[Thread:] Thread of Curse - [Emotional Influence]
[Profile]: Emotional Influence allows [Cursed One] to transform emotional turmoil into strength and resilience. By channelling negative emotions such as anger or sadness, you enhance your Essence and combat effectiveness.
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[Current Pathways]: [Pathway of Chaos] is available. You may choose!
[Illustration]: [Cursed One] can choose any of the following mechanisms under this Pathway to embrace unpredictability and foster growth through chaos.
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'Sincerely, that's actually astonishing. Chaos is the red of the world—the fear, and being in charge of that fear makes you the strongest. That's the path to becoming a villain, though,' Caelum thought, leaning back in the chair.
The mechanical voice continued to read the information shown on the inferno.
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[Choice Mechanism]:
• Embrace Uncertainty: [Cursed One] can choose to take risks in chaotic situations, learning and growing from the unpredictability.
• Manipulate Situations: You may opt to create chaos intentionally, using confusion to gain the upper hand over adversaries.
• Adapt and Overcome: Alternatively, [Cursed One] can choose to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, using chaos as a catalyst for innovation and resilience.
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"Oh... Nice!"
Caelum pondered which option would be most beneficial to him.
Firstly, he was drawn to the first choice—[Embrace Uncertainty]. The mechanism was quite clear and effective for sudden and unexpected situations. It is an excellent choice for growth and learning, especially when confronting new challenges where the outcome is unknown.
It's ideal for gaining experience and developing resilience.
However, there was something that gave him pause. If he chose this option, he might find himself overwhelmed by the unpredictability of situations, leading to stress and anxiety—this would literally disrupt the use of his Essence, as it is an uncertain emotion.
This could hinder his decision-making abilities and result in missed opportunities for more controlled approaches.
Next, he considered the third choice—[Adapt and Overcome]. This could be a very valuable option when faced with rapidly changing circumstances. It's wise when the situation demands quick thinking and flexibility, particularly in unpredictable environments.
Nonetheless, he had a rough sketch in his mind of how to implement it and noted its disadvantages.
'This one seems a bit more disastrous than the other...'
In certain situations, relying solely on adaptation could lead to reactive rather than proactive measures. This might prevent him from taking the initiative and could result in him being perpetually on the back foot, responding to challenges rather than shaping them to his advantage.
Such a strategy could ultimately leave him vulnerable when facing particularly aggressive or cunning adversaries.
Now, all that remained was [Manipulate Situations]. This option could be considered highly advantageous in all types of scenarios. By intentionally creating chaos, he could disrupt his enemies' plans and gain the upper hand.
This pre-emptive measures approach could turn the tide of encounters in his favour.
Instead of merely reacting to chaos, he would automatically become its architect, allowing for greater control over outcomes.
Manipulating situations can instil fear and uncertainty in adversaries, making them more likely to make mistakes.
Thus, regardless of the circumstances, he might still maintain the upper hand. Given his current state, this could be regarded as the best option yet.
So, Caelum chose the most beneficial option—[Manipulate Situations]. Then, the inferno vanished and reappeared with a new overview.
Birthed [Name]: Caelum
[Class]: Cursed One
[Rank]: Fledgling
[Thread]: Curse Thread - [Emotional Influence]
[Essence]: Great Eye - [Curse]
[Gifts]:
• Practical Gifts: [Durc of Clarity]
[Current Pathways]: Manipulate Situations - [Advice: Strengthen your inner emotions to increase your potential.]
He accessed all the information, and temptation weighed heavily on him—specifically, he wanted to try out the Gift he had received, as well as the Essence.
However, he was wise enough to recognise that it would be futile to use them here, where there was no one considered a threat. It pointed out the fact—"Enemies." Most here were also cursed by the Graceless End, so it couldn't possibly work on any of them—this was what his common sense dictated.
It wasn't certain if it would work on a Graceless, as he had also considered; it pointed out "Enemies."
In a fleeting thought, that meant it probably wouldn't work on them, as they were not threats to him. Moreover, it didn't specify that it would work on just anyone.
Moving forward, he proceeded to summon the "Durc of Clarity."
In an instant, it materialised on the table, resembling thick, black water, slowly taking the shape of a small, circular mirror with a handle.
It was the same shape and design as depicted in the inferno's illustration. He picked up the mirror and slowly absorbed its appearance with the eyes of a lovesick poet, a art aficionados.
'Mesmerising...'
Caelum attempted to mimic the accent of the wealthy nobles along with their laughter, but he failed miserably when dirt swirled into his nose, causing him to sneeze until his eyes turned red.
'Bullo*ks!'
He looked up to see the inferno still floating.
Raising an eyebrow, he said, "Shoo! Come on, shoo!"
Caelum waved goodbye to the inferno as it vanished, then quickly shifted his gaze back to the "state-of-the-art" item in his hands. The mirror glowed with an ethereal black hue. In fact, its appearance resembled that of a detective's two way mirror.
Certainly, it was the same in viewing experience, allowing him on one side to see through it while appearing as a normal mirror to the person on the other side.
He began to peer through it, swaying it around the room. Unconsciously, he climbed onto the table and started scanning the area with it, like a detective at a murder scene.
Looking through the mirror revealed the other side, which appeared as a writhing black mass, shadows cascading from the mirror's gaze, turning the room into a swirling, shadowy smoke and uncovering every hidden item.
However, only he could perceive this darkness.
Sharply turning the mirror towards the wall, he saw the silhouette of a female leaning against the wall on the other side of the room.
He recognised her as female due to the figure, but as soon as he caught sight of her, she vanished, almost as if she sensed that Caelum knew she was there.
He dropped the mirror away from his eyes, and the room returned to its normal view.
Dismissing the Durc of Clarity, he jumped back down to the ground and walked out of the room as though nothing had happened.
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Caelum had found his way to the parlour, where Philip declared he would be. He saw Philip seated in one of the plush armchairs, a single-seater, facing the fireplace. His legs were crossed, and he was once again painting another rock; surely that was his hobby.
"Oh, you're here. Have you received what you were expecting from the inferno?" he asked, his attention directed at the rock.
Caelum replied, "Yes..."
He dropped the stone, stood up from the chair, and walked towards Caelum. Locking eyes with him, an intense gaze and a grin on his face, he exclaimed, "You don't need to tell me how many gifts you received or what they were, nor do you need to disclose your Essence!"
'I actually wasn't planning to blabber that away to anyone in the first place, but now that you've mentioned it, it gives me even more motivation not to offer a clue, even if you wished.' Caelum thought inwardly.
However, Philip wasn't finished; he added, "But do tell me, I'm curious, what Class did you receive?"
'There's no particular need for suspense regarding such a question... I see no reason to hide my Class; it's practically just there and not overly dramatic.'
Next, Caelum replied, "Cursed One..."
Philip's brow furrowed, his eyes grew wide in astonishment as he absorbed Caelum's answer. A momentary look of doubt crossed his face, and he blinked quickly, as if trying to dispel the revelation.
After a brief moment, he contemplated what response he should give Caelum.
Then, carefully, he said, "That's actually intriguing; it's one Class I've never come across in my years of research on the curse. Though, classes/titles given are always unique. It seems special and eerily mysterious..."
There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"It seems you must have had a rough past to receive such a Class, but I know it's one of full strength."
'I wish... it was; however, it's just a boost to my stats,' Caelum thought.
Outwardly, he simply nodded.
Then, Philip placed a hand on Caelum's shoulder.
"Now, let's get you a bath."