The two stood nearly fifty meters apart. Kenjaku had set that distance himself.
As he felt the hostile focus gradually settle on him, a casual smile appeared on his face.
After all, this test involved his prized creation. If Unblemished performed beyond expectations without becoming impossible to control, Kenjaku would be delighted.
"Come at me, Unblemished."
He raised his right hand and swept it lightly to the side, flicking his sleeve with the motion.
Whoosh—
Viscous black masses of light dropped to the ground.
Four of them flickered and took shape.
They were Curses, each with a different build.
From their auras and a quick look, Kana Shizumi made an instant judgment.
"Three Grade 1s and one Special Grade—"
The Bone Cage Ring let him see the flow of Cursed Energy more clearly, allowing him to analyze them at once.
He needed to hide some of his strength, but he also had to appear powerful enough. Otherwise, Kenjaku's help would be limited.
By that logic, the four Curses before him were a midterm exam of sorts.
Fail, and he would probably be recycled into energy—
That was why Kana Shizumi made the simplest, most direct decision.
Crush them with everything I've got!
Flowing Red Scale!
His heart rate surged, driving his blood faster through his body. Kana Shizumi drew a sharp breath as he felt it begin to boil in his veins.
Red, swollen markings rose around his eyes and along his cheeks, where the blood vessels lay thickest.
It was a visible effect of his accelerated circulation, and Kenjaku understood Unblemished's intentions at once.
"Trying to end this quickly? Interesting. Let's see you try."
He gave no orders, only a light wave of his hand.
Kana Shizumi knew what that meant: the Curses were free to act.
Kenjaku was