[February 2014]
"It's truly remarkable to witness someone with such a formidable physique. I'm genuinely amazed."
At a plain environment, grass surrounding him, and the air sweeping, Shunro observed the monster in front of him.
[Applause! Applause!]
Shunro enthusiastically clapped his hands while facing the enormous creature before him. Its massive body towered as high as an average house. Despite its large size, the creature had disproportionately small hands and legs, and its face seemed to possess four eyes.
"I've encountered your kind several times this year, sigh. How about you cease pursuing me and direct your attention elsewhere... Well, actually, you can continue chasing me if you wish. It doesn't bother me... Well, it does, but let's disregard that. I just find joy in seeing you all because it helps my hope for creating a better world... That statement sounded remarkably gener-"
The Cursed Spirit slightly arched its body backward and swung its tiny hands, so as to reach Shunro and strike him.
"Ha, you're quite clever, big boy. Why don't you utilize that sharp mind of yours to accomplish something useful? Eliminating me won't bring you any benefits," Shunro remarked as he effortlessly evaded the attack by dodging to the right.
"You know, I haven't been talking much lately since I lack friends. How sad, right? Well, when I saw you, I thought we could be friends, but it seems that was a delusion. Sigh, I'm rambling again. I should stop talking excessively and focus on my task!"
Shunro swiped his hands, causing a black mark to materialize on the ground. From within the mark emerged an ordinary sword, which Shunro picked up. The monster searched its surroundings in an attempt to locate Shunro with its massive body. However...
[Stab!]
A sword swiftly pierced its neck before the monster could locate Shunro, who appeared to be standing on its back. Shunro pulled the sword out and created another massive black mark, similar in size to the monster. Shunro clenched his teeth slightly, as the size of the mark posed a challenge—larger size required more Cursed Energy and control, and the longer the black mark persisted, the greater the amount of cursed energy needed. Therefore, it was a demanding task to accomplish.
"Well then, I'll see you again soon. Don't forget about me, kay?" Shunro leaped off the monster's back and delivered a powerful kick, causing the monster to stagger backward. Suddenly, the ground beneath it vanished, and it fell into the mark, disappearing from the spot.
"Phew, these monsters truly possess formidable strength."
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Shunro obtained the sword by slaying a sorcerer around six months ago. It happened when he was unexpectedly pursued by a person. Shunro effortlessly overpowered him and interrogated him, but the man remained silent. Unexpectedly, the man attempted to kill Shunro, but it posed no real danger to him. Shunro swiftly countered the attack and ultimately killed the man. Furthermore, he took the man's sword and black cloak, which concealed his appearance.
The only thought that crossed Shunro's mind was, "It must be those bastards."
...
A few days quickly passed, and the same situation arose once again.
As Shunro strolled around, a man in a black cloak emerged. "Again?~ How exhausting. Why don't you reveal your identity? Hmm... What is that?" Suddenly, the man exposed his arm, revealing a glove or gauntlet of sorts. It featured metallic fingers, a yellow outline, and a black line running through its core, forming a peculiar shape reminiscent of an eye.
The man dashed toward Shunro, but just before they made contact, Shunro swiped his hands. However, the man evaded the attack by swiftly turning his body. "Oh? You're familiar with my Cursed Technique, aren't you?" Shunro exclaimed upon witnessing the man's dodge.
As the man dodged, he immediately launched an attack at Shunro, aiming to slash him with his claws. However, Shunro leaped over the man's head and attempted to strike him in return. Once again, the man skillfully evaded the attack. "You're quite impressive yourself, especially considering your age," the man commented while dodging.
"So, you can speak? Well then, how about answering my questions? Who are you?" Shunro inquired.
"I'm just an ordinary man. While I may not possess the same exceptional qualities as most sorcerers, I'm confident enough to handle a young brat like you," the man replied.
"I've noticed that indeed. You seem to lack Cursed Energy to a considerable extent, to the point where you almost seem like an ordinary person. It's quite weird. Ah, and if my question wasn't clear enough, let me clarify: which organization do you work for?" Shunro questioned. They both ceased fighting and locked gazes for a moment.
"Organization? Hmm? I'm not quite sure what you mean. I'm just a bounty hunter... Oh, I understand now. You're unaware of why certain people are after you, aren't you? Well, let me clarify. We're simply bounty hunters, and there's a significant reward for capturing you. We also have access to detailed information about your Cursed Technique. I couldn't help but notice the numerical 'VI' beneath your right eye. Care to explain its significance?"
Shunro smirked in response, gesturing towards the tattooed number. "You're referring to this? It serves as a good reminder for me. Anyway, my advice to you is to focus on your own affairs." He paused briefly, contemplating the situation. "Ah, and a bounty hunter, you say? That does sound intriguing. I might just give it a shot. It seems I'll need to disguise myself with a cloak as well. Well, that can wait until for after this."
''Oh well, doesn't matter, it seems that your time is coming to an end. Unfortunately, there won't be any 'After This' for you. These are your final moments. Is there anything you'd like to say before it's over? the man asked as he lunged at Shunro. However, Shunro swiftly countered by swiping his hands on the ground and assuming a kneeling position. He extended his hands, and suddenly, one of them appeared at the back of the man's neck, gripping it and snapping his head, ultimately ending his life.
End of Chapter 2
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