The Mind Blade did not trigger any immunity effect, indicating that this ability was not a form of forced mental control. Through practical experience, Su Xiao discovered that the Mind Blade typically provided immunity against strong mental control abilities, such as forced charm or mental stun.
The influence he was currently under was more of an emotional amplification, which misled his judgment. The amplified emotions, in combination, led to his impaired decision-making. Su Xiao's strong willpower could quickly suppress it if it were a single emotion. For example, when he saw that female student, although he had the urge to assault her, he managed to restrain himself through sheer willpower.
Realising the nature of the problem, Su Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. The real danger of this emotion-influencing ability lay in its subtlety. Once detected, it was no longer as threatening.
As for how to dispel it, Su Xiao had already identified the symbols on his arm. Given his capabilities, breaking the influence wasn't tricky. He converted 100 mana points into Qinggang Ying energy, channelling it into his right arm.
Qinggang Ying's energy surged outward, different from its usual surface attachment; this time, it shot directly outwards. The energy brushed past the seven symbols on his arm. As he meditated, Su Xiao sensed the symbols gradually leaving his skin, gathering in the air to form the phrase "parting gift."
The symbols completely disappeared, and Su Xiao opened his eyes. With the source of emotional interference resolved, he felt much calmer. The earlier influence on his emotions had caused considerable mental turmoil.
Blood dripped from Su Xiao's mouth as he understood what had happened. The anomalous violator, the target of his hunting mission, had attacked him. At some point, this violator used an ability called "Scythe of the Seven Sins" on Su Xiao. This ability could be cast over a kilometre away, likely only needing a photo or alias of Su Xiao to take effect.
Such a distant casting range, combined with solid concealment and emotional manipulation, made this ability exceptionally dangerous. It could indeed kill invisibly by amplifying emotions like arrogance, anger, lust, gluttony, and greed. Even if the target didn't die directly from the Scythe of the Seven Sins, they might fall prey to other characters in this dangerous world.
Fortunately, Su Xiao's willpower was strong enough. Otherwise, his personality might have drastically changed under the influence of his ability. It wasn't just about torturing enemies or impulsively killing; it could have led to a total loss of control.
While powerful, this ability also had significant drawbacks. Once forcibly dispelled, the Scythe of the Seven Sins caster would suffer a backlash, permanently losing 10% of their maximum health and 3 points of intelligence. These penalties were severe.
Su Xiao wiped the blood from his mouth. The violator had given him quite the "surprise." According to the known information, the violator was aware of Su Xiao's existence, likely due to prior encounters with hunters. This violator might have substantial experience and could have even killed hunters before.
Hunters and violators were inherently enemies, but their abilities varied widely, so there was no natural counterbalance. Survival depended on strength, illustrating the danger of the hunter's role.
The violator had sought Su Xiao first, reminiscent of the red clown, a violator Su Xiao had encountered who actively sought out hunters. Both understood hunters and took proactive measures in the derived world.
"I almost got played," Su Xiao thought, relieved now that his emotions were no longer influenced. His mind was more precise than lifting a weight off his shoulders. Previously, it felt like an invisible hand was manipulating his emotions, mixing them into a chaotic tangle. Clear thinking was impossible.
With the Scythe of the Seven Sins dispelled, Su Xiao felt significantly lighter, as if he had been carrying an increasing burden that he had now thrown off.
He had no time to deal with the violator hidden in the shadows. Finding the violator would be tricky, even with Aleister's help and the resources of the Misaka Network. Aleister would not assist anyway.
Having faced the violator once, Su Xiao doubted they would reappear soon. He now had defences against their ability, reducing the likelihood of falling for it again. This violator was exceptionally tricky, having already engaged Su Xiao in a round without confrontation.
"Bubu, if I act abnormally again, bite me immediately," Su Xiao instructed.
Bubu tilted its head, seemingly asking, "Bite the head?"
"Bite the leg!" Su Xiao corrected.
Bubu gave a sheepish look, indicating understanding.
Knock, knock, knock. A knock came on the door. Bubu jumped off the bed, wagging its fluffy tail as it opened the door.
A blond, spiky-haired teenager wearing sunglasses entered. He wore a floral shirt with the buttons undone, exposing his chest and abs, complemented by a gold chain and shorts, giving the impression he had just come from the beach.
"Yo, I heard you were looking for me?" The newcomer, Tsuchimikado Motoharu, greeted. He was a multi-faceted spy whose combat prowess wasn't impressive, but his unique position in Academy City meant no one would dare touch him.
"I've been waiting for you for a while. You're lucky. If we had met an hour earlier, things might have turned out differently," Su Xiao remarked.
Tsuchimikado was puzzled by this comment. If they had met while Su Xiao was still under emotional influence, Su Xiao might have beaten Tsuchimikado to extract information about the Necronomicon's whereabouts.