"Only sorcerers ranked Grade 1 or higher can handle Special Grade Cursed Spirits. Based on Gojo Satoru's recommendation, he believes you possess the power of a Grade 1 sorcerer. So, I hope you'll take on this mission."
Zephyr fell into deep thought.
"Big Sis is amazing! But wait, why Grade 1? Isn't Special Grade above that?"
"Special Grade is an extremely rare rank," the principal explained. "Only a handful of people in the entire world hold that title. It's not something the average person can achieve. For most sorcerers, Grade 1 is already an elite level."
"I see."
The principal continued, "Of course, you can refuse. I can't force you to accept this mission. After all, your strength was assessed solely based on Gojo's judgment—it hasn't gone through the school's official evaluation.
If he happened to overestimate you, we would risk losing a valuable student. So, the choice is yours."
"Big Sis, take it! Just wipe that curse spirit out!"
"Are you stupid? That's a Special Grade curse spirit, not an ant! Even for Big Sis, it's dangerous!"
"Oh, right. In that case, maybe don't go, Big Sis…"
Fushiguro facepalmed. "Can you please make up your mind!?"
Zephyr said calmly, "I'll go."
"As expected of Big Sis!"
"But isn't it dangerous?"
"Even if it is—I'm still going."
"Uwahhh! As expected of Big Sis! This kind of self-sacrifice, stepping up when no one else will… truly admirable!"
Paimon, however, looked genuinely worried. "U-Um… do you really have to go, Mr. Zephyr? Maybe let the Traveler decide instead?"
Lumine said, "It's fine, Paimon. This is my decision."
"Huh?"
"Even though I've been living pretty well in this strange new world, fighting evil and doing meaningful things every day…
I've never forgotten my original goal: rescuing my sister. And to do that, I need more power."
"Uhh… okay then." Paimon didn't know what else to say.
Even though Lumine sounded determined, Zephyr was still a bit puzzled.
From what he remembered of the original plot, this whole cursed womb situation was actually a setup by the curse faction to test Itadori Yuji's power.
But now, Yuji hadn't even eaten Sukuna's finger yet—so what's the point of setting a trap?
"Whatever. Not gonna overthink it."
Maybe the plot had just changed. Either way, with teleportation and a few dozen Sweet Madame dishes in his inventory, even if things got dicey, he could always escape.
Itadori Yuji looked worried. "Big Sis, this mission sounds seriously dangerous. Are you sure you'll be okay going alone? How about we come with you?"
Zephyr replied, "No need. This mission is dangerous. To be honest, other than Fushiguro, the rest of you wouldn't be much help here—so it's better if I go alone."
"Well… alright. But wait, Fushiguro's that strong?"
Itadori and Nobara looked over at Fushiguro Megumi with skeptical expressions.
Fushiguro Megumi had a few black lines appear on his forehead, clearly annoyed.
But at the same time, he was also confused deep downDid he really have the ability to get involved in something like this?
This was a Special Grade Cursed Spirit they were talking about!
And right now, he still struggled even with Grade 2 curses!
Maybe noticing the look in Fushiguro's eyes, Zephyr spoke up:
"Wondering why I said that? Believe in yourself. Don't be afraid of getting stronger. Your true potential is far beyond what you're currently showing.
Also, think carefully—your abilities are wide in scope, with a lot of untapped potential waiting to be developed."
Fushiguro scratched his head. "We've only just met, and yet you talk like you already know me inside and out."
The principal cut in, "Alright, enough small talk. With every passing minute, the danger increases. Ijichi, come in. He'll take you to the site."
"Hello, Miss Lumine," greeted a typical-looking middle-aged corporate slave as he approached.
And so, under everyone's watchful eyes, Lumine, Paimon and Ijichi departed for the site.
On the way, Ijichi slowly explained the situation.
"Our spotters confirmed the cursed womb about three hours ago. After initiating a 90% evacuation protocol, the area was sealed off based on field assessment.
All residents within a 500-meter radius have already been evacuated."
Paimon tilted her head and asked cutely, "Ane~ What's a spotter?"
Ijichi seemed surprised by Paimon's existence but, being a proper corporate employee, he knew when not to ask too many questions.
He explained, "Spotters, or 'Mado', are individuals affiliated with Jujutsu High who can visually perceive curses, but they're not actual sorcerers."
Paimon nodded. "So basically, they're normal people who can see curses?"
"Er, not quite… but close enough," Ijichi replied.
"The cursed womb is located in the second detention block of a juvenile detention center. There are five inmates still inside, staying with the cursed womb.
If the cursed womb fully matures, it's predicted to become a Special Grade Cursed Spirit."
Paimon asked, "Wait a second, so it's just the two of us on this mission?"
"Apologies," Ijichi said with a bow. "Being understaffed is kind of the norm around here."
"So what exactly is the mission?" Paimon continued.
"There are two objectives. One: locate and rescue any survivors. Two: if it's within your power, eliminate the curse spirit that is the source of this incident."
Paimon frowned. "What do you mean if it's within our power? Sounds like you don't have much faith in us!"
Ahem.
"Well, you two are still students… and first-years, at that.
To be honest, I don't know what the school was thinking assigning this mission to you. But I trust the higher-ups wouldn't make such a decision without good reason.
Still, if I may offer some personal advice—if you find yourselves outmatched, run. Don't worry about pride. Your lives matter more."
Paimon blinked, then grinned. "Wow, you look super corporate, but you're actually a good person!"
Ijichi adjusted his glasses, eye twitching slightly. "What do you mean look like a corporate slave? 'Corporate slave' is a neutral term, not an insult."
"Oh, really? My bad!"
Zephyr added dryly, "Didn't deny being one though."
When they arrived at the scene, the entire area was completely sealed off. Not a single resident was in sight.
Zephyr walked alone toward the second dormitory and pushed the door open.
The instant he stepped inside, it felt as if he had traveled through a portal—
The environment shifted and twisted, concrete buildings interlaced in chaotic, unnatural patterns. It was eerily surreal.
Paimon froze, stunned. "W-What is going on here? Isn't this supposed to be the second floor of the dormitory?"
Zephyr replied, "It's obvious—this is a Domain."
"A domain? But… why does this domain look so different from Gojo Satoru's?"
"That's completely normal. No two domains are the same. Domains manifest based on a person's inner world—so they can look like anything."
"Anything at all?" Paimon blinked. "So that means… is it possible to make a domain that's just full of delicious food?!"
"…In theory, yes."
"Wahh!" Paimon's eyes sparkled.
"That's amazing! Paimon wanna learn how to make a domain!"
//END
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