Gruß Gott! Sp00k here with a brand new chapter for all of you! So, hoping to know your thoughts, without further delay, let's begin!
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Sukuna's POV:
The surge of cursed energy settling within me was a familiar sensation, though faint compared to my former might. As I adjusted to the power, something caught the edge of my vision. A flash of white and blue streaks darting through the dim light of the street lamps. I turned my head slightly and saw her—a white-haired woman, streaked with light-blue, chasing after a small black and white creature.
'What is a child doing, at this late of an hour?' I wondered, narrowing my eyes as I observed her antics. There was something particularly remarkable about her appearance, yet something felt off.
"Oh? Come here, you little critter, you!" she called out, her voice unnaturally cheerful as she tried to catch the cat. Her playful tone grated on my ears. The cat hissed in response, darting away from her with haste, its tiny form rushing away.
"You dare to run from me? Stop right this instant!" the woman snapped, clearly offended by the creature's defiance. A small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. Her indignation over such a trivial matter was almost laughable.
But then I felt it—a shift in the air. My senses flared, and my eyes caught something else. A figure, cloaked in shadows, sitting on a bench not far from where the woman stood. Unlike her playful energy, this figure was still, almost unnaturally so, as if they existed outside the flow of time itself.
My gaze sharpened. The atmosphere around them was different, heavy. It wasn't the cursed energy I was used to, but something else entirely. I could feel their presence now, watching, perhaps waiting for something to unfold. Whoever they were, they weren't just some bystander. There was a purpose behind their stillness, and I intended to uncover it.
I shifted slightly, my eyes flickering between the absurd scene of the woman chasing the cat and the figure seated in the distance. 'Interesting,' I thought. This place may be foreign, but its mysteries were already making themselves known.
The night was becoming far more intriguing than I anticipated. A puzzle was unfolding before me, and I intended to learn every piece of it, starting with this strange encounter.
The tension in the air thickened as the cloaked figure stirred, drawing my attention fully. I watched as a hand, blackened as if charred by flames, slowly emerged from beneath the cloak. The skin, cracked and twisted, looked unnatural, while the pointed nails resembled claws more than human fingernails. A faint smirk tugged at my lips. Malice. The figure reeked of it.
Before I could consider the figure's intent, it sprang into motion. With a fluid, almost inhuman grace, the figure leapt from its seat, the shadows clinging to its form like a second skin. Its target was clear: the white-haired woman, still distracted by the elusive cat.
In an instant, I recognized the threat. This was no ordinary attack. I could sense the murderous intent in the figure's movements, the strike meant to end her life without hesitation.
My body moved before I had fully processed the decision, instincts honed by centuries of battle taking over. I raised my hand, fingers curling into a familiar shape of a wolf. The power surged within me, a fraction of what it once was but enough for what I needed. The shadows around me flickered and warped, responding to my will.
"Divine Dogs!" I called out, my voice calm yet commanding as I summoned the shadows into the form of two massive wolves, one being white, and the other black. Using a quarter of my remaining cursed energy, I pushed their strength beyond their usual limits, their forms swelling to the size of trucks. Their bodies rippled with dark energy, eyes glowing as they growled in unison, baring their fangs.
The wolves leapt forward with terrifying speed, intercepting the cloaked figure mid-attack. The force of their charge sent the figure stumbling back, claws narrowly missing their target. The malicious energy radiating from the figure clashed against the overwhelming presence of my Divine Dogs, creating a violent ripple in the air around us.
I stood still, watching the scene unfold, my gaze cold and calculating. An assassin in the night, and yet this woman has no idea of the danger she was in. My wolves circled the figure, growling low, their eyes locked onto the intruder with deadly intent.
For a brief moment, I felt the weight of the cursed energy pulsing through me. Though I had expended more than I would have liked, I knew this show of power was necessary. Whoever this figure is, I thought, they have underestimated their own boundaries.
The figure, though unharmed and a little surprised by the swift interception, wasn't done yet. But neither was I.
Before I could make another move, the cloaked figure vanished. One moment they were there, locked in a clash with my Divine Dogs, and the next, gone as if teleported away. The malice that had hung in the air dissipated with them, leaving behind only the eerie silence of the night.
I glanced down at the white-haired woman, expecting fear or confusion. Instead, her eyes sparkled with excitement, as though she hadn't just been inches from death. She immediately stood up, her face lighting up at the sight of my over-sized wolves.
"Aren't you two such good boys!" she exclaimed gleefully, rushing forward to rub their bellies with her fingers without hesitation. "Your master must've trained you very well!" Her voice carried a playful, carefree energy, entirely oblivious to the threat that had just been averted.
She turned to face me, her expression still joyful and thankful. "Ah! Pardon me for ignoring you. I, Furina de Fontaine, express my gratitude upon...?"
I said nothing at first, merely watching her with a raised brow. This girl is completely careless. Stepping closer, I placed a hand on her shoulder, a gesture meant to calm her, though my tone remained cold and detached.
"Well, Furina," I began, meeting her eyes briefly, "I am Ryomen Sukuna. You should go home to your guardian. Incidents like that tend to repeat themselves if you're not careful."
She blinked, seemingly surprised by the sudden seriousness in my voice. But before she could respond, I unsummoned the Divine Dogs, their massive forms dissolving into my shadow. Without another word, I stepped back into the shadows myself, allowing them to envelop me as I disappeared from sight, vanishing without a trace.
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Third person POV:
"Hey! Wait—" I heard her call out, but I was already gone, leaving only the cool night air behind. 'This world is full of oddities' I mused as I moved through the shadows. 'But I have done enough of protecting tonight'
As the morning sun gently kissed the horizon, Sukuna stirred from his place of rest, which was a rooftop, his eyes fluttering open to the soft hues of dawn. Stretching his lithe frame, he felt the subtle ache of muscles unused to such crude accommodations.
"This vessel needs nutrients, it seems," he murmured, a hint of amusement coloring his voice as he pressed a hand against his stomach, feeling the emptiness within. Glancing around the rooftop, he noted the urban landscape below, unfamiliar and bustling with early morning activity.
His gaze settled on a nearby building adorned with a weathered sign that proclaimed it as the "Adventurer's Guild." Intrigued by the promise of challenges and rewards, Sukuna descended from the rooftop with an effortless grace, landing soundlessly on the cobblestone street below. His movements were fluid, calculated to avoid unnecessary attention.
Approaching the structure, he noted with satisfaction that he was the first visitor of the day, spared the inconvenience of a queue. Inside, the atmosphere was calm yet purposeful, unique because there is no going inside, and papers adorning the walls.
"Greetings," Sukuna addressed the woman behind the central desk with a polite nod, his crimson eyes holding a glint of curiosity. "I am Ryomen Sukuna. I wish to apply as an adventurer?"
The woman, Katheryne, responded in a tone that was efficient yet tinged with a faint hint of warmth beneath her professional demeanor. "Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild," she greeted, her words flowing smoothly as if reciting a practiced script. "Please fill out your information and sign these forms."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Katheryne handed Sukuna a stack of documents and a ballpoint pen. Seated at a nearby table, Sukuna meticulously filled out the forms, his script precise and elegant despite the foreign nature of the task. Each detail was carefully considered, his true name and origin veiled beneath a guise suitable for this world.
Once completed, he returned the papers to Katheryne, who reviewed them with a nod of approval. Sukuna observed her with a faint smile, intrigued by the structured nature of this world—where even the pursuit of adventure was governed by rules and bureaucracy.
As he awaited further instructions, Sukuna's mind thinked with anticipation. The unknown challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in this new realm beckoned to him, promising both excitement and the chance to wield his power in ways that would benefit his goals.
Sukuna set the pen down with a satisfying finality, the sound of it clicking but still not enough to mute the bustling streets. "I'm done writing," he announced, a hint of satisfaction threading through his voice as he slid the completed papers across the desk towards Katheryne.
With a nod, Katheryne accepted the documents, her fingers deftly flipping through the pages before placing them into a neat drawer behind her. The drawer clicked shut with a muted thud, and she turned her attention back to him, her expression businesslike yet curious.
"Thank you, Ryomen Sukuna," she said, her voice carrying a rhythmic cadence that seemed almost musical. "Your application will be processed shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the guild or the adventures available, I would be happy to assist you."
Sukuna leaned back slightly in his chair, the aura of confidence emanating from him as he considered her words. The morning light filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the wooden furnishings and the carefully organized space, but he continued to think about the the thoughts swirling in his mind. 'What challenges lie ahead? What quests might I undertake to satiate this vessel's needs?'
"Are there any immediate tasks that require attention?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with a hint of eagerness. "I would prefer to begin my endeavors sooner rather than later."
Katheryne nodded, her demeanor shifting as she pointed out a nearby bulletin board adorned with various postings and quests. "We have several commissions available for new adventurers. Some require combat skills, while others may focus on gathering or exploration. Here, let me show you," she said, gesturing toward the board.
Sukuna stood and moved closer, examining the array of colorful papers pinned to the board. Each one detailed a different task, ranging from hunting down troublesome creatures to assisting locals in need. The diversity of opportunities intrigued him, and he found himself considering which quest would serve him best in gaining both experience and the nutrients he needed.
After scanning the options, he turned back to Katheryne, a faint smirk on his lips. "I believe I'll take on one of these tasks," he declared, excitement flickering in his crimson eyes. 'This world may prove to be more entertaining than I initially thought.'
"I have to learn more about this world first," Sukuna murmured to himself, his crimson eyes narrowing with curiousity. With a subtle gesture, he melded into the shadows, moving effortlessly from the adventurer's guild to an alleyway nearby. Emerging from the darkness, he found himself outside a grand library, its ancient architecture a stark contrast to the bustling city streets.
Inside, the air was still and filled with the scent of old parchment. Sukuna navigated through the labyrinthine aisles, his footsteps silent against the polished marble floors. His keen eyes scanned the signs overhead until he found what he sought: the 'History' and 'Bestiary' sections.
The 'History' section beckoned with shelves lined with leather-bound strips, each promising glimpses into the past of this unfamiliar world. Sukuna pulled out several volumes, flipping through pages with a scholar's patience, absorbing the tales of Archons or "God's", there were 7 Archons in total, each ruling a different nation in their own way, stories of nations and the history of them "Fontaine, a terrestrial sea nation, the place where I am in. And it is ruled by "Focalors", the hydro Archon..." Sukuna repeats the saying in the books with interest.
In the 'Bestiary' section, he discovered volumes filled with sketches and descriptions of creatures both mundane and fantastical. From the ferocious masked humanoids prowling the wilderness to the ancient dragons whispered about in local folklore, each entry painted a picture of the world's diverse inhabitants.
Hours passed as Sukuna delved deeper into the knowledge held within the library's walls. His hunger for understanding rivaled his need for sustenance, each revelation adding another layer to his understanding of this new realm.
Emerging from the library at dusk, Sukuna's mind buzzed with newfound knowledge. The evening sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets as he pondered the complexities of this world and the challenges that awaited him. With a renewed sense of purpose, he vanished once more into the shadows, ready to navigate this world with both wisdom and power.
"I think I read enough," Sukuna said to himself, a note of satisfaction in his voice as he carefully placed the books back on the shelves, ensuring they were aligned just so. The knowledge he had gleaned from the library about this world and its myriad creatures was invaluable, but the gnawing hunger in his stomach reminded him of his immediate priorities.
As he stepped outside, the cool evening air washed over him, and he swiftly melted back into the shadows of the alleyway. The world around him faded into darkness, and with a single thought, he reappeared near the Adventurer's Guild. The building loomed in front of him, its warm lights inviting and comforting against the encroaching night.
Once inside, Sukuna approached the bulletin board again, where quests and missions were still prominently displayed. He scanned the various postings, each one offering its own unique challenge. His eyes narrowed as he spotted one that piqued his interest: "Defeat 5 Hydro Slimes." The reward listed was a modest sum, but enough to satisfy his current hunger, as his stomach gets the same feeling again at the mention of food.
"Hydro slimes," he mused, recalling the descriptions he had read earlier. They were gelatinous creatures, often found near bodies of water, capable of ramming their watery forms to attack. A simple task, but one he felt confident he could handle without exerting too much of his limited power.
Sukuna stepped closer to the board, his finger hovering over the quest listing as he considered his options. The thrill of mauling lesser enemies, the satisfaction of victory, and the promise of sustenance stirred a primal excitement within him.
"Let's see," he murmured, his lips curling into a faint smile as he decided. "This should be entertaining."
With the quest firmly in mind, he took a deep breath, gathering his focus. He stepped away from the board and made his way toward the exit, determination radiating from him. The thrill of the hunt beckoned, and as he exited the guild, he felt the excitement of potential adventures ahead, potiental that might even surpass his self back in the heian era. Now, he would face the Hydro Slimes, and he was ready to maul these slimes back to the ocean.
Sukuna approached the bulletin board with a sense of purpose, plucking the commission paper for the Hydro Slimes with a swift motion. The parchment crinkled softly in his grip as he made his way to Katheryne's desk, his footsteps echoing with authority on the polished floor.
He placed the commission paper down before her with a decisive thud. "I would like to accept this commission," he stated, his tone cool and confident, betraying no hint of uncertainty.
Katheryne glanced up, her expression a mixture of professionalism and intrigue as she quickly scanned the details on the paper. "Please bring back slime condensates as proof of your commission," she instructed, her voice clear and matter-of-fact.
"I will," Sukuna replied, a confident smirk curling at the corners of his mouth. The thrill of the hunt surged through him, anticipation mingling with the undeniable satisfaction of knowing these slimes would be no match for him.
With a nod of acknowledgment, he turned and strode out of the guild hall. The cool evening air greeted him as he stepped into the street, but it felt nothing compared to the rising heat of battle within him. The streets, aglow with lantern light, were alive with chatter, but Sukuna was singularly focused, his mind already envisioning the carnage he would unleash.
He could practically taste the victory as he made his way toward the nearby riverbank, where the slimes were rumored to lurk. 'Those pitiful creatures don't stand a chance,' he thought, a savage grin spreading across his face. 'I will maul them to death, and they will learn the futility of opposing me.'
As he neared the water's edge, the sound of gently lapping waves echoed around him. He crouched low, his predatory instincts kicking in as he scanned the murky depths for any signs of his gelatinous prey.
'I will crush their forms, shatter their essence,' he mused, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. 'This world will soon witness the strongest mortal in history, Ryomen Sukuna.'
With a final glance at the shimmering water, he strengthen his fists with cursed energy, ready to engage the Hydro Slimes and prove once again why he was the King of Curses.
As Sukuna crept closer to the riverbank, a glimmer caught his eye amidst the shimmering water. There, bobbing lazily on the surface, was a slime larger than any he had encountered before. It pulsated with a translucent hue, but what truly drew his attention was the peculiar crown perched atop its gelatinous form. The crown glimmered in the waning light, adorned with a deep ruby that sparkled like blood against the creature's body.
Sukuna's keen instincts flared, and he took a moment to observe. Something about this slime felt different, a familiar presence radiating from within its amorphous form. His eyes narrowed as realization struck him like a thunderbolt: It has consumed one of my cursed fingers!
"Interesting!" he exclaimed, a mix of amusement and curiosity flooding his senses. The notion that a mere slime could incorporate one of his cursed remnants was both absurd and fascinating. This creature, crowned and seemingly regal, was more than just a simple monster; it was a bizarre manifestation of his own cursed energy.
A predatory grin spread across his face, revealing his sharp teeth. How amusing. A king among slimes, he thought, savoring the irony. The slime seemed unaware of its potential, floating aimlessly as if basking in its own perceived grandeur.
With newfound excitement surging through him, Sukuna stepped forward, the shadows around him shifting in response to his intent. "Let's see what you can do," he taunted, his voice low and dangerous. The air thickened with anticipation as he prepared to engage this unusual foe.
In a flash, Sukuna summoned his divine dogs, their forms bursting forth from the shadows, larger than before and fueled by his confidence. "Divine dogs, attack!" he commanded, watching with satisfaction as the spectral truck-sized wolves as it consumed a quarter of his cursed energy, lunged toward the crowned slime, their fangs bared.
He relished the thought of this confrontation, eager to test not only the creature's abilities but also to reclaim a portion of his power. The night was alive with the promise of chaos, and Sukuna was more than ready to embrace it.
As Sukuna advanced, the crowned slime began to shimmer, and he watched with keen interest as it sprouted water bubbles, each one releasing smaller Hydro Slimes that danced around it like a retinue of loyal subjects. Clever, he noted, but this would not deter him.
Steeling himself, Sukuna crouched low, preparing to sneak up behind the King Slime. His intention was clear: he would get in close and unleash 'Cleave,' a technique that would sever not just its form but also its connection to the cursed energy it had consumed.
Just as he was about to strike, the King Slime shrank in size, a mesmerizing display of fluidity. In an instant, it reappeared a few paces away, its crown glinting defiantly in the fading light.
Sukuna's eyes narrowed, a predatory glint igniting within. "Tricky, but not enough," he called out, a smirk playing on his lips. He could feel the faint pulse of cursed energy within the slime, a remnant of his own power that it had assimilated. "You may have regenerative abilities due to your borrowed power from me, but I'll cut you down before you can even heal."
With a fluid motion, Sukuna launched himself forward, shadows twisting around him as he closed the distance. He focused on the crown, knowing that the true essence of this creature was tethered to it. He channeled his energy into his let's for speed, feeling it surge through him as he prepared to use a enhanced cleave as Sukuna starts chanting.
As he reached out for the slime, he felt the tension in the air shift. The smaller Hydro Slimes darted around him, attempting to impede his progress by ramming into him, but he brushed them aside effortlessly, his focus unwavering.
"Enough games!" Sukuna bellowed, the ground beneath him trembling as he dashed forward, channeling his almost all of his cursed energy left into the cleave, as the divine Dogs were holding off the slimes.
The slime shimmered again, trying to evade, but Sukuna was faster this time, Sukuna moved swiftly, closing the gap between himself and the King Slime. His eyes glinted with anticipation as he finally got within striking range. With one powerful leap, he made physical contact, his fingers brushing against the slime's rippling form.
"Cleave," he muttered, and in an instant, his cursed energy surged through the slime's body, tearing it apart from within. The gelatinous form of the King Slime gets divided into many small pieces, its crown toppling to the ground as the creature let out a low, gurgling sound.
The slime wobbled violently before its body began to disintegrate, its once-regal form dissolving into nothing more than ashes scattered on the wind. Sukuna stood tall, watching with satisfaction as the remnants of the slime vanished before his eyes.
But something caught his attention in the corner of his vision—there, sinking into the shallow water, was one of his cursed fingers. Its familiar, ominous energy pulsed faintly as it drifted downward, the dark, twisted aura unmistakable.
"One more," Sukuna whispered to himself, stepping closer to the water. He extended his hand, retrieving the finger with ease. The cursed energy that emanated from it was strong, a portion of his own power now back in his possession.
Without hesitation, he brought the finger to his lips, swallowing it whole. A surge of cursed energy coursed through him as his power increased slightly, granting him 1/20th more of his original strength, 18 more to go. The sensation was electrifying, a reminder of the immense power that had once been his—and would soon be again.
With a satisfied smirk, Sukuna glanced back at the empty space where the King Slime had been moments ago. "Borrowed power or not, you were never a true king, repent with sorrow, you are weak." he muttered, his voice laced with disdain. He turned his back on the fading ashes, feeling the renewed energy flowing through him as he vanished into the shadows once more, ready to face whatever awaited him next in this strange world.
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And done! I think was on something while making this, anyways, hope to see you next chapter! I gotta go go to school so Tschüss everybody!
(4,000+ words)