The violet and pink light didn't fade into the familiar mountain air of Kamigoe.
Instead, the sensation of falling returned—harder and colder than before.
The duo slammed onto a sterile, tiled floor that smelled of industrial floor wax and blood.
As the dust settled, the bright fluorescent lights of the Public Safety basement flickered back to life.
"Welcome back,"
A silk-smooth voice echoed through the chamber.
"You look... different. More 'saturated,' if that's the word."
Makima stood exactly where they had left her.
Her hands were folded neatly in front of her, and her yellow, ringed eyes were fixed on Okarun's new form—the dark, Sukuna-etched markings and the shimmering violet "Phase" aura.
"Okarun... what happened?"
Momo groaned, her head spinning. She looked around the basement, her heart sinking.
"We were supposed to be home! I saw the golden line!"
"I assume your world was too far,"
Makima said, stepping closer with a haunting smirk.
"Your home must be tucked away in a very deep fold of reality. To reach it from here requires a bridge, not just a leap."
Okarun stood up, his "Cutting Phase" aura sparking aggressively.
"You knew we'd end up back here. You've been to that world before, haven't you? The world of Curses."
Makima's smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Briefly. But that world is a chaotic, noisy place. Its laws did not recognize my authority, and I find being 'powerless' to be a very boring experience. So, I returned to my own garden."
She tilted her head, observing the way Okarun's power hummed.
"However, you two seem to have thrived there. You've brought back a flavor of power that doesn't exist in this world. It's not a Devil, but it's close. A 'Curse'... how poetic."
Momo stood beside Okarun, her pink psychic aura flickering.
"We aren't your lab rats. We saved a whole city back there. If we have to, we'll fight our way through you to get home."
"I don't doubt your strength now,"
Makima replied calmly.
"But you are exhausted. The girl's spirit is frayed from purifying that 'dirty' energy, and the boy is holding a nuclear reactor in his chest. You cannot jump again tonight."
She turned and began walking toward the exit, her trench coat swaying.
"You will stay here, as my guests. I have a feeling the Chainsaw Devil will be very interested to meet someone who can eat things just as well as he can. Besides..."
She glanced over her shoulder.
"There is a 'Gun Devil' approaching this country. If you truly wish to reach your home, you will need the power that comes from surviving a war."
Okarun gripped Momo's hand.
He felt the Sukuna-energy within him growling at Makima's presence—a predator recognizing another predator.
"Ayase-san,"
Okarun whispered.
"We're trapped in the middle of two stories now. But look..."
He showed her his palm.
The golden line to Kamigoe was still there, glowing faintly in the center of his hand.
It was stronger now, reinforced by the Cursed Energy Momo had purified.
"We're not home yet. But we're closer. We just have to survive this world first."