In just a few moments, half of Sadako's body had already been transformed into various delicacies within Ryuji's Food Space.

  At this rate, it wouldn't take long before she was pletely assimited.

  "Soul Dev!"

  Ryuji didn't hesitate.

  If it had been a regur first-grade cursed spirit, letting it fully assimite into the domain wouldn't have mattered.

  But Sadako ecial grade. Allowio be wasted like this would be a shame.

  Without a sed thought, Ryuji activated his Soul Dev ability, pulling what remained of Sadako into himself. Even though half her body was already gohe cursed energy and strength she tained were still intact.

  "Not bad, not bad," Ryuji muttered to himself, patting his stomach lightly as though he'd just finished a satisfying meal.

  This oute couldn't have been more perfect.

  But as he turned around, he noticed the girls staring at him, their expressions frozen in a mixture of fusion and shock.

  "What's wrong?" Ryuji asked, raising an eyebrow.

  "What… what was that just now?"

  Even though everyone was relieved that Sadako's curse had been resolved, the way Ryuji ha was so outndish they didn't even know how to react.

  "That's just how the Food Space works," Ryuji expined with a shrug. "If as the food in the domain, they get assimited into it."

  He spoke casually, as though this were on knowledge.

  The girls exged uain gnces.

  The realization that they'd beeing from the Food Spaents earlier hit them hard. Slowly, they all turheir gazes to the food still in their hands.

  "Wait… does that mean…"

  Their faces paled as panic set in. Should they stop eating? Were they in danger?

  "Pfft, hahaha!"

  Ryuji burst into ughter, uo keep a straight face.

  "Rex! What are you thinking?" he said, shaking his head in amusement. "This domain is my power. I trol who gets assimited and who doesn't. You're all fi as much as you want."

  Hearing this, the tension in the room dissipated almost immediately.

  "So, it's safe?" Yaeko asked, a bit embarrassed as she looked at the cake she'd just taken a bite of.

  "Of course," Ryuji reassured her with a smile.

  The group let out a collective sigh of relief.

  "Oh, Ryuji… you're something else," Arisu remarked, shaking her head as a small smile pyed on her lips.

  Soon, the domain began to fade, the vibrant world of the Food Space giving way to the familiar surroundings of the Nishimiya family's living room.

  Sadako was gone.

  The curse had been lifted.

  The room fell quiet as the reality of the situation sank in.

  "Thank you!"

  Yaeko suddenly dropped to her knees in front of Ryuji, her posture formal and respectful.

  She didn't know how else to express her gratitude. Their family had nothing of value to offer, and this man had done what no one else could.

  "It's nothing," Ryuji replied casually, waving his hand. "I already told you, o thank me."

  He stretched a bit, gng at the time.

  "Well, I should get going," he said, his tone light as he prepared to leave.

  Hearing this, Arisu immediately stepped forward.

  "I'll take you home, Ryuji," she offered.

  After all, she was the one who had asked for his help. It was only right for her to ensure he got back safely.

  "That works," Ryuji said with a nod, not b to refuse.

  Although he could've used his spatial movement ability from the Third Dimension, he rarely relied on it for muasks. It felt… unnecessary.

  Meanwhile, Shouko and the rest of her family looked at him, unsure of what to say.

  Their problem had been solved, but Ryuji was leaving so soon they hadn't even had time to fully thank him.

  And even if they wao thank him, they had no idea how.

  "If I ever need anything, I'll let you know," Ryuji said with a faint smile, waving off their .

  The words seemed casual, but they carried a deeper meaning.

  To Shouko, though, it felt like he was only saying this to make them feel better.

  After all, with someone as powerful as Ryuji, what could they possibly do for him?

  But she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd taken advantage of him. He'd not only lifted Sadako's curse but also healed her, giving her back her ability to hear and speak.

  Her heart swelled with gratitude, but she didn't know how to express it.

  "If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask, Ryuji," Shouko said sincerely, bowing her head slightly.

  Ryuji chuckled softly, turning to leave with Arisu and Masumi.

  As the front door closed, Shouko's mind raced with thoughts of how much he had done for her.

  ---

  Outside, the sleek car from the Sakayanagi family waited.

  The night was quiet, and the cool air brushed against their skin.

  "Please, get in," Arisu said politely, opening the back door for Ryuji.

  Ryuji gave her a nod of thanks and slid into the car, settling into the plush seat.

  Arisu climbed in after him, leaving Masumi to stand awkwardly by the passenger seat.

  "Go sit up front," Arisu instructed, her tone casual but firm.