🌑 JUJUTSU KAISEN: MOON OF THE FALLEN KING
📕 Chapter 9 – "Crimson Resolve"
The mist lingered low across the forest floor, swirling around the ancient temple's base like restless spirits. Outside, figures emerged from the fog — Jujutsu sorcerers in full formation. Their weapons gleamed. Their eyes were cold.
> "You're sheltering a cursed vessel," the lead sorcerer said harshly. "That's treason."
Standing firm at the temple's threshold was the Master, sword drawn, calm but alert.
> "He's just a child," he said. "You fear him because you don't understand him."
Behind the door, Lucius peeked out. His heart pounded in his chest.
> "Why… why do they all want me dead?" he thought.
One sorcerer lunged forward, a cursed dagger flashing in his hand.
> "If you won't hand him over," the sorcerer roared, "we'll take him by force!"
The Master met him mid-air. Steel clashed. Sparks flew.
> CLANG!
Another sorcerer summoned fire with a twisting motion of his hands.
> "Flame Spiral — Ignite!"
The blaze surged toward the temple.
The Master acted quickly, slamming his palm to the ground.
> "Technique: Aqua Dome Seal!"
A shimmering dome of water surrounded the entrance, extinguishing the flames in a hissing wall of steam.
Lucius watched from inside, fists clenched in fear — and guilt.
> "He's fighting them all alone… because of me…"
Inside, his hand began to glow. He reached up, touching the talisman on his forehead.
> "Why does this cursed energy… feel like a second heartbeat?"
Suddenly, an echo of Sukuna's voice echoed in his mind.
> "Soon, little one… soon…"
> "No," Lucius whispered. "Not now… please…"
Outside, the Master was weakening. Blood ran down his arm, and his steps were slower.
> "I can't… hold back much longer…" he muttered.
The Sorcerer Leader stepped forward, preparing a deadly sealing sigil.
> "Time to end this."
But before the spell was cast, a burst of cursed energy erupted from within the temple.
> BOOOOM!
Red and black light pulsed outward like a living storm.
Lucius walked out through the smoke — slowly, steadily. His eyes glowed a soft crimson-pink, his aura flickering like wildfire.
> "Stop," he said softly.
The wind stopped.
The sorcerers froze, stunned.
> "Is that… the Demon King's aura?" one of them whispered.
The Master stepped forward.
> "Don't let it consume you!" he warned.
Lucius raised his hand. The ground cracked beneath him.
> "I'm not afraid anymore… I just want to protect…"
A panicked sorcerer rushed forward.
> "He's manifesting! Seal him now!"
But before the seal could form, Lucius's body moved on its own. A crimson-black claw of cursed energy appeared, blocking the attack with a deafening impact.
> BOOM!
Silence followed.
The sorcerers stared in awe.
> "That… that wasn't a technique," said the Leader. "It was instinct."
But the moment passed. Lucius dropped to one knee, clutching his head in pain.
> "I… I can't… control it…"
The Master was already there, pulling him back.
> "Enough. That's enough for today."
The sorcerers watched, tense and unsure.
> "The boy is unstable," the leader said. "He'll be a threat to both sides."
> "He's not a threat," the Master replied. "He's the key."
Lucius stared at the ground, breathing hard — his eyes filled with pain, but no longer fear.
> "If this is my fate… I'll fight it."
Far away, deep beneath the world, the Demon Lords observed from their cursed chamber.
> "His aura rose… then fell," said one. "He's resisting."
The Demon Lord Leader smiled darkly.
> "Let him struggle. It will make the awakening sweeter."
Back in the quiet temple, night had returned.
Lucius lay asleep, his face calm for now. The Master sat beside him, eyes steady, tired but watchful.
> "You're more than just a vessel, Lucius," he thought. "You're either hope… or destruction."
✅ End of Chapter 9