The world twisted.
Dark tendrils of energy surged from Ryuji's body, warping the air around him. The pain in his chest was unbearable—his curse had awakened, and he had lost control.
Akari took a step back, gripping her katana. "Ryuji…"
His breathing was heavy, ragged. The markings along his skin pulsed violently, and his pupils—once dark—had become thin slits, like those of a predator.
The demon that had hunted him moments ago now cowered, its glowing red eyes filled with hesitation.
Then Ryuji moved.
It was too fast.
A blur of motion—then a sickening crack as his fist slammed into the demon's skull. The creature shrieked, thrown backward into a tree. Bark exploded upon impact.
Ryuji stood in place, his body trembling. His hands twitched with the urge to kill.
More.
I need more.
The demon snarled, struggling to its feet. But before it could react, Ryuji was already there.
His blade tore through flesh.
A single arc of black energy, and the demon's arm was severed. Blood sprayed across the ground.
It howled in agony, but Ryuji…
Ryuji didn't stop.
He moved like a beast possessed, his attacks savage and merciless.
Akari watched, her heart pounding.
This wasn't him.
This wasn't the Ryuji she knew.
"Ryuji!" she yelled, rushing forward.
But just as she reached him—
He turned, his eyes burning with something inhuman.
Akari froze.
For the first time, she felt fear.
The demon—now missing an arm—tried to flee. But Ryuji's body moved on its own. He dashed forward, his sword raised for the finishing blow.
Akari acted on instinct.
"Enough!"
Her katana clashed against his, sparks flying.
The impact shook her entire body.
Ryuji's eyes locked onto hers. His expression was blank, as if he didn't even recognize her.
"Snap out of it!" Akari gritted her teeth, pushing back against his strength. But his power was overwhelming. His blade pressed closer—too close.
Then—
A pulse of energy rippled from Ryuji's chest. His body jerked violently as the curse fought against itself.
"Gah…" He staggered, clutching his head.
The markings along his body flickered, then slowly began to fade.
His breathing was ragged, sweat dripping down his face.
Akari didn't lower her sword. "Ryuji…"
He looked at her, confusion flickering in his now normal eyes. "W-What…?"
Then—he saw it.
The demon was gone.
Or rather—it had been torn apart.
Blood soaked the grass. The scent of death clung to the air.
Ryuji's hands trembled.
He had done this.
"No…" He stumbled back, his sword slipping from his grip. "I… I lost control."
Akari watched him silently. Then, without a word, she stepped forward and—
Slapped him.
The impact echoed through the clearing.
Ryuji's head snapped to the side. He touched his cheek in shock. "A-Akari…?"
"Snap out of it, idiot." Her voice was calm, but her hand was still shaking. "You're alive. The demon's dead. That's all that matters."
He swallowed hard, still breathing heavily.
The silence stretched.
Then, without warning, Akari's legs gave out.
"Akari!" Ryuji moved, catching her before she collapsed.
"Damn it…" She groaned, resting her forehead against his shoulder. "I burned too much energy. Blocking your attack nearly broke my arms, you bastard…"
Ryuji hesitated, then muttered, "Sorry…"
Akari smirked faintly. "You better be."
Their breaths mixed in the cold air.
For a brief moment, it was just the two of them.
But then—
A new presence stirred in the darkness.
Akari tensed. Ryuji's hand instinctively went to his sword.
And then, a voice echoed through the trees—low, amused, and dangerously familiar.
"So… the cursed boy survived."
A figure emerged from the shadows.
A man, clad in black armor, his eyes gleaming like embers. A hunter.
"And he's even more interesting than before."
Ryuji's body went cold.