In a narrow alley deep in town, the light was dim, the walls were peeling, and broken glass and empty cans littered the ground.
Hana Kurusu stood with her back against the cold brick wall, cornered at the far end of the alley by four vicious-looking men.
It wasn't that she couldn't leave.
Angel's Cursed Technique could let her spread wings of light and fly out. These ordinary people wouldn't even be able to touch the hem of her clothes.
But her feet seemed nailed to the ground, and she still hadn't moved.
"Don't run."
Angel's voice sounded in her mind, calm and clearheaded:
"This isn't the first time these people have done something like this. If you fly away today, they'll just find someone else who's alone."
Hana Kurusu bit her lip, her fingertips trembling slightly as her nails dug into her palms.
She was an ordinary high school student. Ever since the Culling Game began, she had been hiding from place to place. She didn't even dare hurt anyone, let alone kill them.
But Angel was right. She had power. If she kept hiding, how was that any different from allowing them to do evil?
"I..." Her voice tightened as she watched them approach. "Do I really have to fight?"
"You don't have to kill them, but you must leave them unable to do evil," Angel said. "I'll help you control your strength. No one will die."
Hana Kurusu closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
A faint golden glow began to shine at her fingertips as Cursed Energy slowly gathered around her.
Her heart raced with fear, unease, and a trace of do-or-die resolve.
Just as she finally made up her mind and was about to raise her hand.
Unhurried footsteps sounded at the mouth of