As Sukuna controlled Utaha's finger, a faint, cold strand of black energy, like a tiny snake, coiled and moved around her fingertip.
"The most basic application is to coat your fists or weapons with Cursed Energy for an attack, or to form the simplest defensive barrier. This kind of attack is essentially just a crude release of energy. Its power depends on the total amount of Cursed Energy and the precision of control."
Then, his tone became more serious. "A Cursed Technique, however, is another matter. It is the technology or rule for applying Cursed Energy, a talent engraved in the soul or bloodline. Every Cursed Technique is unique, with diverse effects. Just like mine..."
He paused, seemingly considering how to demonstrate, but ultimately gave up on the idea of making a big scene.
He simply said, "The outward manifestation of my Cursed Technique is mainly Slash and Flames. This is my Cursed Technique, a power far more advanced and potent than a simple release of Cursed Energy."
Sukuna changed the subject, setting another obstacle for the girls who had just kindled hope, "However, not every Jujutsu Sorcerer possesses a Cursed Technique. Generally speaking, those who have a Cursed Technique will show their uniqueness in childhood. It is an innate talent, extremely difficult to acquire later in life."
"A Jujutsu Sorcerer without a Cursed Technique might hover at the level of Grade 3 or 4 for their entire life, relying on basic Cursed Energy control and physical combat."
A brief silence fell over the activity room.
Eriri and Megumi were both digesting this information.
Was possessing a Cursed Technique the only key to becoming truly strong?
However, Sukuna's next words brought a new variable. "But the current situation seems to be a bit different."
He controlled the eye on Utaha's face, which flickered with an inquisitive light. "This world is undergoing some kind of change. The total Cursed Energy in the three of you, and potentially a few others, is rising steadily at an unusual rate. This phenomenon of a 'universal increase in Cursed Energy levels' was extremely rare in the past."
He seemed to be analyzing an interesting experimental phenomenon. "This means that the old rules might be being broken. No one can say for sure whether you will awaken unique Cursed Techniques in the future. Perhaps this world is spawning more singularities."
Speaking to this point, Sukuna's tone carried a hint of playfulness. "Moreover, the inheritance of a Cursed Technique isn't limited to the innate path. For example... an incarnated host."
He deliberately drew out his words. "Just as Kasumigaoka is currently my vessel, as time passes, my power and my Cursed Technique's imprint will gradually erode and be carved into her soul and her brain."
Utaha's body stiffened abruptly, and she subconsciously touched her forehead.
Sukuna's voice carried a demonic temptation. "In other words, even if she originally had no Cursed Technique, it is highly likely that in the future, she will passively and slowly learn my Slash. Of course, how much she can master depends on her aptitude as a vessel."
This news caused both Eriri and Megumi to look at Utaha in shock, their eyes complex, filled with a few hints of envy.
"Alright, that's enough for the background knowledge." Sukuna ended his long discourse and brought the topic back to reality.
"Returning to today's first lesson: how to guide and use your own Cursed Energy."
Sukuna guided, "The first step, and the most fundamental one, is to learn how to actively stimulate the activity of Cursed Energy."
"Cursed Energy originates from negative emotions, so the most direct method is to actively recall and feel those intense negative emotions—extreme fear, bone-deep anger, and unresolvable anxiety. Let these emotions boil within your body like boiling water, and you will be able to 'feel' the flow of Cursed Energy more clearly, and then try to capture and control it."
This method sounded simple, but in reality, it was very difficult. It would be hard to see results without accumulating them over time.
Sukuna's voice turned lazy once more, offering an even more tempting and dangerous option.
"Of course, if you think stimulating Cursed Energy through meditation on negative emotions is too slow and unstable, there is a faster path."
The gazes of the girls instantly focused on him, the air thick with tension and anticipation.
"Form a contract with me."
Controlling the mouth on Utaha's face, Sukuna stretched it into a grin brimming with malicious delight and absolute certainty.
"As the King of Curses, and now possessing the traits of a Devil, I can naturally, like other Devils from Hell, temporarily lend you power through a contract. This can grant you control over Cursed Energy far surpassing your current abilities in a short time, and even let you experience the wondrous feeling of possessing a Cursed Technique and manipulating rules ahead of schedule."
He deliberately emphasized the word "experience," as if it were the ultimate pleasure.
There's no such thing as a free lunch, a fact even the most excited Eriri understood.
In her signature, steady tone, Megumi asked softly, "Sukuna-san, what is the price? What exactly would we need to do... to help you?"
She didn't ask "why," but went straight to "what," revealing her pragmatic nature.
Sukuna seemed to have been waiting for this question. The eyeball on Utaha's face gleamed with an unprecedented light—a mixture of millennia-old wisdom and greedy calculation for this new world. This light was deeper and more dangerous than simple destructive desire.
"The price is simple, or rather, beneficial for both sides." His voice grew low and provocative.
"Help me with one task, a monumental task that can only be accomplished in your era of information explosion."
He paused slightly, as if savoring the sight of the three girls holding their breath, before slowly continuing, as if unfurling a grand blueprint, "I need you, using your deep understanding of society as modern natives, especially your knowledge of the power of the internet and media, to help me with one thing."
"To let the name 'Ryomen Sukuna' shake off the dust of history and resound throughout the entire world once more, branded deep into the consciousness of every modern person."
A dead silence fell over the clubroom, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Eriri's mouth hung slightly open. Megumi's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly. Even Utaha momentarily forgot the foreign sensation on her face.
None of the three had expected Sukuna to make such a demand.