Chapter 10. The Woman (Part 1)

We are born, born again, and born yet again. Yet, we still cannot comprehend how life truly begins.

These were the words of a great Buddhist master.

We die, die again, and die once more. But we still do not know when death truly arrives.

Why am I saying this?

I believed that the stronger I became and the higher I ascended, the thinner the fog of the unknown before me would be. But now, this paradigm seems as deceptive as the existence of Santa Claus.

"Ah, the holy simplicity of my childhood self," a foolish grin lingered on my face for a few more seconds, and then, furrowing my brow, I glanced towards the school.

The stronger I become, the deeper my connection with [Spirituality], allowing me to perceive what was once hidden behind the veil of mystery. Of course, such development should bring many pleasant surprises, but who knew that the greatest gift would also be the most unpleasant?

Old Lady Tengen...

To understand what shook me so profoundly, you must first know how I become stronger when transitioning to the next Sequence. Although I am not entirely sure myself, after three "level-ups," I have a couple of hypotheses.

From an external perspective, the most significant change during the transition to the next Sequence seems to be the state of my Spiritual Energy. Not only does it increase in quantity, but my connection with it also improves. A simple example of this connection is my Cursed Energy, which intensifies and takes on fire attributes thanks to Spiritual Energy. With each new Sequence, these effects only become more powerful. Additionally, my techniques have evolved. Previously, I needed to use a trigger, in my case, a seal, to activate Spiritual Sight. But once I reached the seventh Sequence, a simple thought was enough, and the seals served as amplifiers. The techniques of Provocation and Pyrokinesis also illustrate this well: when using Provocation in the eighth Sequence, Spiritual Energy played the role of an activator, and in the case of Pyrokinesis in the seventh Sequence, it was already a full-fledged component of the technique, allowing me to directly influence souls.

But all of these are just "surface" changes, so to speak, consequences of something. In that case, what is the root of all this?

After prolonged observation of souls through Spiritual Sight, I noticed a very interesting difference between my soul and others — peculiar enhancements present in mine. It's worth noting that these are indeed enhancements, additional elements within my soul. 

And, as luck would have it, I have three of these enhancements, the same number as the Sequences I've traversed. Based on this, I can speculate that with each new Sequence, I will acquire a new enhancement that will strengthen my existing abilities and possibly grant new ones. At the same time, I know that this power does not belong to the world of "Jujutsu Kaisen." So, if there are no other reincarnators in this world, I must be the only one with this particular trait. But...

"A constant headache," I tilted my head slightly, propping my right elbow on my left palm, and pressed the index and thumb of my right hand against my eyelids.

Tengen possessed hundreds, if not thousands, of similar enhancements. And, of course, this could be explained by his technique, which caused him to evolve into something greater than an ordinary person. However, could such a coincidence exist? Perhaps yes... Or maybe this guy is another reincarnator. Or maybe he is connected to the world from which my power came. Or maybe I'm behaving like a bitch.

"How complicated it is..."

And now, as my brain was stormed by these intrusive thoughts, and the smoke from the cigarette pleasantly irritated my taste receptors, a female voice sounded behind me. Although it sounded gentle, hints of authority were discernible:

"Always thought that contemplative men are very attractive," she said.

"Always thought you were attracted to men with money, Mei," reflexively replied the voice's owner.

Hold on a second. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed someone who shouldn't be here.

"Well, a 'rich daddy' like you has every chance," the woman replied with a sly smile.

Mei Mei... This woman was full of mature charm and noble manners. It was a pity that all of this crumbled when faced with her mercenary character. However, if you set aside her peculiar character, this woman was the perfect milf — she was damn rich, her breasts and buttocks were well-shaped, she had elven beauty, and her voice was seductive with mature hoarseness. Combined with the fact that her body was strong and healthy, as she was a first-grade sorcerer, she looked like a lazy panther. Despite appearing delicate and coquettish, no one dared to underestimate her.

"Didn't think such a business lady like you had free time," I skeptically regarded her appearance, as it usually ended with me being used for profit.

"Can't I visit you just because I missed you?" Mei asked, patting my shoulder with a light smile.

I only skeptically looked at Mei, not believing in anything too romantic. Then, I shifted my gaze to the hand on my shoulder, slender fingers with purple manicures... Memories unlocked!

Between us fell silence again, but it was strangely pleasant and calm, without causing any embarrassment.

"Do you hate it too?" Mei asked, sitting down next to me.

"Hate what?"

"Awkward silence. Why do people always have to babble nonsense just to avoid feeling uncomfortable?" Leaning on the armrest, she supported her head with her hand.

"I don't know. Good question," I replied, relaxing slightly in the chair.

"You know, you only realize that you've found someone truly special when you can just shut up for a minute and enjoy the silence together," Mei said with a light smile.

"Is everything so complicated?" I asked, emphasizing the second word, surveying Mei's pale blue mane.

"Sometimes you're so unbearable," she turned away from me, irritatedly clicking her tongue.

"Didn't I use you for money as if we were a pimp and a prostitute," I recalled our meetings, shrugging as if to say it wasn't my fault.

"What an interesting comparison... And very accurate, I would say," Mei looked at me with a cunning smile.

"You're still the same nasty one, nothing has changed."

"What cruelty. Haven't you thought that I might get offended?" Mei's gaze seemed to try to burn a hole in my skull.

"You like it a bit rougher, don't you?" I provocatively smiled at the fox.

And silence fell between us again.

"Pleasure to meet you again, Mei," this time, I broke the silent atmosphere around us.

"Well, I can say, of all the men I could meet today, you're the most pleasant," she said with playful taps of her fingers.

I shook my head; nothing else could be expected from this woman. Remembering our first meeting, how many years had passed? About four, probably. And she still doesn't change, just as proud, authoritative, not willing to admit defeat or someone else's authority... Remembering her love for wealth and fervent desire... She resembles a female dragon.

"And so, how much will you earn today?"

"With your help or without?" Mei pondered, looking at me questioningly.

"When dancing with the devil, you have to listen to the music," memories of our past joint missions flashed in my mind. 

"Regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, if you hide anything again, I'll just turn around and leave. If you lie to me or if it seems like you're lying to me, I'll drop you in the middle of the mission. If you forget something, I'll drop you. You'll have to try your best to earn this money."

"Because if you don't understand, I'll drop you into the belly of the curse."

"Always thought serious and authoritative men are sexy," Mei's lips, painted with purple lipstick, stretched into a seductive smile.

"Where's the statement?" Ignoring the woman, I reached out my hand.

"Statement?" Mei asked in a silly tone.

"Statement! Official papers with the mission assignment and a curse report."

"I have twenty thousand papers with a portrait of Higuti Itiyo. Will that do?" Mei replied, smiling sweetly.