As Ryuu had predicted, with his "assistance," Mai Sakurajima gradually became more proficient in controlling her cursed energy.
"Feel the cursed energy flowing through your body. Don't force it—let it move naturally. Use your instincts to remember the sensation, and most importantly… don't let your emotions interfere with the output."
Mai listened intently, carefully guiding the energy inside her, channeling it from her core, through her shoulders and arms, and finally concentrating it into her palm.
A faint glow of cursed energy flickered in her hands.
Excited, she turned to Ryuu with hopeful eyes.
"Ryuu-kun, how was that?"
Ryuu smiled. "Not bad."
The slight praise immediately brought a pleased look to Mai's face.
"Your energy control is improving. The flow is much more stable, and you're finally adjusting to its natural rhythm. You're almost ready to try using an actual technique."
Mai beamed, letting out a small sigh of relief. "So I'm finally at that stage, huh?"
"You've got talent, Mai. And you work hard." Ryuu gave her an approving nod before adding with a smirk, "Of course, part of your progress is thanks to my generous efforts this week."
At his suggestive remark, Mai's face flushed red.
"What's so generous about it?!" she huffed, crossing her arms. "You've been taking advantage of me every single day!"
Despite her embarrassed frustration, there was no real anger in her tone.
After all… Ryuu had been extremely helpful.
Her progress had skyrocketed within just a week, and it was all thanks to his… "specialized training methods."
Even so, she could never get used to it.
Every time she practiced with him, her heart raced, and her face burned.
Unfair.
Ryuu shrugged, utterly unbothered by her complaints.
"Fine, let's just say it's been mutually beneficial. A win-win situation for both of us."
Mai turned away, grumbling under her breath.
Ignoring her pouting expression, Ryuu continued, "Your technique is pretty unique, Mai. You don't just erase your own presence—you erase perception itself."
Mai blinked. "Perception?"
"For anyone with weaker cursed energy than you, your technique can make them completely forget you even exist—as if you were never part of this world in the first place."
Mai's expression tightened. She never thought of her ability as something so… ominous.
"That's too dangerous," she muttered. "I don't want to be erased from anyone's perception… I just want to control it properly and stop people from ignoring me."
Her wish was simple. She didn't want to be a ghost anymore.
Ryuu shrugged. "Once you've mastered it, you'll be able to control exactly who sees you and when. No more random disappearances."
Hearing that, Mai's frustration softened, replaced with relief.
She was so close to regaining a normal life.
Her heart raced with excitement.
"Then hurry up and teach me how to fully control it!"
"Not today," Ryuu replied lazily.
Mai froze. "…Huh?"
"I have a banquet to attend tonight."
Mai blinked before remembering something.
"Oh… you mean that Shinomiya Group thing?"
"Yeah."
Even though she wasn't too familiar with the Shinomiya Zaibatsu, she knew they were an economic powerhouse—basically the heart of Japan's economy.
A corporate empire of unmatched influence.
Yet…
Even they had sent a personal invitation to Ryuu.
Realization hit her.
He's not just a big deal in the sorcerer world—he's powerful even in real-world society.
Mai felt a little stupid for not thinking about it earlier.
If cursed energy exists, then high-ranking elites must be aware of it too.
Which means…
Even the most powerful families in Japan would want to be on Ryuu's good side.
---
As the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya Group, Shinomiya Kaguya represented the face of her family.
Even for a simple birthday party, the guest list was nothing short of elite.
Only the wealthiest, most powerful figures in Japan were invited.
The who's who of high society.
The estate hosting the banquet was colossal—a massive mansion with hundreds of luxury cars lining the front courtyard, all converging like stars orbiting a single moon.
Inside, the grand hall buzzed with lively conversation.
Wealthy figures clinked their crystal wine glasses, engaging in casual networking—searching for new business opportunities and political alliances.
Even among the wealthy elite, connections were everything.
---
Ryuu arrived effortlessly through Kamui, bypassing all the nonsense.
Before even entering the main hall, he could already hear the sounds of the crowd inside—the chatter, the laughter, the clinking glasses.
Casually approaching the entrance, he handed his invitation to the security team stationed outside.
One of the guards glanced at the invitation and immediately straightened up, his demeanor shifting from professional to respectful.
"You may enter."
Ryuu didn't care about their reactions, but as he stepped forward, he felt their stares lingering on his back.
Unbeknownst to him, the security detail had already received strict instructions.
The head of the Shinomiya family had personally ordered them to keep an eye out for one guest in particular.
Not a politician.
Not a corporate CEO.
Not a royalty figure.
But him—Ryuu.
---
Inside the Banquet Hall
The moment he stepped inside, he immediately noticed some familiar faces in the crowd.
Yukinoshita Haruno from the Yukinoshita family.
Fujiwara Chika, the embodiment of chaos.
Nakiri Senzaemon, the godfather of Japan's culinary world.
Nakiri Erina, the legendary "God's Tongue."
All in one room.
Interesting.
As he scanned the banquet hall, others took notice of him as well.
Despite his age, no one here was foolish enough to look down on him.
Because everyone at this event understood one thing—
This gathering wasn't just about social status.
It was about power.
And Ryuu was someone far beyond their understanding.
---
Across the Room…
In the middle of casually chatting with a noblewoman, Yukinoshita Haruno suddenly paused.
Something had caught her attention.
She turned her head, following the subtle shift in the crowd's atmosphere.
And then—
Her eyes landed on him.
Her expression froze for a moment.
"...It's him?" she muttered, surprised.
The strongest sorcerer had just entered the room.
###
T/N: Support the fic and read chaps early before public on P@treon // Kryzt