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Code: 03B5E
Ending: 30/06/25
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The air inside Liam's training center crackled with energy, the polished wooden floor marred by scuff marks and the occasional splatter of sweat.
The expansive hall was well-lit, designed specifically for high-intensity combat training, with reinforced walls that could withstand even the most destructive techniques.
At the center of the room, Liam Nakamura stood calmly, his hands tucked into his pockets, watching as three determined figures surrounded him.
Maki Zenin, Mai Zenin, and Megumi Fushiguro.
Each of them was panting slightly, their eyes locked onto Liam with a mix of frustration and respect. Their sensei wasn't even winded.
Maki gritted her teeth, gripping her cursed naginata tightly. Sweat dripped down her temple, but her fiery golden eyes burned with resolve. No matter how fast we attack, he's always one step ahead…
Beside her, Megumi Fushiguro wiped a bead of sweat from his chin. His usual cool and composed demeanor was intact, but he was analyzing the battle with sharp precision. His Ten Shadows Technique had improved immensely, but compared to Liam, his execution was still rough.
A few meters away, Mai Zenin reloaded her pistol with smooth efficiency. Unlike her sister, she was a ranged fighter, preferring to keep her distance. Her Construction Technique was still limited, but Liam had pushed her past her limits time and time again.
And yet, no matter how much they improved, Liam barely looked like he was trying.
"Tired already?" Liam teased, stretching lazily. "I was hoping you guys would at least make me break a sweat."
Maki scowled. "Cocky bastard."
Mai sighed, wiping her brow. "He's not wrong, though."
Megumi exhaled sharply, summoning another divine dog beside him. "We're not done yet."
Liam smirked. "That's the spirit."
Megumi moved first, barking out a command.
"Nue! Dive in!"
The giant winged shikigami shrieked, its massive wings flapping violently as it dived toward Liam, bolts of cursed energy crackling around its form.
At the same time, Maki lunged forward, her speed blurring as she swung her naginata at Liam's chest.
Mai took the opportunity to fire a cursed bullet, the shot aimed precisely at Liam's blind spot.
It was a perfectly coordinated attack.
And yet, Liam barely moved.
With a flick of his wrist, a shadow stretched from his feet, forming a massive skeletal hand that swatted Nue away like an insect.
At the same time, his body phased out, causing Maki's weapon to pass harmlessly through him.
Kamui
The cursed bullet from Mai was the only real threat. But Liam simply leaned his head to the side, dodging it effortlessly.
The three of them skidded back, eyes widening.
"Tch," Maki clicked her tongue. "This phasing technique of yours is annoying as hell."
Liam grinned. "Oh? Would you prefer I actually take damage?"
"YES."
He chuckled. "Alright then."
With a smirk, the Kamui effect vanished—and at the same time, six massive shikigamis erupted from his shadow, each of them towering over Megumi's own versions.
The sheer size and presence of Liam's Ten Shadows technique were suffocating.
Megumi swallowed. "You can summon them… without hand signs?"
Liam tilted his head. "Why wouldn't I?"
Megumi had no answer for that.
Maki adjusted her stance. "Fine. If we can't win through direct attacks, we'll just have to fight smarter."
Liam grinned. "Now that's what I like to hear."
And just like that the battle intensified.
Megumi, determined not to be outdone, summoned Max Elephant, sending a torrent of water surging toward Liam.
At the same time, Maki used the momentum to dash around to his blind spot, her weapon aimed at his exposed back.
Mai, standing further back, whispered under her breath. "Construction."
A second cursed bullet formed in her palm—this time, enhanced with reinforced cursed energy.
Liam smirked as he saw all three of them working in perfect sync. Now this… this is fun.
Instead of dodging, Liam raised his hand—and from the shadow beneath him, a titanic figure emerged.
Mahoraga.
Megumi's breath hitched.
"…That's not fair."
Liam laughed. "Life isn't fair, kid."
Maki, instead of being afraid, lunged forward anyway, her instincts honed to their peak. She twisted mid-air, swinging her naginata with full force.
Liam met her blade with his bare hand, stopping the attack dead in its tracks.
Mai fired.
Liam tilted his head, letting the cursed bullet graze his cheek.
Megumi's Max Elephant charged—only to be completely obliterated by Mahoraga's spinning wheel, cutting through it like butter.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, Liam dispelled Mahoraga, proving that he had only summoned it for show.
The battle ended a few seconds later—when Liam effortlessly dodged Megumi's last attack and knocked the three of them down in one clean sweep.
----
Megumi groaned, lying flat on his back. "I hate you."
Maki wheezed, rubbing her sore arm. "Yeah. Me too."
Mai, still sprawled on the ground, muttered, "He's evil."
Liam grinned, crouching down. "Aw, come on. You guys lasted longer this time."
Megumi shot him a glare. "That's not the point."
Liam chuckled before ruffling Megumi's hair. "You did good, though."
Megumi slapped his hand away. "Stop that."
Liam turned to Mai and Maki, his expression softening. "You two as well. You've improved a lot."
The twins exchanged glances before shrugging.
"We still have a long way to go," Maki admitted.
Liam nodded. "Yeah. But remember—strength isn't about showing off. It's about using what you have to protect those who can't protect themselves."
Megumi stared at him. "That's… not very Jujutsu Sorcerer-like."
Liam smirked. "Exactly."
Mai suddenly noticed Liam's expression dim slightly.
"…Something on your mind?" She asked.
Liam exhaled. "Just… sorry."
Mai blinked. "For what?"
"For still not finding a way to help you and Maki. For not being able to change what's already been set in stone."
The twins looked at each other, then back at him.
Mai smirked. "Idiot."
Maki crossed her arms. "You think we care about that?"
Liam looked at them, puzzled.
Mai rolled her eyes. "You're actually trying to help us. That's already more than anyone in our family has done."
Maki nodded. "Yeah. We're grateful."
Liam was silent for a moment before chuckling. "You two sure have grown up."
Mai sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Now, can we go eat? I'm starving."
Liam grinned. "Alright, the food's on me."
Megumi groaned. "You're just trying to bribe us with food."
Liam smirked. "Is it working?"
"…Yes."
Maki and Mai burst out laughing as Liam led them out of the training center, the heavy tension lifting as they left behind the battlefield.
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Spoilers for the next three chapters!
Chapter 84: A Morning of Discipline
Chapter 85: Taste of Sinful Perfection
Chapter 86: Restless Ambitions
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