55 Chapter 32. Morning Star (Part 2)

I might have leapt into action the moment Ashtamangala, bathed in the glow of the Blazing Spear, made contact with the ground. Yet, upon witnessing my attack's effectiveness surpassing my expectations, I opted to delay the direct engagement, choosing instead to employ the Reverse Technique. This strategy entailed focusing the Limitless power of Cursed Energy to enhance my physical capabilities and accelerate Ashtamangala, a choice that regrettably rendered me incapable of self-healing mid-flight.

Therefore, as I stood at the edge of the crater, waiting for the dust to settle and the warmth of the previous onslaught to fade, I started to repair the ripped muscles and fractured bones in my right hand, which was firmly clutching Ashtamangala. I was also compelled to channel the Reverse Technique's energy into healing my shoulder, ribs, and lungs. Reflecting on it, the situation might seem dire, but I was fully aware that despite the severe appearance of my injuries, they were not critical. My body, far sturdier than an average Sorcerer's and with my cursed energy mastery greatly advanced, could withstand fighting with broken limbs and compromised organs, save for the heart and brain. Thus, as long as I wasn't bisected, my satisfaction was intact, and after ten seconds, I felt completely revitalized.

"A fine method of vengeance," remarked pseudo-Geto, maintaining his usual calm, even serene, expression.

"Overconfidence leads directly to downfall, doesn't it?" I retorted, meeting his gaze squarely.

"Have I been such an effective mentor?" pseudo-Geto expressed feigned astonishment.

"Life is the true mentor, and you're merely vermin inhabiting the body of a deceased Sorcerer," I countered, assuming the guise of a young Sorcerer ignorant of this fiend's true identity. It would have been imprudent to reveal all my strategies at our initial encounter.

"Such disrespect from the youth of today," the man clad in monk's attire lamented, shaking his head.

"Yet still more courteous than those who desecrate graves," I shot back, my vigilance unwavering. I monitored every move he made, regardless of how indifferently he attempted to mask his intentions.

Pseudo-Geto advanced, prompting me to brace for an attack. However, he merely gestured, and several first-grade cursed spirits materialized behind him. I couldn't fathom his thought process, knowing my prowess as a special grade Sorcerer, particularly after my encounter with Mahito, which should have given him a profound understanding of my capabilities.

"You overestimate yourself," he stated, his voice tinged with contempt for the first time.

After his declaration, the man gave a slight nod toward Mahito, signaling his intentions. Tightening my fist, I realized that this adversary had simply chosen to stall me while Mahito prepared to execute the more sinister plans. However, their overconfidence would work in my favor.

Before Mahito or the curses accompanying Kenjaku could act, I initiated my attack. Confronting pseudo-Geto, two curses leaped towards me, attempting to obstruct my advance. 

"Third Aspect: Conjure Flames!"

My palm felt the immediate weight of the fiery blade that materialized in less than a second. Cursed energy pulsed around me, forming a shield to fend off surprise assaults. With a swift thrust, I cleaved through the first curse, then swiftly raised a guard to block an attack from the second curse, which had maneuvered to my side. I then leaned back, narrowly evading a lash from another curse's elongated tongue near Kenjaku.

Positioning myself on my left hand, I propelled upwards while deflecting a clawed strike aimed at my head with my sword. The cursed spirits coordinated their assault with precision, attacking as a unified force. Utilizing my agility and quick analysis, I executed a sword parry followed by a counter-strike—a left hook that tore through another curse's abdomen.

"First Aspect: Compression!"

Channeling some of the blade's flame into my left fist, I ignited the cursed energy accumulated within the curse's form, causing an explosive disintegration.

"Domain Expansion!" Mahito's voice reached my heightened senses.

In that instant, I acknowledged that, regardless of Kenjaku's scheming and my reluctance to unleash my full power, I had no choice but to commit everything I had.

"Domain Expansion!"

Driving the fiery sword into the earth, I drew forth spiritual energy from my core, swirling cursed energy at an unprecedented rate for an ordinary Sorcerer. This influx of spiritual power allowed me to initiate my domain expansion in sync with Mahito, despite starting later.

As our domains collided, the spectacle that ensued was breathtaking: a cityscape, reminiscent of modern Tokyo, enveloped us, with the street we occupied encased by towering hands. Nearby, Kokichi's mech lay in repose, as though its pilot had already perished.

"You've surpassed my expectations," pseudo-Geto acknowledged as the last of the curses were eradicated by fiery spears, dissipating into nothingness.

"So, we find ourselves in a domain standoff," Mahito observed, surveying the scene with interest, utterly disregarding Kokichi. "Your domain, however, lacks... excitement."

"Sukehiro," Kokichi's voice suddenly reached me through a device attached to my ear. "I'll manage his domain. Focus your strength on defeating this menace."

Hearing Kokichi's determined voice, I found myself shaking my head, amused by his spirit. My attention then shifted to Kenjaku, who seemed to have quickly grasped the precariousness of their situation and was unlikely to let us proceed unchallenged.

"For the first time in my existence, I witness something so unique," pseudo-Geto expressed with a hint of admiration. "This differs from a conventional domain expansion, showcasing a specialness far beyond what modern Sorcerers are capable of. How do you achieve it?"

Before I had the chance to answer, the mech's middle finger unfolded.

"Nevertheless, it's irrelevant. For this marks our final confrontation," Kenjaku declared, smiling as he assumed a Buddhist gesture with his hands, palms out and fingers interlaced. "Domain Expansion."

"Kokichi, get behind me!"

In the next instant, a grotesque tree erupted behind pseudo-Geto, its myriad faces contorted in assorted expressions of anguish. We barely had time to take in the horror of his domain before a sudden collapse ensued, ejecting us back to reality while the mech took evasive action.

"Were it a conventional Sorcerer standing in my stead, our end would have been certain. The singularity of your domain springs from an inherent talent within you," Kenjaku elucidated, nonchalantly brushing off his sleeve. "But as for proficiency... there is room for improvement. The moment my domain was activated, your defeat was inevitable."

His words drew from me a smile of resignation. Indeed, this confrontation mirrored the anticipated future clash between Satoru and Sukuna, showcasing Kenjaku's superior domain mastery...

To elucidate pseudo-Geto's observation: he himself was puzzled by the mechanics behind my domain's creation, yet he acknowledged its distinctiveness. Typically, a domain is conjured using a barrier that delineates its internal realm from the external world. However, unlike the standard domain expansions deployed by other Sorcerers, the confines of my domain aren't solely constituted of cursed energy; they incorporate spiritual energy as well. This integration enables a connection to the spiritual realm, affording me the ability to cast spells anywhere within my domain. Consequently, my domain not only vastly exceeds the spatial extent of others but its barrier, merging with the surrounding world, creates the appearance of a spectral grey city when viewed from afar, rather than a distinct spherical enclosure.

Therefore, while it might appear that my domain expansion aligns with those of Sukuna and Kenjaku, which transcend physical barriers and overlay the tangible world, this isn't entirely accurate. My domain does possess boundaries, as it is, to a degree, forged from cursed energy. And it was these very boundaries that disintegrated upon the unveiling of Kenjaku's domain.

"You're overlooking a crucial detail," I countered swiftly, my mind racing with thoughts yet clear in my purpose, even as Kenjaku's words lingered in the air. "My aim wasn't to confront you both but to rescue this individual," I clarified, tilting slightly to gesture towards Kokichi, who now stood protectively behind me, his mech abandoned.

"Do you genuinely believe he'll be your savior?" Kenjaku questioned, skepticism lacing his tone as he nodded towards the Sorcerer.

"I'm notably hard to kill," I quipped with a smirk, squatting slightly and bracing my shoulder. "Moreover, a dear friend once shared with me a particularly effective trick."

"Shin Kage Style: Simple Domain!"

The moment the spectral sphere encased us, a palpable tension filled the air. This was the second activation of Simple Domain during our confrontation, a tactic designed to nullify all cursed techniques within its vicinity.

"Do you truly believe such a stratagem will protect you from my domain?" Kenjaku sneered, his voice laced with scorn.

"Try me," I shot back, my resolve as solid as ever.

My faith in my abilities was not misplaced. The Simple Domain, reinforced by spiritual energy, stood unyielded against Kenjaku's aggressive tactics. A thousand years of expertise in barrier arts? I was eager to see it challenge a Simple Domain enhanced with the power of the spirit.

Unlike domain expansion, Simple Domain was specifically devised to neutralize cursed techniques on enemy turf. Admittedly, against an overwhelmingly superior force, the Simple Domain's defense might crumble. However, matching Kenjaku in strength and bolstered by my spiritual energy, I managed to hold my ground.

A heavy silence fell upon us. Pseudo-Geto's gaze flickered between Kokichi and me, evaluating the stalemate.

"We're leaving," Kenjaku abruptly announced, dissolving his domain expansion.

"What the hell?!" Mahito's outrage pierced the silence. "We were supposed to collaborate and annihilate them. And you're retreating?"

"Expenditure of resources and energy on a futile endeavor is unwise," Kenjaku retorted, turning his back to us.

"Prudence is but cowardice in disguise. Those who are overly cautious will never experience true joy," Mahito grumbled, discontent with the retreat.

"We'll meet again, Sorcerer," Kenjaku promised with a foreboding tone. "And next time, you'll stand alone."

"Damn!" Mahito, visibly frustrated, ruffled his hair in agitation and followed Kenjaku's lead.

Just as Kokichi began to emerge from my protective stance, I extended an arm to halt him, silently signaling him to stay put.

"What do you mean?! You're just going to let them walk away?" Kokichi's voice was a mix of disbelief and protest.

"Yes, that's precisely what I'm doing," I answered with serene conviction.

"What the... We could've held them at bay until Satoru got here..."

"Speak for yourself," I interrupted sharply. "You wouldn't stand a chance against one of them, even if you played every card you have. And now you're suggesting 'WE' could've held them off?"

"I would've come up with something," Kokichi retorted, his expression tightening in frustration.

"When you do, we'll talk about stopping them," I concluded the conversation decisively and turned my attention forward, awaiting Satoru's arrival.

Could I have intercepted Kenjaku and Mahito? Possibly. But I had a strategy, one that I chose to adhere to, prioritizing the long game over immediate confrontation.