I had indeed created that Cursed Tool in the form of a pair of gloves, but they were clearly not ordinary gloves that merely covered the palms and fingers. One would be given to Mei Mei, and the other I would use myself.
Their design was sleek, clinging tightly to the skin as if they were a second layer rather than an accessory. Fine curse patterns were engraved across their surface, resembling delicate veins that glowed faintly whenever Cursed Energy flowed through them.
Although I referred to them as a pair, in essence they were still a single Cursed Tool with the same core function, merely divided into two separate units. The difference lay in their orientation—one was specifically designed for the right hand, and the other for the left.
Their internal energy structures were adjusted to match the flow pathways of Cursed Energy on each respective side of the body, preventing any clash of currents or distortion when activated.
The curse mechanisms engraved on the surface of both gloves were conceptually linked, like two sides of the same coin that could never be completely separated.
There was a subtle, invisible resonance between them—a spatial synchronization that ensured the transfer coordinates remained stable even when used by two different individuals.
As long as the two gloves remained within a certain radius, that connection would not be severed.
This way, both Mei Mei and I could use the transfer ability independently, without having to wait for one another. It was far more efficient, especially if the situation descended into chaos and unpredictability.
I did not like relying on others when it came to mobility, especially in battles that demanded split-second decisions. And I was fairly certain Mei Mei was not the type to patiently wait for assistance to arrive either.
With all the Cursed Tools I had created so far, I had truly maximized each of their functions to support Shizuka and Rika's training. Not a single one was left as mere decoration or a failed experiment.
The Positive Energy Bottle ensured that no injuries lingered long enough to slow their progress. Every bruise, muscle tear, or minor fracture could be healed before it became a serious obstacle.
The Ten Gates Gauntlet granted me positional flexibility; if something unexpected occurred around the training area, I could immediately reposition myself to intervene without wasting time.
The earlier tools had now become part of a structured training system. The Movement Enhancement Shoes increased their stepping speed and explosive power, forcing their muscles and lungs to operate at their limits.
The Protective Sweater Hoodie dampened the impact of both physical and energy-based attacks, allowing them to endure blows that would otherwise crack bone.
The Shield Watch could manifest an energy barrier in a fraction of a second to block sudden attacks, sharpening both their reflexes and survival instincts.
The Knife Sword, light yet sharp and stable in its Cursed Energy flow, taught precision and control in every swing.
But I did not merely stand outside the circle, watching them grow while recording their progress.
I trained alongside them.
I had no intention of watching Shizuka and Rika advance rapidly while I remained behind. Over the past seven days, my control over Cursed Energy had improved significantly.
At first, I could only reinforce specific parts of my body—my arms to block attacks, or my legs to accelerate my steps—and even then, only for a short duration before my concentration broke.
Now, I could coat my entire body evenly with Cursed Energy for approximately one full minute. The energy wrapped around my skin like a thin, invisible layer, seeping into muscle and bone, reinforcing my body's structure from within.
During that one minute, every muscle fiber operated at peak condition. My reflexes sharpened, my breathing stabilized, and my vision felt more focused.
Every movement became lighter yet stronger. The impact of my steps left small cracks in the hardened ground, and each punch I threw produced a tangible burst of air pressure around my clenched fist.
One minute might sound short to an outsider. But in a real fight, sixty seconds can be the thin line between survival and lying lifeless on the ground. Sixty seconds is enough to end a duel—or at the very least, create a decisive opening to escape.
With this enhancement, combined with all the Cursed Tools I currently possess—Movement Enhancement Shoes, Protective Sweater Hoodie, Shield Watch, Knife Sword, Positive Energy Bottle, and Ten Gates Gauntlet—I estimate that I might already be capable of fighting and at least holding my ground against someone at Grade 2. That is only my personal assessment, of course.
Thinking back to when I first began living in this world, aside from encountering Cursed Spirits and Curse Users, I have never truly faced Stray Devils or Stray Exorcists head-on.
Akiruno feels comfortable enough. Relatively peaceful. Too peaceful, even. Its streets are never truly bustling, and the forested areas at the edge of town—like the place where we train—are almost always undisturbed.
That tranquility is not the soothing kind that calms the heart. It is the kind that makes the back of your neck itch—like a massive storm holding its breath, waiting for the perfect moment to descend. Still, for now, that unseen threat is not my priority.
What matters more is something far more concrete.
How long would it take Mei Mei to sell the Cursed Tool I gave her?
I was calculating possible prices in my head when a faint sensation brushed against my senses. Movement at the edge of the training area. My train of thought was cut off instantly.
I shifted my attention toward Shizuka and Rika, who were sparring barehanded as usual. We were in the middle of the forest, our regular training ground.
Midday sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves above, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the dusty ground. The air was thick with the scent of wood and damp soil.
Punches and kicks exchanged in rapid rhythm. The soles of their feet struck the earth, fists sliced through the air, and every collision of bodies produced dull, heavy thuds that echoed between the trees. Sweat dampened their temples, yet their gazes remained sharp, unwavering, filled with focus.
A few seconds later, the figure stepped out from behind the trees.
Mei Mei.
She walked casually, as if simply enjoying an afternoon stroll. Her steps were light, unhurried. A gentle breeze stirred her hair, and in one hand she carried a dark-colored suitcase.
The suitcase looked sturdy, made of hardened material with polished metal corners. It was not small, and clearly not empty. Yet the way she carried it—with only one hand, without the slightest shift in expression—suggested that its weight posed no issue. Whatever was inside was likely far more interesting than how heavy it was.
"Yo! So? How much did it sell for?" I asked without preamble, cutting through unnecessary formalities.
Mei Mei stopped a few steps in front of me. A faint smile curved her lips—a smile far too relaxed for someone who had just concluded a major transaction. She looked at me with a gaze that was difficult to interpret—half teasing, half evaluating my reaction.
"…Why don't we just get married?" she said lightly, as if commenting on the weather.
My steps froze instantly.
Oh, come on. This girl is really targeting me because I can make that much money. Marriage? Of course! Let's get married! I'll give you ten children! No, eleven! We'll build a full soccer team, complete with substitutes and a coach!
Naturally, all of that was just wild shouting inside my head, racing without brakes like a horse that had broken free from its stable.
On the outside, my expression remained flat.
"Stop joking. Just tell me how much we got from selling that Cursed Tool," I said, a faint edge of irritation slipping into my tone, though I tried to keep my voice steady.
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