What it means

As Kyofu strolled into a bustling city, its streets alive with the energy of the people, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. This was a far cry from the slums he was accustomed to.

Hanari, walking beside him, remarked on his wide-eyed gaze, noting that he seemed like he hadn't been in a city like this before. "Impressive, isn't it?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Kyofu nodded, taking in the sights and sounds around him. "Yeah, it's incredible," he replied, his voice filled with awe.

Michio, walking ahead with Takeshi, turned back with a grin. "First time in a big city, huh? Don't worry, you'll get used to it," he said, his tone teasing.

Hanari chuckled at Michio's comment, shaking her head. "He'll be fine. Just needs a bit of time to adjust," she said, shooting Kyofu a reassuring smile.

Kyofu glanced over at Hanari as Takeshi and Michio moved forward. "What happened with Michio?" he asked, his voice low.

Hanari's expression grew solemn, but a tinge of confusion was visible. "What do you mean?"

"There's some tension between you two," Kyofu said, having noticed the indifferent glances. Especially her comment earlier about something happening to the last person who went on a mission with Michio.

Hanari's eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "He...got someone close to me killed," she replied quietly, her gaze flickering away.

Kyofu nodded. He knew better than to pry further. 

**THUD**

Hanari suddenly perked up, her attention drawn to a boy she accidentally bumped into.

Michio and Takeshi also turned their attention to the boy, their expressions unreadable. Kyofu followed suit, his curiosity peaked.

What cursed energy!

It was a wonder this boy hadn't spawned a curse by now, or fifty! The amount of cursed energy leaking from him was incredible. Kyofu furrowed his brow as the boy continued walking.

Michio's gaze narrowed. He knew better, the boy likely had spawned a curse by now. Likely the one behind all of the disappearances. 

Michio leaned in to whisper something to Takeshi before turning his attention to Kyofu. "Kyofu, my brother!" he exclaimed in a jovial tone, wrapping an arm around Kyofu's shoulder. He began to steer Kyofu away, subtly leading him in the same direction as the boy.

Kyofu followed Michio's lead. Michio's gaze flickered to the alleyway where a figure stood watching them intently. Michio took note of the figure, but kept walking.

As they moved away, Hanari started to protest, "Hey, where are you taking Kyofu?"

Takeshi stepped in front of her, his voice firm. "Don't make a scene, Hanari. I sense curses ahead," he said, gesturing towards the direction opposite to where Kyofu was being led.

Hanari's gaze narrowed as she stared at Takeshi. "If anything happens.." she trailed off. 

Takeshi nodded, "I know. But you don't have to worry.."

"Michio remembers."

As they strolled through the lively streets of the city, the noise and activity gradually faded away as they reached the outskirts.

The boy's movements were steady, but Michio sensed an unsettling presence nearby. With a firm grip on Kyofu's arm, he steered them in a different direction.

Quickening their pace, they veered down a quieter path at the edge of town. They found themselves on the edge of town, overlooking another path that led into the wilderness beyond. It was an open area, yet somehow secluded, with an alley branching off to the side.

Michio glanced around, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "This should do," he said, gesturing to the open space.

Kyofu furrowed his brow, "Do for what?" Kyofu looked around slightly spooked, "We're we not going after that other kid?"

Michio laughed aloud, "Don't worry about it," Michio said. He chuckled as he changed the subject. "I've been observing your technique. It's undeniably powerful, but I've noticed something..."

Kyofu furrowed his brows, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?" he asked, eager to understand.

Michio took a deep breath, preparing to explain. "You see, most sorcerers generate cursed energy from their core and flow it to the parts of their body they're using for attacks," he began, his tone measured and clear. "But if you focus too much on your technique, like you do with Cleave and Dismantle, you're neglecting other aspects of your cursed energy flow."

Kyofu nodded, beginning to grasp the concept. "So, I need to diversify how I use my cursed energy," he concluded.

"Exactly," Michio affirmed, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "You need to reinforce your body with cursed energy in other ways, not just rely on your technique. That way, you'll become a more well-rounded sorcerer."

"Now, let's see if you truly understand." As if on cue, a large, thick-skinned curse emerged from the shadows of the alley, its menacing presence sending a chill down Kyofu's spine. Michio's gaze narrowed as he swiftly pushed Kyofu out of harm's way, narrowly dodging the curse's attack.

"If you don't understand now, you'll pay with your life," Michio declared.

Kyofu hit the ground hard, Michio's eyes fixed on the curse, his energy flaring up. The curse swiveled towards Kyofu, drawn to his weaker aura.

The curse charged at Kyofu, catching him off guard. He swiftly tried to dodge and slashed at it, but to his surprise, it had no effect. The curse retaliated, slamming it's fist into his side. Kyofu stumbled back, slightly surprised that his attack didn't work as expected. Every fiber of his being screamed with adrenaline, his senses heightened as he focused on the curse.

Kyofu gritted his teeth as he dodged another strike from the curse, his movements growing increasingly frantic. "Shit!" he cursed under his breath as he narrowly avoided being struck.

With a swift motion, Kyofu swung his arm, unleashing a powerful slash at the curse. But to his dismay, the attack had little effect, and he found himself reeling as the curse retaliated, landing a brutal blow that sent him sprawling to the ground.

Pain shot through Kyofu's arm as he struggled to push himself back up, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I can't do this..!" he muttered through clenched teeth. "Nothing I do works! Every time I strike at it, it completely ignores it. It's hide is too thick! My cursed technique is useless!"

The first punch came like a battering ram, aimed directly at Kyofu's head. With a sharp intake of breath, Kyofu ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the crushing force of the blow. But even as he avoided the first strike, another followed, this time aimed at his midsection. Kyofu's reflexes kicked in, and he twisted to the side, feeling the rush of wind as the curse's fist whistled past his ear.

The curse didn't let up, reeling another fist forward. As the curse's fist crashed into his side, a searing pain shot through his body, causing a stagger. Kyofu clenched his teeth. . The pain was intense, relentless, gnawing at him with a ferocity that threatened to overwhelm his senses. He could feel the bruising sensation spreading beneath his skin, a deep ache that pulsed with every heartbeat.

As the curse pressed its advantage, Kyofu knew that he couldn't keep this up much longer. His breath came in ragged gasps, his muscles screaming in protest with every movement. Retreat seemed like the only option. 

With a grunt of effort, Kyofu stumbled backward, putting some distance between himself and the curse. His mind raced as he assessed his options, weighing his next move carefully. He knew that he couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment.

And then, as if a switch had been flipped within him, Kyofu's resolve hardened. He remembered Michio's words, echoing in his mind like a mantra.

He knew what he had to do. Focus. Draw out your potential. Precision over power.

With renewed determination, Kyofu locked in, his gaze narrowing as he directed his flow of cursed energy with pinpoint precision. His muscles tensed and his stance shifted.

This time, he wouldn't hold back. This time, he would fight with everything he had. With a deep breath, Kyofu squared his shoulders as the curse charged him.

And instead of dodging, he gritted his teeth and reeled his fist directly into the curse with a roar.

"Come on!"