Shouting

Ken woke up in the middle of nowhere.

In more accurate terms, in the middle of a part of the city that he didn't recognize.

He was comfortably tucked into pearly white blankets.

He vaguely remembered riding on Yuki's motorcycle to get to this hospital. He was bleeding quite a bit after all.

Unfortunately, he passed out soon arriving here shortly.

'Hopefully, Yuki paid the bill.'

She did say she would help him out.

'But more than that, I finally used cursed energy.'

It was a fantastic feeling. No words can quite describe it.

'Recall the feeling from that time.'

Ken closed his eyes and extended his consciousness throughout his entire being, trying to feel every bit of his body.

It was difficult, really difficult, maybe it was because he was tired or maybe he was just not good enough.

But he still tried.

'I don't have to do it first try, I just need to feel my cursed energy again.'

It was not an easy task by any means.

The state he was in when he unleashed his cursed energy for the first time, the state where the frustration and anger that had been accumulating until then boosted his cursed energy capacity greatly and made it a bit easier to sense and grasp hold.

If he wished to, he could try to replicate that state again. It won't be as potent of a boost as before but it will be a boost nonetheless.

Only Loki knows how much anger remained in him from that panel.

Then again, leaning towards extreme anger every time he needed to use his cursed energy is not the ideal way to sense cursed energy.

Extreme emotions are key to unleashing cursed energy but cursed energy achieved via this method burns out fast. He would need to keep his emotions in check and learn to use cursed energy in his neutral state.

Besides, getting angry every time he needs to punch a curse to death is not good for his heart. Not good at all.

Hence he needs to make the time for this 'meditation.' He won't get it right for the first time but there needs to be a starting point.

'I will practice like this every day from now on!'

Content with himself, Ken continued his training without any worries.

Vrooom

A motorcycle engine roared, breaking him out of his trance.

'Damn, what a loud jackass, tsk.'

Thankfully, the roaring engine faded into a barely audible sound, allowing concentration again.

Yet for some reason, it continued to bother him.

'It's strange, it's almost as if I'm forgetting something.

Ehh, I'm sure it would be fine. I'm safe and sound for now, what could I ask for more?

…

YUKI!'

The sudden realization hit him harder than a truck.

'She's the key to my trip to Tokyo! Besides, if I alert a special grade sorcerer of Kenjaku's existence or the unregistered special grade curses, the future is bound to change!

Was that earlier motorcycle her? Why did she leave me?

Shit, I'm so dumb. She said she would help me and not stick around! I need to go after her fast!'

The anxiety and self-loathing swelled his cursed energy, receiving a spike of boost.

The increased volume of cursed energy made it easier to sense in the gut and Ken guided it to spread evenly throughout his body.

Why? His body felt as frail as ice. He needed to reinforce it if he wanted to get up from the bed.

At the same time, the door to his room opened, and a female clad in black uniform walked in.

Ken's eyes widened. He recognized this uniform.

"Heya, you're in a safe place right now so no need to be jumpy." The young adult-looking female greeted him with a friendly smile.

"None of those nasty things are around this part of the city as protective charms have been placed throughout the area. You can rest easy here."

"Wait, protective charms?"

Something didn't add up.

"Where am I?"

The woman smiled mischievously smiled and puffed her chest, displaying pride.

"You are at the Kyoto Metropolitan Curse Technical College. This is a place where special people like you learn super powers and defeat evil curse-"

"Kyoto? I'M IN KYOTO?"

The woman seemed strangely confused by his statement.

"Uh, yes, duh?"

"YUKI TSUKUMO, WHERE IS YUKI TSUKUMO!? THE ATHLETIC-LOOKING BLONDE WOMAN WHO RIDES A MOTORCYCLE?"

"She just left? Jeez, tone down your voice a little, will ya? Why the rush~"

'What is up with this guy.' She thought inwardly.

"WHERE! WHERE DID SHE GO?"

"I DON'T KNOW, WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?"

She didn't know why this young man was acting so stressed, but it caused her to get stressed as well.

Ken quickly jumped out of the bed and rushed towards the door.

Adrenaline chased away the fatigue, and he ran at top speed.