doors, finding themselves in a long hallway. The classrooms, which should have been orderly, were now a chaotic jumble, violating the boundaries of space.
Perception became distorted in an instant.
Although Minamoto Sōjun couldn't see his fly-head, he could still sense its position. He immediately realized this was genuine spatial manipulation.
He gave Mishima Shiko a look, and she instinctively placed her hand on her sword's hilt. Back to back, they moved forward cautiously.
Suddenly, a black hole appeared beneath Mishima Shiko's feet, and she began to fall. Minamoto Sōjun grabbed her by the collar, intending to pull her up—
But the black hole widened, and both of them plunged downward...
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