The Devils of Jujutsu

Chapter 42: A Royal Sorcerer? part 2

  (Noelle's p.o.v.)

We were sitting down on the grass facing each other and Junpei explained everything about jujutsu sorcerers and curses. I was curious about something so I asked him, "Why haven't I heard about any of this before?" He replied, "Because it has been kept secret for countless centuries. If nobles or royals learned of cursed energy, they would foolishly abuse it for their own gain." I completely understood what he meant, aristocrats would've definitely abused that dangerous power if they learned of it. But I was curious about something. "Junpei, you said earlier that Jujutsu Sorcerers do a lot of traveling due to their work, right?" He nodded and a continued, "During your travels, did you happen to meet a guy with ash-grey hair and green eyes?" He thought about it for a second before asking, "Does the guy you're talking about wear a black headband?" I was surprised by his question gleefully replied, "Yes, he does. You met him?" He said, "I saw him from a distance but I haven't actually met him yet, you're talking about Asta, right?" I answered, "Yes!" He explained, "Well, practically everyone in the Jujutsu World knows his name. He's a prodigy in jujutsu, and he is one of the strongest sorcerers in the community, known as the 8 Demon Gods." I was more surprised than before, Junpei just told me that people were actually calling Asta a god. I asked him, "Why are they called that?" He explained that a month ago, a curse user name Suguru Geto sent 4 armies of cursed spirits to each of the Four Kingdoms' capitals, and teams of two were sent to each kingdom to defeat Geto's armies, and among those teams Asta and his adoptive brother were sent to Heart Kingdom. Those 8 sorcerers eliminated 10,000 cursed spirits in just a matter of hours. There's nothing one could call people that strong other than gods. But that wasn't what surprised me the most, it was the fact that among those 10,000 there were nearly 2,000 curses that were 10 times stronger than the Wizard King, and Asta killed almost 500 of them on his own. That scared me so much, I thought for sure that I would die from shock.

  "Hey, you alright?" Junpei asked. I replied, "Huh? O-oh, yeah. I was shocked by how strong Asta has become in 4 years. I never would've thought something like that could be possible." He replied, "Yeah, I see what you mean. Normally, a sorcerer would take 10 years to get strong enough to beat a Special Grade. Yet, he and Liebe got there in 2." After hearing everything he told me, I had to ask him something important. "Hey Junpei, could I learn jujutsu as well?" He seemed surprised by my question as he said, "You want to be a Jujutsu Sorcerer? Why?" I answered, "Becoming one would help me find Asta and hopefully earn his forgiveness for not being there when he need me most." "Well, since you're able to see curses, that means you're able to use cursed energy. However, if you want to learn how to use jujutsu, you need to attend the academy. Although, you won't be accepted." I was curious about what he meant. "Why not?" I asked. "Many jujutsu sorcerers who joined the academy hates aristocrats, their lives were made misery and robbed them of everything they held dear. Even if you did get admitted, you'll be jumping into the tiger's den. If you try to enroll in Jujutsu Academy, they'll curse you to death because you're a royal. Knowing that, do you still want to become a sorcerer?" He made a valid point, the commonwealth had suffered heavy discrimination from aristocrats. If they had a chance, they would torture a noble or a royal until they begged them for death. However, I couldn't care less about what they say to me. I answered Junpei, "You're right, they would have every right to despise me and the other aristocrats. But, I refuse to let that stop me." He looked surprised by what I stated and asked, "Why is it so important to you, that you would face endless discrimination for the sake of Asta? Why would you go so far for that?" I answered, "For much of my life, people had mocked me for not being able to control my magic, even my sibling mocked and bullied me. But, Asta didn't, he said that my magic power was incredible and offered to help me gain control of it. He was the first friend I had, and honestly, the first boy I had ever love, and I still do. At the time, I had no idea he was put on trial for something he never did, I didn't help him when he need me most. There is no excuse for it, but even if forgiveness is impossible, I want him to at least understand why I wasn't there for him. So please, let me become a jujutsu sorcerer?" He was in awe of my reason. And truth be told, it was embarrassing admitting that I love Asta out loud. Junpei replied, "I can't let you go to the academy..." I was getting depressed until he continued, "...even if you are an aristocrat, I wouldn't sink so low as to throw you to the wolves. So, I'll train you myself." I responded surprised, "Really?!" "I've met quite a few people like you, people who would charge straight into hell for what they desire, and honestly a lot of sorcerers are just as crazy. If they weren't, they wouldn't be able to handle fighting cursed spirits. Besides, I'll be in the area for a while, so I can teach you." I was so happy about him agreeing to train me, and more so about getting closer to finding Asta. 'Asta, soon I'll find you, just you wait. Like you always said, I won't ever give up!' I thought. Junpei said, "We'll start your training tomorrow, you better get back to your base before your squad comes looking for you." He was right, and also I had just realized it was getting late. I stood up and was about to leave before Junpei said, "And Noelle, remember, keep what I told you a secret." I nodded and proceed to returning to base.