CHAPTER 134 – The Cursed Awakening
Shen walked across the academy grounds with Azel's body moving under his control.
Even without power… he felt something unusual inside this body.
Not greatness.
Not talent.
Something else.
Something tainted.
> Shen (thinking):
"In my past life, I had no talent.
I only survived because of curses.
But this body… it has talent mixed with a curse."
He reached the Awakening Hall.
Students whispered:
> Student: "Azel? He failed three times already."
Girl: "He's the weakest in his family."
Boy: "He shouldn't embarrass himself again."
Shen ignored them.
He placed his hand on the awakening orb.
A faint, sickly purple glow filled the room—nothing bright, nothing powerful.
The examiner frowned.
> Examiner: "A low-grade talent…
but… wait…"
The orb flickered strangely.
Symbols twisted unnaturally.
The examiner stepped back, confused.
> Examiner: "This… this awakening carries a curse."
Murmurs erupted outside.
> Girl: "A cursed awakening?!"
Student: "That's dangerous!"
Boy: "He'll never fight with that."
The orb finally revealed the truth:
> Examiner:
"Azel Vernath…
you awakened:
Low Understanding – C Grade
Cursed Storage of Arts – Grade Unknown
Every time you use it…
your nerves will burn as if set on fire."
A weak talent with painful consequences.
The examiner shook his head.
> Examiner: "This is almost useless.
You will suffer every time you learn or mimic a technique."
Shen lowered his eyes—not disappointed but calm.
He walked outside and tested a basic sword swing.
Just one swing.
His vision blurred.
His arm trembled.
His chest tightened as if needles pierced from inside.
Azel's cursed talent activated.
> Shen (thinking):
"Yes… painful.
A normal person would faint from this."
But Shen stood still.
Unshaken.
> Shen:
"In my past life, I bore curses far worse than this.
Pain won't stop me."
A soft wind moved around him.
Suddenly he felt a distant voice inside his mind—weak but familiar.
Lare.
> Lare (spirit voice):
"Shen… I found you.
I'm in the Spirit World, searching for a way to restore your real powers."
Shen closed his eyes.
> Shen:
"This body's talent is cursed.
But I can handle it."
> Lare:
"I know.
Anyone else would be broken by it…
but you are the Curse King.
Use this curse… reshape it.
Until I bring back your true identities."
The voice faded slowly.
Shen opened his eyes again.
The pain still burned inside his arm, but he smiled slightly.
> Shen:
"A cursed talent?
Then I'll conquer it.
And tomorrow… I begin my training."
He tightened his grip on the wooden sword.
Even without magic, without powers…
he had the one thing no one else possessed—
a will that survived every curse in existence.
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