Chapter 68
"It's... so big..."
Before us, standing in the path after the lava dragons had been defeated, was Ignis—or rather, what used to be Ignis. His once 180 cm frame had swollen to three times its size, his muscular body now grotesquely bloated into a mass of jagged rock. His face, which could have once been called refined, was now twisted in rage, unrecognizable save for the remnants of his crimson hair.
"Lord Albert... what did he do to himself?"
"...Typical of him," Albert muttered, his voice grim. "This is a curse. One that grants power in exchange for everything else—even his soul. In this state, the only way to break it is to kill him."
"Him?"
"Cloud Rogue Foster. The demon who cursed me. The Fosters are a clan specializing in curses—ones that can bind even those stronger than them." Albert's gaze hardened. "Ignis was obsessed with killing Cecelia and Minato. If he was promised power, he would have taken the offer without hesitation. At this point, it's just pitiful."
"Ah, so it was a 'Do you desire strength?' kind of deal."
Of course, such bargains led to ruin nine times out of ten. If power could be gained so easily, no one would struggle for it.
"The real problem is his regeneration," Albert warned. "Unless we destroy him completely in one strike or shatter the curse's core—the 'Curse Gem'—he'll keep coming back. He's effectively an undead now."
"Annoying. Where's the gem?"
"Embedded in his chest. You'll see it—a red, jewel-like object."
Squinting, I spotted it—a crimson glint amidst the monstrous flesh. So that was the key.
"Can we just smash it normally?"
"Yes. But be careful. His strength has increased exponentially."
"Albie! Yuuka! Are you two okay?!"
Cecelia's voice rang out as she rushed over, relief washing over her face.
"This much is nothing. Yuuka?"
"Still plenty of fight left in me!"
"Thank goodness~! I knew you'd be fine, but with those numbers, I got a little worried."
Her eyes then flicked to Ignis, where Minato was effortlessly holding him off. Despite the monster's limbs—even his head—regenerating instantly after each strike, Minato showed no urgency. He was toying with him, buying time.
"If you're both fine, then help us finish this."
"Of course. Though, couldn't you two handle him alone?"
"Probably. But we can't rule out the curse caster having other tricks."
"Fair point. Let's end this together, just to be sure."
"Thanks. Minato's keeping him busy—we'll attack in unison."
"Understood. Let's go, Yuka."
"Right! Time to end this."
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