The cursed leveler

Chapter 2: The Cursed System

Riku's chest heaved as he stared down the monstrous cursed spirit. Black tendrils of energy coiled around his hands, crackling like electricity. The markings on his arm glowed faintly, radiating a power he barely understood.

"What… is this power?" he muttered, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and exhilaration.

The system's voice echoed in his mind once more, cold and mechanical.

[Cursed System Activated]

• Current Grade: E

• Abilities Unlocked:

• Cursed Energy Manipulation (Beginner)

• Basic Energy Detection

The cursed spirit roared, its twisted form lurching forward with unnatural speed. Riku barely had time to think before his body reacted on instinct, rolling out of the way as the spirit's claws tore into the ground where he'd stood moments before.

"Focus!" the system's voice barked.

Riku staggered to his feet, his breathing ragged. "Easier said than done!"

The cursed spirit came at him again, its body oozing malice. This time, Riku raised his hand, and black energy surged forward like a whip, striking the spirit and forcing it to retreat with a guttural snarl.

The system chimed again.

[Tutorial: Combat Basics Initiated]

• Lesson 1: Control your cursed energy.

• Lesson 2: Exploit the weaknesses of cursed beings.

"Control my cursed energy? How am I supposed to do that when I barely know what I'm doing?!" Riku shouted, dodging another swipe from the spirit.

But deep down, he knew he didn't have a choice. If he didn't figure it out, he'd die here.

Closing his eyes, he focused on the energy coursing through him. It felt wild and chaotic, like a storm trapped inside his body. He imagined it as a river, trying to guide its flow toward his fists. Slowly, the chaotic energy began to stabilize.

When he opened his eyes, the cursed spirit lunged at him again. This time, Riku didn't dodge. He stepped forward, planting his feet firmly, and threw a punch infused with cursed energy.

The impact sent shockwaves through the air, and the cursed spirit howled in agony as the energy tore into its body.

"I… I did it!" Riku exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.

The spirit wasn't done yet. Despite its injuries, it launched a desperate counterattack, its claws glowing with malevolent energy. Riku reacted instinctively, summoning a barrier of cursed energy in front of him. The claws struck the barrier, shattering it, but the attack was weakened enough for Riku to leap back unscathed.

[Combat Skill Acquired: Reinforcement (Beginner)]

• Use cursed energy to strengthen your body or create defensive barriers.

The cursed spirit faltered, its form flickering as its energy began to wane. Riku could sense it now, like a second sense—its cursed energy was nearly depleted.

"This is my chance," he muttered, channeling all his remaining power into his fist.

The markings on his arm flared as he charged forward, his fist crackling with black energy. With a shout, he struck the cursed spirit's core, driving his energy into it. The spirit let out a final, ear-splitting roar before disintegrating into nothingness.

[Cursed Spirit Defeated]

• Grade: C-

• Cursed Energy Absorbed: 40%

• Level Up: Grade E → Grade D-

Riku collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. The markings on his arm dimmed, and the cursed energy around him settled.

[Tutorial Complete]

• System fully integrated.

• Abilities and features unlocked as user progresses.

"Fully integrated, huh?" Riku muttered, his voice shaky. He stared at his trembling hands, still feeling the remnants of the cursed energy he'd used.

For the first time since waking up in this new world, he felt something beyond fear or confusion. He felt… hope.

"This power…" Riku clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination. "I don't know why I was reincarnated, but if I have this second chance, I'll use it. I'll protect what's mine, no matter what."

He staggered to his feet and glanced at the dungeon's now-open exit. But as he took his first step, a new message appeared in his vision.

[Warning: Unknown Entity Detected]

• Anomaly within dungeon. Investigation recommended.

"What now?" Riku muttered, his body tensing.

The dungeon wasn't over yet.

To Be Continued…