Sukuna was pleased with their reaction. This was his plan, devised over one night, targeting the power system of Devils.
The core source of a Devil's power lies in the breadth and depth of the concept's recognition and fear.
His most fundamental concept remained that of the ancient Demon God Ryomen Sukuna. The more people who knew the name 'Ryomen Sukuna,' the more people who feared, revered, or even felt curiosity towards his legend, the more his power based on the concept of 'Ryomen Sukuna' would grow exponentially.
His words, like an incantation, echoed through the small clubroom with undeniable authority. "A thousand years ago, information was blocked, relayed by courier horses. My terror and might could spread at most within a region, a nation, like ripples in a pond."
"But now it's different. This era has the internet, social media, information networks that can reach every corner of the globe in an instant. The speed and scope of information dissemination are unimaginable compared to a millennium ago. I want my name to be known globally, feared by all."
Just like the Cthulhu Mythos, which became a global horror myth IP within mere decades through the creations of countless writers.
When 'Ryomen Sukuna' is no longer just a few lines of record in ancient texts, but becomes a global cultural symbol, a popular meme, an 'IP' representing absolute power and mysterious fear...
When billions of people, regardless of where they are or whether they believe in the supernatural, subconsciously know and dread this name...
Then, the power he will obtain will far surpass simply recovering all his fingers. It will be a qualitative leap, it might even allow him to reach and surpass his prime, touching an unprecedented level.
Hearing Sukuna's request, even though the three didn't understand his ultimate goal, he had stated his need, so all that was left was to propose solutions.
First was Eriri. Her eyes sparkled, and she was so excited she almost jumped up.
"I get it. It's like managing a virtual idol or building a supervillain IP. We can start from the anime/manga community. I can design various styles of Sukuna-san—majestic ancient style, modern and sinisterly charming, even a cute chibi version for contrast and appeal."
"Then create fan comics, novels, make MAD videos, and post them on Pixiv, X, TikTok. The key is to break out of the circle, to make the topic generate discussion. We can fabricate some urban legends, like seeing a four-armed shadow at midnight bringing either great luck or great misfortune."
Next was Megumi. She remained calm but proposed a more practical entry point.
"What Sawamura-san says makes sense, but it might need to be more... subtle. Perhaps we could start with some hard-to-explain real missing person cases or accidents, leaving vague clues online that point to 'Ryomen Sukuna,' letting people 'discover' and 'research' it themselves. That way, the fear generated would feel more genuine."
"Also, Sukuna-san needs a core setting or slogan more suited to modern propagation, something like... 'Those who gaze upon the true name of the King of Curses shall be plagued by misfortune'? That would be easier to remember and spread."
Finally, Utaha, as a light novel writer, thought one layer deeper.
Frowning, with a trace of concern, she said, "Spreading fear is a double-edged sword. We need to consider not just expanding recognition, but also how to shape and guide this fear. Is it pure, despair-inducing evil? Or a chaotic neutral with a certain dark charm that inspires awe?"
"Different positioning will attract completely different followers, or rather, fearers, and provoke different reactions."
"Perhaps we can borrow from some classic literary techniques for crafting villains, making the image of 'Ryomen Sukuna' more complex, three-dimensional, even... sparking some philosophical discussion? That way, its influence would be more enduring and profound."
After a brief discussion, the girls got back to what they had come here for—to gain power.
Sukuna offered two options—slow and steady self-study of Cursed Energy, or quickly gaining power by signing a contract.
The air seemed to freeze for a moment as everyone rapidly weighed the pros, cons, and risks.
Ultimately, it was Megumi who broke the silence. She calmly raised her head, her eyes, which always seemed to lack intense emotional fluctuations, now shimmered with a clear light of rationality.
She looked toward Sukuna and spoke in her characteristic, steady, and clear tone, "Sukuna-san, we choose... both methods."
This answer caused Utaha's eyebrows, under Sukuna's control, to twitch slightly, revealing a hint of interest.
Megumi continued to explain with a logic so clear it didn't seem like a high school student who had just encountered the supernatural world, "First, regarding your request to spread the name of 'Ryomen Sukuna'... even if you don't give us any power, we will do our best to complete it. Because..."
She paused, her tone sincere. "Yesterday at Aki-kun's house, it was you who saved us. That life-saving debt is a fact. Repaying kindness is a basic principle."
Her words caused both Eriri and Utaha beside her to startle slightly, then secretly nod.
Indeed, putting aside Sukuna's terrifying identity and unpredictable motives, he had indeed dealt with that Cursed Spirit at the critical moment yesterday, saving three lives. That was an indisputable fact.
Megumi shifted the topic back to power itself, "Secondly, regarding gaining power through a contract... we accept. In this current situation filled with hidden dangers, quickly gaining the ability to protect ourselves is an urgent practical need."
She emphasized, her gaze firm, "However, this doesn't mean we will give up on learning and mastering Cursed Energy ourselves. Power obtained through a contract is ultimately an external thing and carries uncertainty. Only power that truly belongs to oneself and can be fully controlled is a long-term solution. Therefore, we will still seriously conduct the necessary Cursed Energy training."
These words expressed gratitude and accepted the deal while maintaining independent thought and long-term planning. It was watertight, weighing the pros and cons clearly.
"Oh?"
Sukuna let out an ambiguous hum, controlling the eye on Utaha's face to carefully scrutinize Megumi, as if truly seeing this usually inconspicuous girl for the first time.
After a few seconds, he suddenly burst into a low, pleasant laugh. "Haha... Hahaha! Good. Rational, clear-headed, knowing how to weigh things, and... repaying kindness? Although such a quality seems a bit foolish to me, I must say, you are very smart, little girl."
His laughter subsided, his tone carrying unconcealed appreciation. "I am quite fond of you. It seems that in this awakening, I haven't encountered only boring idiots."
Upon receiving Sukuna's "praise," Megumi's face remained largely expressionless, but the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her joy.
She merely nodded slightly. "You flatter me, this is simply the most rational choice."