Kira brought her sword up fast, parrying the attack. Sparks and blood flew.

Another vein came; she ducked just in time. How dare you mock me, you insolent fool Kira shouted.

The cursed spirit laughed darkly. Blood, she whispered, extending her hand toward Kira.

Kira froze. Blood began to pour out from her own body—out of her arms, her neck, her mouth. Her eyes glowed red as her own life essence was pulled from her veins.

But before it could drain her completely, one of the fallen undead, a corpse that had been defeated moments ago, suddenly stood and lunged forward, slamming into the cursed spirit and breaking her concentration.

Kira collapsed to the ground, gasping. The blood that had escaped from her body slowly flowed back into her. She struggled to her feet as the cursed spirit turned toward the undead, her expression cold.

With a flick of her wrist, a razor-thin vein sliced the undead apart.

Kira's eyes burned with fury. She raised her sword again and charged. You're an S-rank I don't care! I will defeat you! she yelled.

The cursed spirit stretched her hand forward. Don't forget your place, she said, her voice dripping with disdain. I've been toying with you this whole time. Playtime is over.

Suddenly, Kira's left leg twisted violently as the blood inside it burst, shattering the bone. She screamed in pain. Then her right arm burst the same way, the blood inside it exploding under the cursed spirit's control.

The cursed spirit stepped closer, extending her hand toward Kira's head. I was planning to eat you alive, but there's no need. I'll just kill you. The blood in your brain will explode now. Goodbye.

Kira stared weakly, tears filling her eyes. So this is how I die… Why do I have to die now? Why am I seeing his face?

She remembered Raito's words that he might be watching her through the undead. Maybe he's not watching now. Maybe this is the end, she thought, closing her eyes.

Then

A loud impact shook the ground.

Raito landed right in front of her, becoming visible again as he deactivated Shadow Phase. His arrival sent a gust of air through the dungeon, like the splash of a giant wave.

I'm here, Raito said.

Kira opened her eyes from where she lay on the ground. She saw him kneel beside her, calm and focused.

Your leg… your hand… he whispered, pressing his palm over the wounds. Instantly, light rippled from his hand. The shattered bones and ruptured flesh began to knit back together, perfectly healed, as if nothing had ever happened.

Kira tried to stand, but Raito placed a hand on her shoulder. No. There's no need. Leave this to me. I'll end it.

He rose to his feet as a dagger materialized in his hand.

The cursed spirit stared at him cautiously. Who are you? And why are you here? I can tell you're strong… very strong.

Raito tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Well, yes, he said quietly. But you're the weak one here. You know that, right?

The cursed spirit tilts her head, amusement in the tilt. What makes you think I can't tell you're different from that woman over there? You're… not quite human. She studies Kira, then Raito. I can tell just by the aura around you.

Kira, still on the ground, frowns. What aura? she asks, voice ragged. She can't see anything, only hunters of a very high rank can sense the right kind of aura.

The cursed spirit laughs softly. Of course you can't. Only those who can read mana would notice. She leans forward, eyes glittering. But that doesn't change the fact: you're going to die soon.

Raito's jaw tightens. He rises without hurry, dagger in hand. Don't get cocky, he says low. You can talk about auras all you want. You'll still lose.

The spirit's smile widens like a blade. I'd love it if you joined me, she purrs. You're powerful, worthy. Join my army. Be my soldier.

Raito snorts, flat and cold. Not interested. I'm here for one thing: your head.

She tilts her head, amused and dangerous. Bold, she says. We'll see how long that pride lasts.

The dungeon hums around them. Blood and cold magic hang in the air. The challenge is laid down, two hunters, one broken and one furious, and the spirit prepares to claim them both.

Raito's eyes don't leave her. Then come take it.

Why don't you want to join me? the cursed spirit asked, tilting her head with a playful smile. Huh? Why? You're too proud to stand by my side? I'm way stronger than you. You're strong, yes, but I can tell, I'd still win.

She stepped closer, her voice lowering to a whisper. Someone like you would be a powerful asset to me. And even if I can't convince you, I'll make you mine by force.

Her eyes glowed a deep, seductive red. The veins on her face pulsed faintly as her beauty sharpened, too perfect, too dangerous. She traced forward with slow, graceful steps, the air around her shimmering faintly like heat.

Then, a strange mark bloomed in her eyes, a glowing symbol of desire, shaped like a heart, faintly crimson. Her gaze locked onto Raito's, refusing to let go.

Raito's body stiffened. His heartbeat quickened against his will.

Wait… this feeling… I know this.

She's using Seduction Magic, he thought, gritting his teeth.

Raito, don't look! Kira shouted weakly from behind him. She's controlling you, don't look into her eyes! Turn away!

Raito's jaw clenched, but his gaze didn't move. His eyes were locked onto hers as if drawn by an unseen force.

Kira struggled to push herself up from the ground, her broken leg still healing. No… I have to get up… she thought, forcing her trembling hands against the cold dungeon floor. If she takes control of him, it's over.

The cursed spirit smiled, stepping even closer, her voice dripping with confidence. Yes… that's it. Look at me, human. Let me show you what true beauty feels like.

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