[Cursed Spirit Manipulation]
This was Geto Suguru's unique innate technique: absorbing Cursed Spirits to use as servants.
He could absorb surrendered spirits and control them freely. No medium was required; he could activate techniques using the Cursed Energy of the spirits themselves, and there was no limit to the number he could store. Maximum Capture Grade: Special Grade.
Geto's technique wasn't exactly a secret within the Sorcerer Association. Plus, since Kenmei was connected to Geto's teacher, Yaga, Geto didn't hesitate to reveal his cards. Furthermore, Sorcerers often voluntarily explained their abilities during combat to boost their effectiveness through a "Binding Vow."
But the moment Kenmei heard the details of Geto's ability, his first reaction was pure dread. For a split second, he even felt a murderous impulse toward this smiling guy.
What was Kenmei's biggest weakness right now?
It was undoubtedly his sister, who was locked in his basement and had already turned into a "Cursed Spirit."
Geto's technique was the natural predator of Cursed Spirits. If there was a gap of two grades or more, he could skip the submission process and absorb them unconditionally. Once eaten, they became his obedient puppets.
It was basically the ultimate "NTR" (Netorare) technique. A complete enemy of "Pure Love."
If his sister were absorbed by Geto... even though Kenmei supposedly lacked the emotion of "anger," something terrifying would definitely happen.
However, Kenmei would never let that scenario play out. Sorcerer techniques were bizarre and varied; no one could be sure if another ability like Geto's existed out there. Kenmei made a mental note to never underestimate these Sorcerers.
That said, the guy really was pitiable.
When Kenmei asked what Cursed Spirits tasted like, Geto had actually answered:
"Like swallowing a rag that was used to wipe up vomit."
Kenmei couldn't imagine the exact flavor, but it had to be disgusting.
Actually, Kenmei could relate a little. During his first D-Rank simulation, when he transformed into a "Battle-Hardened Flesh Hound," he had bitten into all sorts of weird things. The grossest was the "Bloodletter of Khorne." Its blood tasted like the juice from a rotten can of skipjack tuna—fishy, spicy, and vomit-inducing the moment it touched the tongue.
Kenmei had bitten eighteen of those disgusting things, not to mention the other units in Khorne's Chaos Legion. After the simulation ended, he had rushed straight to the bathroom to wash his mouth out.
But Geto? If Kenmei guessed right, this guy had been swallowing Cursed Spirits since he first mastered [Cursed Spirit Manipulation]. That kind of perseverance was astonishing; normal people couldn't compare.
It was basically like eating sht to get stronger. But Geto didn't just eat it; he shoveled it down like it was an all-you-can-eat buffet.
The Cursed Energy fluctuation Geto released earlier was far more powerful than any Sorcerer Kenmei knew. Even Mr. Akutabe, the face of the Association, wouldn't be this strong even if he returned to his prime.
Kenmei couldn't help but wonder just how many Cursed Spirits (turd-balls) this guy had eaten to possess such terrifying power at roughly the same age as him.
He had talent, and he worked harder than you. You really couldn't hate a guy like that.
Kenmei leaned his chin on his hand, watching Geto stare intently at the plate in front of him, and thought to himself helplessly. Earlier, seeing Geto's miserable expression had sparked a bit of pity in Kenmei. Thinking about how this guy constantly ate rags that tasted like vomit, Kenmei figured he probably hadn't had a decent meal in ages.
Kenmei was a bit hungry himself, so he made a suggestion:
"Let's call it a night. Good work. Let's go get something to eat to reward ourselves."
"How about it?"
Besides, Kenmei had just legitimately taken 100,000 yen from Geto; he could afford to treat him to a meal.
Of course, "grabbing a late-night snack" was only half the goal. Kenmei had an ulterior motive: he wanted to know if there were any loopholes in Geto's buggy, overpowered absorption ability.
So, Kenmei—still practically a stranger—brought Geto to this tiny shop that was less than ten square meters. There were only four seats at the counter, though extra chairs could be added.
The shop was small, but the menu was huge. The cramped space made the aroma of the food even more intense. There was only one chef—the owner—and both Kenmei and Geto could watch their orders coming together right before their eyes.
It was late, so they were the only two customers in the "Midnight Diner."
On the small plate placed in front of Geto lay two thin slices of grilled pork belly. The meat had been seared to perfection using a special technique, giving it a golden sheen that stimulated the appetite. A thick, secret red sauce was drizzled over the pork, creating an exquisite culinary presentation.
There was a small garnish of seasonal vegetables on the side. Even Geto, who didn't usually like eating greasy food late at night, felt his appetite surge.
He swallowed hard, carefully picked up a piece of pork belly, and popped it into his mouth.
"It's delicious!"
As the rich meat juices exploded in his mouth, Geto's narrow eyes widened instantly. An indescribable flavor hit his nerves—a high-impact taste that sent a wave of unprecedented satisfaction through his entire body.
"Geto, it tastes even better if you pair it with the side dishes to cut the grease," Kenmei advised. Kenmei was obviously a regular here; the shop had been open since he was a kid.
"Kenmei-chan, it's rare to see you bring a friend here," the owner said.
He was an old man over seventy, but still full of energy. Keeping the shop open this late at his age was impressive.
"Ever since... sigh... after that happened, you haven't been around much." The old man brought out all their food on a tray at once. He stopped mid-sentence, clearly aware of the news that Kenmei's sister, Isayama Sakura, had passed away.
Such a pity. She was such a polite child.
"Sorry, Grandpa Yukimura," Kenmei said as he took the tray. "I've just been too busy lately. I'll definitely come by more often from now on."
Seeing that Kenmei seemed to have moved past the grief of "losing his sister," the old man breathed a sigh of relief. "Hahaha, well then, for the sake of letting Kenmei-chan get a hot meal, these old bones will have to work a little harder."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the old man pounded his sore back and left the counter. "Kenmei-chan, I'll leave you two to it." He was going to sleep in his house attached to the shop. He was old, after all; he couldn't pull all-nighters like he did when he was young.
"Just leave the dishes there when you're done. I'll clean them up in the morning."
Once the old-fashioned door clicked shut, only Kenmei and Geto remained in the shop.