Scavenger Spirit

[Rose, do you know what kind of curseling it is.] Ace asked Dame Wasp using his status screen.

[Yes, Master. It is a Scavenger Spirit. I am sending you the details I learned from Steal Song Society archives.]

[ — Status screen — 

 Target: Scavenger Spirit

 Race: Curseling

 Class: Mortal-Tier

 Title: Curse-Eater

 Info: The scavenger spirit's form resembles a monstrous vulture. Its feathers are tangled and afflicted with disease, its wings worn and ragged. Despite this, it retains the ability to fly and glide. Its beak is elongated and serrated, with sharp talons adorning its massive feet, each capable of inflicting terrible wounds upon its prey.

They only eat the remnant negative feelings attached to objects or land that have been part of a gruesome death. These negative feelings turn the object/area into a cursed item/land and are very harmful to humans. Since this curseling resolves them by feeding on them, indirectly helping humans, they have gained the name Scanvager Spirits. 

Because of their skills, these curseling get tamed by powerful curse masters as curse spirits. They are worth more alive than dead. Therefore, the curse masters prefer capturing them rather than exorcising them. 

 Known Skills: 

i) Curse-eating: they can eat the curse attached to an object or area. This skill also allows them to grow stronger by eating other curselings. 

ii) Curse-tracer: they can detect and trace curses. Earning them a second title 'Heilbringer of Misfortune.' 

 Note: 

i) Curse Masters are advised not to exorcise this curseling if capture isn't possible since they are necessary for the regular world.

ii) Source: Dame Wasp, Steal Song Society archives. 

iii) This data is created for human convenience by humans. Curselings don't assess to this.]

'Curseling that don't harm but help humans are called curse spirits. Now that's new,' Ace pondered after learning about the curseling that Rose found in the auto salvage yard. Later, he inquired, [Rose, do you have more information on curse spirits and how to capture curselings?] 

[No, master. The Steal Song Society has locked info on capturing curselings and curse spirits. Members need to spend merits to receive a hard copy of this information. However, I have gathered that a mortal-tier 'Scavenger Spirit' is worth $10 million alive in the curse market. Just providing clues about it is worth $100,000.]

'10 million dollars!' Ace's expression turned dignified, hearing how much a scavenger spirit was worth alive. 

"Ace, what happened? You look like you have seen a ghost," Danny asked his cousin, seeing him staring solemnly into the void.

"Huh, nothing. Let us head back. I am feeling parched," Ace replied, getting back on his feet. 

"Great. If we hurry, there might still be some ribs left," Danny responded excitedly. Rising to his feet, he dusted his shorts. 

As the cousins decided to return, Ace used the status screen to inform Dame Wasp, saying, [Rose, if you're finished there, I'm recalling you.]

[Yes, Master. Please do. The entire auto salvage yard is its domain, and I fear that if I remain here any longer, it will become aware of my presence.] 

Getting confirmation from Dame Wasp, Ace recalled her and headed back to the pool party, hoping his father had calmed his mother by now. It might appear Mary dominated their relationship, but Alwin knew how to coax her. He knew all the right words to say to her. One might call him the Mary whisperer. He wasn't the hero everyone needed, but he was the hero their family needed.

[Master, are you thinking about capturing the Scavenger spirit?] Dame Wasp asked Ace, returning to his side. 

[Certainly. After all, it is worth $10 million alive. Even if we can't find a reliable buyer, we can tame it for its valuable skills. However, our current priority is finding information on capturing curselings and taming them into curse spirits.] Ace informed Dame Wasp about his plans. Since the scavenger spirit wasn't a threat and was not hurting anyone, Ace did not see a point in exorcising it. Yes, he could use its curse core, but he could also use the $10 million. 

[The only place we can find the information we need is in the curse market. But we lack the money and strength to participate in the curse market.] Dame Wasp pointed out. 

The Curse Market served as a hub for curse masters, akin to a mall. They were conveniently situated in major cities. However, within the world of curses, where the law of the jungle prevailed, rookies like Ace weren't seen as customers but as prey. While he might gain entry, his ability to leave unscathed would hinge on his strength. Furthermore, the information he sought there came at a hefty price.

[Rose, scratch what I said earlier. Our current priority is to increase our strength and earn enough money. You work on the money part, and I will work on practicing curse arts and increasing my tier as a curse master. Next, we will use the money to add a new member to our family. Later, visit the Curse Market to buy the necessary information and curse cores.

Meanwhile, think of a way to move our parents to the countryside.] Ace listed his to-do list to Dame Wasp. He hadn't forgotten about his school and college entrance exams. With Dame Wasp by his side, he did not have to worry about them. 

[Don't worry, master. I will think of a way to earn a lot of money in little time as fast as possible.] Dame Wasp assured Ace of taking the task he assigned to her very seriously.

[Rose, no need. I have already thought of a way to make the money we need. Your task is to devise a method for us to execute the plan and ensure that none of it can be traced back to us since what I am about to suggest is not legal. Can you do that?] Ace informed. As a teenager in the 21st century, he was not short on criminal ideas just lacked the means to do it. That was where Dame Wasp shined with her unparalleled cyber prowess. 

[Yes, Master Ace.]