Crimson Tides (Malereader X JJK)

Chapter ~ 19

I didn't realize the story was named Red Tides. Swapping it now.

~(P.O.V - (Y/N))~

Glaring down at the massive energy signature coming from the bottom of the pit, I grab Nobara, opting to prioritize keeping her alive rather than getting a momentum-enhanced attack off 'Not sure if wounds gained here will track to the real world.'

'I should be able to dig my feet into the walls to slow the fall down enough. That's only if the fall continues for long enough though.' I think, using the combination of Nobara's and my own weight to shift us close enough to the walls, performing my quickly crafted plan

"WE'RE GOING INTO THE UNKNOWN! I'LL HAVE TO PRIORITIZE YOUR SAFETY FROM HERE ON, OKAY!" I shout, yet as I expected Nobara couldn't hear me instead giving me a confused look causing me to click my tongue in annoyance

*CRASH*

The ground crumbles beneath my feet releasing a large cloud of dust yet through it all I can sense the cursed energy source in front of us 'Interesting...' I say mentally, placing Nobara behind me

"BWAHAHA! That was fantastic!" The figure said as the cloud of dust dissipated revealing them to be a curse though dressed in the costume of a circus showman

I observe the figure, my face displaying next to zero emotion "You the creator of this place?" I ask 'Not sure what else this curse can do. Probably best to have Nobara play a support role if anything.'

The curse looks at me, its shadowy face making it hard to discern any intent as it tips its hat "Why I am... THE SHOWMAN!" He said, dramatically extending his arms out

"Nobara. I'll drag this conversation out, you'll play more into a support role if any combat kicks off. Focus on this curse specifically." I say, not taking my eyes off the curse who didn't seem to care for our schemes

"Now, I'm sure you little sorcerers are confused." The curse began, grabbing my attention "Why would The Great Showman give us his attention? The answer is simple... Messing around with these normal humans is boring."

The Showman sits down on a flashy throne that he seems to have manifested, resting his legs on the chair arm "I was once a wee lad, messing around with the poor normies. Till a little boy confronted me. He yapped on and on about defeating me to prove to his family he could be a sorcerer."

Nobara shifts behind me, still lying down "I'll stay down to catch him off guard if I can. Make sure to keep his attention on you."

"I devoured him." The Showman said, his tone dead serious which caught me off guard

'Devoured?!' I shout mentally, taken aback 'These curses... I shouldn't expect any better out of them.'

The showman rubbed his chin "Though devour would be a little incorrect. I absorbed him. From that absorption, I gained his knowledge of the world of sorcery. The boy was set to become a higher-up and take his grandfather's position. The boy didn't like his grandpops too much though."

Getting a little impatient, I interrupt him "What are you getting at?"

The Showman sighed "Wait your turn to talk, mongrel." I glared at him but he brushed it off "Anyways, through absorbing I gain the ability to summon the being into this world and control it. His cursed technique was based on sealing. In other words, you're struggling to use cursed energy because I sealed it."

I grin to myself, feeling a bit angrier than usual 'He thinks we're at his mercy!' I exclaim, ecstatically 'I'm still at 100% physically!'

As if I read him like a book, The Showman smiled deviously "You two are completely at my mercy. Filthy sorcerers, always relying on their cursed energy. A shame they didn't send the supposed strongest sorcerer."