A Fractured Path

The Silver Curse – Volume 3, Chapter 7: A Fractured Path

The Curse Tightens Its Grip

The whispers had become unbearable.

Yuto sat by the campfire, his fingers lightly tracing the cursed rings that had become a part of him. The silver etched into his skin pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat separate from his own. No matter how much he tried to suppress it, the curse was always there—coiling around his mind like a predator waiting to strike.

Mira, sitting across from him, watched in silence. She had noticed the change.

"Yuto…" she finally spoke, her voice softer than usual. "You haven't been yourself."

He didn't answer immediately. What was there to say? That she was right? That every time he fought, he could feel something else taking over? That he wasn't sure if he even cared anymore?

Instead, he met her gaze. "I'm fine."

It was a lie.

Mira sighed, shifting closer. "I know you don't want to talk about it, but you can't keep pretending nothing is wrong. The way you fight—it's not just skill anymore. It's something else. Something… unnatural."

Yuto clenched his fists. He wanted to deny it. To reassure her. But before he could, a presence made itself known.

A slow, mocking clap echoed through the night.

The Demon Army's Test – A Bloodstained Bargain

A figure stepped into the firelight. Clad in deep crimson armor, his jagged black horns curved toward the sky. His golden eyes gleamed with amusement as he studied Yuto like a prized animal.

"So, you're the infamous swordsman causing such a stir," the demon mused. "I must admit, I expected someone more… disciplined."

Mira was on her feet in an instant, blade drawn. "Who are you?"

The demon ignored her, his attention solely on Yuto. "My name is Vael. And I bring an offer." His lips curled into a smirk. "A test, if you will."

Yuto rose to his feet, his voice steady. "I'm not interested."

Vael chuckled. "Oh, I think you are." He raised a hand, and a gust of unnatural wind snuffed out the fire between them. "Prove your strength to me. If you succeed, I'll give you something I know you crave—answers."

The silver rings burned against his skin. The curse wanted this fight.

Yuto exhaled slowly. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

Vael grinned. "That's the spirit."

The Breaking Point – The Curse Awakens

The moment Yuto moved, the fight ignited into chaos.

Vael was fast—faster than any human opponent Yuto had ever faced. His movements were fluid, effortless, as though he were merely playing.

But Yuto wasn't human anymore either.

With every strike, every block, the curse pushed him further. His vision sharpened, the world around him slowing to a crawl. The whispers became a roar, screaming for dominance.

You are stronger.

You are above them.

Take more.

His sword moved on its own.

Vael grunted as Yuto's blade carved through his side, sending black blood spilling onto the dirt. But rather than retreat, the demon laughed.

"Yes… that's it. Show me what you really are."

And then everything blurred.

The Moment of Betrayal – A Blade in the Dark

Mira had seen Yuto fight countless times. But this—this was different.

There was no hesitation in his strikes. No restraint. Just cold, ruthless precision.

She called his name. He didn't hear her.

She tried to step forward. Too late.

Yuto lunged toward Vael, but at the last second, the demon sidestepped.

Mira saw it happen before she could react.

His blade, still slick with Vael's blood, drove straight through her stomach.

Her breath hitched. Her body went rigid. She felt warmth spilling from the wound.

Yuto's expression was unreadable as he stared at his own blade piercing her.

For the first time in weeks, the curse was silent.

Mira gasped, her fingers weakly grasping at his wrist. Her lips moved, but no words came out.

Yuto let go of the sword.

He stepped back, his breath uneven. The whispers had guided him—but this time, it wasn't an enemy he had cut down.

Vael tilted his head. "Fascinating."

Yuto's hands trembled as he turned away. He didn't look back.

Mira collapsed onto the dirt, her vision flickering. Her body felt heavy. Cold.

And as darkness swallowed her, she could only think of one thing.

Would Yuto ever come back?

End of Chapter 7