Chapter 94 — Blood and Shadows
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Location: Shinjuku Alleyways — Bathed in red neon and falling rain
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The shadows thinned, but the air remained suffocating. Rain dripped from metal fire escapes and overhanging signs, mixing with the blood pooling on the pavement.
Bodies lay twisted — some corrupted, others barely human. The battle had slowed… but the true threat was only just revealing itself.
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The Enemy's Face
The figure stepped forward through the mist.
Clad in torn ceremonial robes, his face was hidden beneath a cracked porcelain mask. Crimson runes glowed along his arms — a sign of ancient dark arts, long forbidden.
> "Yuuto Hayami," he spoke with unnatural calm.
"You have touched power not meant for mortals. You should've stayed in the red-light district, boy."
Yuuto narrowed his eyes. His fists clenched.
> "You're the one spreading the curse."
"No," the figure smiled. "I am the curse."
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Aika's Breakdown
Suddenly, Aika fell to her knees.
Her curse marks surged — a violent crimson spiral climbing her legs, stomach, arms… glowing under her skin like fire trying to break out. Her eyes clouded, flickering between her and something else.
> "Y-Yuuto… it's taking over… I can't…"
"No!" he grabbed her, pulling her into his arms. "You're stronger than this. I'll fight it with you."
But the dark figure only laughed.
> "You bonded with her, boy — but you never asked what the bond cost her."
Aika screamed.
A pulse of cursed energy exploded from her — enough to shatter glass and blow out nearby neon signs.
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The Blood Seal
Mayu's eyes widened.
> "That's not just a curse… It's a Blood Seal. Ancient magic— the kind that kills everyone around the host if it breaks."
> "If Aika loses control," Rei said, voice cold, "she could kill all of us."
Yuuto gritted his teeth.
> "Then I won't let her break. I'll go as deep as I need."
He turned back to the figure, eyes glowing faint gold.
> "Come at me. You wanted me cursed — now you'll see what you created."
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Duel of Fate
The cursed enemy raised a jagged blade — black as night and whispering to the void.
Yuuto clenched his fists. Light and shadow collided once again.
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