NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 39
Chapter 39 & 36: Awakening of the Techniques
“A Cursed Spirit? How could there be a Cursed Spirit in the school?”
While looking at the ripples on the exterior wall of the corridor, Hachiman Hikigaya’s pupils trembled.
No, why do I feel like schools should not have Cursed Spirits?
Recalling Lin Qi’s introduction that Cursed Spirits were born from negative emotions in people, and schools with many students surely don’t lack this negativity. Adolescents transitioning from childhood to adulthood—sensitive and delicate—are prone to all sorts of negative feelings such as failing exams, heartbreak, and school bullying…
With an eerie laugh reminiscent of chattering teeth, the Cursed Spirits finally appeared before Hachiman Hikigaya.
The spirits floated in mid-air, resembling will-o’-the-wisps; larger than a basketball and covered in eyes of all sizes, appearing like creatures straight out of a horror story.
“One, two… five.”
The teenager with dead-fish eyes watched the five spirits enveloping him. Though his expression was calm, inwardly he was already lamenting.
As a newly-trained Jujutsu Sorcerer who could barely land a hit on a giant bug-like spirit, he was far from effective.
Shall he run away?
No, it is school time, with many students attending clubs, let alone Yui Yuigahama not far from the Service Club. He can’t afford to ignore the five spirits.
He quickly dismissed the cowardice.
Damn, why aren’t Yukinoshita and Lin Qi here during this coincidental timing?
Should he call for an urgent contact… Unfortunately, he has no connection details for Yukinoshita!
Forget it; he must solve these spirits now.
Taking a deep breath to discard extraneous thoughts, Hachiman focused on the five floating spirits.
The spirits, circling around him and laughing mockingly, seem to be waiting for their chance.
Analyzing the situation, the spirits individually are not strong; otherwise, they wouldn’t hesitate to attack. Clearly, they respect him.
But their smaller size means they’re flexible and can fly—both disadvantages for Hachiman.
One versus five—still unfavorable.
Where’s his advantage?
Unable to think of one—Hachiman felt desperate.
How can these spirits be defeated?!
Considering even one might be a challenge, facing five seemed hopeless.
“Alright, let’s take them first!”
The more he thought, the more despairing. So, no more pondering, just act!
His training had indeed been earnest, and unlike before, he could control his Curse Energy much better, although not perfectly. The awkward situations where Curse Energy would fail him were now rare.
Moreover, he sensed his power rising incrementally.
However, Curse Energy alone doesn’t enhance fighting capability directly.
Primarily, he isn’t adept at physical combat.
Yukinoshita at least had Aikido basics, so learning other martial arts wouldn’t be too difficult. But Hachiman literally fought by instinct and didn’t possess Snowy-chan’s preternatural abilities.
When he swung and missed, he understood it wasn’t about defeating the spirits, but waiting for the right opportunity.
Watching these mocking spirits from afar enraged him.
Yet, no less bothersome than these hideous beings, Hachiman could rival their disdainful looks.
Looking up at the spirits, half-closed eyes glowed with rotting malice, sneering.
“Tsk, Yukinoshita and Master Lin Qi aren’t here. Is this timing a coincidence?”
Thinking to get help via phone… No! Can’t contact Yukinoshita!
Forget it, acting is needed.
Hachiman pushed away his scattered thoughts.
“Even if I’m new, I won’t back down!”
Summoning his Curse Energy, he charged at one spirit.
Yet, it easily avoided him.
“Hmm… Seems like attacking proactively is impossible.”
Seeing the spirits flee, Hachiman chased after them.
“Hey! Don’t run!”
Though the spirits flew slowly, he struggled to contain them before reaching the Service Club.
Nearing the classroom door, his anxiety grew as he suspected something dire awaited.
Sure enough, sensing other humans nearby, the spirits disappeared into the walls.
Realizing the threat to Yui, he rushed to the Service Club room and flung open the door.
“Ah, Hikigaya-kun, you’re back.”
Yuigahama looked up with a smile, seeing him return.
Unaware of the approaching monstrosities through hidden passages, she was oblivious to the growing danger.
The scene reflected in Hachiman’s eyes.
Reaching out towards Yuigahama, unsure whether to protect or save.
Ordinary Jujutsu Sorcerers typically awaken their techniques around age seven or eight. Those from hereditary sorcery families may gain them earlier. From that point, their ultimate capacity as sorcerers begins.
Nonetheless, even a novice understands how to use their powers.
Simultaneously, four spirits heading for Yuigahama halted as if time itself froze.
A crisp sound signaled a portal opening; the spirits were encased and shattered within a mirror-like barrier.
And thus, the spirits were obliterated…
—
After school, becoming a Jujutsu Sorcerer:
放学，然后成为咒术师