You might not understand what a 2.5x power multiplier really means. We usually describe it with just two words: Black Flash!
Akira had always been puzzled by this strange way of describing the effect. Why use something like 2.5x instead of just a square or a cube, which would be easier to calculate?
After finally unleashing Black Flash himself, he understood.
The multiplier wasn't just a mathematical factor; it was the most fitting description of Black Flash's principle. It represented the perfect synchronization between the physical strike and cursed energy, aligning in the same spatial dimension, creating a dispersive effect.
Its power wasn't just a simple numerical increase, but a fundamental leap in essence. That's why it was so overwhelmingly difficult to match.
Whether it was a weak sorcerer or a curse user like Kokun, who considered himself on par with Grade 1 jujutsu sorcerers, neither could withstand such a blow.
Wherever they tried to block, that part would disappear, twisted and erased by the Black Flash, leaving not a trace behind.
One flash of black, gone in an instant.
Under Black Flash, all are equal.
"Congratulations, Akira," Nanami Kento was the first to offer his most sincere blessing.
Bayer, who had been battling Nanami, and Kekun, who had just lost an arm to the Black Flash, were completely dumbfounded.
The self-assured, superior looks in their eyes were gone. Now, they were filled with disbelief and deep-seated fear.
"Impossible, impossible, impossible…"
Akira had no awareness of this; he was still immersed in the afterglow of Black Flash.
He could feel it—the state Nanami had described as the "Zone," where cursed energy, breathing, and the entire world seemed to revolve around him.
Everything around him made sense—the ground providing support, how to use walls and cursed tools, and even the way he could "hear" the sounds of his muscles and bones, perfectly predicting the enemy's next move.
Most importantly, though, was his newfound understanding of cursed energy.
The dissonance that had always plagued him, the lack of coordination between mind and body, had completely vanished.
He could now describe cursed energy with colors, shapes, and even sensations like taste and smell.
As one "true teacher" once said:
"Though sorcerers use cursed energy constantly, they don't truly understand its flavor. It's like tossing unfamiliar ingredients into a pot without understanding them. Even a master chef wouldn't make a great dish that way, let alone ensure it tastes good."
But after unleashing a Black Flash, a jujutsu sorcerer comes to understand the "flavor" of cursed energy and can control and refine it as they please.
The Akira of now and the Akira from three seconds ago existed in entirely different dimensions, just like how Black Flash elevates a normal strike.
That's why Black Flash is considered a pivotal milestone for jujutsu sorcerers. Those who have experienced it and those who haven't are worlds apart in their mastery of cursed energy.
While not absolute, most Grade 1 sorcerers have undergone Black Flash and used it as a turning point to elevate their jujutsu to new heights.
But most importantly, this strength was Akira's own. He didn't rely on external forces; it was built through daily effort, accumulating until it reached the point of transformation.
He had reached this stage through his hard work, not by relying on a system or asking for handouts.
Some might see this as sentimental or self-imposed trouble, but the feeling of gradual progress and breakthrough was immensely satisfying.
It was like putting on a fresh pair of underwear to greet the first morning of the new year.
Ah, the light, ah, the water.
Wait, it actually feels a bit too bright.
Akira thought he might need something to cover his eyes. Mastering Black Flash seemed to also involve becoming accustomed to darkness—his eyes felt almost "overexposed."
No wonder many skilled sorcerers preferred not to show their eyes.
Cough cough. Just kidding.
He was in such a good mood, especially after seeing a certain system notification that made everything even better.
Stretching lazily, Akira first nodded toward Nanami Kento.
"Thank you for your guidance, Nanami-sensei. I'm really grateful."
Then, with a smile, he turned his attention to Kekun, who was missing an arm due to the Black Flash:
"I should thank you guys too. Without the pressure you put on me, I might not have mastered Black Flash so quickly. As thanks, I'll give you another chance to surrender. You must realize by now, you have no chance of winning."
"You damned brat!" Kokun growled, clutching his wounded arm, his face twisted in rage and madness.
At the same time, the guns under Bayer's control roared to life again.
All the remaining weapons opened fire simultaneously.
Scatter shots, rapid fire, a hailstorm of bullets!
No concern for overheating barrels, ammo reserves, or formations. There wasn't even an attempt to aim—it was pure chaos, a relentless barrage of gunfire.
This reckless tactic actually made it difficult for Akira and Nanami, both in the "Zone," to predict the attacks. It wasn't hard to defend themselves, but getting through the storm of bullets to attack the enemy was another story.
Being in the "Zone" didn't mean they were invincible. Even extraordinary fighters like them weren't immune to harm.
Using this brief moment of cover, Bayer poured all his cursed energy into his legs and sprinted to the heavily injured Kokun, hoisting him onto his back:
"We're retreating. He's right, we have no chance of winning right now. We'll regroup and come back stronger."
"Bayer… I understand. I lost my cool," Kokun's crazed eyes softened briefly. "But Bayer, wouldn't it be easier for you to escape alone?"
"What are you talking about? We're comrades. We've been in this together for over a decade," Bayer replied, his voice weakened from the toll on his body and cursed energy, but without any bitterness or resentment.
"Yeah, comrades…"
Kokun muttered, a determined look in his eyes.
At this moment, with Bayer retreating, the guns he controlled were starting to lose their power, falling to the ground one by one.
The dependable adult and the monstrous youth reunited.
"Akira, we should go after them."
Akira calmly waved his hand. "There's no need—they won't escape. But before that, let me apologize. I could have ended this earlier, but I dragged it out because of my own selfish reasons. You can lecture me all you want later, but for now, let me show you the strength of my new partner—Go, Darkrai!"
And then, Nanami heard a sound—like the shattering of glass.
At the intersection of light and shadow, beneath the fleeing Bayer and Kokun, a dark silhouette silently emerged, its blue eyes slowly opening.
Those eyes, like the nightmare-inducing gaze that awakens the darkness within, caught Bayer in their grip, freezing him in place, stopping his desperate flight.
Darkrai stood upon the earth.