Kaede walked towards the meeting point for the mission. He had been anticipating this moment, a chance to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the Zenin estate, even if only for a while. The mission, though simple, would allow him to observe closely how the clan members operated in real combat situations. Additionally, Mai Zenin would be among them, and Kaede was curious to see how she would handle the situation.
When he arrived at the designated location, he found Mai and another member of the Zenin clan already waiting. The other member was a tall, strong-built man with an air of confidence and a slightly arrogant gaze. His name was Shouma Zenin, a member of the secondary family who had proven his combat skills but lacked the prestige of the clan's main leaders.
Mai, on the other hand, maintained a neutral expression, avoiding direct eye contact with Kaede. Although she didn't show it openly, Kaede could sense the hatred and fear Mai felt towards Naoya, emotions that had built up over years of mistreatment and disdain. However, Mai kept a façade of respect, aware of what Naoya would do to her if she showed any sign of rebellion.
"We're ready," Shouma said firmly, assuming Naoya would take control of the situation.
Kaede, maintaining Naoya's mask, nodded slightly. "Good. This mission is simple, but don't underestimate it. The first-grade curse we'll be facing has caused problems before, so stay alert."
Mai quickly nodded in response, keeping her tone respectful. "Yes, sir."
Kaede noticed the tension in Mai, her body language betraying her apparent calm. But instead of acting with the usual cruelty that Naoya would have shown, he decided to take a different approach. Maybe I can use this to my advantage, he thought.
"Mai," Kaede said, his voice surprisingly soft, almost a murmur compared to the authoritative tone Naoya usually used. "I know you're capable of handling this. Don't worry, just focus on doing your job."
Mai looked up, visibly surprised by Naoya's unusually calm tone. For a moment, her eyes reflected confusion and bewilderment. What's going on? she thought, not daring to ask aloud. Mai knew Naoya was unpredictable, but this side of him was something she had never seen before.
"Thank you... I will," Mai replied, trying to hide her surprise and returning to her professional demeanor.
Shouma observed the interaction with a slight tilt of his head, clearly also puzzled by the change in Naoya's behavior. However, he decided not to comment, knowing it was best not to question someone so volatile.
The team prepared to depart, heading towards the curse's location. During the journey, Kaede remained silent, observing Mai and Shouma as they walked beside him. These Zenin... he thought. They're more useful outside the estate than within it. At least here, I can test their abilities.
The mission took them to an abandoned building on the outskirts of the city, a place where the first-grade curse had been wreaking havoc. As they approached, the atmosphere grew denser, laden with cursed energy. Kaede could feel the cursed energy around them, strong and palpable.
The decrepit building creaked under the weight of centuries as the three members advanced cautiously. Kaede led the group with deliberate steps. The oppressive cursed energy intensified as they neared the heart of the disturbance, signaling the presence of a powerful curse.
Mai Zenin, with her senses on high alert, gripped her gun tightly, her knuckles turning white. She had been watching Naoya closely, noticing the subtle but significant changes in his behavior. He wasn't as cruel or ruthless as usual, and that unsettled her. Despite the false respect she forced herself to show him, fear still churned within her. Why is he acting so... different? she wondered, her thoughts filled with uncertainty.
Shouma Zenin remained silent, focused on the mission. His cursed energy glowed faintly, ready to be unleashed at any moment.
As they entered the large hall at the center of the building, the source of the cursed energy became evident. A grotesque creature, its form twisted and shifting, writhed in the shadows. The curse, a first-grade threat, growled at them, its multiple eyes glowing with malicious intent.
Kaede, acting as Naoya, narrowed his eyes, quickly assessing the situation. He needed to be careful not to reveal his true nature, but also ensure the curse was eliminated efficiently. He was about to give the signal to attack when the curse lunged at them, its speed surprising for its size.
"Mai, cover me," Kaede ordered, his tone calm but authoritative, not revealing the irritation he felt at having to hold back.
Mai, though surprised by the unexpected order, reacted quickly, raising her weapon and firing a series of cursed energy-infused bullets at the curse. Each shot hit its mark, but the creature barely slowed down. She already felt the tension, knowing she only had one more manifested bullet left. "Damn it, I hate this technique." The thought was bitter, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task.
Shouma moved to the side, preparing to unleash his own technique when the curse suddenly split into multiple smaller entities, each as deadly as the original. They swarmed the group, forcing Shouma to release a burst of cursed energy, incinerating several in one strike.
Taking advantage of their distraction, Kaede warped space using Divine Space, his form momentarily merging with the environment around him. In an instant, he reappeared behind the main curse, his hand poised to strike. With a precise touch, he activated Naoya's Projection Technique, freezing the curse in place for a brief second.
"Now!" he shouted, signaling the others.
Mai didn't hesitate. She manifested her last cursed bullet, her face contorted with the pain of the effort. She aimed directly at the curse's head and fired. The bullet hit its mark, piercing the curse's skull with an explosion of cursed energy.
The curse shrieked in agony, its body convulsing as it began to disintegrate. Shouma eliminated the remaining smaller entities with another wave of energy, and the hall fell silent, the oppressive cursed energy dissipating into nothingness.
Mai lowered her weapon, breathing heavily, sweat beading on her forehead. She looked at Naoya, who was already moving away from the vanishing curse, his expression unreadable. "Why did he help me?" she thought, the question unsettling her. Naoya never helped others unless it directly benefited him. Yet there he was, acting almost... concerned.
"Good job," Kaede said curtly, breaking her train of thought. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Mai felt a chill run down her spine. There was something in that gaze that was not Naoya at all.
Shouma approached with his usual stoic attitude. "The curse is neutralized. We should report back."
Kaede nodded, already turning to leave. "Let's go," he said firmly. But as they exited the building, his mind kept racing. The mission had gone well, but the strain of holding back his true power was beginning to take its toll. Still, he knew he couldn't afford a slip-up, not yet. Not until he was ready to reveal his true identity.
Mai followed in silence, her thoughts a chaotic mix of fear, confusion, and a growing sense of dread. Naoya had changed, and she wasn't sure if that was something good or something much worse.
---
How about some power stones for the double chapter?