19 Grand entrance

Ray stepped into the convenience store. The automatic door slid open, and he strolled past rows of neatly stacked shelves, a kaleidoscope of colourful packaging. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a bright, artificial glow.

With practised ease, he perused the aisles, his discerning eye landing on his familiar favourites. That was a potato bag.

'New favour. ' Ray checked the bag. It was a barbecue. He didn't like it but Maki would surely enjoy it.

' I don't know about Yuta's favourite but I am sure he will pretend to like it anyway. '

Ray walked over to the freezer and grabbed all the sweet juice. They had alcohol displayed but he didn't touch any of them. And it tasted bitter.

After paying for all the stuff, Ray walked his way. As he was passing the streets, his instinct went crazy. He stopped and looked around. The person behind him ran into Ray.

" Stupid. " The middle-aged man cursed at Ray. He looked like a Yakuza with tattoos covering his face.

But Ray ignored him. He was too busy focusing on his instincts. Something immense was near him.

The Yakuza swung his fist. Ray frowned. He didn't have time for this. So he made a quick punch at the man's jaw.

Life left and the man fell to the ground unconscious. Nearby people scattered around Ray. Ray walked into the alleyway.

It might be a foolish way but that was the best for a sorcerer. They can move more easily away from the people and fight.

By the time, the noise was away from him. Ray placed the bag on the ground. ' I am feeling Deja Vu. '

He laughed.

A chuckle also came from the dark. " You are bold. I guess being the student of the strongest gives you confidence. "

Ray shook his head, " I don't rely on others. "

Geto nodded. " I see. "

Ray's feet were shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent, ready to move at a moment's notice. His fists were clenched, held up near his chest, with elbows relaxed and close to his body.

" State your purpose, Sorcerer. " Ray spoke.

Geto looked at the young man and sighed. " I don't come here to fight. "

" Don't tell me you are here to visit the city. " Ray scowled.

Geto smiled. " Anyway, I am here to recruit you. "

Ray looked at Geto with a blank expression. 'Looks like my presence brought the change in the world. '

" I want to create a world where there are no curses. " Geto spread his arms, his eyes shook in madness.

" That is impossible. " Ray spoke.

" No. No. Nothing is impossible as long as the strength backs up. That is why I need strength to make my dream happen. " Geto extended his hand.

"You plan to kill all the non-sorcerers to achieve that right? "

" That is the easiest way I have in mind. " Geto explained. " I don't have the manpower or the mass had enough mortality to teach them cursed energy. Although heavenly restrictions are possible, I don't know about that. "

" That is why I chose the easiest path. Now, will you join me, sorcerer? I know your situation. It's stressful killing the curses created by monkeys. "

" You can view yourself as a Hero but once they find out about your existence, you will be insulted," Geto said. " You are young in this world so you have experienced the loss in the endless fight. "

" Sorcercer have no end goal. All that is left in the path is your comrade's corpses. "

Ray silent. He had been thinking about that. Ever since the missions became solo. His mind wondered about this. He is strong.

So he didn't need to worry about his life. The problem was his friends. Maki is weak. Don't be mistaken about his words, she is strong but against the curses he had been dealing with. She won't stand a chance.

And curses can't be killed with bare hands.

And Panda is strong but he is also the same. He didn't have any worries about Yuta.

But the world is not fair. The future will be difficult.

Every day, Ray knew, he was getting away from them. Every step, he was getting loner. Strength came with a price.

That price was loneliness.

He understood Gojo's inpatient about wanting to get him stronger. Throwing him into the curses.

It sucked but Geto was right.

Their way was not the best in the long term.

" You know, I am not insane. And it is annoying to kill all the non-sorcerers. " Ray said.

Geto sighed. " I see. And I want to know your solution to the problem. "

" Become stronger. With me leading the path, they will follow as well. I trust my friends. " Ray replied with a smirk.

" As expected from the favourite student of Gojo. You are all the same. " Geto said.

He disappeared from view but the presence was fresh. Ray punched at his left, but a palm stopped the advancing fist.

Geto kicked Ray. He expected the boy to duck so that he could make a uppercut.

Ray sighed. He grabbed the leg and slammed Geto to the ground. Geto immediately got up but he was punched in the face.

It was like being cut with a razor-sharp blade.

Ray punched again but the wall of curses appeared out of nowhere. Geto was standing on top of the curses. He touched his face and felt the warm blood coming.

Ray calmly looked up.

" I have seen your strength. This will be annoying. " Geto scratched his head. " But it was fun talking to you. "

He jumped into the air grabbing the giant bird's leg. " I hope you managed to get a Special grade title. "

Geto gave his farewell and disappeared into the sky.

Ray frowned. He quickly killed all the curses near him. ' I need to report that to Gojo but that means the party will be gone. Guess this can wait tomorrow. '

He picked up the food and looked up. ' I am strong in close combat but he would have advantages in long-range with curses. I need to study the staff. '

Ray smiled. Even though the problem was getting near, he didn't feel the rush or scared. Influence can bring a person to think differently.