The curse, a pulsating mass of shadow and rotting flesh, was proving more resilient than Satoru and Suguru anticipated. One of its tendrils whipped out, catching Suguru off guard. Before Satoru could react, a swirling vortex of black energy erupted, sucking Suguru in with a sickening slurping sound.

Satoru moved with inhumane speed and obliterated the special-grade apart. The vortex shuddered, then spat its contents out.

Satoru stood there, chest heaving, waiting for Suguru to emerge. But what came out wasn't Suguru. At least not entirely.

The boy he knew, the stoic, dependable comrade, was gone. In his place was a creature of utterly unfamiliar proportions. This Suguru was smaller. His once sharp features were softened, his jawline more delicate, his eyes wider and more expressive. And…it was impossible to deny… his form was undeniably curvier. The loose uniform hung on him, revealing the distinctly feminine shape beneath.

Satoru stared. The transformation was utterly baffling, a grotesque joke played by the universe. He knelt cautiously, his powerful hands hovering above the figure.

The smaller Suguru let out a soft groan, pushing himself to a sitting position. He- no, she- blinked, confusion clouding her newly delicate features.

"Satoru...?" Her voice was softer, higher pitched than he remembered, lacking the smooth depth he knew so well.

Satoru’s expression was replaced by a slow, incredulous, and then utterly delighted laugh. It started as a chuckle, then bubbled into full-blown, head-thrown-back laughter.

“Oh my god,” Satoru gasped, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. “Oh, Suguru… you’re…you’re a girl!”

The smaller, female version of Suguru stared at him, confusion and a hint of horror mixing in her expression. Her hands flew to her chest, tracing the unfamiliar curves.

"Satoru... what...what happened? And why are you laughing?"

"Well, Suguru, it seems like that nasty curse did a bit more than just swallow you. It gave you a little…makeover. A very thorough makeover, I might add."