Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The Hidden Main Quest Awakens
"Oh?"
"After transforming into a cursed spirit, your total cursed energy changed as well. An interesting technique."
Behind Suguru Geto, the number of cursed spirits grew rapidly, soon filling the entire field. The twisted, oppressive energy emanating from them made Tong Gu feel as though he stood at the gates of hell itself, suffused with a sinister aura.
He understood that Geto's display was meant to assert dominance after being caught off guard by his previous aggressive assault. Now, Geto was showing his full capabilities.
Tong Gu knew better than to think he could currently face Geto in his complete form. As the transformation timer ended, Tong Gu reverted to his original form. Gazing at the vast horde of cursed spirits, he skillfully masked his strategy behind a facade of astonishment.
Seeing Tong Gu seemingly shaken, Geto's tension eased. Standing before his terrifying legions like a king commanding a horde of demons, he crossed his arms within his wide sleeves.
"So, how do you plan to remake the world?"
[Key storyline character Suguru Geto has invited you to join his faction. Do you accept?]
With a thought, Tong Gu selected "Accept."
[You have joined the faction: Star Religious Group]
[Faction reputation unlocked: Currently 'Nameless']
[Suguru Geto's favorability increased: Current status - Friendly]
Picking up his blade from the ground and securing it at his waist, Tong Gu donned his coat once again, signaling the end of combat. Walking toward Geto with a smile, he said, "That's not a question for me to answer, Geto-san."
"I'm just a drifter with some knowledge of hidden truths. I can't determine the world's direction."
Geto narrowed his eyes, detecting deeper meaning in Tong Gu's words. With a wave of his hand, the cursed spirits dispersed, leaving only the human-shaped manifestation of Tamamo-no-Mae.
"Then who is the one who can change the world?" Geto's eyes gleamed with interest.
Stopping just before Geto, Tong Gu handed him a student ID card imbued with the lingering curse energy and resentment of Rika Orimoto. With a playful smile, he responded, "Why, none other than you, Geto-san—the bearer of the Cursed Spirit Manipulation technique."
Thump. Thump.
Geto's heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably. Though determined to build an era free of cursed spirits, he had never truly possessed a clear plan or absolute certainty. The overwhelming presence of Gojo Satoru and the entrenched power of the traditional Jujutsu world remained obstacles he had yet to overcome.
His plans were acts of defiance born of frustration and despair.
Yet now, this mysterious figure not only laid bare his true intent but also demonstrated knowledge of secrets even he kept closely guarded.
For the typically composed Geto, the encounter was electrifying.
He accepted the cursed ID, barely glancing at it before slipping it into his pocket. Even the powerful cursed spirit it represented seemed secondary compared to the significance of Tong Gu's revelations.
The two seated themselves casually on the ground. Geto raised a spiritual "curtain" to block prying eyes and stationed cursed spirits to guard against intrusions.
"You know about Kong Shiu?" Tong Gu suddenly asked.
Geto blinked, momentarily surprised by the mention of a seemingly minor figure amidst their grand conversation about reshaping the world.
"A petty broker who thrives on connections and skims profits," Geto said dismissively, recalling that Kong had once helped him consolidate control of the Star Religious Group.
Tong Gu chuckled and shook his head. "Do you know who arranged for Toji Fushiguro to take the mission to kill Riko Amanai?"
A heavy thrum of cursed energy erupted from Geto, and his expression darkened.
Riko's death was a wound both he and Gojo bore deep in their hearts. The mention of it nearly made Geto lose control of his emotions.
"You mean Kong Shiu brought Toji into that incident?" he demanded coldly.
Tong Gu stood firm despite the ominous energy swirling around him, maintaining a warm smile. "Kong Shiu is just a small fry. But behind him stands a grander figure."
Geto's eyes narrowed, recalling how Kong had once reappeared unexpectedly to aid him, providing detailed information on the whereabouts of key figures within the Star Religious Group. It had seemed convenient at the time—too convenient.
Tong Gu pressed on, "Do you remember what sparked your desire to rid the world of non-sorcerers?"
A woman's face flashed in Geto's mind. He murmured, "Yuki Tsukumo…"
"Was she the Buddha behind Kong Shiu?"
While many jestingly referred to Yuki as the "source of all evil," her vision of a world where all humans could control cursed energy aligned eerily with Kenjaku's ideology of "optimal cursed energy." Tong Gu suspected she had been unknowingly influenced by Kenjaku's theories.
"No," Tong Gu clarified. "Yuki Tsukumo was likely just another influenced party."
Geto realized the hidden danger—the specter of an unseen mastermind influencing even powerful sorcerers from the shadows.
"This individual was once hailed as the 'Most Vile Sorcerer in History.'"
"Kenjaku…" Geto's breath hitched. The name alone invoked a sense of dread.
Though skeptical at first, Geto began to believe Tong Gu, who had recounted his past experiences with unnerving accuracy.
"How will you prove your claims?" Geto asked respectfully, now addressing Tong Gu with formality.
Tong Gu's smile deepened. "Simply by doing this…"
The two exchanged hushed words before Geto straightened, his doubts cleared.
[Phase One of the Main Quest Completed]
[You have made a significant intervention in Suguru Geto's storyline. The main quest has changed.]
[Previous Main Quest: Night Parade of a Hundred Demons (Now Hidden)]
[New Hidden Main Quest Activated: New World]
[Quest Objective: Assist Suguru Geto in reshaping the Jujutsu world. Progress depends on the extent of structural changes achieved.]
[Current Progress: 0%]
[Quest Rewards: Special world-exclusive ability, item, or bloodline draw based on progress achieved.]
Tong Gu marveled at the unparalleled richness of this hidden quest reward.
In a world containing overpowered techniques like Limitless Cursed Technique and Six Eyes, such abilities would catapult any player into the highest echelon of combatants. Yet these rewards also highlighted the immense challenges that lay ahead.
Enemies would emerge from every corner—making "fighting against the world" more than just a metaphor.
"Mr. Wanderer," Geto said, his tone formal. "I'll need your help to root out the hidden threats in our midst."
[New Side Quest: Hidden Threats]
[Quest Objective: Identify and eliminate traitors within the Star Religious Group. Progress determined by the number of threats neutralized.]
[Current Progress: 0%]
[Quest Rewards: Increased faction reputation and higher mission completion rating.]
Tong Gu nodded, a sly smile forming on his lips. The quest rewards meant little to him.
What mattered was having a justified reason to eliminate Liu and his Death Messengers.
"Death Messengers…" Tong Gu thought darkly. "I'm coming for you."
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