A moment later, deep within the intricate maze, Yuji Itadori abruptly stopped, his sharp gaze fixed on an area hanging overhead like an enormous flower bud.
The cursed energy fluctuations there were so dense they had almost become tangible, radiating a malice that made the heart pound.
"Found it!"
Itadori growled, raising his hand and pointing forcefully in that direction.
Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki immediately followed his finger with their eyes.
Diagonally overhead, beneath the dome, a barrier shaped like an enormous unopened flower hung motionless.
Its surface was riddled with holes that oozed slime, and eerie sounds like a heartbeat faintly emerged from within.
A cursed spirit's powerful cursed energy poured ceaselessly from it, like a beacon in the darkness, proclaiming the extraordinary nature of what was gestating inside.
"That's it, right?" Kugisaki narrowed her eyes and tightened her grip on her hammer. Its head had already begun to glow faintly as it accumulated cursed energy.
Megumi Fushiguro tilted his head back and stared at the barrier, his gaze cold and sharp.
"Yes." Fushiguro nodded slowly, his voice decisive.
"We can't let it keep growing. Kugisaki, Itadori, concentrate your fire and destroy that thing as quickly as possible! Interrupt its transformation!"
Before he had finished speaking, Fushiguro was already moving.
Rather than summon another shikigami, he directed Nue to swoop down and halt before him, presenting its broad back.
"Nue, take Itadori up. Get close to that barrier," Fushiguro instructed quickly, stepping back several paces himself.
Nue gave a low cry and obediently lowered its neck.
Without hesitation, Itadori leaped onto Nue's broad back and gripped the feathers on its neck firmly with both hands.
"Divine Dogs, come back!" Fushiguro ordered again, and the enormous dog that had been keeping watch up ahead returned to his side.
Fushiguro