A Strange Crossover

Six years later,

First-person

I have again pushed myself to the limit in six years. I knew that stepping out of my comfort zone was the only way to truly grow and evolve. It was time to take a leap of faith and embark on a new adventure, ready to face whatever challenges came my way as the world is also shifting.

To begin with, the world was caught off guard when the number of mutant or quirk users jumped from 50% to 90%.

An imbalance between the rise of superpowers and the decline of legal regulations will inevitably lead to increased societal chaos.

Numerous ordinary individuals have become entangled in the supernatural realm, aligning themselves with factions such as demons, fallen angels, angels, and gods across the globe.

The surge in villainy and abuse of superhuman abilities has spurred the establishment of numerous small hero enterprises, boasting a 30% increase in heroes.

Five terrorist organizations have risen to prominence in Japan at the moment, gradually displacing all others. In an attempt to reduce the proliferation of villains, the government has resorted to hiring exclusive heroes for targeted eliminations and commission-based operations. However, the results of this approach remain dubious.

Such means are not ethical in any way but a necessary evil step; however, there was another organization that was climbing the ranks ahead.

Instead of engaging in terror activities, they were financially supported by the government. Some believe they are collaborating to cleanse Japan from evil, while others argue that they obtained a license or legal authorization to operate as a shady corporation.

In other continents, similar things started taking place, with good and bad people with superpowers fighting each other. While the government establishes new laws and regulations to govern their activities.

Discrimination was gradually decreasing, but animosity persisted, fueled by the presence of evil in society that disrupts lives.

Personally, I chose neither faction, or maybe I stood alone temporarily, aiming to maintain a low profile and avoid attracting attention. From the supernatural world as well as jujutsu society.

After killing a few of the rankers of my old clan, nothing much happened apart from them scouting and following me sometimes, but they never succeeded.

It seemed peculiar that they never dispatched an assassination squad; alternatively, they might have been too conceited to view me as a significant threat.

As for me, I was busy dealing with the new slaves I took under my wing. They were too rowdy and out of hand, often disregarding my instructions and commands, except on rare occasions when they chose to comply.

But thanks to Lilith, things went fine; they were under control. All those monster girls possessed immense strength, on par with the devil king, fallen angel, and dragon encountered at the mountain hills, especially in terms of their stats.

With skills and synergy, things were different.

After that, regular combat training sessions were held. With Lilith and the monster subordinates, my duels with them become life-threatening. I was always on the verge of death or drained of my ki and other powers.

Upon reaching level 80, my progression halted, and to this day, I have not been able to advance further. However, Lilith is diligently devising a plan to surpass the imposed level restriction. Additionally, thanks to her, I was able to forge new bonds or partnerships with some factions like fallen angels, yokai and mages of different regions as they all owe Lilith some old favors.

The cunning and intelligence Lilith had was spectacular. She was a walking manipulator; her talent for diplomacy and mid- to long-range fighting, along with strategy, was unmatched.

That being said, there has been another issue related to me being unable to unlock mana by myself alone, which, by speculation, is chained with my mutation or quirk which is also connected to my curse technique. Just the thought of it excites me—what kind of incredible ability I might acquire, such as mastering elements or bending time.

"Arata," Lilith called me as I finished filling out a form she gave me.

"Hmm, I filled in all the details, but can you explain the purpose of this form?" I inquired, passing the form to her as she double-checked it for a second. A few days ago she asked me to join the Agency, a secret government organization dedicated to classified surveillance operations.

I argued that by joining them, I would not only enhance my strength but also remain hidden from influential organizations like the hands, shield and entities such as ancient dragons, ensuring my safety and growth. In response, she emphasized that challenges are the stepping stones of life, urging one to persevere through them rather than falter at the first hurdle.

"Why are you pressing me so hard? Are you scheming something amusing behind my back?" I asked in an irritated tone, perplexed by her cryptic intentions. Unlike the straightforward and simplistic nature of other monster girls, Lilith stood out as a strategic and intricate planner.

"Hmm, it's for your own good. Humans thrive on social connections, and from what I can tell, you possess that innate quality to some extent. Furthermore, it's a mutually beneficial opportunity for both of us."

"If I'm venturing beyond my comfort zone, you must provide something substantial in return and disclose at least a portion of your plan, if not its entirety," I demanded, adamant about transparency in our agreement.

"Very well then, my greedy husband." She muttered with a smirk on her face knowing me very well for the past years. She then summons a strange orb with two rings working as an axis in her hand.

"It's beautiful…" I admitted as I stared at the orb with awe, but there was a familiar energy emanating from it, resonating with something deep within me. "What is it?"

"Hehe a parting gift, it will awaken your Curse technique, mutation and mana. For the past few years I have been working to make you strong but after you hit the wall I thought why not work on something for you and ta da." Lilith calmly explained why her proud tone was crystal clear.

"The only drawback is you have to die or be in a state of life and death. You first have to bond with it for a few months to a maximum of one year." She then proceeds to tell the limitation of her creation.

"Okay, that's something I'm quite used to with you and others. However, knowing you, Lilith, there's usually one more catch. So, spill the beans."

"Well, you have to join and work in the agency I told you about for a year. I have made a deal with them. Additionally, they are heavily backed by many organizations which in the long term can help you to fight stronger opponents and real foes than us." Lilith instructed as she sat on the seat behind her reading my expression.

"Hmm. I have more questions but for now I will accept the deal." I agreed, it's too much energy draining to argue or negotiate with her.

Moreover, there's a significant contrast between the certainty of surviving a known opponent in combat and facing an unknown adversary with lethal capabilities. Before integrating the orb into my body, a final thought crossed my mind.

"Over time, the orb will be integrated, assimilated, and automatically absorbed by your body, transforming your abilities."