Chapter 2: Death Battle: Emo vs Prev-azon and Elf Knight

Freya sipped her tea, her hand clasped with Jin’s, who was reading the latest issue of the Nabu Familia’s newspaper.

Across the table, a Boaz still in his chibi Valkirye PJs and tightly clutched his Zald the Gluttony Plushie, a haunted look in his eyes.

Freya set down her tea and squeezed Ottar’s hand. With his blank stare fixed to her, she gestured towards Jin.

“Ottar, sweetie, Mommy would like to introduce you to Mr. Fushiguro—her…special friend.”

Ottar turned his thousand-yard stare towards Jin, who gave the boar-eared lad—older than him by nearly a decade and a half—a big, fatherly smile.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ottar. I know you may have a lot of questions-”

“You’re not my dad!”

The 32 year old boaz promptly fled breakfast, tears in his eyes, in the direction of the Hostess of Fertility.

          Arc 1: The Cursed Hero 

Chapter 2: Death Battle: Cursed Emo vs Perv-azon and Elf Knight 

Jin POV

I broke my little staring contest Freya, when my eyes started to stray to her Mariana Trench-deep neckline. To keep my cool, I locked my eyes on the empty patch of grass in front of me where my next opponent should arrive. 

I even began tapping the blunt area of the spear on my chin like a brat waiting for his next toy to arrive. 

Gojo-Sensei would be proud of me and so would Papa Toji. That is if the former was not busy stuffing his face with artificial sweeteners and the latter was not immersed in gambling his murder money away in the afterlife.

From the increase of hissing and muttered curses from the Simp Brigade, Freya must have enjoyed my wandering eyes while her followers did not. I wonder if she used the forbidden technique “Critical Moe: Disappointed Pout” after I turned away from her. 

Yeah, that seemed like it would serve as a reason for the sudden increase in hostility.

Heith, the Familia’s dearly beloved Head Healer of the Andhrímnir, after healing Svar had departed to what I assume is the medical wing of the Folkvangr. I wonder if she will ret- 

Oh, would you look at that! The red eyed glare returns! So it seems she will be responsible for taking care of my victims

Now onto a more important matter…What exactly is the purpose of that Shaolin Gong?

I pondered that particular secret of the universe for about nearly a minute before realizing I was unlikely to find any answers, especially with the end of my polearm breaking my line of thought every time it tapped against my chin.

Cursed Energy reinforcement on my senses and brain may have helped repel Freya’s Charm, but it also amplified my sensitivity to any and all sensations. It wasn’t a problem mid-fight since when I reinforce my entire body, the sensation overload gets dulled.

It’s quite interesting to feel something that was meditative for me before now equivalent to someone aggressively tapping my chin. I wonder if I could keep the positive aspects of my heightened awareness of my surroundings, while keeping the negative aspects such as enhanced pain, at bay?

Let's take a shot at it right now. After all, it's like Sugar Daddy Gojo always said, with that stupid look on his face: 

“Megumi-kun! There's no time like the few minutes before deadly combat to try out new techniques! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to show this stupid look on my face around campus!”

What wise and inspirational words. Many sarcastic slow caps for you, my dear sensei. Now let's act on that advice—this time increasing the reinforcement on my body gradually, instead of letting it explode towards every corner. Keep the reinforcement constant on the specialised points while I bring up the overall flow aaannnnnnd…got it!

I resume tapping my chin with the butt of my weapon and by the grace of merciful ROB, it feels just as good as when I used to tap my pen on my chin during exams—instead of, you know, using it to actually write some answers.

I’m gonna call this technique “Ultra Instinct”—because, to this day, I still wrestle with the soul-crushing disappointment of my asshole cousin spoiling Goku’s transformation. But I got the last laugh, dear cousin of mine, since I’m actually going to be able to perform the technique! A shitter version, sure, but still…

Speaking of things or—more specifically, people—I might need to wrestle…

My future Captain (and future-future subordinate) had not spared a glance downwards after I’d nearly decapitated his dwarven comrade. It seems discussing with Hedin over who should be my next victim took precedence over seeing to the well-being of his subordinate.

My Zenin genes are feeling right at home here in Folkvagnr's Murder Garden. Still I couldn't resist inserting my definitely unwanted commentary to their conversation.

“Oi, Ottar, Hedin!” Both snapped their heads my way. “I thought the Freya Familia was supposed to be filthy rich—how come your hosting skills are so damn sub-par? My first meal was a Dwarf so bland and cliche that he could’ve walked out of a toddler’s storybook. I mean, come on, at least try and make my next opponent a little spicy. A King and a former King should be able to keep me from dozing off right?”

Ottar frowned slightly at the hospitality of his Familia—and by extension, his Goddess—being questioned. Meanwhile, Hedin looked mighty ticked off at being called out so personally.

“Someone spicy, you say?” Freya interjected in an amused tone as she sauntered over and perched herself crossed-legged atop the beautifully sculpted stone balustrades, with a glass of wine lazily dangling in her hands.

She took a slow and appreciative sip, her eyes never leaving mine. After placing her glass delicately on the stone beside her, she licked her lips and let out a breathy moan. 

Thank ROB for Ultra Instinct, because otherwise I’d be popping a boner the size of a T-Rex’s fossilised leg. Against all odds, I managed a stoic nod—powered entirely by sweet, sweet cursed energy—which seemed to please her even more.

“There is only one that fits that description, if I am not mistaken?” Freya asked, her head turning ever so slightly toward her right-hand woman and fellow part-time waitress Horn, whose cheeks had gone an adorable rosy red at her goddess's lewd display.

Huh…Horn, Hedin, Heith and—not to forget—my fellow chunni, Hogni. Lots of dudes and dudettes with names starting with H around here.

Horn just nodded in silence. Freya waved her hand at Hedin and Ottar in a gesture that seemed to say ‘Then let it be so’. The two bowed briefly but reverently in Freya’s direction, showing no sign of disgruntlement at the decision being made for them. The Goddess, her aide, and her tactician return to their seats, while her Captain turned around and declared:

“The next challenger will be the Level 2, Sati the Agneyastra.”

Well…she certainly sounded Spicy, so I guess I got my wish?

Given the “Agni” in her alias, my next opponent probably has some sort of fire magic… That or the gods thought she was really hot or had a short temper or something equally stupid. Even if she doesn’t, I better stay on my toes, she’s a level higher than my previous opponent regardless.

I’m in even more danger if the great ROB above decided to make this Sati a tsundere because of my short temper quip. God save my soul against any inferior Non-Tohsaka Rin tsunderes. That train of thought came to a stop as my opponent strutted over.

Where Svar had previously stood, a rather modestly dressed Amazon—or a prudish pant lover if you ask some people (Me. I'm one of those people)—took up his spot. She had a mane of fiery red hair and striking green eyes. I had to remind myself of this being an amazon, cause’ she only showed off her waist and arms. 

Did I mention she even wore pants! That feels like blasphemy against Omori.

A very long metal chain was wrapped around her body like something out of a BDSM Hentia—Par for the course in a Harem Anime. Sati puts a hand on her hip, looks me up and down, then smiles widely. 

I knew it was futile to hope, but maybe she’d act somewhat PG for the young fans at home. I pray for those still-innocent souls who haven’t had their first Goth Girl crush yet.

“Now, that was quite impressive.” Sati said in a honeyed tone.

A compliment for moi? And from a Thot Worshipper, no less! Her smile looked inappropriate, but that might just be her culture. My dream of finding another sane person in this Familia almost seemed possible. 

I had, sadly, almost given up hope.

“I’m going to enjoy breaking you even more now, little boy.” I stand corrected and disappointed yet not surprised. First, someone please call Chris Hanson cause’ this body and the soul inhabiting both belong to teenagers. 

Second, is this entire place filled with stereotypes!? We got the angry, dumb dwarf and now this horny ass amazon!? What is my life?!

“No, thank you. Your body’s great but I can tell your personality’s shit.” Her eyebrow twitches at that and her face instantly loses its murderous cheer.

“Your mother must not have taught you any manners.” Bitch! How dare you besmirch Papa Toji’s wife’s name!

How come women in my life always fixate on my complaints about their bad behaviour. While choosing not to do anything about it either! I even told her she had a bangin’ body! What more could I do, Candace!? 

“I am a true believer in gender equality. I’ll drop kick any rotten woman who deserves it!” And you my dear, certainly do was left unsaid

I point my finger in her direction in a very dramatic anime-like fashion and shout “I stand before you as a scholar of the scriptures of Kazuma-sama! As such, I will never allow for such gender inequality to take place! To quote from the first book of our holy messenger: Equal Rights, Equals Fights, Bitch!”

Sati fixed me with a deadpan expression—the same expression on almost everyone in the garden, bar a giggling Freya. She then let out a snarl and leapt high up in the air, pulling off the chain from her body mid-air in a manner that resembled a ballerina’s silk streamer. 

Then hurling the huge spiked ball—How did I not notice that!—attached to the end of the chain towards me. I barely dodged and where I was standing before, there was now a crater with the ball stuck in it. 

I leapt onto the chain and sprinted towards her mid-air, my spear aimed at her chest. With a harsh pull, she snapped the chain back and aimed a kick at my gut. I met her attack with a kick of my own, and our clash pushed each other away to the edges of the garden.

 Our feet found the ground at the same time.

She is physically my equal, though I could probably defeat her in pure melee combat. However, If my fire magic theory is correct, then I’m done for. Not to mention that I may have to fight more opponents after her. It seems…the time to let the dogs out has arrived. 

Three Obligatory Woofs, commencing in 5, 4—The ground suddenly shook!

A cloud of dust rose around the garden as she struck the ground repeatedly with her flail. Her wide swings also gave her the added benefit of using her chains to drive the cloud my way. Cloaked in her literal smokescreen, the woman nearly vanished to my senses. 

Key word: Nearly. Unfortunately for her, my new Ultra Instinct technique let me lock in on her presence, rendering her efforts nearly useless. She circled me like a silent predator, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. I quickly made the appropriate hand signs for a particular summon but kept them from releasing.

I felt her leap up high again—and just as I looked up, a spiked ball of doom came from below, aiming straight for my face. I was barely dodged, the cold hiss of the air brushed past my cheek as the metal sailed past. Looking up, I caught sight of Sati descending on me, her expression like that of a feral wolf.

I lunged in for a hit at her front just as she jerked her hand back, aiming for another spiked attack at the back of my head. It seemed both of us had chosen to tank the damage and see who was left standing. If I’d been alone, pulling back and trying again would have been my best strategy. 

Fortunately, I had Man’s besto friendos on my side!

“Divine Dogs!” The sight of two large hounds—one black as coal, the other white as snow—bursting through my shadow and descending on her seemed to have left her flabbergasted. Good thing I did the hand signs in the dust or that could have gone badly for me.

Shiro (Megumi’s creativity in names leaves much to be desired) sank his teeth into her wrist, slowing her attack. While Kuro gave a vicious slash to her face and the back of her head and as I thrusted at her midsection. The strike cut deep to satisfy me, and I bent down, and rolled away from the incoming flail. Simultaneously my dogs scattered in opposite directions.

Despite looking like she was on the verge of collapse, she came after me with her weapon swinging over her head, before abruptly changing directions and running circles around us. Her physical abilities were superb, but her real talent lay in her skilled use of her weapon. It moved more like a snake than a piece of metal.

I felt a unique energy come from her—spiritual yet earthly and also noticeably warm. This must be her spell. Sati then, quite literally, spoke the magic words:

“Oh burning one of the Panchabhuta,

Mouth of Heaven,

Medium of offering,

Thou who shows our devotion to the Gods,

Take your earthly form under the skies and Heaven,

Bring forth the scorching end of the heathens, Agni!”

Her ball erupted in flames, the greyish-silver chain glowing golden from the heat, slithering towards me like it was actually a live snake. I pulled my dogs back into my shadow—lest their asses get vaporized—while I danced around with a blazing hot piece of metal trying to tear me apart.

I’ve had worse first dates.

After a minute or so of weaving and waiting, I baited her with an obscene gesture involving my middle-finger. She let loose a furious howl at the playground insult, sending the chain crashing down from above—right where I wanted her. 

I chucked my spear at just the right angle, threading it through one of the chains and pinning it into the ground. I drew a dagger from my side and launched it at her, forcing her to leap leap away—momentarily leaving behind her Ghost Rider chain.

She’d poured all her magic out on her weapon, which left her already damaged physical state wide open. My hounds and I let loose a relentless flurry of punches, kicks, elbows and even a savage bite on her battered face, skull and gut. Her torment finally ended via a spin kick to the back of her already heavily injured head, which knocked her out cold.

Ironic for someone named Agneyastra. But I gotta admit, the gods got their name game down to a fuckin’ T.  She’s hot, hotheaded, has hot magic and a redhead. That alias really fits her like a glove.

“The victor of the second round is, once again, the Unblessed Fushiguro Jin. We will resume after a short recess.” Ottar, buddy, you don’t have the oomph to be a fight promoter. Either be like coked-out Connor McGregor at BKFC, or stick to killing monsters. M’kay?

Heith the Overworked Nurse was at my opponent’s side in an instant, glaring at with deep loathing as she worked her magic to heal her mangled comrade in a green flash. Honestly, It felt unfair—Sati had promised to “break” me like a “little boy”, but she wasn’t getting any flak for it from Miss Dead Eyes.

Then again, maybe that has something to do with the fact Sati currently looked like she was chewed out by wolves and then set upon by a serial killer….probably.

“Hey Hot Nurse, should I say something cool since I just bodied that girl you're healing right now?” Is it a bad idea to piss off the leader of both the Familia healers and cooks? Yes! Am I going to stop! Hell no!

“I ain't never hit a woman, but I've never been afraid to smack a bitch. That was from the Book of Isekai, Verse 21: 26-27.”, I quickly rushed out my line before she could tell me to shut up. The look of disappointment given to me leads me to a mildly disheartening conclusion—she was not impressed.

“Now that was quite a splendid showing,” remarked Freya from her high, balcony-ious abode, a delighted smile playing on her face. She then turned to her strategist, whose eyes remained fixed on my shadow. “Would you not agree, Hedin?” 

The aforementioned Elf King paused his analysis of my technique long enough to nod to his goddess, only to return to it immediately after. Freya seemed amused at his intense study, turned back to me and inquired, “How did you find your spicy opponent, my dear Jin-kun?”

I ignored the few remaining members of the Simp Squadron in the Garden muttering curses at me (the bitch-ass, non-jujutsu kind) as they filed out for recess—either to grab a snack and freshen up for the next fight, or to go goon over Freya in their rooms, I assumed.

“Like how a dude feels about his girlfriend suggesting a threeway. At first, ecstatic. But then you find out it’s with another guy… well, you can imagine.” Freya looked like she very much could imagine, but was happy to let me spell it out.

“It’s the principle of the matter, you know. If she told me it was with a hot femboy? Hell yes. If it was a twink? Also yes. Even if it was Jerry from the gelato shop—so long as he was still a bottom—that’d still be a yes. But she left it vague on purpose, let me assume it was another woman… so I had to put my foot down.”

“…Understandable,” said Freya, looking like she was fighting back a laugh, while the people beside her stayed stone-faced—or, in Horn’s case, kept mouthing the words ‘Jerry’ and ‘gelato’ with a dazed expression.

The Goddess of Beauty brought us back on track with a sharp clap of her hands. “Do you have any other requests for your next opponents? I already have a few scrumptious picks in mind—one of them a little more on the… sweeter side, perhaps.”

She was really going hard on making those tasting analogies sound lewd as hell. “If by ‘on the sweeter side’ you mean someone in this Freya Familia actually managed the impossible and advanced their personality beyond ‘complete douchebag,’ then I’d love nothing more than to kick their ass next. Hell, if this Level 3 Ottar has some basic social skills on top of that, I’ll just be floored.”

“My, my, Ottar. It seems Jin has already become a fan of yours,” Freya teased the Boaz, who looked nonplussed and gave me a nod. I guess that meant he acknowledged his fandom? Am I supposed to write a wiki page or make fanart now? Or does that only come after I get dragged into nonsensical shipping battles with strangers online?

“Enjoy your lunch, Jin. You must be famished. After all…” the alcoholic thot pressed a kiss to the rim of her ever-present wineglass, "…it does take quite a toll to satiate me—particularly with such finesse as you’ve shown.” She punctuated it with a wink, as if her words weren’t already dripping with suggestion.

Freya turned on her no-doubt expensive-as-fuck heels, her exit punctuated by an exaggerated sway of her hips…ROB-sama, why do you test my restraint so cruelly?

My lamenting was cut short when I saw what appeared to be one of the servants approaching me with some trepidation. “Sir, would you care for some refreshments?” he asked in a worshipful tone. 

Huh, guess non-Familia members look upon those that catch Freya's attention with a little more kindness than your average Allen.

I think Freya Familia servants are called Worshipers or Believers or something, and they wear the same clothes as the guild—a small symbol of Freya’s power, pride and willingness to flaunt it. Now that I think about it…are Guild uniforms worn as cosplay in the Pleasure District?

If that’s really a thing, then I need to get Freya to take down the Ishtar Familia as soon as possible. I can't even imagine how much Valis I could snatch from Ishtar after all those years of pimping out bespectacled half-elves and red haired werewolves wearing guild clothes.

“Sir, I made sure to bring a potion for physical rejuvenation and a potion for magical rejuvenation—specifically used for Curse Spells alongside—your drinks and snacks.” Now this is what I call quality service. A man could get used to this.

I clamped the man on his shoulder and offered him a smile, which left him dazed, staring at his shoulder like the Pope just blessed it. Taking the tray from his frozen hands, I sat down on the grass, which seemed to rouse him enough to bow quickly and scurry off towards the exit.

I downed the potions first—one restoring my health bar,the other my CR bar—both shooting me back up to maximum for the next round, exactly as advertised. Then I washed them down with a cup of water before turning my attention to the respectable spread: a pile of fruit (mostly grapes), a fine selection of cheeses and an assortment of bread slices.

I cast a quick glance towards the Executive’s side. From my angle, I could only make out Ottar and Heith, still deep in discussion about my next opponent. I did, however, catch a glimpse of grey hair that could only belong to Horn. Makes me wonder—what do the maids at the hostess think Syr is up to, if both Freya and Horn are here instead of cosplaying as teenage maids?

As I nursed my lemonade, having already drunk all my water, it dawned on me: I really hadn't really stopped to consider that the next opponent I face might not just be my equal in power but possibly my superior. Which means that, unlike Svar and Sati, this fight won’t be won with brute force alone—it’ll take just as much trickery as the Ten Shadows.

If by the skin of my teeth I come out on top—but probably barely standing—how the hell am I supposed to take down a Lv 4? Do I get to phone a friend to drop off a magic sword, a Salamander Wool loincloth and needles full of that good arcane shit so that I can rock the mystic, roided-up aesthetic? 

And another thing: if I pump my Shikigami full of magical steroid potions, will their cursed-energy based bodies just…pop?

Eh, Worst-case scenario, one of the dogs explodes and I end up with a werewolf from Divine Dogs: Totality. 

From my shadow, I could feel their gazes on my back—equal parts disappointed and unimpressed. When I glanced over my shoulder, two middle paws were raised in unison. Somehow, that was simultaneously the two most offensive and adorable flipping of the bird I’ve ever received.

I finished my meal by chewing on the last grape and washing it down with the final sip of lemonade. I hadn’t realised how badly I needed this until that water touched my dry lips. Seriously, a little flavour goes a long way in brightening the shitty day I’ve been having so far.

After wiping my mouth and hands with a napkin, I handed the tray and cups to a new servant that was coming over to collect them. She looked like she wanted to protest my miniscule assistance in her duties, but I strode back to my position before she could say a word.

A third servant then approached, my weapons now cleaned spotless in his hands, presenting them to me with a bow. I adjusted knives on my sides and gave my spear a few lazy spins just as a flamboyant, armoured knight carrying a cutlass came out to replace the perv-azon who—like her sour voiced dwarf compatriot, had hauled off unceremoniously. 

Even from his presence alone, I could tell he far outclassed my previous opponents.

The man was dressed like an exceptionally wealthy medieval knight. The armour he wore over his silver chain mail looked to be an even brighter silver, etched with words and symbols of a foreign language that gave it a mystical feeling. His helm was crowned with golden roses along its crust, and a large heavy woolen cloak trailing behind him, embroidered with what looked to be forget-me-nots flowers.

What truly burned my financially impoverished heart, though, were the dazzling sapphires surrounded by twining onyx vines he used as decorations. What might actually break it was the massive circular green shield he carried—not just for protection, but in a way that made it obvious he could swing it as a weapon too. And then there was the star of the show—the cutlass. Broader than most, with a simple wooden crossguard and sheath, yet  radiating an unmistakable aura of danger.

“The next fight will be with the Level 3, Lego the Grass-cutter” Yeah, Tolkien’s about to sue the shit out of this dude for that name. Jokes aside, his swordsmanship must be really good to get the same title as one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan.

…That, or he really likes marijuana. I’m leaning on the former but hoping for the latter.

The knights removed his helmet, revealing an exceptionally handsome elf with locks of lazy brown curls and ringlets which tumbled down to his shoulders. His amber eyes— liquid gold, big, and that spark with liveliness—shone beneath them.

The way those eyes sized me up made him look less like an elf and more like a predator.

Then he gave me a brilliant smile that had me feeling some type of way before dipping into a deep bow and rising again. “Glad tidings be upon you, brother.” he said, his voice radiant. “It shall be the honour of Lego of the Reach Forest to duel you, Fushiguro-dono.”

Huh. I kinda feel bad for relishing in his soon-to-come incarceration for plagiarizing the Big Daddy of High-Fantasy. 

“Call me Jin. Just Jin.” A shit ton about me is cringe, but my name certainly isn’t one of them.

“Very well then, Jin. Then I insist you call me just Lego, just as my family does. I wish you the best of luck.” Lego placed a hand on the hilt of his cutlass, settling into a stance that vaguely reminded me of a praying mantis.

If I didn’t have cursed energy, I might’ve been jealous of this seemingly too-lucky elf. I mean, his name resembles the most iconic elf in history and my favourite childhood toys.

“You too.” The genial atmosphere vanished as soon as it arrived, and I shifted into a stance that left one hand free for hand signs while keeping the other, gripping my polearm, would help me keep distance.

“I have one request for you, Jin—if you would be so kind as to indulge your soon-to-be-foe.” asked the Elf, his voice carrying a strange inflection.

Why do I feel like this is a moment that'll set off my second anime friendship? The first obviously being best bro Hashanah.

“Do you? You know this is usually the part where we exchange insulting remarks about one another's mothers and our explicit relations with them.” Lego gave a good-natured chuckle at my admittedly crass remark (especially for elf standards).

“I will be as straightforward as a man like you must prefer. I would like for you to show me no quarter in our exchange, even if this duel ends with my demise.” Lego said, resolute.

“...Pardon?” Did I hear that right?

“You heard what I said. I wish for you to grant me as much mercy as you grant a stampeding minotaur—that is to say, none at all.” replied the grim-faced Lego. 

“You know that pardon was less ‘Can you repeat that?’ and more ‘Care to explain’. You get me?” I articulate slowly to get my point across.

I quickly add on: “If it’s about trying to impress Big F up on the balcony. then let's just fight. I’m really not in the mood to hear you wax poetic and elvish about your wet dreams.” 

The pretty son of a gun actually blinks like he just got a revelation?! Of course I’m going to question your death request! Also, please, ROB-sama—don't make him another simp!

“No, it is not that at all. I look upon Lady Freya as more of a mother figure, unlike the rest of my Familia brethren. I am unable to use magic, having inherited my human ancestor’s colouring and magic talent—of which there was none. My request was simply meant to ensure you would fight me with respect befitting a fellow warrior.” Lego finished his explanation with a blank look, as if he expected me to mock him.

Firstly, Praise be upon the Random Omnipotent Bastard for not making the hot elf a simp! Freya, you already had Hogni and Hedin—leave some elves for the rest of us! Secondly, I was wondering why he had brown hair despite looking like a pure elf. 

Poor dude must have had a hard life, being treated like he was defective by other elves. From his earlier family comment at least he had some people who were good to him. Thirdly—and most importantly:

“I was going to kick your ass till it was blue and bloody already. Now I might just let my dogs gnaw on it, since you dared to insinuate I would take it easy on a Lv. 3 for any reason. So you can’t use spells—who cares? That just means your right hook magic is just that damn good.” I end my shounen rival-esque tirade with a huff.

To think this heathen would assume a discipline of Kazuma-sama would ever indulge in the sin of discrimination. “Equal Rights, Equal Fights” isn’t just a slogan we toss around to lure potential converts at our Shopping Mall temples—it’s a way of life!

Lego fixed me with a long look, like he expected me to take back my words, before breaking into a bedazzling smile and relaxing visibly. He cast a quick look up at Freya’s balcony, like he wanted her to see what he was seeing. 

Now that was too cute. Big F even looks like a proud mama up there. Hell, even Big Bro Ottar’s face looks a little less blank at his younger Familia mate’s joy.

He looked back down and gave me another bow, deeper than the one before. “I was prepared to welcome the arms of my mistress, Death, over the mocking embrace of pity. However, it seems that will not be unnecessary. Jin, I apologize for the offense I have caused you.”

My response was to return to my earlier stance, using my free hand to give a “come hither" motion. The time of words was over—it's time to truly begin my journey by fighting my first real opponent. To prove myself worthy to be the successor to the Shadow Monarch, Sung Jin Woo, this must be done.

Megumi had already given me a head start, allowing me to summon Shadow creatures and being a closeted Sister Leveling Player.

I closed the distance between us and arched my spear towards his neck—only for the shaft to be sliced off and I barely managed to pull back, leaving me with just a cut on my forehead. Damn, this guy was fast! I quickly reinforced my wound to stop the blood from pouring and blurring my vision.

I threw the sliced shaft at his face, but he easily dodged. I followed up with throwing one of my daggers, which he also easily dodged, then used my last dagger to block his sword. I aimed a kick at his stomach, but his shield intercepted it. 

I used the resulting force to propel myself backward. I caught the blade of my spar midair, infusing it with cursed energy, and chucking it at Lego with such force that it sounded like a shotgun blast.

The mad lad just stood there, blocking the spear with his sword, causing it to blow up and send shrapnel scattering across the ground. He looked completely unbothered, despite the flowers on his capes being damaged from the shock of our scuffle. 

However, as my feet touched the ground, the few seconds I had to form hand signs were more than enough. “Divine Dogs!” My two furry companions burst out of my shadow and darted to opposite ends of the Garden. 

Shiro near the entrance and Kuro near the weapons rack and, while me and lonesome ass moved to distract the knight as my dogs waited for their part of the Keikaku to begin.

Lego stood there with a puzzled look on his face, no doubt wondering why I hadn’t advanced with my hounds. It would have been the smart thing to do—he far out classed me physically, and he certainly gathered that by now. That meant there would be no reason for the knight to hold back.

As I got within slicing distance of his sword, I threw my last dagger at him, which he dodged with ease. I used the split second that bought me to form the appropriate hand signs and shouted “Orochi!”. A giant snake burst from my shadow, snatched me in its mouth, and carried me skyward. 

Lego recoiled in shock, quickly assessing my new Shikigami. His evaluation was over as soon as it began—he leapt onto Orochi’s back and sprinted upward. Despite my shikigami thrashing like it was having a seizure, it couldn’t shake Lego off. And now, just like twice before, he would be within slicking distance of my face.

Well we can’t have that, can we? I made another hand sign, keeping my intended Shikgami in my shadow charging up its attack. I needed the element of surprise to leave Lego extra crispy—this might be my last chance to even out the odds. Unfortunately, the charging time was taking longer than I’d have liked, and Orochi had already run out of length to keep standing. 

That left me a sitting duck in my serpent's mouth. And yes…I was just as terrified as I was soaked—in snake spit.

Just as Lego reached the top of Orochi’s head and was about to leap at me, I barked at my snake, “Orochi, lay down—quickly!”. Orochi did less laying down and more hurling itself to the floor, but it achieved what I needed: a single stumble from my slice-happy opponent.

With a roar of “Nue!” came forth my favourite weird, bony-faced avian electrician, barely able to hide the sparking electrical charge within it as it flew straight at Lego's face, ready to burst. The knight looked exasperated at my seemingly endless repertoire of summons and slashed Nue across the chest.

Had this been any other day, my barbecuing bird bestie might not have been able to keep going. But this was not most days—this was the day I died and got isekai’d as the next-gen Sasuke into an RPG world. That little cocktail of motivation and cursed energy was just enough to drop the motherlode of electrical discharge right into Lego’s eyes, eardrums, nasal cavity, and tongue.

The moment Lego’s blade cut into Nue was the moment lightning erupted its body—and by then it was already too late. Nue let out a shriek as it shifted its wings, not to shield itself, but to position them right beside Lego’s head. Then, with a level of control I never thought Nue possessed, the vast majority of the discharge went into the sensitive areas of Lego’s skull.

I quickly dismissed Nue before it could die from its wounds—only to feel my world jolt as Orochi hit the ground. I clung desperately to its fangs, barely keeping myself from being flung loose. Lego wasn’t so lucky. Stunned, he was thrown in the air—and the moment I saw him airborne, I made my gamble. Planting both hands and feet against Orochi’s fang, I launched myself straight toward him.

The instant my body went airborne, the world lost all meaning. The Einherjar’s roars blurred into a dull rumble, the scent of the garden’s greenery twisted into static, the blood on my tongue tasted like nothing at all. My senses collapsed into incomprehension. Only my mind remained, burning at full throttle, locked on a single task. Because if I failed this strike—then I’d lose. 

Understanding only returned to me when black and crimson bolts of cursed energy came into view. My fist was connecting squarely with Lego’s jaw, and despite the massive difference in physical strength between us it seemed to hurt him. Nue’s earlier stun damage, combined with my gamble, appeared to have paid off. 

My gamble? My attack would be able to achieve that one-millionth of a second application needed to activate it. The space-distortion attack—one that in another life would have been one of the signature moves of Megumi’s only male teammate. An attack that is said to demand so much skill, combat potential, and luck that even Gojo-sensei can't use it at will. 

And when activated? It didn’t just multiply the attack by 2.5—it boosted it by a power of 2.5. Considering I poured a massive chunk of my cursed energy into it, the result was devastating. Even with the stun from Nue and the disorientation from Orochi, Lego was still a Lv. 3, and his battle instincts compelled his blade to slice my body into three parts the moment I got near him.

In another life perhaps. But in this one, my fist connected with his face the instant when his blade cut my Jujutsu Tech uniform and his shield brushed against my hair. When my punch unleashed crimson and black bolts, his arms arched back in shock and pain, along with the rest of his body.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up in a coma. First I fried his senses, and now I was giving him CTE. Heith was going to have a field day with this over-cooked elf.

“BLACK FLASH!”

-Page Break

Hey, hey folks your most humble writer is back with what some, not my humble self, but some would say is the best thing you read all week. 

…If anyone says otherwise I would cry 😭

BTW, for those not yet acquainted with my kinks, let it be known far and wide that I am a shameless slut for reviews. Yes, shocking, I know—but I am not ashamed. In fact, I am proud. So proud, in fact, that I proclaim it boldly: every review bestowed upon me by my readers—especially the most respectfully critical ones that satiate the lusty beast within—compels me to pour my prose onto the sacred Docs of Google and spread it here, to the proudest corner of the internet.

In layman’s terms: give me reviews to fill the hole in my attention-starved heart, and in return, you’ll get faster and better-written chapters. Capiche?

Since I can't get enough of the power scaling mania, let's compare JJK Grades to Danmachi Levels down below. Since when did anyone ever need a civil comment section in the first place?