"My innate curse tool is called Cursed Toybox," Ace replied hesitantly, aware that Ria would eventually find out when he used it.
Learning of curse masters, curse energy, curse core, and innate cursed tool, his anger toward Ria had decreased, knowing that she needed him railed up for the curse core initiation array to work.
"Cursed Toybox, can I see it," Ria asked with curiosity apparent in her eyes.
"Sure," Ace agreed, conjuring a small, teak-colored wooden cube box.
"The color has changed and the clown paintings have been erased. Do you know what its abilities are? Can you store things in the box?" Ria enquired in anticipation.
"Not yet. I can't get the box to open. Maybe it will reveal its abilities to me when I nourish it with enough cursed energy," Ace replied, praying that his innate curse tool doesn't turn out to be a dud.
"Uhuh," Ria nodded, learning that there wasn't much change to the box except for its aesthetics. Her initial curiosity quickly turned to disappointment. She was not subtle about it.
Quickly adjusting her expression, Ria added, "Follow the enlightenment you gained after refining your curse core to nourish your innate curse tool as much as possible. Don't slack off. This new world is more dangerous than the old one."
"An enlightenment is what it's called," Ace mused aloud recalling the profound knowledge he gained after refining his curse core.
Suddenly, a massive shadow enveloped the rooftop. Ace looked up to find a gargantuan figure shaped like an Asian hornet circling the evening sky, approaching them. Soon, Ace made out its rotting body and other grotesque features. Repulsed by what he saw, he asked in distress, "What is that?"
"That thing is a Curseling. A creature born out of the amalgamation of negative emotions accumulated over years, decades, or even centuries. Visible only to those with an aptitude for curse energy. They typically congregate in areas filled with negative emotions to feed on them. Your curse core initiation ritual likely attracted it. After all, curse energy is their preferred diet. Typically, they are not that big, but even the weakest one can kill you at your current power. So nourish your innate curse tool and learn to use it as soon as possible," Ria did not let go of the chance to mock Ace's strength as she introduced Curselings to him.
However, Ace had no attention to spare for Ria's taunt, as his mind was consumed by fear when the Curseling fixed its gaze on him. The creature's predatory stare weakened his knees and made him acutely aware that his life was in imminent danger.
"Acquired curse art, Curse slash," Ria's authoritative voice resounded. Then Ace saw three streaks of brilliant light twinkle in the sky, slicing the Curseling into three pieces. The diced pieces of the Curseling then disintegrated and vanished as if they never existed.
"This is the Curseling's curse core. You can use it to cultivate or replenish your curse energy," Ria explained, catching the marble ball dropped upon the big Curseling's death. Then she turned to lock eyes with Ace to bask in his admiration and worship-filled gaze.
"Amazing! You're so strong," Ace played along, feeding Ria's vanity.
"Yes, I am. You can also be this strong if you diligently cultivate your curse energy and nourish your innate curse tool. Here, take this curse core and grow stronger to escape your pathetic life," Ria sincerely advised Ace, passing him the curse core.
"Thank you, I will not slack off," Ace nodded resolutely, accepting the curse core with a thirst to gain the power to protect his and his family's freedom, as it was no longer impossible with the newfound prospects for his future.
"It is getting late. Let us exchange our numbers and discuss the rest over an IM chat." Ria pulled out her phone to get Ace's contact number. Exchanging contact information, she offered, "My house is on the same block as yours. I can drop you off in my car."
"How is that possible? Last I checked, no houses were on sale in my block," Ace asked Ria, filled with dread. She shrugged and replied, "I made them an offer they couldn't refuse."
"Your family must be rich," Ace said, feeling as if Ria's rich girl aura were blinding him.
"All curse masters earn a fortune by exorcising Curselings. You will see— well, if you grow stronger, that is," Ria was not mocking Ace's curse art but telling him as it was. The only reason exorcising Curselings was worth a fortune was because of the risk associated with it.
Noticing it was getting dark, Ace accepted Ria's offer for a lift home, adding, "Let's head home."
Collecting their school bags, they soon arrived at the parking lot next to their school. Ria's beauty did not garner attention as it was long past the last bell. At this hour, the school was akin to a graveyard.
"No way," Ace exclaimed, seeing Ria open the door of a red Durango Hellcat.
"Get in," Ria said, acting as if it was not a big deal. However, in her heart, she loved Ace's reaction.
As they headed home, Ria expressed concern, saying, "Hey, are you okay? You're adapting to this so well that you're freaking me out. After our run-in with the Curseling, you should be the one freaking out, scared for your life."
"I am scared for my life. However, freaking out will do me no good. Besides, I have you by my side," Ace replied with a gentle and honest smile.
"Aren't you trusting someone you just met too much?" Ria appreciated Ace's mindset but disapproved of how easily he trusted a stranger with his life.
"As if you left me any choice," Ace said, referring to Ria forcing him to undergo the curse core initiation ceremony.
"Don't blame me. You asked for my help, and the way I choose to help you is up to me. Just be glad that I helped you," Ria shrugged without offering any additional explanation.
Ace chose not to comment, as he couldn't force Ria to explain. He needed to maintain the trusting facade since she was his door to the Curse world. Without her guiding him, he would be lost or wound up dead or worse bring harm to people around him. Regardless, he was now more concerned with Ria's driving skills. She was getting the value for her money, riding the Fat Hellcat to its limits. He felt for the car.
"Hey, tomorrow, let us head to school together," Ria informed, stopping in front of Ace's house.
"Sure," Ace agreed, getting out of Ria's fat hellcat.
"Come by house no.69 by eight, or I will leave without you." Ria left swiftly after dropping Ace at his house. Ace watched the speeding Hellcat with envy until it disappeared around the corner.