[Enkidu's POV]
'Wow.' I whistled with glee. I didn't expect that to contain so much power with me being so weak. It took me 300 C.E, which was really too much considering I only have 400. The worst part was that the Divine Flame scales, so when I break through, that means the cost will rise. At least with Cleave it depended on the person, and Dismantle was even better because I could control it.
Clap~ Clap~
I dusted my hands off and turned around.
"Ah." I made eye contact with a witness that I didn't notice. If they wanted to, they could have killed me easily! I was too focused on Divine Flame that I didn't consider other people. Especially the blonde woman before me.
"Hello." I gave a playful wave, which she just responded to with a nod, her hand on her sword handle. I don't know why she was acting like she was about to cut down a demon. Well... I mean it was kind of accurate, but I don't think I deserved to be slayed!
"Ais?!" A group of people came from behind her with a range of emotions. Now that I was paying attention, I could sense them a whole minute ago.
'Her familia?' I tilted my head, looking at the unique group.
First came the twins—obviously related by looks but opposite in terms of presence.
One, the taller of the two, was practically bouncing. Dark brown skin, wild black hair, a sword strapped to her back that was almost taller than her. Her energy flared like a campfire—bright, chaotic, reckless. There was no subtlety to her at all. She grinned the moment she laid eyes on me, like she wanted to crack me open just to see what was inside. The most glaring thing about her was how flat she was in a certain area.
'A wild one… so fun.'
Next to her was her mirror—same looks, but colder. Sharper eyes, blades at her hips, and a storm cloud behind her gaze. She stared at me like I'd already done something unforgivable. Her emotional output was cleaner—pure suspicion and hostility. No curiosity. Just that dangerous stillness some people had before they decided you were better off dead. She was way better endowed than her counterpart.
'More my type haha~.'
Then the elf appeared.
Tense, anxious, and visibly shaken the moment our eyes met. Her long golden hair framed a face trying too hard to look composed. She held her staff tightly, but her cursed reaction was instinctive. Her knees almost buckled. Her negative energy was like cracking porcelain—envy, insecurity, fear—layered and loud.
'Seems weak-willed.'
Following her was the mutt—dark silver hair, cocky grin, and eyes that screamed, "Say one thing wrong and I'll deck you." His emotions were all teeth: arrogance, aggression, the subtle bite of inferiority he refused to admit. He growled more than he spoke, I could already tell.
'This dude reeks of wet dog.'
"It's you!" the Dog shouted with venom.
"Dude, shut up. Why are you screaming?" I retorted, a little aggravated.
"YOU!" He crouched down, about to charge at me.
'Shit. I haven't recovered enough.'
"Stop!"
"A-Ais?" All of her group looked at her in shock. I guess this was the first time she's reacted so strongly. I'd be scared if I saw Divine Flame too, and she probably thinks that I can spam it.
'If only she knew I was so killable right now.'
Her group looked back at me with newfound looks. Their negative emotions were flaring right now. I couldn't tell what they were thinking, but that feeling of fear was so memorable. I thought back on that white-haired kid.
'I wonder how he is doing?' I can't lie, he caught my eye. I felt like watching him grow and seeing if he could bring me some amusement. He just had something about him that made you want to watch. I doubt he'll find a wife though if he keeps running and of course because I'm here.
'My good looks can't be matched haha~'
"Let's go." Ais turned around and left. Her group followed quickly, except for the busty, caramel-skinned woman. She stared at me with clear intent. That's when I realized I made a mistake; the emotions I felt weren't fear but something quite similar. If I had to describe it, perhaps I should classify it as uncertainty.
This woman, however, was different. What I was feeling right now was straight killing intent. My cursed energy flared for the first time, feeling such strong killing intent. I felt a smile form on my face and I stared right back at her. Vomit-green cursed energy wrapping around my body and excitement coursing through my veins.
Her seeing this ran away with shock on her face. Disappointment was the first thing to hit me, but then I came back to my senses.
'Not good.'
The fact that I lost myself to my emotions was not good. It seems that I still have much to learn about Cursed Energy. I already knew some limiters on my moral compass and fears were removed because of it, but this is crazy. To actively seek a battle when I was weakened was insanity!
"Hah~" I sighed. "Much to learn still."
I sat down with my eyes open, my face resting on my fist, watching the way Ais and her group left.
'Artemis, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to see you right now.' Shaking my head, I put that thought away.
"Why would I want to puke?" I chuckled, really finding it annoying that I couldn't even go see the only person I considered a friend. Actually, the closest to friends without being actual friends would be more accurate. A person I joke around with?
'Yeah, that fits Artemis quite well.'