Bound By Fury:The Forced Path

Within the depths of Akira's mind, a radiant figure perched upon a colossal throne, emanating an aura of immense authority and danger.

The figure's piercing gaze fixated on the trembling curse that had the audacity to try to seize control over Akira's body.

The curse, a swirling mass of sinister energy, quivered beneath the weight of the figure's formidable presence.

"You dared to take control of what is mine?"

His voice resonated, brimming with a menace that appeared to pierce the very fabric of existence.

The curse trembled, incapable of replying, its essence writhing in terror beneath the entity's formidable presence.

"This time, I will tolerate it,"

The figure went on, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Since you acted out of ignorance."

"But hear me well—if you ever attempt such insolence again, I will erase you entirely from existence."

His voice grew colder, more menacing, with each word.

The curse dared not move or speak as the figure leaned forward, his gaze burning into it like a divine blade.

"For now, you will behave."

"That boy," he gestured toward Akira's unconscious form,

"Requires your insignificant power to serve as a mere boost."

"Know your place, be the obedient pet, and allow yourself to be controlled."

The curse's trembling intensified, but it dared not respond she was completely overpowered by fear

The figure's glowing eyes burned brighter.

"Begone now."

With a flick of the figure's hand, a wave of light erupted, swallowing the curse entirely.

In an instant, the malevolent presence was erased, leaving behind only silence and a faint echo of power.

Grido stood rigid, his typically composed demeanor giving way to an uncommon look of apprehension.

His instincts urging him that something unnatural had seized control of Akira.

"Akira, regain your composure!"

Grido commanded, his voice cutting through the air. His mind raced.

"The curse has ensnared him… what must I do?"

Suddenly, Akira felt his body relax, as the unnatural energy that had enveloped him faded away.

His keen eyes fluttered open, taking in the world around him.

"Huh?"

He murmured, his voice steady but laced with bewilderment.

"What just happened?"

Before him, a notification from the system materialized:

[System Notification:]

[The Cursed Infernal Weep has successfully been imprinted onto the user's body.]

[The user now has full control over it without side effects due to an unknown variety.]

[The user has gained immunity against curses]

[Additionally, each instance of damage sustained will temporarily increase the user's strength by 2.]

Akira's mind was racing, putting the pieces together.

"The cursed energy beat me" - he thought.

But for some reason, I ended up in control of it?"

"How?"

Questions piled up in his head, each one more frustrating than the last.

His frustration gradually transformed into a reluctant sense of gratitude as he cast his gaze to his wrist, where a dark tattoo had appeared—an intricate, swirling mark that pulsed softly with energy.

"Still, this curse does grant me a distinct advantage."

"I suppose I should be glad for that, at the very least."

Grido's voice cut through his reverie.

"Akira!"

"Are you yourself again?"

The concern in his tone was palpable, and his posture remained tense and wary.

Akira blinked and nodded, concealing the chaos swirling within him.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Grido regarded him with a wary expression.

"You were acting. strange"

"It was as if something else had taken over."

Akira tried to maintain a casual tone, hoping to ease Grido's concern.

"The curse got the better of me for a moment, but I've got it under control now."

"No need to worry." He raised his wrist, revealing the cursed tattoo.

"See?"

"It's all good."

Grido hesitated for a moment, but then a smile broke through, releasing some of the tension that had settled on his shoulders.

"You really are something else."

Akira simply shrugged in response.

"Thank you for this artifact."

Grido nodded, his familiar demeanor gradually resurfacing.

"Well, that is your first reward."

"Let's finish up."

"We need to arrange your payment, and then we're done for today."

Akira smirked faintly, the burden of his recent encounter concealed behind his customary stoicism.

"Okay."

"Let's go."

As they entered the hall of the guild, Grido waved to a young clerk who quickly approached, holding an envelope. The man handed it over with a respectful nod.

"This is the paycheck you requested, sir," he said, addressing Grido formally.

Grido took the envelope, opened it, and handed it to Akira. The sum printed on the check made Akira pause. 7,232,100.00 won—approximately 50,000 US dollars.

Akira raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't this a bit much?"

Grido chuckled.

"Normally, yes."

"But we pulled a bit from our split for you."

"That's how it should be."

"You saved lives and helped secure the raid."

"Anna and Victor insisted we do this—they're as grateful as I am."

Akira stared at the check for a moment, his thoughts swirling.

"They pulled from their own pay? For me? What kind of people still exist who do things like this?"

"Either way, refusing would insult them."

It wasn't about the money, not really.

It was about the recognition—a rare thing in Akira's harsh world.

Finally, he sighed and accepted it.

"Thank you."

"I appreciate it."

Grido grinned.

"You've earned it, Akira."

Sliding the check into his pocket, Akira turned.

"I need to go now."

"Let me know if there's another dungeon raid lined up."

"You'll be the first I call," Grido assured him.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.

A voice, frantic and strained, pierced the air.

"Where is Guildmaster Sylara?!"

Everyone turned to see Capitan Imzar, rushing into the hall, panic etched across his face.

His voice cracked as he shouted again,

"Where is the Guildmaster?"

"I need to speak to her—now!"

"It's urgent!"

Grido stepped forward, grabbing Imzar's arm firmly but not aggressively.

"Imzar, calm down."

"What happened?"

Imzar's chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath.

"I—I can't explain here."

"It's urgent, Grido."

"Please, we need to see her right now!"

Grido's expression darkened.

He wasn't the type to panic, but Imzar's behavior was unsettling.

Whatever had happened, it wasn't small.

Grido turned to Akira.

"Sorry to ask, go for now let's meet another time"

"If it's serious enough to get Imzar like this, i think it's better to let him meet Guildmaster first."

Akira nodded.

"Something's wrong. - He Thought

"He's terrified, and I don't think it's just fear of failure."

"But is not my concern at all"

As Akira turned to leave the building as he looked for a moment behind Grido and Imzar heading at the Sylara Office.