[Explosive Advantage] Engaging in a Mental Battle with the Strongest Evil Spirit Since Birth, I Exceeded the Measurable Magic Limit – The Humble Conquest of the Cursed Child - Chapter 10

From Kagami’s Perspective

I, Kagami, am a professional.

What does it mean to be a professional?

That answer may vary from person to person.

My definition of a professional?

It is to never refuse a request, no matter how unreasonable it may be.

However, just because I do not refuse does not mean I welcome the task.

Among the worst of all jobs, the most unbearable is serving as a tutor for a child possessed by a malevolent spirit.

Oh, dear, that term—child possessed by evil—is considered discriminatory, isn’t it?
The correct term is yorishiro, a child serving as a vessel.

No, I can’t accept that.

Those children are nothing other than children possessed by evil.

I’ve taken on the role of tutor for such children more times than I care to count.
Probably because there are so few willing to accept such an assignment.

It happens often enough.

And each time, it is an experience of unspeakable humiliation.

There was one time…

“Teach me? Who do you think you are, little girl? You’re the target now.”

And another time…

“Hey, hey, big sis, can I pee on you? Say no, and I’ll kill you~.”

And yet another…

“Yay! Big sis! Let’s play soccer!”

I let my guard down for a moment. Then—

“Big sis, you’re the ball.”

Ah, just remembering it… it’s agonizing.

That said, experience makes one stronger.

In conclusion, the best approach with children possessed by evil spirits is to offer oneself as a punching bag.

And so—

“U-Um… Miss Kagami…? What do you mean by ‘go ahead’…?”

“Ah, yes… I am your punching bag.”

“Punching bag…?”

The possessed child repeats my words, utterly baffled.
Does Douma not know what a punching bag is?

“Yes, a punching bag is an object used for striking or kicking, primarily for practicing blows.”

“Ah, yes… I do know that…”

They know!? W-What? Was this a trap…?

This child’s possessing spirit is the infamous Oni God Douma.

One careless word could mean instant death.

“M-My deepest apologies! Please, do as you wish, without hesitation…”

As I said this, the possessed child looked at me with confusion.

Did I misstep…!?

“I-I am terribly sorry! Perhaps you dislike the upright type of punching bag? Then allow me to prepare a hanging one…”

Bracing for death, I clung to a shred of hope and searched for props.

“N-No, that’s not what I meant. I’d like you to teach me the basics of becoming an exorcist…”

…?

“E-Excuse me…? W-What do you mean…?”

No! In my shock, I’ve committed the gravest of errors—I asked a question…!

“Ah! My deepest apologies! It was most improper for one of my lowly station to pose a question. I am gravely at fault.”

“No, Miss Kagami, if there’s anything unclear, please feel free to ask.”

…!? …W-What…? So, there are spirits like this too…

Wait… But this child’s spirit is the notorious villainess Douma, right!?

Could some mistake have made them… normal?

They’re even calling me “Miss Kagami”…

And yet… their vocabulary is unusually advanced for their age.

Such sophisticated language is indeed typical of children possessed by malevolent spirits.

“Ah… Yes, then if I may humbly inquire—by ‘the basics of becoming an exorcist,’ do you mean things such as methods of manifesting magical power and the Three Principles of the Exorcist—Mind, Skill, and Body?”

This is dangerous… If I misstep while explaining exorcist basics to Douma, I might be killed…

“Yes, exactly.”

Phew…

“I-I see… Then you truly wish to learn the basics of becoming an exorcist?”

“Yes, please.”

Kai bowed his head.

“Th-This child… Are they truly possessed…?”

Oh no… What did I just say out loud!?

If he heard that, I’m doomed…!

“…Hmm?”

Safe…? It seems so… Whew… And they call me a professional.

Still… this child just bowed their head to me… Could it really be…?

“Oh, no, it’s nothing. Ahem, well then, to begin with, regarding the manifestation of magical power…”

“Ah, I actually already know how to do that. So, if possible, could you teach me about the Three Principles of the Exorcist—Mind, Skill, and Body?”

“Ah, yes, of course. You’ve had that ability since birth… My apologies.”

Children who serve as vessels manifest the spirit’s magical power from birth.
Rather than manifest, it’s more akin to eruption.

“Now then, allow me to explain the Three Principles of the Exorcist. Though they are Mind, Skill, and Body, they are generally studied in reverse—Body, then Skill, and finally Mind. In fact, Skill and Mind can only be pursued after one has manifested magical power, so typically, at your age, Lord Kai, they are not yet accessible.”

“I see.”

“And given that the magical power you currently wield comes from Lord Douma, the situation is essentially the same. As for Body, it refers to physical techniques.”

“Yes.”

“Even though most exorcists engage in magical combat, mastering basic martial arts is never a waste. Hence, we begin with physical training.”

“I see. Thank you.”

“!?”

Did… Did this child just say… thank you?

No, I didn’t mishear, right?
T-Thank you…?
This has never happened before…

“…? Is something the matter…?”

“N-No… Nothing at all.”

“…Miss Kagami, if you don’t mind, could you perhaps share your knowledge of Skill and Mind as well?”

“O-Of course not! I would be honored!”

This child… is different from all the others I’ve taught…

No—No, I must not falter…! I must remember the true purpose of this assignment…

As a professional, I cannot let my guard down.

The more normal he seems… the more abnormal he truly is.