Chapter 181: Food Trap

Of course, it wasn't as if everyone wasn't scared at all. They just didn't scream like Masumi.

Shouko had seen Sadako before, so she was somewhat mentally prepared for what was coming.

As for Yaeko, the sight of Sadako made her clench her fists, her eyes blazing with anger.

This was the monster that had tormented her daughter, leaving her in such pain and fear these past few days?

If Yaeko had the power, she might've rushed forward and slapped Sadako herself. No mother could tolerate something harming her child.

"Sister!"

Yuzuru, standing nearby, gripped Shouko's hand tightly in concern.

"It's okay," Shouko said, her smile surprisingly relaxed as she reassured her sister.

With Ryuji here, there was nothing to fear.

"Human…"

Sadako's voice was hoarse, crackling like static, as though the sheer weight of her cursed energy distorted her speech.

Her figure, pale and unnerving, crawled out of the TV inch by inch, her movements jagged and unnatural.

Half of Sadako's body was already out, and her eerie, unblinking gaze fixed itself directly on Shouko.

But just as Sadako reached out further, her movements suddenly froze.

It was as if she sensed something or rather, someone.

Her head turned sharply, her gaze locking onto Ryuji.

The air grew heavier as Sadako's body stiffened, and beneath the cascade of her tangled hair, her ghostly eyes widened in realization.

She had sensed danger.

Her half-emerged body twitched, and she began to retreat back into the TV.

"Trying to run, huh?" Ryuji chuckled, folding his arms as he watched her struggle.

"It's a little late for that, don't you think?"

His tone was light, almost mocking.

If Sadako had chosen to retreat earlier, she might've had a chance. But now, with half her body already out? Running was out of the question.

Ryuji clasped his hands together, his expression turning serious.

"Domain Expansion—Food Space!"

At his command, the space around them shifted abruptly.

The oppressive air vanished, replaced by an overwhelming aroma. Vibrant colors burst forth, transforming the room into a surreal banquet hall. The walls, floor, and even the air seemed to be made of exquisite food, each dish more tempting than the last.

"What is this?"

Everyone froze in place, stunned by the sudden shift.

Sadako, who had been halfway out of the TV, was yanked entirely into the domain as the television dissolved into an arrangement of desserts.

"...It smells so good!"

Yaeko, who hadn't had time to eat after returning home from work, felt her stomach growl as the aroma enveloped her.

Unable to resist, her gaze landed on a delicate slice of cake nearby.

"This…"

Ryuji noticed her hesitation and waved his hand dismissively.

"Go ahead, eat. It's fine," he said casually.

Yaeko hesitated, still trying to maintain some dignity.

"I'm not that hungry," she muttered, but before she could finish, her stomach betrayed her with another loud growl.

Blushing furiously, she lowered her head and whispered, "Excuse me," before taking a small bite of the cake.

Her eyes widened instantly.

"It's… delicious!"

The words left her lips before she could stop them.

Hearing her praise, the other girls hesitated for only a moment before they joined in, grabbing food from the domain.

Soon, the room was filled with exclamations of delight.

Ryuji, however, remained focused. He turned his attention back to Sadako, who stood frozen amidst the feast.

Noticing her gaze flickering toward the food, he smirked knowingly.

The domain's unique effect was taking hold.

Within the Food Space, the usual guaranteed-hit ability of a domain had been replaced by an irresistible urge to eat.

No matter who it was, they would eventually give in to the temptation of the delicacies surrounding them.

"If you're curious, why not have a taste?" Ryuji asked, his tone light but teasing.

Sadako didn't respond.

She remained motionless, her distorted figure quivering slightly.

As a special-grade cursed spirit, Sadako was no fool. She could sense that something was off about this food.

Ryuji's words carried a hint of danger, and her instincts screamed at her to resist.

But the longer she stayed within the domain, the harder it became to hold back.

Her eyes darted to the other girls, who were eating without any visible consequences.

Surely, just a little bite wouldn't hurt… right?

After a moment of hesitation, Sadako's trembling hand reached for a small piece of cake lying nearby.

Her movements were slow and reluctant, as though she were trying to convince herself it was safe.

Finally, she took a tiny bite.

"Ah!"

The moment she swallowed, a shrill scream erupted from her.

Everyone stopped eating and turned to look, their faces filled with shock.

Sadako clutched at her body, writhing and twisting as her form began to distort.

The piece of cake fell from her hand as she collapsed, her body seemingly melting into the domain itself.

"What's happening to her?" Yuzuru whispered, gripping her sister's arm tightly.

Ryuji smirked slightly, watching as Sadako's struggles grew weaker.

The Food Space wasn't just a domain, it was a trap.

The moment Sadako gave in to the temptation and ate, the domain's power began assimilating her, breaking down her cursed energy piece by piece.

Sadako's figure flickered and twisted as she let out one final, desperate scream.