Chapter 171: Progress

Ryuji had seen all there was to the food curse spirit's domain. There was no reason to drag this out any longer.

"Eight Slashes!" Ryuji commanded softly, his voice calm. Instantly, countless slashes, like shimmering blades of wind, fell with precision toward the food curse spirit.

In mere moments, its grotesque form was riddled with deep cuts.

"No!" The food curse spirit screamed, its voice tinged with disbelief and anguish. It had only recently been born, its existence was still fresh, its power yet to fully flourish. How could it die here, so easily?

It struggled desperately, attempting to flee. But under the weight of Ryuji's crushing domain and overwhelming presence, escape was nothing more than a fleeting fantasy.

"Soul Devouring!"

With a flick of his hand, chains materialized, coiling around the cursed spirit like venomous serpents. They dragged it mercilessly toward the space crack that Ryuji had summoned.

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

The air buzzed as the cursed spirit was pulled in, its monstrous form vanishing into the void.

Ryuji patted his stomach lightly, a playful grin tugging at his lips. Though it wasn't the same as consuming actual food, there was a strange, satisfying sensation left behind.

"Not bad. Not bad at all," he murmured to himself, nodding in satisfaction.

With the cursed spirit gone, the oppressive domain space began to unravel. The crimson hues dissipated, the eerie skeletal shrine melted away, and the world returned to normal under Ryuji's control.

Now that the battle was over, Ryuji's thoughts returned to something else. His eyes glimmered with curiosity as he opened the system menu to check the entry he had just triggered.

"Golden Entry: Domain Expansion – Food Space!"

A smile crept across his face. It was exactly what he expected, the domain of the food curse spirit had now become his.

"Not bad," Ryuji said, clearly pleased. This new domain was unique, with intriguing potential. Unlike the food curse spirit, Ryuji wouldn't need to use its corruptive aspect. He could simply summon an endless variety of foods at will.

From the finest delicacies to simple comfort meals, everything was available. It wasn't just a combat domain; it was a treasure trove.

Ryuji chuckled as an image flashed through his mind—a sunny beach, the horizon swaying lazily, a table laden with gourmet dishes, and a few beautiful women enjoying the view nearby.

"Perfect. This… this is living," he mused, a small laugh escaping his lips.

Without hesitation, Ryuji made his decision. "Load it!"

The system panel updated instantly, reflecting the addition of his latest domain:

[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], Ink Incarnation [Gold], Infinite Void [Gold], Cursed Construct [Gold], Food Space [Gold], Iron Fist [Purple], Combat Intuition [Purple].

Points: 80,120!"

Looking at the list of loaded entries, Ryuji couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. His collection of abilities had grown impressively vast, some so niche or powerful that he hadn't even found opportunities to use them yet.

"Well, they'll come in handy eventually," Ryuji thought. It was never a bad idea to have a few tricks hidden up his sleeve.

"Mr. Ryuji!"

A voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Turning, Ryuji saw Senzaemon and the others walking toward him.

The headmaster of Totsuki Academy led the group, bowing his head deeply in gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Ryuji!" Senzaemon said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "If it weren't for you, I dread to think what might have become of Totsuki Academy!"

Ryuji waved his hand dismissively, his expression lighthearted.

"It's no trouble. I just happened to be here," he replied simply. The truth was, Ryuji hadn't acted purely out of altruism. His curiosity about the food curse spirit had been a significant factor.

But, of course, there was another reason.

"The food here at Totsuki Academy is unique. Losing it would've been a real shame," he added, his tone laced with a playful grin.

Hearing this, Senzaemon chuckled heartily, clearly relieved. "Totsuki Academy is always open to you, Mr. Ryuji, anytime and anywhere!"

"If Ryuji likes, I'd be happy to prepare food for him personally, anytime he wishes!"

It was Alice who spoke this time, her eyes sparkling with mischievous intent. She stepped forward, smiling brightly, her confidence unwavering.

Unlike her cousin Erina, Alice was bold, unafraid to express herself. Her feelings for Ryuji were clear, there was no point in hiding them.

The heat in her gaze didn't go unnoticed by Ryuji. He met her eyes with a small, knowing smile.

"There'll be plenty of opportunities," he said, leaving his words intentionally vague.

Alice's grin widened, while Erina, standing nearby, glanced away, her expression a mix of exasperation and embarrassment.

Kaguya, however, was less composed. Her grip tightened slightly on the hem of her skirt, her jealousy barely concealed.

This Alice… she's too bold! Kaguya thought to herself, biting her lip.

Though jealous, Kaguya resolved to step up her game. If Alice could be so forward, then she could too. After all, hadn't Hayasaka told her that a lady must be decisive when it came to matters of love?

---

By the time Ryuji and Kaguya left Totsuki Academy, the sun had already begun to dip toward the horizon. Senzaemon and the rest stayed behind to oversee the repairs to the school grounds.

The damage caused by the food curse spirit had been extensive, but for someone like Senzaemon, wealth and resources weren't an issue. Everything could be rebuilt, even if it would take some time.

When they finally arrived at the Shinomiya estate, Ryuji prepared to take his leave. But just as he turned to go, Kaguya's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"It's getting late. Why don't you stay here tonight, Ryuji?"

Her words were calm, but the slight redness in her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.

Ryuji blinked, glancing up at the sky. While it was true the sun was setting, it wasn't exactly "late." There was still plenty of daylight left.

Noticing his skeptical look, Kaguya averted her eyes, her tone faltering slightly.

"I-I just think it would be… more convenient. That's all!" she added hurriedly, though the faint hint of expectation in her voice was hard to miss.

In truth, Kaguya had her own reasoning. To her, Ryuji wasn't just anyone, he was her fiancé, the man she believed was destined to be her husband. If she couldn't even hold his attention now, how could she possibly consider herself a suitable wife in the future?

This mindset, of course, had been encouraged by Hayasaka, who was always whispering such ideas into her ear.

And so, despite her embarrassment, Kaguya waited with bated breath for Ryuji's answer, her heart pounding in her chest.

***

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