Vergil Is Back-Chapter 53 - 43: Stone, Fire, and Vow

Location: A secluded cliffside in the outskirts of Jujutsu Tech, bathed in twilight.

The sky bled into hues of orange and indigo as the sun dipped behind the mountains. A hush had fallen over the world, save for the wind that whispered through the tall grass. Leon stood on the edge of the cliff, Yamato sheathed on his back, the Boosted Gear dormant on his left arm, humming gently like a heart in slumber.

Behind him, Maki approached—silent, but not unnoticed.

"You've been watching me," he said without turning.

"Not just watching," Maki replied, stopping beside him. "Waiting."

She looked over at him, her gaze steady. "You said I don't understand what I'm asking for. But I do. I don't want to be just someone you protect. I want to walk beside you."

Leon's expression softened—just slightly. He turned, revealing something glowing faintly in his palm.

It was unlike any Sacred Gear or artifact she had seen.

A black chess piece — not a typical one, but carved in rough obsidian and etched with crimson runes. It pulsed with deep power, like it had been chiseled from the bedrock of reality itself.

"This isn't from any world you know," he said, holding it out. "It's called the Rock Piece. Not part of any king's game. It doesn't make you a servant. It makes you a pillar. A foundation. A force no one can move."

Maki's breath hitched. "And you're giving it to me?"

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"You're not mine," Leon replied. "But you chose me. That means more."

She took the piece, and as her fingers closed around it, a surge of energy rippled through her body. Her knees buckled, but Leon caught her before she could fall.

The Rock Piece merged into her soul like fire sinking into steel. Her cursed energy exploded outward, flaring dark purple laced with glowing gold veins. Her body trembled, her skin marked with new runes—warlike, beautiful, ancient.

Her glasses cracked and shattered. Her eyes burned with perfect clarity.

Maki Zenin was gone.In her place stood something reborn.

A warrior blessed by a void-forged king.

"What... is this...?" she gasped, trying to steady herself.

"You've awakened your own path," Leon said quietly. "Your new ability... Unyielding Core. The more damage you take, the stronger your strikes become. Your body adapts instantly. Your blade will never dull, and your will can no longer be broken."

Maki looked down at her hands, at the light flickering over her skin. Her voice trembled—not from fear, but from awe.

"You gave me this... why?"

Leon leaned close, his voice lower now.

"Because I trust you not to betray it. Because you're my rock. And one day... I'll need you to keep me grounded."

She didn't respond with words. She simply stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. There was no seduction in it, no fire or fury. Just silence. Just trust.

And in the quiet, a bond was carved — not in blood, but in stone.