Karakuna staggered, utterly bewildered. Its compound eyes scanned the floor, finding… nothing.
"There is nothing there. Until now, you were under an illusion. In my genjutsu, you were fighting my mental projection," Ashan's calm voice echoed through the hall.
The revelation struck Karakuna like a hammer. It staggered backward, tail twitching violently, claws digging into the floor.
"Where do you think you're going?" Ashan demanded, eyes narrowing.
The monster's breathing grew erratic. Ashan's pupils flared.
"Amaterasu!"
Black flames erupted, wrapping the scorpion monster in searing fire. Karakuna shrieked, writhing in agony, slamming its body against the floor and walls, desperately trying to extinguish the inferno.
Ashan's lips curved into a faint grin. "You're tougher than I expected. But I'll make this quick."
Violet-red chakra exploded from his body, forming a skeletal ribcage that solidified into a massive Susanoo. A gigantic hand formed, hovering above the writhing monster, then slammed down twice in rapid succession.
Boom… bamm…
The sheer force crushed Karakuna's body, reducing it to a pulpy mess. Its core flew out like a seed from a smashed avocado.
Ashan stared at the massive skeletal hand, excitement coursing through him.
'The skeleton form of Susanoo.. My blood is boiling with happiness. It's so reliable.'
Two system windows appeared.
—-------------------------------------
You killed an A-rank monster
Rewards - 400 points
—--------------------------------------
—--------------------------------------
Congratulations...
You have cleared the dungeon.
Will you accept rewards?
Yes / No
—---------------------------------------
Ashan exhaled, dispelling the Susanoo. His Sharingan faded. "Yes."
Immediately, a violent surge of cursed energy slammed through him, crushing his breath and burning his nerves. Black markings etched themselves across his skin as if branded by an unseen hand. Two smaller eyes emerged beneath his originals.
The air around him vibrated with overwhelming presence.
—-----------------------------------------
Combined Reverse Cursed Technique:
By merging Gojo's and Sukuna's RCT, the user gains extreme regenerative capability. Any injury, including destroyed or missing limbs and organs, will be fully healed and reconstructed within 0.2 seconds. This effect is active only while this mode is engaged.
—-------------------------------------------
Ashan staggered slightly, 'What the hell is this feeling? I feel like I've been reborn.'
He kicked the floor with a grin, cracking it like a biscuit.
'This madness...? . I want to slice everything.'
His four eyes fixed on the throne where Karakuna had sat. He casually pointed two fingers at it.
[Dismantle]
The throne disintegrated instantly, the wall behind it nearly collapsing.
'Damn it. This power is so uncontrollable and deadly.'
Ashan felt a shift in his eyes. Without will, his Mangekyou activated. Patterns spun, then reformed into a new, elegant design.
—-----------------------------------------
..Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan (Itachi)..
The EMS version of Itachi will grant these features.
> Eliminates the blindness caused by overuse of the regular Mangekyou.
> Gains the ability to mold Amaterasu flames at a basic standard.
> Tsukuyomi gains longer duration, broader application, targeting multiple enemies, and casting without direct eye contact.
> A complete version of Susanoo with higher durability and better weapons.
>Less chakra cost for each Mangekyou ability and increased reaction speed.
—-----------------------------------------
'Holy… this is insane. A whole dungeon could fall in minutes with this.'
The cursed marks vanished. Ashan donned his mask, checking his body.
'I spent too long already… I need to move.'
…
Sorin paced anxiously, waiting for Ashan's return. Rowan scowled at her.
"What's your deal? Why worry about him so much? If that bastard dies, isn't that for the better?"
Sorin's temper flared. "Aren't you too harsh? I know he humiliated you, but wishing him to die is too inhuman."
"Whatever, but you're worrying for nothing. That guy is powerful enough to kill an A-rank monster."
The dungeon door creaked open. Both turned to see Ashan emerge casually.
"The fight is over. You can come now."
Rowan shrugged dismissively. "See, I told you."
They entered the hall. Sorin marveled at the sight.
"Wow… it's incredible. Very rare to see something like this."
Rowan eyed the treasure piles greedily. "And there are lots of valuable things too."
He noticed cracks in the floor and approached a pool of blood and flesh. Raising an eyebrow, he glanced at Ashan, who was inspecting a pile.
"This mess? Don't tell me, is it the dungeon boss?"
Ashan nodded. "Ahh... yes. It is."
"How the hell did it end up like this?"
"About that... I smashed it until it became like that."
Sorin and Rowan stared in shock. "Are you saying you did this with your bare hands?" Sorin asked, incredulous.
"Yes, kind of. I indeed used fists to smash it."
"But why did you chop off the whole body? What kind of monster was it?"
"It's a humanoid scorpion. It almost gave me a headache."
Rowan picked up Karakuna's mana core, grinning. "Oi, old man. How about a duel? You seem like the perfect target for some physical training."
Ashan chuckled. "You've got guts. Fine, I'll fight."
"Perfect. I'm itching to beat someone up badly. But remember, this is a duel using only strength. No other tricks or mana."
"Right. No skills, no mana. Agreed."
Rowan shed his armor and weapons. Ashan stored his Gunbai. They squared off.
Sorin grew nervous. "Do we really want to do this right now? Why don't we collect these and go out?"
"Sister, there's no way that's happening. This is a perfect opportunity for me to beat him up. Moreover, you're here. If anything happens to him, you can patch him up."
"It's true. But..."
Sorin glanced at Ashan, who reassured her.
"By the way, Sorin, can you regenerate body parts?"
"Huh... body parts? I can, but who's going to lose body parts?"
Ashan stretched his arms leisurely. "Who knows? We'll find out."
His gaze settled on Rowan.
He's right, this is a perfect chance to measure myself against an S-ranker. My rank gives me strength, but my body is still unrefined. In pure physical terms, I might be at a disadvantage.But cursed mode changes that. Once I layer its overwhelming power over my own… this won't even be a contest.
Ashan rolled his neck once, muscles loosening as his posture relaxed.
"Well then…" he said calmly, eyes sharp, "shall we dance?"
Upon activating the cursed mode, a surge of wicked cursed energy radiated from Ashan. Sorin sensed the terrifying presence and shuddered.
'What is this feeling? Is it dark mana? No, this energy can't be compared to dark mana. It's stronger.'
Rowan froze in place, a cold sweat trickling down his temple. His instincts screamed danger.
"Dark mana?" he snapped. "You're using that filthy energy? Don't tell me you already forgot the rules, no mana!"
Ashan tilted his head, genuinely amused. "Dark mana? No. This is just my full strength."
Rowan's eyes twitched. "You think I'm an idiot? Don't lie to my face."
Sorin intervened. "He's not using any mana. The energy he's emitting is something else."
Ashan spread his hands calmly. "Don't worry. Surely it's a form of energy, as long as you won't break your own rule, I won't use skills or other things related to it. I give my word."
Rowan let out a sharp scoff, forcing his confidence back onto his face.
"Hmph. Fine. I don't care what kind of power it is. You'll still end up on the ground."
He rolled his shoulders, stepping forward.
"So? Ready to get beaten?"
Ashan smiled beneath his mask.
"Anytime."
They launched at each other, fists colliding. Boom... A shockwave rippled through the dungeon. Rowan was hurled back, landing on his feet meters away.
Sorin, observing, quickly assessed the outcome. Unlike Rowan, she had extensive combat experience.
'Rowan is going to get hurt.'
Ashan laughed maniacally. Rowan's face twisted in fury.
"Are you making fun of me? Don't get cocky because you landed a good punch. You haven't seen what I'm capable of yet."
Ashan grinned. "Then bring it on."
They clashed again in close combat. Rowan unleashed a flurry of blows, which Ashan deflected effortlessly. He countered with a knee to Rowan's stomach, forcing him back once more.
Ashan's voice was playful, taunting. "Now… who's the punching material, brat?"