Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Going Overseas.
Although referred to as the North Pole, the mission location was actually Greenland, deep within the Arctic Circle. The main settlements in its southwestern region had been trapped under a relentless blizzard for nearly a week, forcing the cancellation of all nearby flights. Local industries like fishing and tourism were devastated, with only supply ships from Denmark offering some relief.
This unusual weather wasn't a rare natural disaster, but the work of an unknown Curse. A team of Jujutsu Sorcerers sent to investigate returned with only one survivor, barely clinging to life. After sharing the intelligence, the survivor suddenly turned into an ice sculpture and shattered into countless pieces. Witnesses reported that every inch of his flesh and bone marrow had frozen solid, leaving behind no blood, only dust.
The existence of the Curse was confirmed. Though blizzards were common in the region, a Curse capable of stirring such extreme weather for nearly a week was undoubtedly a Special Grade Cursed Spirit. Unable to fight it, local authorities desperately sought help, steadily raising the price for assistance.
Eventually, the request reached Neon. In the Jujutsu World, Curses and Sorcerers maintain a delicate balance. Where Sorcerers thrive, Curses tend to be intense and frequent; conversely, in areas with few Curses, Sorcerers are scarce and limited in power. The Heian Era, when Jujutsu was at its peak, was marked by rampant Curses and universally powerful Sorcerers.
There are exceptions. For example, the birth of Gojo Satoru triggered the gradual strengthening of modern Curses. Another anomaly was now: in this sparsely populated area, a Special Grade Curse had appeared despite the rarity of Sorcerers.
Kamihara Hajime first flew to Iceland, then awaited a passing supply ship to reach the island across the sea, expected by tomorrow night.
"It's freezing."
Hajime tightened his coat, exhaling thick white mist. He had been reinforcing his body with Cursed Energy since arriving; otherwise, his light clothing, which drew stares from locals, would have left him vulnerable to the cold.
"The Cursed Energy of 'Infinity' really is useful," Hajime thought with slight satisfaction while searching for a mall on the street. Though he could endure the cold, it was better to add some local-style clothing. How to spend today? He recalled the place was famous for aurora borealis sightings, a major tourist attraction. But with the weather, he doubted he'd see the lights tonight.
Though the blizzard hadn't reached here, it still affected the conditions. Even for the aurora, which was usually easy to observe, certain conditions were required. With the storm, it would be difficult to catch it at the right moment.
As expected, no aurora appeared. Instead, Hajime reluctantly admired the remote land blanketed in heavy snow. Night came quickly; daylight was as fleeting as a mirage on a bubble.
Hajime didn't need to adjust for time differences. The next day, he hailed a taxi to the port. His decent English made communication smooth. Traveling through the endless white landscape was a rare experience he couldn't have back home.
The sky stretched so vast its edge merged with the earth, indistinguishable. In this magical land, ice and snow coexisted with volcanoes and hot springs.
When the sea came into view, the restless waves added life to the still scene. Occasionally, ice floes washed ashore, freed from the sea's endless ebb.
After exiting the car, Hajime checked the time. He had arrived early and the transport ship would take a while, so he took the chance to capture photos of the breathtaking scenery, hoping to impress others upon his return.
Only when the silhouette of a large ship appeared far off did he calmly head to the port. As the massive vessel approached, Hajime truly grasped the meaning of grandeur.
He hadn't spent much time by the sea in his homeland and had only seen cruise ships online. Seeing one in person was a unique sensation. Even the massive Cursed Spirits he'd encountered before seemed ordinary by comparison, not to mention the awe-inspiring mountains and seas.
He tightened his collar as the seaside wind picked up. After the transport ship docked, the gangway lowered. The ship, stopping solely for Hajime, slowly set off again, breaking through ice floes as it sailed toward the land shrouded by the Curse.
Hajime was greeted by a bearded man with black hair and beard, whose features strongly resembled Asian traits. His eyes were bright but filled with worry. He seemed aware of Hajime's identity, giving only a cursory glance at his credentials before leading him to a prepared single room.
"Mr. Kamihara, call me Aykut. My hometown has suffered an unprecedented disaster. We're helpless against that demon. We're very grateful you've come. Here's all the intelligence we've gathered. I hope it helps."
Aykut left a file bag and exited, not wanting to disturb Hajime. Opening it, Hajime found paper reports, including the survivor's account and photos of his shattered frozen remains.
Hajime raised an eyebrow at the chilling images. No blood was splattered; organs and bones were completely frozen.
There were also photos of the blizzard. Of course, the Cursed Spirit's form was not visible, but from the chaotic weather and text records, some conclusions could be drawn.
"That thing is huge, can fly, and its movements bring howling wind and snow. Its breath produces a cold beyond comprehension. It is definitely a Jujutsu, and terrifyingly lethal. None of us who encountered it survived."
Behind the intelligence lay lives and blood, yet the information was limited. It was only known that this Curse could fly, possibly control blizzards, and its attacks caused dangerous freezing effects.
Hajime sighed, aware even among Special Grades there were differences. This Curse was a prime example. It manipulated celestial phenomena to alter a large area's climate. Though not its full power, it was still terrifying.
"How do you fight something that flies and controls blizzards? I can only hope it's not intelligent, or it'll just flee…"
When the ship's whistle sounded, Hajime knew they were nearing their destination. Leaving his room, he met Aykut at the rail. A biting cold wind swept past, stinging like knives.
Hajime looked out at the nearby port. Beyond it, swirling snow obscured everything. Even towering icebergs appeared only as vague shapes.
After docking, Aykut led Hajime off the ship. The supplies would be unloaded later. Boarding a snowmobile to escape the howling wind and snow, they began discussing plans to exorcise the Curse.
The city, no longer prosperous, was nearly invisible under the blizzard. Few dared expose their faces to the biting cold.
Inside a building taller than the rest, Hajime met people who appeared from nowhere and greeted him politely. He declined the formalities and asked Aykut to arrange what was necessary so he could locate and exorcise the Curse swiftly.
Grateful, Aykut instructed his subordinates. In this environment, walking even a short distance risked getting lost in the snow. Most facilities had shut down due to the weather and Curse; only satellite signals remained for communication.
Hajime wanted to finish the mission quickly and leave. He had no time to mingle with officials. Swift action was the best solution.
Soon, Aykut secured a modified snowmobile equipped with satellite navigation, capable of accurate tracking despite poor visibility. It prevented endless circling and ensured a safe return.
Outside, the environment was harsh. Through the window, Hajime felt they were venturing into an unknown land. After the city disappeared behind them, only endless wind and snow remained.
The vehicle's front had a sharp ram-like design; its tracked tires easily rolled over thick snow.
Silence reigned, broken only by occasional reports of "no Curse traces." Alongside the driver and technical staff were several individuals sensing Cursed Energy, the "Windows" and Supervisors. Hajime didn't rely solely on them and sensed the Curse's aura himself.
After searching east and north with no sign, Hajime signaled Aykut to push northeast. They were now tens of kilometers from base.
It was risky; every extra kilometer increased the chance of accidents preventing their return. But everyone was prepared to die, so they silently obeyed.
"Found it."
Hajime spoke from the vehicle. The intense Cursed aura was close.
"Record this location. I'm getting off. You all return and await my signal."
A chill swept the group as Hajime disappeared from sight. They exchanged bewildered looks until Aykut acted, carrying out the orders.
The car lights vanished into the snow. Hajime turned, inhaling the biting air as wind and snow lashed his face. The surging Cursed Energy clashed with the surrounding aura.
As he moved toward the densest aura, the wind and snow gradually diminished until they almost stopped. Visibility widened. This was the storm's eye, eerily calm.
On the peaceful ice plain stood over a dozen tall ice pillars. Sunlight filtered down, casting jagged refractions that lit the area like a dream.
"That is…"
Hajime raised his hand to shield his eyes and looked up at a shadow on the central pillar. The entity sensed his presence and unfurled something, casting a shadow that engulfed Hajime.
"Who are you?"
The cry or roar reached Hajime's ears, but his mind strangely understood it. The sound transformed into a neutral voice, neither male nor female.
Frowning, Hajime's hair and clothes were blown by a sudden gust. As the wind died down, a tall, winding figure landed before him.
A Curse, undoubtedly.
The figure resembled a dragon or snake. Its twenty to thirty-meter-long body coiled around the ice pillar. Pale white and ice-blue scales connected seamlessly with the snow, blending perfectly. Each scale, palm-sized, scraped ice chips from the solid surface.
The upper body was humanoid but not human. Nearly twice the size of a person, it was indistinguishable in gender with subtle differences.
Its skin was ice-blue and nearly transparent. No blood vessels, organs, or bones were visible. The face was neutral, eyes pure ice-blue, and long white hair flowed. Meeting its gaze made one's eyes sink into deep cold.
Most eerie were its arms, replaced by wide wings. Thin at the base, they broadened outward. When spread, the wings cast the shadow that had just covered Hajime.
Despite the destruction it caused, Hajime felt no overwhelming chill. Only the contained, terrifying aura affirmed its status as a Special Grade Curse.
"Human, Jujutsu Sorcerer, I suppose you're not interested in my name. To make it short, this blizzard was caused by your power, yes? I'm here to accept the commission to exorcise you, or rather, kill you."
Supported by its dragon-like body, the Curse looked down on the small figure. Hearing Hajime's words, it lowered its body slightly and stared.
Its ice-carved face remained motionless. Its voice echoed in Hajime's mind again: "You speak of this blizzard? It appeared with my dance. Did it harm those little people?"
"You are different. They're like schools of fish in the sea, but you're a roaming shark, a leisurely whale. Why shelter them under your wings? Because you're one of them?"
As it spoke, the body rose, rubbing against the ice with a hissing sound. "The sun rises and sets, flowers bloom and decay, just like my form. Aren't these natural? Why care?"
Hajime gripped Totsuka-no-Tsurugi, the blade reflecting dazzling sunlight. "Well said. You don't have to care about their cries, nor do I. But when I cut off your head, I hope you won't care either, because this is the will of heaven."
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Send Powerstones btw, it motivates me.