Cursed Art

It was the book that Jin had read from his father's loot a few years ago.

He still remembered how worried he, his sister, and his mother were when they found out that their father raided a vampire's lair.

Memories flashed in his mind as he forcefully used the cursed art.

"W-What's happening!?"

"I don't know!"

"What the fuck is this!?"

…

The distressed voices of the dark clothed figures sounded as they stared in horror at the scene happening before them.

Grotesque sounds echoed in the area as they sensed the repulsive aura emanating from the little boy.

Jin could feel a strong desire well up within him as he felt a tingle in the arm that was still inserted in the mouth of Brett's corpse.

His knowledge of the cursed art became vivid in his mind.

'A technique designed specifically to take the power of others.'

It was the description of the cursed art.

Jin could see in real time how quickly Brett's corpse dried up.

"I-Is he a vampire!?"

"No, he clearly seems human…"

"But how could he use it?"

…

The three dark clothed figures were both confused and terrified.

It was common sense in this world that no human could possibly comprehend a cursed art without going crazy.

While those who try to do so would damage their energy cores and circuits.

This was because the energy used by cursed arts was different from the pure energies that were natural to the world.

Jin could feel the sinister energy whelming up his body.

It spread throughout his very being, ravaging his muscles, bones, tissues, and even his organs.

'I need to move…!'

Jin tried his best to control the sinister energy inside his body.

Wngggg—

The world slowed down as the particles of energy became visible in his eyes.

Amongst the beautiful particles of mana and aura in the surroundings, he could sense the sinister black particles of energy.

'I don't have much time… Quick!'

He pleaded in his heart as he knew that the dark clothed figures would soon recover.

The only reason why they still hadn't made their move was because they were too shocked at the events that had transpired.

After all, who wouldn't be shocked when they saw a kid use a demonic technique to absorb a corpse?

Bzzzzzt!

It was at this moment that Jin was able to fully control the sinister energy in his body.

However, he also seemed to have felt something, making him smile, 'Oh, so that's how it is, huh?'

'It's limited, but I think it's enough. About two or three times…

Jin slowly raised his head and saw that the three dark clothed figures were looking at him warily.

He covertly picked up Brett's sword.

Not willing to waste this opportunity, a chant immediately left his lips.

[Lightning Rush]

BZZZTTTTTT—!!!!

Blue lightning crackled as his body instantly shot towards the closest dark clothed figure.

"Wha— AHHH!!!"

[Lightning Slash]

A second hadn't passed and yet, Jin perfectly casted another aura art.

His sword crackled with blue lightning as it successfully severed the neck of one of the dark clothed figures.

'I can still use one more aura art before Brett's aura runs out…'

It was what Jin had sensed earlier that made him smile. He learned that the sinister energy wasn't the only thing he could get from a corpse.

Another benefit he could gain was if the corpse itself was a professional when they were still alive.

Through the demonic technique, Jin could get what energy remained from the corpse after their death.

However, this served limited purpose as once the energy gained through this method disappeared, it was gone for good.

It was like a borrowed power that he could not replenish on his own through natural means.

Therefore, he didn't hesitate as he killed the first dark clothed figure.

[Art of Vampirism]

Hraaaaa—

The dark clothed figure's body quickly dried up as Jin absorbed the power of the corpse.

This time, he was able to absorb a fiery hot energy aside from the sinister dark energy from the demonic technique.

A smile bloomed on Jin's face again, 'Is this what I think it is?'

[Lightning Rush]

BZZZZTTTT!!!

Blue lightning covered his body as he shot towards the next dark clothed figure.

Clang—!

Unfortunately, the two remaining dark clothed figures were able to recover.

"Fuck, what is this kid!? How is he able to use Brett's aura art!?"

"I don't know, let's just kill him!"

…

The figure that Jin attacked brandished his sword as aura emanated from him.

[Power Slash]

Jin's eyes widened as he saw the particles of aura that manifested at the figure's sword.

'It's a neutral aura art…!'

He thought in shock as he was aware of how rare neutral aura arts were.

As its name suggests, it doesn't require an elemental affinity. It can be used by everyone who can use aura.

Of course, its power was still a notch below elemental aura arts.

However, neutral aura arts were more useful when one wanted to establish an army of their own.

'I wonder just what faction they are from…'

Jin's eyes darkened at the thought of the motive behind their actions.

[Burning Sword Style, Second Form: Flickering Flames]

Blazing flames erupted from his body before it disappeared, only reappearing behind the figure.

"What do you think you're doing!?"

However, the other figure was able to attack before Jin could kill his companion.

Clang!

'Tsk, I can't waste any more time…'

Jin felt urgency in his heart as he could feel the energy seeping out of his body.

Even if he could forcefully control the energy that he absorbed through his monstrous talent, he still couldn't change the fact that he still doesn't have an energy core and circuits.

This meant that even if he could utilize the energy inside his body, it still wouldn't have anywhere to go to.

Seeing his opening, the two dark clothed figures simultaneously attacked him.

[Power Slash]

[Wave Sword Style]

'I shouldn't hesitate!' 

Seeing the two swords coming for his life, Jin's eyes became filled with determination.

[Burning Sword Style, Third Form]

[Burning Sword Dance]

Booosh—

His sword lit up in flames as he performed consecutive, flowing slashes.