CHAPTER 1: WHISPERS OF POWER

The wind whistled through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and decay. Kazuki crouched low behind a fallen log, his eyes fixed on the movement ahead. He could hear the predator’s heavy breathing, see the glint of its eyes as it prowled the forest floor, searching for him. The Curse of the Marked had worked its magic again, drawing another beast to his location.

This time, it was different. He had prepared better. He wasn’t running anymore.

Kazuki gripped his rusty sword tightly, waiting for the moment to strike. The trap was already set—a simple pitfall, hidden beneath a thin layer of leaves. The beast, a large, black-furred creature with razor-sharp claws, was too focused on its prey to notice the danger beneath its feet.

Just a little closer...

The beast let out a low growl, stalking forward, and then—snap! Its front paw broke through the surface of the pit. The creature yelped, its body tumbling forward as it fell into the trap, its massive form crashing down onto the spikes Kazuki had carefully positioned at the bottom.

Kazuki stood slowly, his heart pounding in his chest. The beast thrashed in the pit, trying to claw its way out, but it was already too late. Blood dripped from its wounds, staining the forest floor. With a final, guttural roar, the creature fell still.

Kazuki exhaled, lowering his sword. He had done it again. Another predator, another victory. But even as he felt the rush of relief wash over him, the familiar weight of exhaustion began to settle in.

The Curse of Exhaustion had already drained most of his energy, and his body felt heavy, sluggish. His legs trembled, his muscles screamed for rest, but he couldn’t afford to stop. Not yet.

I need to move before the scent of blood draws more predators, he thought, forcing himself to take a step forward. Every part of him wanted to collapse, but survival demanded more. He had to keep pushing, had to keep planning.

Kazuki approached the pit, crouching down beside the fallen creature. Its fur was thick and matted, but there were still valuable materials he could scavenge—meat for food, bones for tools. He worked quickly, his hands steady despite the exhaustion gnawing at him. The task was mechanical by now. Survive, gather, move. A cycle he had grown all too familiar with.

As he worked, Kazuki’s mind wandered. This was his life now—hunted by beasts, constantly moving, setting traps to stay one step ahead. But something had changed recently. He had noticed a shift in the way the curses affected him. The Curse of the Marked, once a simple attractor of predators, had started to draw more than just beasts. He had seen signs of humans in the forest recently—tracks, disturbed campsites, even glimpses of figures in the distance.

They’re hunting me too, Kazuki realized. Not just the beasts.

He wasn’t sure why yet, but he had a sinking feeling that it had something to do with the rumors he’d overheard in the last settlement he’d passed through. Whispers of a cursed survivor who had defeated monsters far stronger than any ordinary human could. Whispers of a power that came from the curses themselves.

Kazuki stood, wiping the blood from his hands. The thought had been nagging at him for days now, ever since he’d heard the story of the Curse Master—a legendary figure who had supposedly learned to control his curses, turning them into a source of power rather than a burden.

At first, Kazuki had dismissed it as just another tale, something told to scare children. But as the days passed, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it. The curses had already changed him, forced him to adapt, to grow. But what if there was more? What if there was a way to not just survive with the curses, but to master them?

The question gnawed at him, even as he worked. And with every day that passed, the answer seemed more urgent.

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CHAPTER 2: THE PATH TO POWER

The next morning, Kazuki set off in the direction of the rumors. He didn’t have much to go on—just a vague mention of a ruined temple hidden deep within the forest, where the Curse Master had supposedly left behind his knowledge. But it was enough. In this world, any lead was better than none.

The journey was slow, the weight of the curses dragging at him with every step. The Curse of Exhaustion made even simple movements feel like wading through mud, and the Curse of Fragility meant that any injury, no matter how small, took days to heal. But Kazuki had learned to manage. He moved efficiently, conserving his energy, always aware of his surroundings.

As he walked, he couldn’t help but think about what he had heard. The Curse Master had been more than just a survivor—he had been someone who had turned his afflictions into strengths. If the rumors were true, the Curse Master had learned to manipulate the curses, bending them to his will, using them to gain power that no ordinary human could possess.

But that power came with a cost. The whispers had been clear on that. The Curse Master had disappeared, consumed by the very curses he had sought to control. Kazuki didn’t know the details, but the warning was clear: to gain mastery over the curses was to risk everything.

But what choice do I have? Kazuki thought, his grip tightening on his sword. I can’t keep running forever. The curses are only going to get stronger.

The path ahead grew narrower, the trees denser. Kazuki moved cautiously, his eyes scanning the forest for any sign of danger. He had long since learned that the beasts of this world were not the only threat. The humans who hunted him were often far more dangerous—smarter, more cunning, and just as desperate to survive.

As he walked, the forest began to change. The trees grew taller, their trunks twisted and gnarled. The air grew colder, heavier, as if the very land was cursed. Kazuki felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.

He was getting close.

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CHAPTER 3: THE FIRST ENCOUNTER

The sun had begun to dip below the horizon when Kazuki finally reached the edge of the ruins. The temple was ancient, its stone walls cracked and covered in moss. Vines twisted through the gaps, reclaiming the structure as part of the forest. The place had an eerie, almost forgotten air to it, as if no living soul had stepped foot there in centuries.

Kazuki hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. The stories he’d heard about the Curse Master flashed through his mind. This was where it all began—where the power of the curses had first been discovered. And where it had nearly consumed its creator.

I need to know, Kazuki thought, stepping forward. If there’s even a chance that I can control these curses... I have to try.

The temple’s entrance loomed before him, a yawning black mouth that seemed to swallow the light. Kazuki gripped his sword tighter as he stepped inside, the air growing colder with every step. His breath fogged in the chill, and the sound of his footsteps echoed faintly in the distance.

As he made his way deeper into the ruins, something caught his eye—a faint glow, pulsing softly from the far end of the chamber. Kazuki’s heart raced as he approached. There, at the center of the room, was a stone pedestal, and atop it lay a single, glowing relic. It was a small, blackened stone, not unlike the one that had cursed him back in Volume 2.

But this one felt different. Stronger. More dangerous.

Kazuki reached out, his hand trembling as it hovered over the stone. He could feel the power radiating from it, pulsing in time with his own heartbeat.

Is this... the key? he wondered.

But before he could touch it, a voice echoed through the chamber.

“You’re not the first to seek the Curse Master’s power.”

Kazuki spun around, his sword at the ready. Standing in the shadows was a figure, cloaked in darkness, their face obscured by the hood of a tattered robe. But Kazuki could see the faint glow of cursed markings etched into their skin.

The figure stepped forward, their voice low and cold. “The curses are not something you can control. They will consume you, just as they consumed him.”

Kazuki’s heart pounded in his chest. This was it—his first encounter with someone who had already walked the path he was about to take. And from the look of it, they had paid the price.

But Kazuki wasn’t deterred. He knew the risks. He knew the cost. But if there was even a chance that he could gain control over his afflictions, he had to take it.

“I have no choice,” Kazuki said, his voice steady. “I can’t survive like this forever. If I don’t take control, the curses will kill me anyway.”

The figure stared at him for a long moment, then slowly nodded. “Very well. But know this—you are gambling with more than your life. The curses are not a tool. They are a force that bends the mind, the body, the soul. If you seek to control them, you must be willing to sacrifice everything.”

Kazuki felt a chill run down his spine. He knew the figure was right. But he had come too far to turn back now.

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” Kazuki said, stepping forward. “Show me how.”

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CHAPTER 4: THE GAMBLE BEGINS

The figure's face remained hidden beneath their hood, but Kazuki could feel the weight of their gaze. The air inside the temple was suffocating, thick with the tension of what was about to unfold. The glowing stone on the pedestal pulsed faintly, casting shadows that danced across the cracked stone walls.

“You seek to control the curses,” the figure said slowly, stepping forward. “But the power you want will cost you far more than you realize.”

Kazuki’s grip tightened on his sword, though he knew the rusty blade wouldn’t help him here. His body still ached from days of travel, exhaustion gnawing at his every muscle, but his mind was sharp. He had made his decision.

“I understand the risks,” Kazuki said, his voice steady. “But if I don’t take control, the curses will destroy me. I don’t have a choice.”

The figure was silent for a long moment, then nodded. “Very well. But know this—there is no path to control without sacrifice. The power you seek comes at the cost of your body, your mind, and possibly your soul.”

Kazuki’s breath caught in his throat. He had expected danger, but the figure’s words carried a weight he hadn’t fully considered.

“Are you still willing to proceed?” the figure asked, their voice low and cold.

Kazuki hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “Yes.”

The figure gestured toward the glowing stone. “The path to mastering the curses begins here. The Curse Master left behind fragments of his knowledge, but they are incomplete. You must be prepared for what comes next.”

Kazuki stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the blackened stone. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to remain calm. He reached out, his fingers hovering over the relic, feeling the strange warmth emanating from it.

The moment his skin touched the surface of the stone, a surge of energy shot through him. Kazuki gasped, his body jerking as the power of the stone surged into his veins. The curses inside him stirred violently, as though awakening from a long slumber.

Visions flooded his mind—images of twisted landscapes, creatures warped by their curses, and the face of a man, barely human, consumed by the very power he had sought to control. Kazuki saw flashes of rituals, of sacrifices made in the name of power, of a world shattered by the weight of curses that could not be tamed.

Then, just as suddenly, the visions stopped. Kazuki fell to his knees, gasping for breath. His body trembled, his limbs weak, but something had changed. He could feel it—deep within him, the curses were no longer just a passive affliction. They were active, alive, responding to his will.

The figure stood silently, watching as Kazuki struggled to his feet.

“What... was that?” Kazuki managed to ask, his voice shaky.

“That was the first step,” the figure said, their voice distant. “The stone awakens the true nature of your curses. But the power comes with a cost. You may find that the more control you gain, the more the curses demand from you.”

Kazuki felt a chill run down his spine. The power he had felt was overwhelming, intoxicating even—but he could already sense the danger lurking beneath it.

“You have unlocked the potential of your curses,” the figure continued. “But be warned—each time you draw upon that power, the curse will tighten its grip on you. If you are not careful, it will consume you, as it did the Curse Master.”

Kazuki nodded, still trying to catch his breath. He could feel the curses moving inside him, more active than ever before. But there was something else too—something darker. A sense of dread, of a power that was no longer passive but aggressive, waiting to be unleashed.

“I can handle it,” Kazuki said, though doubt flickered in his mind. He had come too far to turn back now. He couldn’t afford to be afraid of the power he had sought.

The figure watched him for a moment, then stepped aside, revealing a narrow passage that led deeper into the temple.

“There is more to learn,” the figure said. “But you must face the trials ahead alone. Each step you take will bring you closer to mastery—or to ruin.”

Kazuki swallowed hard, his heart racing. The passage ahead was dark, the air growing colder with each step he took. But he didn’t hesitate. He had made his choice, and there was no turning back now.

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CHAPTER 5: THE CURSE UNLEASHED

The passage twisted and turned, leading Kazuki deeper into the ruins. The walls were carved with strange symbols, ancient and forgotten, their meanings lost to time. Kazuki could feel the weight of the curses pressing down on him, heavier than before, as though they were testing him.

He had unlocked something within himself—something powerful, but unstable.

As he walked, the ground beneath his feet began to shift. The air grew colder, and a strange fog started to roll in, swirling around him in thick, oppressive clouds. Kazuki slowed his pace, his senses on high alert. This place was different. It felt alive.

Suddenly, the fog parted, revealing a massive chamber. In the center stood a stone altar, and surrounding it were twisted, grotesque figures—statues of creatures that had once been human, but had been warped beyond recognition. Their faces were twisted in agony, their bodies covered in cursed markings.

Kazuki’s heart raced as he approached the altar. He could feel the power radiating from it, a dark, pulsating energy that resonated with the curses inside him.

This is where it happened, Kazuki thought, his breath catching in his throat. This is where the Curse Master fell.

But before he could process the thought, a low growl echoed through the chamber. Kazuki spun around, his sword at the ready.

From the shadows, a figure emerged. It was humanoid, but its body was twisted, its skin covered in glowing cursed marks. Its eyes glowed with a sickly light, and its movements were jerky, unnatural.

Kazuki’s heart pounded in his chest. This was no ordinary enemy. This was a creature consumed by its curse—an abomination of power unchecked.

The creature lunged at him, moving faster than anything Kazuki had faced before. He barely had time to react, throwing himself to the side as the creature’s claws slashed through the air where he had just been standing.

Kazuki scrambled to his feet, his mind racing. He couldn’t fight this thing head-on. It was too fast, too strong. But he had something the creature didn’t.

Control.

Kazuki closed his eyes for a split second, feeling the curses stir within him. He focused, reaching out with his mind, trying to connect with the power that had surged through him when he touched the stone.

The Curse of Exhaustion pulsed in response, and for a moment, Kazuki felt a surge of energy—a fleeting burst of strength that allowed him to dodge the creature’s next attack with ease.

But the moment passed quickly, and the exhaustion returned, heavier than before. The curse was testing him, demanding more.

Kazuki gritted his teeth. He had to be careful. The more he drew upon the curse, the more it would drain him. But he didn’t have a choice. This was a battle of survival, and he had to use everything at his disposal.

The creature lunged again, and this time, Kazuki was ready. He waited until the last possible second, then unleashed a burst of energy from the Curse of the Marked—a wave of force that sent the creature stumbling backward, disoriented.

Kazuki seized the opportunity, rushing forward with his sword raised. He brought the blade down with all his strength, aiming for the creature’s neck.

The rusty sword sliced through the cursed flesh, but it wasn’t a clean kill. The creature thrashed violently, its body writhing as it tried to recover. But Kazuki didn’t relent. He struck again and again, each blow fueled by the power of his curses, until the creature finally fell, its body crumbling into dust.

Kazuki stood there, panting, his body trembling from the exertion. His mind was reeling from the battle, but there was no denying what had just happened.

He had used the curses. He had controlled them.

But as he stood there, catching his breath, Kazuki could feel something else stirring within him. The power he had tapped into wasn’t just waiting for him to control it. It was hungry. It wanted more.

I did it... but at what cost?

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CHAPTER 6: THE WAGES OF POWER

Kazuki collapsed against the cold stone wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His body was shaking uncontrollably, both from the exertion and the aftermath of tapping into the cursed power. The fight had been brutal, more so than any battle he’d faced before, but what lingered in his mind wasn’t the victory—it was the cost.

His body felt heavier, as if the Curse of Exhaustion had doubled in intensity. His limbs ached as though they were bound by invisible chains, each movement taking more effort than before. It was as if the curse had punished him for daring to use it.

Kazuki wiped the sweat from his brow, his thoughts racing. The surge of energy he’d experienced had been brief, fleeting, but in that moment, he’d felt a power unlike anything he’d ever known. It had been enough to tip the scales in his favor, to give him the edge he needed to survive. But now, in the quiet aftermath, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the curses were starting to demand more from him—more than he could afford to give.

As he struggled to his feet, the distant sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber. Kazuki’s heart skipped a beat. Someone—or something—was approaching.

He quickly scanned the room for a hiding place, his body protesting with every movement. His eyes fell on a shadowed alcove near the far wall, just large enough to conceal him. He moved toward it as quickly as his cursed body would allow, his legs feeling like they were made of lead.

Kazuki crouched low, pressing his back against the wall, his breathing shallow as he tried to steady himself. The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by the faint sound of voices—human voices.

“They said he’d come this way,” one of the voices muttered, low and gruff. “The cursed one.”

Kazuki’s blood ran cold. They were hunting him.

He peered around the edge of the alcove, careful to keep himself hidden. Two figures entered the chamber—both heavily armed, their bodies covered in makeshift armor. They moved with the precision of experienced hunters, their eyes scanning the room, searching for any sign of their prey.

Kazuki’s heart raced. These weren’t like the beasts he’d fought before. They were human, cunning, and far more dangerous in a way that monsters couldn’t be. Worse, they were hunting him because of the curse—drawn to him by the Curse of the Marked.

I should have known the rumors would bring people like this, Kazuki thought grimly. I can’t stay hidden forever. They’ll find me eventually.

His mind raced as he weighed his options. His body was in no condition for another fight, not after the toll the curse had taken on him during the last battle. He needed time to recover, but time was a luxury he didn’t have.

One of the hunters, a tall man with a scar across his face, stopped near the altar, his eyes narrowing as he examined the room.

“This is it,” the man said, his voice low and calculating. “The place they said he’d find the power. He’s close.”

The second hunter, a woman with sharp eyes and a crossbow slung over her shoulder, nodded. “The cursed ones always come here, thinking they can control it. But they never leave. We’ll find him.”

Kazuki’s grip tightened on his sword. He had no choice now. He couldn’t outrun them, not in his current state, and there was no way they would let him leave without a fight. But he wasn’t about to go down easily.

I can use the curses again, he thought, his mind racing. But if I do…

The thought trailed off as the weight of the decision pressed down on him. Every time he drew on the cursed power, it took something from him. His body was already paying the price, and if he wasn’t careful, the curse would consume him entirely.

But survival wasn’t about making safe choices anymore. It was about winning. And right now, he had only one way to win.

I have to take the gamble.

Kazuki took a deep breath, centering himself. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the cursed energy stir within him. This time, it didn’t feel like a fleeting burst of strength—it felt like a storm, waiting to be unleashed. His connection to the curses had deepened in the last fight, and now, he could feel them responding to his will more clearly than before.

I control the curse, Kazuki thought, clenching his fists. Not the other way around.

He opened his eyes, a newfound resolve settling over him. He couldn’t outrun these hunters. But he could outthink them. He could use the very thing they were hunting him for.

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Kazuki waited until the hunters moved farther into the chamber, their backs turned to him. Then, with a quick, silent movement, he slipped out of the alcove, keeping low as he moved toward the shadows. His body still ached, but the curse stirred within him, giving him the strength he needed to stay quiet and deliberate.

The tall hunter stopped suddenly, tilting his head as if listening. Kazuki froze, holding his breath.

“I heard something,” the man muttered, reaching for the sword strapped to his back.

The woman raised her crossbow, scanning the dark corners of the room. “It’s him.”

Kazuki’s mind raced. He needed to act fast. He focused, reaching deep within himself to tap into the power of the Curse of the Marked. He felt the energy shift around him, the air growing thick with the oppressive weight of the curse. The hunters were already attuned to the curse—they had been drawn to it. Now, Kazuki would use that to his advantage.

With a flick of his hand, he sent a surge of cursed energy through the room. The hunters reacted immediately, their heads snapping toward the source of the energy.

“There!” the woman shouted, firing her crossbow toward the far corner of the room where the cursed energy had gathered. The bolt flew through the air, embedding itself into the stone wall with a sharp crack.

But Kazuki wasn’t there. He had already moved, using the curse’s power to create a distraction while he slipped behind the hunters. It was a gamble—releasing more of the curse meant putting himself at greater risk—but it had paid off. For now.

The hunters turned, realizing too late that they had been tricked.

Kazuki didn’t waste a second. He lunged from the shadows, his sword raised. The tall man reacted first, raising his own blade to block the strike, but Kazuki’s momentum was too strong. The rusty sword clanged against the man’s weapon, sending sparks flying as Kazuki pushed forward.

The woman fired another bolt, this one aimed directly at Kazuki’s chest. He twisted his body at the last second, the bolt grazing his shoulder instead of hitting its mark. Pain flared through him, but Kazuki didn’t slow down.

The curses stirred within him, fueling his movements. He pressed the attack, striking with a precision that surprised even him. Each blow was calculated, each step designed to force the hunters into a vulnerable position.

But the curses demanded more with every move. Kazuki could feel the weight growing, his body tiring faster than it should. His vision blurred, his limbs growing heavier with each strike.

Not yet, he thought desperately. I can’t give in yet.

The tall hunter swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for Kazuki’s side. Kazuki dodged, barely avoiding the blade, and countered with a swift slash to the man’s arm. The hunter grunted in pain, staggering back as blood dripped from the wound.

The woman raised her crossbow again, but before she could fire, Kazuki unleashed another burst of cursed energy, disorienting her. She stumbled, her aim faltering, and Kazuki seized the opportunity.

With one final surge of strength, Kazuki lunged forward, bringing his sword down on the woman’s crossbow, knocking it from her hands. The weapon clattered to the ground, useless.

Kazuki’s body screamed in protest, the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm him, but he didn’t stop. He turned to face the tall hunter, his sword still raised.

The hunter met his gaze, his eyes narrowing. “You’re using it,” the man said, his voice low. “The curse.”

Kazuki didn’t respond. His chest heaved with exertion, his muscles burning, but the power of the curse still pulsed within him. He could feel it—just beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.

The hunter’s expression twisted into a grim smile. “Then you’ve already lost.”

Kazuki’s heart skipped a beat. The man’s words struck something deep within him, a fear that had been growing ever since he’d first tapped into the curse’s power.

What if he’s right?

But there was no time to dwell on the thought. The hunter lunged at him, his sword flashing through the air.

Kazuki barely managed to raise his blade in time to block the strike. The force of the blow sent a shockwave through his body, and for a moment, he thought he might collapse. But he held firm, using the last of his strength to push the hunter back.

The man stumbled, off-balance for just a second—but it was enough.

Kazuki surged forward, driving his sword into the man’s chest. The hunter gasped, his eyes wide with shock as he fell to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.

Kazuki stood over the fallen body, panting heavily. The woman had already fled, her footsteps echoing through the chamber as she disappeared into the shadows of the temple. Kazuki watched her retreating form for a moment, his entire body trembling with exhaustion. He wanted to chase after her, to ensure that there would be no more hunters coming for him, but he knew he couldn’t. His strength was nearly gone, and every muscle in his body screamed for rest.

Kazuki leaned heavily against the stone wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His vision blurred, dark spots dancing before his eyes. The curses were still pulsing inside him, but now, instead of feeling like power, they felt like chains tightening around his body, draining every ounce of energy he had left.

I can’t keep doing this, he thought, his mind reeling. The more I use the curse, the more it takes from me.

He had won the fight, but it didn’t feel like a victory. The hunter’s words echoed in his mind: Then you’ve already lost.

Kazuki shook his head, trying to clear the thoughts. He couldn’t afford to second-guess himself now. He had survived, and that was what mattered. But the toll it had taken on him was undeniable. The curses weren’t just tools to be used—they were dangerous, unpredictable, and hungry for more of his life force.

Kazuki slid down the wall, sitting on the cold stone floor as he tried to catch his breath. His body was shaking, not just from the fight but from the weight of the curses pressing down on him. He needed to rest, but he knew that resting too long in a place like this was dangerous. There could be more hunters, more creatures lurking in the ruins. And now, the woman who had escaped would likely tell others where to find him.

I need to move, Kazuki thought, though his body protested even the idea of standing. I can’t stay here.

But just as he was about to force himself to his feet, something shifted in the air around him. The temperature dropped sharply, and the faint glow of the cursed markings on the walls grew brighter, casting eerie shadows across the chamber.

Kazuki tensed, his hand instinctively tightening around the hilt of his sword. He scanned the room, his senses on high alert. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

The ground beneath him trembled, and a low rumbling echoed through the temple. The air felt thick, oppressive, as if the very walls were closing in on him. Kazuki struggled to his feet, his legs shaking from the effort.

Suddenly, the stone altar in the center of the room began to glow with an unnatural light, the cursed energy swirling around it like a vortex. Kazuki’s heart raced as he took a step back, his eyes wide with shock.

What is happening?

Before he could react, a voice—deep and cold—filled the chamber.

“You’ve come far, cursed one. But you are not the first to seek this power.”

Kazuki froze, his eyes darting around the room. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, reverberating through the stone walls. It was ancient, filled with malice and something far worse—a hunger that Kazuki recognized all too well.

The air around the altar shimmered, and from the swirling vortex of cursed energy, a figure began to emerge. At first, it was little more than a shadow, but as it took form, Kazuki realized what he was seeing.

It was a man—or at least, it had been once. His body was covered in cursed markings, glowing like embers in the darkness. His skin was stretched taut over twisted bones, and his eyes burned with a sickly green light. The aura of cursed energy around him was suffocating, like a black hole pulling everything into its depths.

Kazuki’s heart pounded in his chest as he took another step back. He didn’t need to be told who this was. He already knew.

The Curse Master.

The figure stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate, as if the very act of moving was painful. His eyes locked onto Kazuki, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Kazuki felt a cold sweat break out across his skin. This was the man who had supposedly mastered the curses, the one who had unlocked their true potential—and been consumed by them. If there was anyone who knew the cost of using this power, it was him.

The Curse Master tilted his head, regarding Kazuki with a faint smile that sent a chill down his spine.

“You seek control over the curses,” the Curse Master said, his voice like gravel. “But control is an illusion. The more you use their power, the more they consume you. Just as they consumed me.”

Kazuki swallowed hard, his throat dry. “I didn’t come here to be consumed,” he said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him. “I came here to survive. I can’t fight without this power.”

The Curse Master’s smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. “You think you can survive by mastering the curses? Foolish. The curses are not a tool. They are a force that hungers for destruction. You cannot wield them without being devoured by them.”

Kazuki clenched his fists. He had heard this warning before, but he had no other choice. The world was trying to break him, and the curses were the only way he could stay ahead of the constant dangers. He couldn’t back down now, not when he was so close to understanding their true potential.

“I don’t care about the risk,” Kazuki said, his voice firm. “I’ve survived because I’ve learned how to use the curses. They’ve made me stronger.”

The Curse Master’s eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was something darker behind them—something Kazuki couldn’t quite place.

“You’ve barely scratched the surface of what the curses can offer,” the Curse Master said, his voice softening. “But if you continue down this path, you will become like me—nothing more than a shell of the man you once were. The curses will strip away everything—your mind, your body, your soul.”

Kazuki shook his head, trying to push away the doubt that was creeping into his thoughts. He couldn’t let fear control him. He had come too far.

“There has to be a way,” Kazuki said, his voice hard. “A way to control them without being destroyed.”

The Curse Master’s smile faded, replaced by a look of cold calculation. For a long moment, he said nothing, and the silence stretched on, heavy and oppressive.

Finally, the Curse Master spoke, his voice low and filled with something that Kazuki couldn’t quite decipher. “There is one way,” he said slowly. “But it is a gamble—one that very few have survived.”

Kazuki’s heart skipped a beat. “What is it?”

The Curse Master’s eyes gleamed with dark intent. “You must confront the source of your curse. Only by facing the root of the power can you hope to gain control over it. But be warned—if you fail, the curse will consume you entirely. There will be no coming back.”

Kazuki felt a chill run down his spine. The idea of confronting the very source of his curse was terrifying, but if it was the only way to truly master it, he had no choice. He couldn’t continue to let the curse dictate his survival. He needed to take control.

“I’ll do it,” Kazuki said, his voice firm.

The Curse Master’s smile returned, but it was filled with something sinister. “Very well,” he said. “The path to mastery is paved with sacrifice. Let us see if you are willing to pay the price.”

Without another word, the Curse Master raised his hand, and the cursed energy in the room surged. The vortex around the altar grew stronger, and the ground beneath Kazuki’s feet began to tremble.

Kazuki braced himself as the cursed energy enveloped him, pulling him toward the altar. His vision blurred, and the world around him dissolved into darkness. All he could hear was the voice of the Curse Master, echoing in his mind.

“Face your curse, Kazuki. Only then will you learn what it truly means to control it.”

CHAPTER 7: THE SOURCE OF THE CURSE

The world around Kazuki dissolved into nothingness. The swirling vortex of cursed energy swallowed him whole, plunging him into an inky black void. His body felt weightless, suspended in the abyss as the oppressive power of the curses closed in on him from all sides.

He struggled to breathe, every breath shallow and painful. His heart pounded in his chest, the weight of the curse pressing down on him like an enormous vice. But worse than the physical pain was the feeling of something ancient, something vast and malevolent, watching him from the darkness.

Kazuki’s vision flickered, and suddenly, he was no longer floating in the void. He was standing in a twisted, nightmarish version of the world he knew. The sky above was black, and the ground beneath his feet was cracked and barren. All around him, the landscape was warped, as if reality itself had been twisted by the curses.

In the distance, Kazuki could see massive, hulking figures, their bodies covered in glowing cursed markings similar to those that had appeared on the Curse Master. They moved slowly, dragging their limbs as though weighed down by the immense power coursing through them. Their eyes glowed with a sickly light, empty and hollow.

Kazuki’s heart raced as he realized what he was looking at.

These… these are the ones who failed, he thought, his stomach twisting in fear. The ones who tried to control the curse and lost.

The ground trembled beneath his feet, and Kazuki turned just in time to see something rise from the earth in front of him. At first, it was little more than a shadow, but as it took shape, Kazuki’s blood ran cold.

It was a monstrous version of himself—tall and twisted, its body covered in cursed markings that pulsed with dark energy. Its face was a grotesque mockery of his own, its eyes glowing with a sinister light, filled with hunger and malice.

This is the source, Kazuki realized, his chest tightening. This is the curse I’ve been living with all along.

The monstrous figure let out a low growl, its eyes locking onto Kazuki. There was no hesitation, no doubt in its movements as it lunged toward him, its claws extended, ready to tear him apart.

Kazuki barely had time to react. He raised his rusty sword, blocking the first attack, but the force of the blow sent him staggering backward. His arms trembled from the impact, the curse within him surging in response.

I have to fight it, Kazuki thought, gritting his teeth. I have to control it!

But the curse wasn’t something that could be easily tamed. It was raw power, chaotic and violent, and it lashed out at Kazuki with relentless fury. The monstrous figure struck again, faster this time, and Kazuki struggled to keep up. Each time he blocked, the curse seemed to grow stronger, feeding off his desperation.

Kazuki ducked and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a swipe from the creature’s claws. His body ached with exhaustion, and the cursed energy inside him was pushing him toward the edge. Every movement felt like he was fighting against his own body, the curse resisting his control at every turn.

If I don’t take control now, I’m done for!

The monstrous version of himself lunged again, this time faster and more vicious than before. Kazuki knew he couldn't block it head-on again, not without risking everything. Instead, he used the only advantage he had left: his mind.

Kazuki allowed himself to fall backward into a shallow trench formed by the cracked ground, letting the creature's claws swipe through the air where his head had been moments before. Using the momentum, he swung his sword upward, aiming for the creature’s arm.

The blade bit into the cursed flesh, but it was far from a clean cut. The rusty sword was too dull to do any significant damage, but the attack managed to slow the creature for a brief moment. It snarled, pulling back, but its glowing eyes never left Kazuki.

Kazuki stumbled to his feet, panting heavily. His body was screaming for him to stop, but he couldn’t. Not now. The curse was feeding off his fear, his desperation. It was trying to overwhelm him, to force him into submission.

But Kazuki wasn’t going to let that happen.

I have to stop fighting against it, he realized, his breath catching in his throat. I have to make the curse work with me—not against me.

Kazuki closed his eyes for a split second, forcing himself to focus. He could feel the curse surging within him, writhing like a wild animal, but he reached for it anyway. He didn’t try to suppress it or control it with sheer will. Instead, he let it flow through him, accepting its presence.

The cursed energy responded immediately, but this time, it didn’t lash out. It didn’t try to consume him. Instead, it merged with his movements, fueling him with a power that felt more controlled, more deliberate.

Kazuki’s eyes snapped open, and he saw the monstrous version of himself preparing for another attack. But this time, he didn’t wait for it to strike. He moved first.

With a burst of speed, Kazuki lunged forward, his sword raised. The cursed energy inside him flowed through his veins, guiding his movements. He dodged the creature’s claws with ease, his body lighter and faster than before. The curse wasn’t fighting him anymore—it was amplifying him.

Kazuki struck hard, aiming for the creature’s chest. His sword connected, and this time, the blade sank deeper into the cursed flesh. The monstrous figure let out a howl of pain, staggering backward as dark energy erupted from the wound.

But Kazuki didn’t stop there. He pressed the attack, striking again and again, each blow fueled by the cursed power within him. The monstrous version of himself was powerful, but it couldn’t match the precision of Kazuki’s movements now that the curse was working in harmony with him.

With one final, powerful strike, Kazuki drove his sword deep into the creature’s chest. The cursed energy exploded outward, the force of it nearly knocking Kazuki off his feet.

The monstrous figure let out one final, tortured scream before dissolving into a cloud of black smoke. The cursed markings that had covered its body faded into nothingness, leaving behind only the barren landscape and the oppressive silence of the void.

Kazuki collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. His entire body was trembling, and the weight of the curse still pressed down on him, but something had changed. The wild, uncontrollable force of the curse had settled, no longer thrashing against him. It was still there—still powerful—but now it felt more like a presence, something that could be guided rather than fought against.

I did it, Kazuki thought, his chest heaving. I faced the curse... and I survived.

The oppressive darkness around him began to fade, and the world shifted again. Kazuki felt the pull of reality drawing him back, and soon, the twisted landscape dissolved, replaced by the dimly lit chamber of the temple.

He was back.

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CHAPTER 8: THE CURSE MASTER’S PRICE

Kazuki stood slowly, his legs trembling from the effort. The room felt different now, quieter, as if the cursed energy that had filled the temple had receded. The glow from the cursed markings on the walls had dimmed, and the oppressive weight that had hung in the air was gone.

The Curse Master stood across from him, his face expressionless as he watched Kazuki.

“You faced the curse,” the Curse Master said, his voice low and even. “And you survived. Few have managed that.”

Kazuki straightened, his body still aching, but there was a new strength in his movements. The curse within him was still there, but it no longer felt like it was trying to consume him. It was his now—at least, as much as it could be.

The Curse Master tilted his head slightly, his glowing eyes narrowing as he studied Kazuki. “But you must understand this, cursed one. You have gained control—yes. But control is fleeting. The curse will always hunger for more. And the more you rely on it, the more it will demand from you.”

Kazuki’s heart sank. He had hoped that facing the source of his curse would bring him some semblance of peace, a sense that he could master it once and for all. But the Curse Master’s words were a stark reminder of the reality he now faced.

“The curse is never truly mastered,” the Curse Master continued. “It can be controlled, for a time. But it will always seek to consume you. You walk a dangerous path, one that will test you with every step.”

Kazuki met the Curse Master’s gaze, determination burning in his chest. “I understand that,” he said, his voice steady. “But I’ll take that risk. I’ve already come this far.”

The Curse Master was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Very well. You have passed the first trial. But your journey is far from over.”

Kazuki’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?”

The Curse Master stepped forward, his voice soft but filled with a cold, dangerous edge. “The power of the curses runs deeper than you can imagine. What you have faced here is only the beginning. If you wish to truly understand the curse—and control it—you will need to delve deeper into the heart of the cursed world.”

Kazuki’s breath caught in his throat. “The heart of the cursed world?”

The Curse Master nodded. “There is a place, far from here, where the curse originated. A place where its power is strongest. If you truly wish to control the curse, you must go there and face the full force of its power.”

Kazuki felt a chill run down his spine. The idea of venturing into the heart of the curse was terrifying, but at the same time, he knew that it was the only way forward. He couldn’t remain in the shadow of the curse forever, always one step away from being consumed.

“I’ll go,” Kazuki said, his voice firm.

The Curse Master smiled faintly, a hint of something dark in his eyes. “Very well. But remember this, cursed one. Every step you take toward the heart of the curse brings you closer to losing yourself. Be prepared to sacrifice everything.”

Kazuki nodded, his mind already made up. He had survived this far, and he wasn’t about to stop now.

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As Kazuki left the temple, the weight of the Curse Master’s words lingered in his mind. He had gained control over the curse—for now—but the road ahead was fraught with danger. The heart of the cursed world awaited him, and with it, the answers he sought.

But the cost of those answers would be high. And Kazuki knew that the deeper he delved into the curse’s power, the more he would risk losing everything.

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CHAPTER 9: INTO THE HEART OF THE CURSE

Kazuki moved through the dense forest, the weight of his recent battle pressing down on his shoulders. The quiet of the temple behind him seemed to fade as the world shifted back into the familiar, hostile landscape that had become his life. The cursed energy still thrummed in his veins, but now it felt more balanced, more controlled. It was no longer an unpredictable force tearing at him from within—it was a weapon he could wield. But for how long?

The Curse Master’s warning echoed in his mind: Every step you take brings you closer to losing yourself.

Kazuki stopped at the edge of a cliff overlooking the vast, dark landscape below. The heart of the cursed world lay ahead. The very origin of the power he carried within him. If there was any hope of truly mastering the curse and ensuring his survival, he knew he had to go there. But the journey ahead would be the most dangerous he had ever faced.

The cursed world stretched out before him like a living nightmare. The sky was dark and stormy, with twisted trees and jagged rocks dotting the landscape. The very air seemed to hum with cursed energy, making Kazuki’s skin tingle. In the distance, he could see towering, grotesque figures—monsters far worse than anything he had encountered before. The ground trembled beneath their weight as they moved through the land.

Kazuki’s heart pounded in his chest. The path was clear, but the risks were greater than ever. He had gained control over his curse, but the Curse Master had been right—each step toward mastery would bring new challenges, new threats, and greater danger.

He had faced beasts and hunters, outwitted traps, and even confronted the source of his curse. But this... this was something else entirely.

Is this really the only way? Kazuki thought, gripping the hilt of his rusty sword. He had come so far, and yet the journey ahead felt insurmountable. But turning back was not an option. If he didn’t confront the curse head-on, it would eventually consume him.

Taking a deep breath, Kazuki began his descent into the cursed lands below, the heart of the cursed world calling to him like a beacon.

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CHAPTER 10: THE COST OF POWER

The cursed landscape was as treacherous as it looked. Every step Kazuki took felt like a battle against the very ground beneath him. The air grew heavier the deeper he went, and the cursed energy swirled around him, thick and oppressive.

Kazuki moved cautiously, keeping his senses sharp. The creatures that roamed these lands were unlike anything he had faced before—massive, hulking beasts with cursed markings glowing across their twisted bodies. They moved slowly, but their sheer size and power made them dangerous beyond measure.

I have to be careful, Kazuki thought as he slipped between the rocks, using the terrain to stay out of sight. The cursed energy pulsed through his body, giving him fleeting moments of strength, but the further he went, the more he could feel the curse tightening its grip on him. The power he had gained was real, but it came at a cost. Every time he drew on it, he could feel the weight growing, the hunger within the curse demanding more.

How much longer can I keep this up?

As he approached a narrow ravine, Kazuki heard the low rumble of movement. He froze, pressing himself against the rock wall. Ahead, one of the massive cursed creatures lumbered by, its glowing eyes scanning the ground. It let out a guttural growl, shaking the ground as it passed.

Kazuki held his breath, waiting until the creature disappeared into the distance before moving again. He knew that if he were spotted, he wouldn’t stand a chance in a direct fight. Not here. Not now.

But as he continued his journey, Kazuki began to notice something else. The curse within him was reacting more strongly the closer he got to the heart of the cursed world. It was as if the power here resonated with the curse inside him, amplifying it. The feeling was both exhilarating and terrifying.

This is what the Curse Master meant, Kazuki realized. The curse’s power grows the closer I get to its source. But it also means the risk is higher.

The path ahead grew darker, and the cursed energy around him thickened like a fog. Kazuki’s body trembled, the strain of holding the curse in check weighing on him. His breath came in shallow gasps, but he pushed forward.

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Hours passed, and the cursed landscape began to change. The trees became twisted, their branches reaching out like claws. The air was thick with cursed energy, and the ground was littered with the remains of those who had failed to master the curse—bones and broken weapons, a grim reminder of the cost of power.

In the distance, Kazuki saw it—a towering black spire, pulsing with cursed energy. This was it. The heart of the cursed world. The source of the power that had shaped his life since he had first arrived in this world.

Kazuki’s heart raced as he approached the spire. The cursed energy was almost unbearable now, pressing down on him with every step. His body ached, his muscles trembling from the effort of holding back the curse’s hunger. But he knew this was the final test. This was where he would either gain full control of the curse—or be consumed by it.

As he reached the base of the spire, Kazuki fell to his knees, gasping for breath. The cursed energy swirled around him like a storm, battering him from all sides. He could feel the curse inside him surging, desperate to break free.

I can’t... hold on much longer.

But even as the curse threatened to overwhelm him, Kazuki knew he couldn’t give in. He had come too far. He had faced too many dangers, fought too many battles, to let the curse win now.

With every ounce of strength he had left, Kazuki forced himself to his feet. He placed his hand on the spire, the cursed energy pulsing through him like a current of electricity. The pain was excruciating, but Kazuki held on.

I will control this... I have to.

The curse surged again, more violent than before, but this time Kazuki didn’t resist. He let the cursed energy flow through him, accepting it, embracing it. The power flooded his veins, overwhelming his senses, but Kazuki held his ground.

This is my curse. I control it. Not the other way around.

The ground shook beneath him, and the cursed energy roared around him like a storm. But Kazuki stood firm, his mind clear, his will unshaken.

And then, as suddenly as it had started, the storm of cursed energy began to recede. The weight pressing down on Kazuki lifted, and the violent surge of power inside him calmed.

Kazuki opened his eyes, his body trembling but intact. The spire stood silent now, the cursed energy no longer swirling around it. The power within him was still there, but it no longer fought against him. It was his. He had control.

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CHAPTER 11: THE CHOICE OF THE CURSED

Kazuki stood at the base of the spire, his breath coming in slow, steady gasps. His body ached, but the curse was no longer a wild, untamable force inside him. It was something he could wield, something he could guide.

But the Curse Master’s words lingered in his mind: Every step brings you closer to losing yourself.

Kazuki had gained control over the curse, but at what cost? The hunger for power still lurked within him, and the path ahead was fraught with danger. He had faced the heart of the curse and survived, but he knew that the curse’s true power had yet to fully reveal itself.

As he turned to leave the cursed spire, Kazuki couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The curse was his now, but it was a double-edged sword—one that could just as easily destroy him as it could protect him.

The journey ahead would not be easy. He still had enemies, still had challenges to face. But Kazuki had made his choice. He would walk the path of the cursed, no matter how dangerous it became.

Because now, he knew one thing for certain:

He was no longer just surviving.

He was becoming something more.