Chapter 347: Curse Strikes Again

’The curse!’

Without hesitation, Soren activated their bond ability to the fullest, pulling the malicious energy to himself. The moment it entered his body, the pain hit. It was a lot worse than last time, a searing agony that tore through his chest and spread outward, racing through his limbs and up into his skull in the span of a single breath.

His mind nearly went blank for a moment. His body convulsed as well, and he bit his tongue hard enough to draw blood to stay conscious while keeping his mouth shut so he wouldn’t make a sound. Ethea was still unconscious, probably digesting her breakthrough, so he didn’t want to disturb her.

Fortunately, he had his evolved constitution, Sovereign’s Fortitude, Hyper Regeneration, Indomitable Soul, and Core Refinement.

Whoosh-!

Those four, along with everything else useful, activated at once, each responding to the threat accordingly. The first thing that was affected was obviously the pain. Sovereign’s Fortitude made it bearable, and its trauma clarity effect helped him clear his thoughts and sharpen his mind.

Core Refinement began breaking down the curse at the same time, drawing it inward and slowly converting it into raw mana that his body absorbed without resistance. His frozen pathways and core held firm, enduring every strike the curse threw at them while Hyper Regeneration repaired whatever damage slipped through.

The curse also pushed into his mind, searching for cracks in his consciousness. Indomitable Soul held the barrier, and the moment the hostile energy made contact, Soul Anvil Counter activated. It caught the intrusion, compressed it, and crushed it, converting the energy into a boost for his own mental output.

’...’ Soren couldn’t help but chuckle in relief. ’...It’s working.’

He then leaned back against the headboard, keeping one hand on Ethea’s. His eyes stayed on her, watching for any change in her condition, but his shoulders finally relaxed. There was nothing more he could do. The abilities were handling the curse on their own, and they were doing a better job than he had expected.

So he sat there and watched, monitoring her through their bond and his Appraisal while the curse continued to fight a losing battle inside him.

’...Let’s see how far they can go.’

He wanted to see whether his abilities could handle the curse on their own, how long it would take, and how much of the curse he could convert into usable mana. It was useful information. If this worked, he could plan for future encounters with the curse.

[Ding!]

’Oh, I guess it’s about time.’

════════════════

[Investment detected.]

[Target: Ethea Everly]

[Analyzing Investment...]

[Investment: You prepared and shared magic meals specifically tailored to the target’s preferences and dietary needs. You used rare ingredients/elixirs with restorative properties to support her recovery and stabilize her condition. You also played a crucial role in helping her settle a long-standing score with one of her past enemies. Furthermore, you provided the foundation and support she needed to break through to the next stage of her mental cultivation, ensuring her breakthrough was stable and successful...]

[Analyzing target response...]

[As a result of your actions, the target’s physical condition has improved significantly. Her core stability has increased, her mana pathways have strengthened, and her overall vitality has risen. The successful breakthrough to the second stage of her mental cultivation has also elevated her mental power....]

[Evaluating investment significance...]

[Evaluation complete.]

[Investment Grade: SUPREME]

[Calculating returns...]

[Calculation complete.]

[Applying Authority Modifier: Amplification (Passive) — Baseline bonus applied. Reward tier scaling upgraded.]

[Returns granted:]

[1. Mental Power +30,000]

[2. Cooking Mastery +2]

[3. Soul-Nourishing Concoction x3]

[4. Myriad Pathway Nutrient Fluid x5]

[5. Sovereign Vitality Elixir x5]

[6. Recipe Unlocked: Nature’s Embrace]

[7. Recipe Unlocked: Soul-Warming Broth]

[8. Advanced Caretaking Knowledge]

[9. Mirror of the Self]

[10. Spirit Puppet]

[Integration initiated...]

════════════════

’Huff...’

Soren took a deep breath, his heartbeat quickening as the integration began. His first thought was to worry. What if it intervened with the curse’s attack? What if the process disrupted his abilities while they were still fighting against the malicious energy?

However, he soon realized that he had nothing to worry about.

The returns were only mind-related this time, except for the items. So he simply stayed still and let the integration pass, accepting the new knowledge, recipes, and mental power as they settled into his mind. And soon, a familiar message appeared in his vision.

[Integration Complete!]

’Huff...’

He let out a relieved sigh.

’...Hmm?’

Sensing a movement, he opened his eyes and looked down to his side, at Ethea, to be more exact. Her fingers twitched against his hand, her eyelids fluttered, and then, slowly, she opened her eyes.

"..."

Their gazes met.

"...Congratulations on your breakthrough, dear!" Soren smiled and leaned over to brush a strand of hair from her face. But before his fingers could reach her, Ethea’s hand shot up and grabbed his wrist. Her grip was weak, but her eyes were sharp, fixed on his face with an intensity that made him pause.

"...You’re doing it again." She muttered, sounding a little angry but mostly worried and sad.

Soren didn’t try to pull his wrist free. Instead, he softened his expression and gently turned his palm to cradle her hand.

"There’s no need to worry. I’m more than powerful enough to handle it now." He explained, and, noticing she still didn’t look convinced, added. "Well, if I wasn’t, I would be spitting blood or on the verge of losing consciousness by now. "

Ethea studied his face, searching for any sign of pain or strain. Finding none, she asked. "...Are you really sure?"

"I’m sure." He nodded. ’If you don’t believe me, you can check through our bond. And I’m using all my abilities to handle it too.’

’Alright.’ Ethea closed her eyes immediately and opened them a few seconds later. ’...But I’m still worried.’

’You don’t have to be.’ Soren squeezed her hand. ’I told you, didn’t I? I’m strong enough now. The curse can’t hurt me as it did before.’

Ethea still didn’t look convinced. ’...You always say that. And then you push yourself too far.’

’This time it is really different. I’m not pushing myself at all. In fact, my abilities are handling it on their own.’

Ethea stared at him for a long moment. Then, slowly, her posture relaxed. ’...Fine. But if you start feeling worse, you tell me immediately and... share it with me.’