Chapter 10: Challenge

Chapter 10: Challenge

Ren made his way to the dojo. The atmosphere of the place was quiet, with a few clan members practicing in silence. Ren decided to try out the new level of his cursed Grade 2 technique. His body filled with energy as he activated it, feeling the gravity around him fluctuate in a more intense and controlled manner.

"Impressive...", he thought as he generated a gravitational field that compressed the air around him. The force was much greater than before, he was satisfied but nevertheless, something made him frown.

"This consumes a considerable amount of cursed energy..." he mused. While the power of his technique had improved dramatically, the cost of using it had also increased. He needed to perfect his control over manipulating cursed energy to avoid wasting energy during prolonged combat.

"Maybe I should ask for guidance from some of the elders... they could help me improve my control" he thought, looking towards the area where other clan members were training. The senior members were more experienced than he was, and their knowledge of efficient manipulation of cursed energy could save him time.

However, just as he was about to make up his mind, the familiar sound of the system echoed in his mind, interrupting his thoughts.

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[Missions completed:

1. Medicinal Herb Collection 'Flower of the Mist' (x4) 2.

2. Collection of Cursed Minerals 'Shadow Crystal' (x3)

3. Hunt for Grade 3 Curses. (x3)

4. Hunt for Grade 2 Curses. (x1)

5. Collection of 'Glowing Cursed Stones' (x1)

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Summary of Total Rewards:

Total CP: 1,100 + 1,100 = 2,200 CP.

Cursed Tools (Grade 3): 3.

Cursed Tools (Grade 2): 1.

Enhancement Material (Grade 2): 1.

Total CE: 2,275 + 65% = 3,754 CE.

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Ren felt a surge of energy and satisfaction as the rewards flowed to him. With each mission completed by the clan members, his own power and resources increased.

"Well, looks like there's no need to seek help from the elders after all," he thought with a smile. Thanks to the system, the process of obtaining resources and power had become much more efficient. He didn't need to rely on others when cursed points (CP) were flowing to him constantly.

"If I can keep improving with these CPs... mastering high-grade cursed energy manipulation will take me only a few weeks, maybe less."

Ren opened the system interface and navigated to the option to improve his cursed manipulation technique. He knew that perfecting his control would allow him to reduce the energy consumption of his dark force technique. And that would give him a crucial advantage in longer fights.

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[Upgrade: 'Cursed Energy Manipulation' Technique (Grade 3) - Cost: 800 CP]

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Without hesitation, Ren improved the technique. A torrent of information flowed directly into his mind, detailing new ways to manipulate his cursed energy with greater precision and efficiency. He felt his control over the energy instantly improve.

"The difference is remarkable," he thought as he did a little test, concentrating cursed energy in his hands and releasing it in a controlled manner. The flow was much more stable now, with less waste.

Ren couldn't help but chuckle softly. 'The cost of this technique is 800 CP? Quite reasonable' he thought, comparing it to the upgrade cost of his Lineage Technique.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Ren decided he had done enough for the day. The information about grade 2 cursed energy manipulation was still integrating into his mind, and while he felt stronger, he also knew he needed to take it all in properly.

He was about to leave the dojo when he felt a presence approaching. Turning his head, he saw one of the strongest members of the clan, a grade 2 sorcerer named Ryuhei Nakamura. Tall and stout, with an ever serious look on his face, Ryuhei was known for his combat prowess and was about to advance to grade 1.

"Ren Kurogane" I said Ryuhei, his voice deep and firm. "I want a duel."

Ren raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden request. However, seeing the look in Ryuhei's eyes, he understood what was going on. There was a hint of jealousy and resentment in his eyes.

"So this finally happens..." thought Ren, knowing that it had only been a matter of time. The murmurs of the higher clan members must have reached Ryuhei's ears.

"I can't understand it" Ryuhei muttered, clenching his fists. "You, a young newly promoted who assigns missions to the high-ranking members of the clan, how is that possible?" There was disbelief in his voice, mixed with clear frustration.

Ryuhei couldn't understand why the members kept talking about Ren, when they should be talking about his advancement to grade 1!.

Ren looked at him silently, but inside he was smiling. He knew this was inevitable. His rapid rise and the attention of the seniors had provoked this kind of reaction. But instead of feeling threatened, he found it almost entertaining.

"A duel, eh?" replied Ren, keeping his voice calm. His eyes twinkled for an instant.

The atmosphere in the dojo became tense. Some nearby members began to pay attention to the conversation, sensing the cursed energy in the air.

"This could be interesting...", Ren thought. Currently, he had upgraded his technique and received a large increase in cursed energy. He needed to take it all in, and what better way to do that than with a sparring partner.

"Fine, I accept the duel," he said, sketching a small smile on his face.

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[New Mission: Defeat the Grade 2 Sorcerer - Ryuhei Nakamura].

Objetive: Win the duel against Ryuhei Nakamura, an advanced grade 2 sorcerer.

Rewards:

- +15% CE

- 200 CP

- Taijutsu techniques (grade 2)

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Ren looked up, keeping his smile from widening. It seemed that beating up clan members might benefit me in the future. It would also be a good form of training.