The abandoned Old Cursed Tool Storehouse deep within the Zenin Clan grounds never saw daylight all year round.
The heavy iron door was mottled with rust and gave a piercing creak when pushed open.
The storehouse was piled with dusty old cursed tools. The metallic tang of rust mingled with the stench of cursed spirits drifting from deeper inside, making the air so stifling it weighed on the chest.
It was so secluded that no one would hear even if someone screamed themselves hoarse, and had always been a good place to deal with the clan's "problems."
This was the place Ogi Zenin had chosen.
Using "Mai is already waiting for you inside" as an excuse, he had tricked Maki into coming alone.
The instant Maki pushed open the door and stepped into the storehouse, the first thing she smelled was the heavy scent of blood.
Her pupils contracted, and she rushed over in a few strides.
Beside an old wooden crate in the corner, Mai lay facedown on the dusty floor.
A wound deep enough to expose bone ran across her shoulder and back. Warm blood seeped out without stopping, spreading a dark stain across the floor.
"Mai!"
Maki dropped to one knee to help her up, but the girl on the floor moved her fingertips with difficulty and slowly lifted her eyelids.
Seeing Maki's face, she moved her lips, her breathy voice faint and hoarse:
"Why did you fall for it and come here... you idiot."
As soon as she finished, her eyelids dropped heavily, and she lost consciousness completely.
"Mai!"
Maki's heart clenched, and fury instantly shattered all her composure.
She sprang to her feet and turned toward the shadows deep inside the storehouse.
A derisive laugh came from there. Ogi Zenin walked slowly out, still holding