After following Yaga Masamichi along a long and winding road, Soujun finally arrived at their destination.
It was a remote mountain area somewhere in Tokyo.
Hard to imagine, even here a paved mountain road had been built.
On one side of the road loomed jagged cliffs, on the other, an ancient dense forest. The entire mountain range was shrouded in woodland.
Now Soujun and Yaga were driving halfway up the mountain. Mist hung between the trees and peaks, giving the scene an almost otherworldly feel.
Through the haze, an expansive complex of buildings could be faintly seen.
After driving a while longer, they finally approached the grand entrance.
On the left side of the gate stood a wooden plaque: Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School.
Flanking the gate were two guardian komainu statues, one with mouth open, the other shut, carved with cloud-like fur patterns, exuding solemn majesty.
Inside, a vast Zen temple dominated the view, with various pavilions and halls of both modern and traditional design beyond it.
Shrines and temple courtyards stood side by side.
On the surface, it was a private religious academy. In truth, it was the hidden base of jujutsu sorcerer activity.
In the jujutsu world, beyond the great families, there were many common-born people with powerful cursed energy.
Some knew nothing of their gift, yet could see curses. Living conditions for them were hellish, constantly surrounded by monsters.
Others, talented enough, figured out crude ways to wield cursed energy. But without guidance, most went astray, their power twisted into danger.
Such rogue sorcerers often became more threatening than curses themselves.
Jujutsu High existed to prevent this outcome.
Tokyo, as the nation's largest city, produced far more curses than the countryside. Naturally, Tokyo Jujutsu High was established here, funded jointly by the state and the city.
After graduation, many sorcerers used the school as their base of operations. It posted missions, distributed payments, and provided support. Over time, it became the natural hub for sorcerers.
Even the grading system of sorcerers was overseen by the two schools.
Alongside the obvious student-teacher hierarchy, there was also another track: the mission-side sequence, composed of bounty sorcerers.
They took jobs, claimed rewards, and in return, relieved the curse-hunting pressure. Both sides benefited.
The two sequences intersected mainly through two shared departments: auxiliary supervisors—sorcerer aides who could drive, erect barriers, and summon shikigami—and the "window" staff, non-sorcerers who could see curses, embedded in society to assist.
Soujun had chosen the latter path.
He would join as a bounty sorcerer.
Yaga led Soujun deeper into the school.
They hardly met anyone along the way; those they did were rushing past.
"Are you sure you don't want to study here?" Yaga suddenly asked. "By the way, students don't pay a cent—tuition and fees are all covered."
He could not understand. Soujun was fifteen, just over a month from the new school year, the right age, the right timing. Why reject it? Why insist on being an external bounty sorcerer?
Both tracks might look equal on paper, but everyone knew the truth: one was legitimate bloodline, the other adopted.
The treatment was not the same.
"No. I've decided," Soujun replied casually. He was busy memorizing the paths. The campus was large, and he had poor directional sense.
The truth was simple. He just did not want to. He bore no particular love or hate for the school. As long as it left him alone, he would leave it alone.
Yaga could feel the indifference. A vein pulsed at his temple. He didn't like everyone in the school, but he had poured his heart into it. Soujun's attitude stung.
And behind that sting was another, heavier emotion.
They stopped before a two-story wooden hall.
Yaga handed Soujun an envelope. It read "Letter of Recommendation."
"This is my residence. If you need anything, come here."
He pointed toward a nearby tower building. "Go there to register. They'll explain the details."
With that, he stepped inside and closed the door.
Huh?
Soujun blinked. That's it?
You pressed me to come here. I came. And now, before I've even fully joined, you cut me off?
Not even offering me a seat?
Inside, Yaga stood with his back to the door. Ever since they grew closer, he had stopped treating Soujun like a child. Though he sometimes slipped into looking out for him, he knew he had to let go.
That would start today.
Beneath the tough exterior, Yaga carried a tender, emotional heart.
Outside, Soujun cupped his hands and shouted, "I'm—leaving—now—!"
Then he turned and walked away, without a backward glance.
Training techniques at home or at the school, it made no difference. Power was all that mattered.
He reached the tower building, where more people were around.
As he entered, a woman in a business suit greeted him.
Soujun presented the recommendation.
She processed it smoothly, leading him to a service counter. The staff inside barely paid attention at first—until they saw the recommender's name: Yaga Masamichi. And the rank: Grade 2 sorcerer.
Their attitude flipped instantly. With a standard-issue smile, they said,
"Our benefits are excellent. Joining Tokyo Jujutsu High is the best choice you could make. High bounties, free lodging, meal subsidies, plus a dedicated aide assigned to you."
They handed him a form while continuing their sales pitch.
"Promotion prospects are wide. You might even rise to the upper ranks someday, standing at the peak of life!"
"You will not regret this decision today!"
The scene felt all too familiar. Soujun shook his head inwardly.
No matter the world, it always came down to selling dreams. Either you sell them or you're sold them.
He ignored the words and filled out the form carefully.
Relieved, the staffer thought, That's my monthly quota secured.
At last, a genuine smile crept onto her face. She handed Soujun a handbook. "All the guidelines are in here. Please read carefully."
"Also, your work ID will be delivered tomorrow by your assigned aide. Keep it safe. If you lose it, report immediately for replacement."
She called over another staffer, passed a nameplate, and exchanged a nod. Clearly routine.
The new staffer guided Soujun to select housing.
He chose a traditional wooden duplex on the edge of the compound, backing onto the outer wall with forest just beyond.
The house was natural wood throughout, warm in tone and rich in texture. It had its own courtyard with a tall tree and garden plants.
It was a fine layout.
Soujun was pleased. Quiet, secluded, little foot traffic. Perfect.
The staffer, ever attentive, added,
"Until you receive your ID, please don't wander around. Barriers cover the grounds, but without full registration you might trigger alarms.
"Anything you need, notify me anytime."
She gave him a playful wink before leaving.
__________________________________________________________
To read more advanced chapters and support me, go to:
patreon.com/ArchSovereign