Chapter 18: Undesired Charge

Returning in the middle of the night, Ren felt the fatigue accumulating in his body. He had spent much of the day recovering his energy, and luckily, some of his cursed energy had been restored thanks to the system's bounty.

'I'm shattered,' he thought as he made his way to his room. While he was getting used to his new power, he couldn't deny that the exertion and continued use of cursed energy were taking their toll.

Ren plopped down on his bed, listening to his neck creak as he settled in. "Maybe in a couple of days, I'll get used to it... or maybe never," he muttered in a tired tone. He closed his eyes, thinking that rest, at least for that night, would be enough.

---

The next day, after a well-deserved rest, Ren woke up early, still feeling a slight accumulation of tiredness in his body. However, he knew he had to continue with the daily tasks of the clan. Leaving his room, he made his way to the main courtyard, where several clan members were already waiting for him.

"Let's get started," he said in a firm but relaxed voice.

Ren began by delegating the day's missions to the corresponding squads. There were patrolling tasks, protecting the borders of the clan's territory and, of course, combat missions to train the members' skills. After distributing the missions, he decided to give a little training to those present. correcting postures and adjusting techniques.

"Alright, execute the basic forms with precision," he ordered, as he watched them closely. Even though Ren was only simply supervising them he still didn't notice all the changes in their strength, some members were beginning to sweat under his supervision. Even with the simplest of movements, the pressure emanating from his presence it was like an invisible energy weighing on them.

---

(Clan members' point of view)

A while later, the session over, Daiki stood watching Ren as the others began to disperse. "I don't know about you guys, but... don't you feel like he's changed since last time?" he commented to a group of closer members.

"It's like, his cursed energy is overflowing. Even when he doesn't even use his full strength," he added, crossing his arms.

His friend, Hajime, jokingly replied, "Yeah, and the worst part is, if he keeps this up, I wouldn't be surprised if one day he decides to crush us just by sneezing." Laughter echoed among those present, though there was an uncomfortable truth behind his words.

---

On the other hand, Ren, walking back to his room, reflected on his growth. 'Duels between clan members are meaningless now,' he thought. He had far surpassed most of them, and while training with them was still useful in correcting his techniques, he couldn't help but feel that he was wasting his time holding back in each bout.

"Besides, the system's rewards have been diminishing lately," he sighed. He remembered clearly what the system had told him: the rewards were based on the difference in power between him and the clan members, which meant that by outperforming everyone, he was also limiting his benefits. "Maybe I should delegate the training to someone else," he said to himself, as he thought about who could take on that responsibility.

Ren knew that training was crucial to the growth of the clan, but for him, it was now more important to find alternative ways to earn rewards from the system.

At that moment, a servant approached quickly and respectfully. "Ren-sama, Kaito-sama has summoned you for a meeting in the main hall," he reported.

Ren, already with some ideas as to why he would be being summoned, made his way to the main hall. 'Could it be because of my cursed energy? I don't want to explain myself now, but I guess I can't help it,' he thought with a sigh as he walked quietly.

When he arrived, he found Kaito, Asami and Haru waiting for him. The gazes of the three of them turned serious as they felt the huge increase in Ren's cursed energy. Even his presence seemed more fierce, almost like an invisible pressure bearing down on them.

Kaito was the first to speak. "Ren, we have noticed your progress... not only in your tasks, but in your power," he said, his tone calm but intrigued.

Asami, ever the observer, looked at him analytically. "It's not normal for you to have grown so much in such a short time. How do you explain this sudden increase in cursed energy?" she asked directly.

Ren, with a relaxed smile, replied respectfully, "To tell you the truth, I'm surprised too. It's as if I'm waking up stronger every day for no apparent reason." Though inwardly, he sighed deeply. "What a lame excuse... but I hope it works," he thought while maintaining his carefree expression.

Haru, who didn't usually talk much, commented quietly, "It's strange, but maybe it's possible." Kaito, with his vast experience, nodded slowly. "Maybe you have a hidden talent that has just awakened," he suggested calmly. The others exchanged glances, still somewhat doubtful, but without a better explanation, they accepted Kaito's theory.

Then, Kaito suddenly changed the subject. "Ren, I've been thinking... what do you think about becoming the next clan leader?" he said with a smile, surprising Ren. "You have the strength and respect of the members, and you're also responsible. I think you would be the ideal successor."

Ren felt as if a monumental weight had just been thrown at him. 'Leader, me?' he thought with a mixture of disbelief and concern. The thought of spending his days in endless meetings, settling clan disputes and dealing with politics gave him the creeps. 'No, that sounds like a nightmare,' he said to himself.

"With all due respect, Kaito-sama, I don't think it's my time yet. I'm still too young and lack experience," Ren replied, smiling, though inwardly he was begging for them not to insist.

Kaito let out a laugh. "Don't worry about that! I can guide you in the meantime. Besides, it would be nice to take a vacation," he said with a chuckle, easing some of the tension in the room. The others laughed softly as well, imagining Kaito enjoying a break, something he rarely indulged in.

Ren sighed but nodded. "It's all right, Kaito-sama. I appreciate your confidence."

'I hope I don't regret this later,' he thought, resigned to the inevitable.

---

Back in his room, Ren plopped down on his bed. As he watched the sunset through the window, the system panel suddenly appeared in front of him, which he had ignored during the meeting.

Special Mission: Become the Leader of the Kurogane Clan.

Rewards:

-CP: 10,000

-Lineage Technique Upgrade (limit: special grade)

-Discount coupon (30%)

-Unlocking superior techniques, weapons and seals.

Ren let out a small wry laugh. "I had to use all my willpower to refuse the position at that time..." he said as he rubbed his eyes. "Being a leader now would be a pain in the ass. I'd rather take my time... anyway, the position can wait for me," he said with a quiet smile.

"Will this be worth it?" he wondered. But a part of him, the part that had always wanted to be stronger, knew it was the next logical step. If he didn't take charge, someone else would, and that someone might not be prepared to lead the clan through the hard times ahead.

Finally, Ren sighed deeply. "Being a leader... it's a double-edged sword," he thought, before closing the system panel.