---
The trio trudged through the dense forest beyond the labyrinth, the air thick with tension. Despite their recent victory, unease hung over them like a storm cloud. JC's calm facade hid the whispers growing louder in his mind, while Alice struggled to balance her mark's tactical clarity with her rising emotions. Rex, though outwardly composed, was fighting the physical toll of his newfound strength.
"We need a plan," Alice said, her voice cutting through the silence.
"We stick together," JC replied, his tone firm. "No matter what."
Rex frowned. "That's it? No strategy?"
JC shot him a look. "The best strategy is survival. Let's focus on that."
Before Rex could argue, a gust of wind swept through the trees, carrying with it a faint, chilling laugh. The trio froze, their marks flaring in warning.
"They're here," Alice whispered, her blades appearing in her hands.
---
The Opposing Mark
A figure emerged from the shadows—a tall young man with crimson hair and piercing gold eyes. His mark, glowing bright red, snaked across his arm like a flame. He wore a confident smirk, and the air around him crackled with heat.
"I've been waiting for this moment," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "The cursed ones of Hades, Athena, and Hercules. How quaint."
JC stepped forward, his chains coiling at his sides. "Who are you?"
"Name's Kael," the man replied. "Marked by Ares, god of war. And I've been sent to eliminate you."
Alice tightened her grip on her blades. "Sent by who?"
Kael shrugged. "Let's just say there are forces that don't want your kind meddling in their plans. But enough talk. Let's see if you're as strong as they say."
With a roar, Kael lunged forward, his mark blazing.
---
A Battle of Wills
Kael moved with the ferocity of a warrior, his fists engulfed in flames as he struck at the trio. JC met him head-on, his chains wrapping around Kael's arms to hold him back.
"You're strong," Kael said with a grin, easily breaking free. "But strength alone won't save you."
Alice darted in, her blades slashing at Kael's defenses. She moved with precision, her mark guiding her strikes. But Kael countered effortlessly, his movements unpredictable and wild.
"You're too predictable," he taunted, sending a fiery wave in her direction.
Rex intercepted the attack, his aura absorbing the brunt of the flames. He roared, launching himself at Kael with incredible speed. The two clashed, their raw power shaking the ground beneath them.
Despite their combined efforts, Kael seemed to anticipate their every move. His mark of Ares pulsed with energy, granting him unmatched combat instincts.
---
The System's Guidance
"We're not getting anywhere like this," Alice said, dodging another fiery attack.
"We need to think," JC replied, his chains deflecting a blow aimed at Rex.
Suddenly, their system interfaces appeared before them, glowing faintly. A new prompt flashed:
> Skill Sync Unlocked: Combine abilities to overcome overwhelming threats.
"Skill sync?" Alice said aloud.
"It's worth a try," JC said. "Focus your marks. Let's see what happens."
The trio closed their eyes, channeling their marks' energy. JC's chains darkened, exuding a shadowy aura. Alice's blades glowed brighter, forming a radiant shield. Rex's aura expanded, wrapping around all three of them like a protective barrier.
Together, they unleashed a coordinated attack—JC's chains binding Kael in place, Alice's blades striking his mark directly, and Rex's aura amplifying their combined force.
Kael staggered, his flames flickering. "Not bad," he admitted, retreating a few steps. "But this isn't over."
---
A Warning from Kael
Kael raised his hand, signaling a truce. "You're stronger than I thought. But don't get too comfortable. There are others out there—marked like me, and stronger. You won't survive without mastering your curses."
Before they could respond, Kael vanished into the shadows, leaving only the faint smell of smoke behind.
---
The Aftermath
The trio stood in silence, their marks dimming as the adrenaline faded.
"That was... intense," Rex said, his voice shaky.
Alice nodded, sheathing her blades. "We need to be better prepared. If there are more like him..."
"We'll handle it," JC said, his calm tone masking his own doubts. "But we can't let our marks control us. We have to control them."
As they continued their journey, the weight of their marks and the challenges ahead settled heavily on their shoulders. The battle with Kael had been a warning—and a reminder that their curses were as much a threat as their enemies.
---