Chapter 124: Ink Incarnation

"…"

This damn guy, Eriri thought, cursing herself. If I'd known she was this frustrating, I wouldn't have worried at all. What a waste of my emotions.

"So… what about my side effects?"

Utaha, already familiar with her own drawbacks, smirked, clearly enjoying Eriri's panic.

"Oh, didn't I mention?" Utaha's teasing smile widened as she leaned in. "Since your technique is linked to your drawing, Eriri… you might lose the ability to paint altogether."

Eriri's face fell, panic spreading across her expression.

No way! I have a deadline coming up! she thought, her mind racing. The idea of not being able to draw, it was like a nightmare. Drawing was her passion, her identity.

"Relax," Ryuji said gently, patting her shoulder. "With practice, you might regain full control over your technique and continue drawing like before."

Hearing Ryuji's reassurance, the tension in Eriri's face slowly eased.

"Yeah," she muttered, a little less anxiously. "And maybe… maybe I don't need to worry about painting as much. I have a new dream now."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at Ryuji, leaning closer to him, a soft smile on her face.

"Tsk!"

Utaha couldn't help but scoff. Look at Eriri, trying to act all grown-up and sweet in front of Ryuji.

Seeing Utaha's reaction, Eriri smirked inwardly. Who says I have to be a loser? Just wait, I can be just as amazing as you.

Ryuji, meanwhile, was oblivious to the silent rivalry brewing between the two girls. His attention was on something else entirely.

"Successfully connected with target: Sawamura Eriri! Golden entry triggered. Would you like to load it?"

Golden entry? Ryuji blinked, momentarily surprised, and mentally checked the details.

Golden Entry: Ink Incarnation

So, that's the name of Eriri's technique—Ink Incarnation.

He skimmed through its description and nodded. In simple terms, it allowed the user to bring drawings to life, giving them certain special abilities based on their imagination and cursed energy. It was powerful, but it wasn't without its limitations. The strength of the summoned creatures depended on the sorcerer's own cursed energy.

The more cursed energy a sorcerer had, the more real and powerful the summoned creatures would be. But if there wasn't enough energy, even a fierce-looking creature would only be an empty shell.

Interesting…

Ryuji rubbed his chin thoughtfully. While the technique had its drawbacks, there was no denying it was a versatile and potent skill. And since the strength of the spell relied on cursed energy, Eriri's limitations wouldn't apply to him. His cursed energy had grown massive from devouring other curses, pushing his power to a level beyond most sorcerers.

In fact, he suspected that even if he combined the cursed energy of every sorcerer in the world, it still wouldn't match his. Of course, that was just a feeling, but it spoke to his confidence in his strength.

"Load it."

The moment he confirmed it, he felt the Beast Mimicry Spell entry integrate with his abilities. It was a good addition to his skillset, one he could leverage in interesting ways.

"[Talent entry system]

Host: Ryuji Hoshino

Bloodline: Human

Loaded entries: Soul Devouring [Red], Yin-Yang Eyes [Gold], Presence Concealment [Gold],Tranquility [Gold], Reverse Cursed Technique [Gold], Monster Attracting Physique [Gold], Third Dimension, Dreamwalker [Gold], Physical Strengthening [Gold], Cursed Speech [Gold], Shadow Manipulation [Gold], Malevolent Shrine [Gold], Blackbird Manipulation [Gold], Idle Transfiguration [Gold], Anti-Gravity System [Gold], Horizon of the Captivating Skandha [Gold], Binding Technique [Gold], Curse Script [Gold], Iron Fist [Purple], Ink Incarnation [Gold], Combat Intuition [Purple].

Points: 80,120!"

After reviewing his entry list, a thought struck him.

"Maybe I should find some time to actually learn how to draw…"

Ryuji grimaced slightly. It would be embarrassing if my 'creatures' were just blobs and squiggles. Even if they were strong, the enemy would probably die laughing.

He shook his head. I definitely need some practice.

Later that evening, at the Sawamura mansion, Ryuji was reclining in a chair, deep in thought.

Sitting before him, kneeling with perfect posture, was Sayuri Sawamura giving him a sloppy blowjob.

"Woo—" she gasped softly, suddenly realizing something. She quickly got up, hurried to the bathroom, and returned a moment later, her face slightly flushed as she resumed her place in front of Ryuji.

"What's gotten into you tonight?" she asked playfully, glancing up at him. "You actually called me over while Eriri is home?"

Mature and graceful, Sayuri carried an air of elegance that always brought a smile to Ryuji's face.

"I missed you," he replied smoothly, rubbing his hands over her head.

She chuckled and moved to sit beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I don't know what's going on with her lately," Sayuri murmured. "For the past two days, after Eriri comes home, she heads straight to her room after dinner. I thought something was wrong at first."

Her concern for her daughter was clear. At first, she'd kept an eye on Eriri's behavior, but eventually, she'd relaxed, realizing there was no danger.

"She's probably practicing her cursed energy," Ryuji said, smiling.

Since Eriri had learned that Utaha had awakened a technique as well, she'd thrown herself into training with uncharacteristic dedication, not wanting to be left behind.

"Practicing cursed energy?" Sayuri was puzzled. "I thought it wasn't possible for Eriri to be a sorcerer?"

Ryuji chuckled and explained how he'd helped Eriri unlock her potential as a sorcerer.

Sayuri listened, her eyes widening as she processed his words. "You… you gave her the ability to become a sorcerer?"

She stared at him, her expression a mix of awe and admiration. Is there anything this man can't do?

A new thought crossed her mind, and she looked at Ryuji with a hopeful smile. "So… could you…?"

"Of course." Ryuji smiled. He wasn't about to leave Sayuri out. "But let's handle this later."

With a grin, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

Sayuri gave a soft laugh, leaning into his embrace. "Alright."

---

Meanwhile, in her room, Eriri was panting from her training session, feeling drained. She had been pushing herself hard, yet her cursed energy had only increased by a small amount.

Ugh, maybe I should just give up and go to sleep… she thought.

But then she shook her head. No way. I can't slack off!

Determination flashed in her eyes. "There's no way I'm letting that fat woman look down on me!"

The thought of Utaha mocking her if she fell behind was enough to rekindle her motivation. They might quarrel constantly, but that rivalry was also her drive.

"For myself… and for Ryuji!" she said aloud, clenching her fists.

After a brief rest, she returned to training, focusing on condensing her cursed energy.

---

A few hours later, Sayuri was back with Ryuji, who was finishing up the process of using Idle Transfiguration to unlock her potential as a sorcerer.

As the last traces of cursed energy settled within her, Sayuri opened her eyes, marveling at the faint glow of power now resting within her.

"So… this is cursed energy?" she whispered, sensing the strange but exhilarating power now flowing through her.

She turned to Ryuji, a serious expression on her face. "Ryuji, I think it's best if Eriri and I keep quiet about this—your ability to make people into sorcerers, I mean."

Sayuri was no fool. With the existence of cursed spirits becoming public knowledge, she could easily imagine the chaos if word got out that Ryuji could turn ordinary people into sorcerers. It would be a never-ending flood of people begging for power, and worse—powerful factions that might try to manipulate or control him.

Ryuji chuckled, appreciating her concern. "Don't worry. I'm not afraid of trouble. I don't intend to play the hero or the villain. But if people do try to push me… well, they'll see exactly how strong I am."

His tone was calm but carried an underlying sense of power. He wasn't someone who would bend to the will of others.

In a world where people like Gojo Satoru once stood as the pinnacle, Ryuji felt ready to surpass that. He would make his mark and reshape the sorcery world as he saw fit.

The era of Gojo Satoru was ending. The era of Ryuji was about to begin.

Sayuri's eyes softened. She could see Ryuji's determination, his strength. She reached out, placing her hand on his arm, leaning close.

"I don't need anything grand. Just knowing I have a place by your side is enough for me."

As a woman who had seen the complexities of life, Sayuri had no unrealistic expectations. She didn't need promises. All she wanted was to remain part of Ryuji's life.

Ryuji looked down at her, smiling. "You're mine, Sayuri. Now and always. Don't even think about escaping."

Sayuri blushed but nodded, her heart fluttering.

"Mm. That's all I want."

***

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