Early the next morning, Sol wasn't surprised.
Maki's personality was straightforward and strong-willed. If there was a way to become stronger, she would actively pursue it.
After a brief moment of thought, he said, "It depends on the type of restriction. Physical restraints, Cursed Energy confinement, mental interference; each requires a different response. The key is to anticipate, disrupt, or destroy the formation of the opponent's Cursed Technique before you're completely restrained."
As he spoke, he casually raised his right hand. His fingertips moved through the air with precise, deliberate motions, demonstrating subtle force application and timing used to interfere with Cursed Energy techniques.
"For example, against common Cursed Energy chain restraints, you can release Cursed Energy pulses at a specific frequency and strike their nodes before they're fully formed. You can also use the flexibility of your joints to adjust your position beforehand and force the restraint to miss."
"For mental interference, you need to focus your will immediately or use pain as a stimulus to force yourself back to awareness."
His explanation was concise and direct, free of unnecessary words, yet it thoroughly broke down methods of countering several common forms of restriction. He even covered techniques involving environmental manipulation and the use of small tools.
Maki listened with complete concentration, her eyes fixed on him, unwilling to miss a single detail.
Many of the methods Sol described were things she had never encountered before, nor even considered. They were efficient, practical, and carried a ruthless level of effectiveness.
"That's the general idea," Sol concluded. "The most important things are early detection and fast reactions. Your Heavenly Restriction isn't complete, but it still gives you perception and physical abilities far beyond ordinary people. That's your advantage. You need to make fuller use of it instead of relying solely on direct attacks."
Maki stood silently, processing everything she had learned. Her eyes shone with understanding.
After a long pause, she nodded firmly.
"I understand. Thank you."
This expression of gratitude was far more sincere than the one she had given him earlier.
"Mm."
Sol accepted it without comment.
Maki looked as if she wanted to say something else, but after seeing his calm, composed expression, she swallowed the words.
"I won't disturb you anymore."
She gently closed the door behind her.
The sound of her footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Sol closed his eyes once more.
The next morning, just as the sun began to rise, a knock sounded at his door.
Unlike the previous night, there was no hesitation behind it.
Sol opened the door to find Maki Zen'in, Panda, and Toge Inumaki waiting outside.
Maki carried her Cursed Tool staff over one shoulder. Panda stretched lazily, while Toge stood quietly beside them with his collar pulled high. All three appeared eager to get moving.
"Morning, Sol," Maki said, adjusting her glasses. "We've got an off-campus mission today. There's a Cursed Spirit at an abandoned factory in Saitama Prefecture. It's roughly Grade 1 level. Want to come?"
Panda grinned.
"Yeah. Training at school all the time gets boring. Real combat is way better experience. It'll be good practice for you too."
He clearly assumed that while Sol's teaching ability was exceptional, his actual combat experience might not be.
Toge nodded.
"Salmon roe."
Sol looked at the three of them in silence for a moment.
"Okay."
He agreed without hesitation.
"Good," Maki said, visibly relieved. She had genuinely been worried he might decline. "Meet at the school gate in ten minutes. Someone will drive us there."
Inside the vehicle, the Assistant Manager drove while briefing them on the mission.
"The target location is an abandoned machinery processing plant in Saitama Prefecture. It's been deserted for many years. About a week ago, nearby residents reported strange noises and a persistent feeling of being watched during the night."
"The Window confirmed the presence of Cursed Energy residue. Current estimates place it at Semi-Grade 1. The target may possess abilities involving mental interference and physical manipulation, so remain cautious."
Maki watched the scenery rushing past outside the window while lightly tapping her staff.
"Semi-Grade 1, huh? Sounds like good practice."
Panda looked excited.
"I wonder what kind of Cursed Spirit we're dealing with."
Toge sat quietly in the corner, adjusting his gloves.
Sol occupied the passenger seat, calmly observing the road ahead.
His perception had already expanded outward like an invisible tide, extending across dozens of kilometers until it enveloped the abandoned factory.
Everything inside appeared clearly within his awareness.
Rust-covered machinery.
Scattered components.
Layers of dust.
And the thing hiding deep within the factory.
It was a Cursed Spirit born from twisted metal scraps, discarded tools, and accumulated resentment. Its body resembled a massive heap of rusted junk covered in jagged spikes. A powerful source of mental pollution radiated from its core.
Its strength barely reached the Grade 1 threshold.
To Sol, however, it was no more significant than a pebble on the side of the road.
He quietly withdrew his perception.
The vehicle eventually entered the industrial district.
The surrounding buildings became increasingly worn down and abandoned until they finally stopped before a rusted iron gate.
A simple curtain had already been established, separating the area from the outside world.
"We're here," the Assistant Manager said as he parked. His expression became serious.
"Be careful. If the situation exceeds expectations, retreat immediately and request support."
"Understood."
Maki exited first.
Resting her staff on her shoulder, she surveyed the gloomy factory ahead.
"Let's move."
The four of them stepped through the curtain.
A cold gust of air immediately greeted them, carrying the smells of rust, machine oil, and decay.
The interior of the factory was dim.
Only a few pale beams of sunlight filtered through broken windows high above, illuminating countless particles of dust drifting through the air.
"This place is awful," Panda complained while waving his paws in front of his face.
Maki tightened her grip on her staff and carefully scanned their surroundings.
"Spread out and investigate. Keep your distance from each other, but stay close enough to provide support if needed."
Without waiting, she took the lead.
The deeper they ventured into the factory, the denser the residual Cursed Energy became.
The sensation of being watched intensified.
Scattered pieces of metal occasionally trembled with unnatural vibrations.
Then, suddenly...
Clang! Clatter!
A massive pile of discarded steel pipes collapsed without warning.
The avalanche of metal crashed toward the group like a raging steel waterfall.
"Watch out!" Maki shouted.
Her staff swept through the air, knocking aside several of the nearest pipes.
Panda released a low growl and stepped forward.
His large body became a shield as he crossed his arms and braced himself against the incoming barrage.
Heavy steel pipes slammed into him one after another, producing a series of dull impacts throughout the factory.
===
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