[After confirming that the small fry on the perimeter had been cleared out, you quickly followed the traces of cursed residue and successfully regrouped with the others.]
[On your way back, you had even taken out your phone with a perfectly normal expression and given the Assistant Supervisors advance notice. In an utterly matter-of-fact tone, you informed them that Renchoku Girls' Academy would probably require the same large-scale "cleanup" and aftermath management as the hotel, and told them to prepare a few extra body bags.]
[As you rounded the corridor corner with steady steps and appeared before the others, you keenly sensed the oppressive atmosphere hanging in the air.]
[You looked around at the deeply troubled Suguru Geto, the rather grim-faced Satoru Gojo, and Riko Amanai, whose face was filled with guilt and panic. Only Misato Kuroi was missing.]
[At the sight, a barely perceptible flicker of cold satisfaction crossed the depths of your dark eyes.]
[Of course you knew what this meant. Shiu Kong's black-market operatives had succeeded, and everything was proceeding smoothly according to your predetermined script.]
[On the surface, however, you continued to display your superb acting skills, worthy of "Life Is Like a Play." The warmth and composure on your face vanished instantly, replaced by a perfectly measured expression of shock and surprise, and you asked a question whose answer you already knew.]
["What's with those expressions? What happened? Where's Miss Kuroi... wasn't she with you?"]
[At your question, Suguru Geto's tall frame trembled slightly. He bowed his head deeply, his hands clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh. Gritting his teeth, he spoke hoarsely, his voice filled with frustration and self-reproach.]
["...I was too careless. I focused all my attention on guarding against jujutsu sorcerers. It never occurred to me that