The group had only been walking for two hours since leaving the ruins of Zone 87, but they were already exhausted.
The cursed energy in the air made every step feel heavier. The sky was gray now, not red, but it still looked sick. Clouds hung low like thick smoke, and even the birds were silent.
Ren checked the map again. "The temple should be close. Just a little further up this path."
Aki walked behind him, quieter than usual. Since touching the cursed stone, he had changed. His eyes glowed a bit sometimes, and his body felt too warm — like fire lived under his skin.
The others noticed too but didn't say anything.
Kael walked with one hand on his gun. "We sure this guy is even alive? Cursed masters aren't known for being friendly."
Yumi replied, "It's our best chance. If we don't learn cursed energy fast, we won't survive the next few zones."
Rei added, "Or the cursed spirit in Aki will take over completely."
Aki didn't react.
---
The Whispering Trail
The trail narrowed as they climbed the mountain. The air got colder, and the wind started to carry strange sounds.
At first, it was just a soft whistle.
Then… it became words.
> "Go back…" "You don't belong here…"
Rei looked around sharply. "Are we being followed?"
Kael scanned the area with his lens. "No signals. No movement."
Ren paused. "This mountain isn't cursed like the others. It's… aware."
Yumi looked at the trees. Their branches bent slightly as if leaning closer to listen.
The trail ended at a large stone gate.
It had no guards, no door — just a spiral symbol glowing faint blue.
Ren stepped forward and touched the symbol.
> "Name?" a deep voice asked.
Ren blinked. "Ren of Spiral Delta."
> "Are you lost?" the voice said.
"No," Ren answered. "We're here to learn."
The gate stayed quiet.
Then, slowly, it opened.
---
The Temple
The temple wasn't like they expected. It was small — just one main building made of dark wood and stone. But something about it felt powerful.
Inside, incense burned slowly, and the air was calm. At the center of the room, an old man sat cross-legged on a mat.
His hair was white. His eyes were closed. But his skin looked strong, like stone shaped by years of battle.
The man spoke without opening his eyes.
> "The cursed wind told me you'd come."
Ren bowed. "You are Master Kairo?"
The man opened one eye. "I was. Long ago."
Yumi stepped forward. "We need to learn cursed energy. There's a new threat in the world."
Kairo looked at Aki. "I know. He carries it."
Aki lowered his eyes.
Kairo stood up slowly. "Cursed energy cannot be taught like math or swordplay. It must be faced. Yours. And others'."
He turned away.
"But if you really want to learn, follow me."
---
The Cursed Pool
Behind the temple was a pool of black water.
It didn't move. Didn't ripple. It just… stared.
"This," Kairo said, "is the Echo Pool. It shows you the shape of your own cursed energy. If you lie to yourself, it will bite you. If you accept it, it will guide you."
Kael frowned. "What happens if it hates us?"
"It doesn't hate," Kairo said. "It reflects."
Ren was first to step in.
The water rose and wrapped around him.
He didn't scream. He just breathed deeply.
Visions flooded his mind—his fear of losing the others, his guilt for starting the Spiral path, and his doubt about leading the group.
Then it cleared.
Ren stepped out. His hands glowed faintly with black lines.
> "You're ready to begin," Kairo said.
---
Everyone's Turn
One by one, they entered the pool.
Yumi saw her past — the loss of her sister during the first Spiral collapse.
Rei faced the faces of people she had to kill during missions.
Kael saw a version of himself who left the team behind.
Each came out stronger, cursed energy showing like dark flames across their arms.
Then Aki stepped in.
The moment his foot touched the water, it turned red.
Kairo narrowed his eyes. "This… may not go well."
Aki sank into the pool.
Inside, it was chaos.
He stood in a mirror world. The cursed spirit faced him — grinning.
> "You want control? You think facing your weakness makes you strong?"
Aki stood tall. "No. But I'm not afraid of you anymore."
The spirit roared.
Then… Aki raised his hand.
And something responded — not from inside, but above.
A soft blue light.
Divine energy.
The cursed spirit flinched.
> "Impossible… you awakened it this early?!"
Aki smiled. "I'm not your cage anymore."
---
Back on Land
Aki rose from the pool, red light fading. Blue markings covered his chest now.
Kairo stared in shock.
"You… carry both cursed and divine?"
Aki nodded. "It's not perfect yet. But I'll find balance."
The group stood together.
Stronger.
Ready.
Kairo looked toward the horizon.
"There's someone else moving in the shadows," he said. "Someone that wants the cursed core to wake fully. And they won't stop until this world burns again."
Ren gripped his spiral pen.
"Then we'll stop them."