The artifact's energy pulsed steadily against Mikhael's chest, radiating a faint warmth even through the thick fabric of his coat. Each step away from the chapel seemed to heighten its presence in his mind, the whispers morphing into fragmented words that almost felt like commands.
Shirone trailed behind him, her golden eyes flickering between wariness and curiosity. The silence between them was heavy, broken only by the crunch of their footsteps on the forest floor.
"You're not going to ask?" Mikhael said finally, glancing over his shoulder.
Shirone blinked, startled. "Ask what?"
"About the artifact," Mikhael replied. "You've been eyeing it since we left the chapel."
Shirone hesitated, her small claws flexing at her sides. "It's dangerous. I can feel it. What are you going to do with it?"
Mikhael smirked faintly, his crimson eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "That depends on what it wants from me."
The Weight of Power
The forest grew darker as they moved deeper into the outskirts of Kuoh. Mikhael could feel the faint hum of magical barriers in the distance, reminders of the Gremory and Sitri families' watchful presence.
"Where are we going?" Shirone asked after a long stretch of silence.
"To figure out what this thing is," Mikhael said, tapping his coat where the artifact rested.
"You don't already know?"
Mikhael's smirk faded. "I know enough to be careful."
The whispers in his mind surged briefly, a cacophony of voices that made his vision blur. Mikhael stumbled, catching himself against a tree.
Shirone rushed to his side. "What's wrong?"
"It's... nothing," Mikhael said, though his tone lacked its usual confidence. He clenched his fists, focusing his energy to suppress the artifact's influence.
The whispers subsided, but their lingering presence left a dull ache in his temples.
An Unexpected Ally
The faint glow of a campfire broke through the shadows ahead. Mikhael motioned for Shirone to stay behind as he approached the clearing.
A lone figure sat by the fire, their silhouette illuminated by the flickering flames. As Mikhael stepped closer, the figure looked up, revealing a sharp, angular face framed by dark hair.
"You're late," the stranger said, their voice calm and measured.
Mikhael raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware I was expected."
The stranger smirked, standing and brushing off their coat. "Word travels fast. A rogue devil, a cursed artifact, and a Syndicate enforcer making waves in Kuoh—it's a recipe for trouble."
"Who are you?" Shirone asked, stepping into the clearing despite Mikhael's warning glare.
The stranger's eyes flicked to her, their smirk widening. "Let's just say I'm someone who keeps tabs on dangerous things—and dangerous people."
Mikhael's hand moved to the hilt of his blade. "If you're looking for trouble—"
"Relax," the stranger said, raising their hands. "I'm here to help. The artifact you're carrying isn't just cursed—it's a beacon. Every rogue in the region is going to come sniffing around for it."
Mikhael frowned. "And you just happened to stumble across me?"
"Call it a professional courtesy," the stranger said. "I've been tracking the artifact for weeks. I can help you stabilize it—if you're willing to listen."
The Artifact's History
The stranger introduced themselves as Kael, a rogue scholar with an affinity for cursed objects. As the fire crackled between them, Kael explained the artifact's origins.
"It's part of a set," Kael said, their tone serious. "Seven artifacts, each tied to one of the Seven Deadly Sins. This one is Greed—its energy feeds on desire, amplifying ambition until it consumes the wielder."
Mikhael's expression darkened. "What happens to the wielder?"
Kael hesitated. "They either master the artifact... or it masters them."
The whispers in Mikhael's mind surged again, as if in response to Kael's words. He clenched his jaw, willing the artifact's influence to subside.
"How do I stabilize it?" Mikhael asked.
Kael leaned forward, their gaze intense. "You don't. Not completely. But you can learn to control it—if you're willing to take the risk."
Training Begins
Kael's method for stabilizing the artifact involved channeling its energy through controlled bursts of physical and magical exertion.
"Think of it like taming a wild animal," Kael explained. "You need to show it you're stronger, or it'll tear you apart."
Mikhael nodded, stepping into the clearing. The artifact's whispers grew louder as he focused on its energy, his mana intertwining with its chaotic flow.
Kael tossed a small orb into the air, which exploded into a swarm of glowing runes that danced around Mikhael. "Keep moving," Kael said. "The runes are programmed to attack if you stop."
Mikhael activated Shadow Step, weaving through the runes with precision. His movements transitioned seamlessly into a series of strikes, each infused with the artifact's volatile energy.
Martial Arts Integration
Muay Thai Knee Strike: Mikhael leaped forward, driving his knee into an imaginary opponent as a rune darted past his shoulder. The explosive motion disrupted the rune's trajectory, dispersing its energy.
Tai Chi Redirection: When two runes converged, Mikhael moved with deliberate grace, guiding their energy into a circular motion that nullified their charge.
Jeet Kune Do Efficiency: Mikhael struck with a series of rapid punches, each blow precise and efficient, dismantling the remaining runes in quick succession.
Shirone watched from the edge of the clearing, her golden eyes wide with a mixture of awe and concern. "Is it always like this?" she asked Kael.
Kael chuckled. "Only for the reckless ones."
A Warning
As the runes faded, Mikhael dropped to one knee, his breathing heavy. The artifact's whispers were quieter now, but their presence remained.
"You're making progress," Kael said, stepping closer. "But don't get cocky. The artifact is still dangerous—especially in a place like Kuoh. If the Gremory or Sitri families catch wind of it, they won't hesitate to take it—and you—out."
Mikhael smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Let them try."
Kael shook their head. "You're playing a dangerous game, Mikhael. Just don't let your ambition blind you to the cost."
The fire crackled softly as Mikhael stared into its depths, the weight of the artifact pressing heavily against his chest.