Vergil Is Back-Chapter 54 - 44: A Blade That Refuses to Break

Location: A hidden forest clearing, deep within Jujutsu Tech's outskirts — cloaked by barriers, warded from the world.

The air crackled with suppressed energy. Trees trembled as the atmosphere twisted, the scent of ozone hanging heavy.

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Leon stood off to the side, arms crossed, Yamato at his back.

Across from him stood Maki.

But not the Maki the world knew.

Her aura shimmered like molten obsidian, flowing with golden veins that pulsed in rhythm with her heart. The runes scorched across her arms glowed faintly, reacting to the cursed energy around her like they were alive.

Leon spoke quietly. "Begin."

Maki surged forward.

Faster than before. Sharper. Every movement was deliberate, deadly — like her body had memorized battle itself. Her blade, reforged with Leon's system to withstand demonic pressure, sang through the air.

She struck a training golem conjured by Leon's clone — a monstrous amalgam of cursed energy meant to mimic Grade 1 and Special Grade spirits.

It cracked.

Not from the blade.

But from her presence.

Each time the golem struck her back, her aura grew denser. The pain fueled her strength. She gritted her teeth as her skin bruised, her muscles strained, but the power surged with each hit.

"Is this... the price of standing beside him?" she muttered, blood on her lips — but a smile on her face.

From the edge of the training field, Leon observed with a silent, unreadable expression.

"She's syncing with it faster than I expected."

Then, in a burst of purple-and-gold, Maki landed a final strike. Her blade shattered the training golem into dust — but she didn't stop. The moment the dust settled, she dropped to one knee, gasping... laughing.

"This power—it's real. It's mine!"

Leon stepped forward.

"You've awakened the first layer of Unyielding Core. Damage fuels you. But now you must learn to control it — or it will consume you."

She looked up at him, sweat trailing down her jawline.

"Then teach me. Mold me until I'm worthy to stand at your side... even if it breaks me first."

Leon knelt, placing his hand on her shoulder. "You won't break. That's why I chose you."