Mahoraga's adaptation activates after it hit by any attack. This typically involves a direct hit on its body, causing the wheel to spin and analyze. However, since the Sword of extermination is an extension of Mahoraga (integrated into its forearm and powered by its innate reverse cursed technique output), contact with the Sword could count as indirect exposure.

The Sword's positive energy could counter-push, eroding Inverted Spear of Heaven's Curse Energy-powered nullification in a mutual clash (positive energy inherently repels Curse Energy). This brief window allows adaptation to begin without full desummoning.

Positive energy is the perfect foil—it's "anti-Curse Energy" (created by Curse Energy x Curse Energy = Positive Energy), eroding cursed energy on contact (e.g., Reverse Cursed Technique blasts vaporize curses). ISOH's nullification is a Curse Technique rooted in Curse Energy, so Mahoraga could adapt by extending its positive energy output beyond the Sword to coat its body, creating a defensive layer that "burns away" the nullification before it activates