"Are you sure this guy you're talking about lives in a place like this?"
Mahito looked up at the quiet, peaceful village before them, already suspecting that this time, Mr. Enemy might walk away empty‑handed again.
For all he knew, this one could turn out to be another traitor who had chosen to blend into human society.
Sanhu just grinned. "Wait till you meet Huddi — then you'll see."
His words stirred curiosity among the other Cursed Spirits.
By now, Mr. Enemy's group had grown to include four Special‑Grade spirits: Mahito, Cyber, Nana the Snow Woman, and Sanhu. If Hanami hadn't been killed, there would have been five.
After eliminating that insubordinate little troublemaker Moxi, Mr. Enemy felt much more at ease, and his efforts to recruit new members had gone smoothly.
Sanhu had even agreed to join and revealed the location of yet another Special‑Grade spirit — which was exactly why they were here today.
They walked deeper into the village. Their strange and imposing appearance barely drew any attention at all.
The villagers were either tending to their crops in the fields or kneeling in devout prayer toward some distant point.
Only when they reached a magnificent, gilded temple did Mr. Enemy sense the thick, heavy aura of Cursed Energy emanating from within.
This being…
The confident smile on Mr. Enemy's face faded slightly. He could feel the immense power hidden beneath the surface.
Hundreds of villagers knelt in silent worship, their eyes completely ignoring the strangers standing among them.
Suddenly, the massive doors of the temple swung open. Two young acolytes stepped out and invited Mr. Enemy and his group inside.
Instantly, the faces of the other villagers shifted from devotion to longing — envy. Why weren't they the ones called into the presence of the deity?
But no matter how much they wished otherwise, the doors closed again, leaving them filled with disappointment.
Once inside, the group found the space far larger than it looked from the outside. The master of this place had used his Cursed Energy to solidify the dimensions and create a Pseudo‑Domain, making the interior vast and expansive.
"Our master awaits you within. Please enter, honored guests."
"Tch — putting on airs and playing mysterious games."
Nana the Snow Woman wore a look of disdain. She hated the formalities and customs of humans; they felt slow and pointless.
True to her nature, even though she had taken on a roughly human shape, she still retained leathery wings, clawed hands, and a sharp, beak‑like mouth, giving her a terrifying appearance.
The door opened, and they stepped inside. Nana was already preparing to sneer and mock whoever was there — but the moment she laid eyes on the figure and felt the overwhelming pressure radiating from him, cold sweat broke out across her entire body. She clamped her mouth shut, not daring to utter a single word.
"Welcome. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Standing before them was a towering, muscular giant more than five meters tall. Yet he spoke with polite, refined manners, lifting a teacup that looked like a toy in his massive hand and sipping from it gently.
A flicker of wariness crossed Mr. Enemy's eyes, but he quickly replaced it with a bright smile. He gestured for everyone to sit, then picked up his own cup and began to sip tea as well.
Neither side spoke first.
Only after the third round of fresh tea was served did the giant, Huddi, set his cup down, looking faintly impressed.
By now, every other spirit in the room was growing restless and tense — all except Mr. Enemy.
"It has been a very long time since I met one of our kind who knows how to sit quietly and appreciate the moment. You are not bad — far better than that empty‑headed vase beside you."
"Who are you calling empty‑headed?!"
Sanhu slammed his fist down on the table in fury. The large vase fused to his head began to spew blasts of scorching steam, roaring like a steam engine.
"Sanhu — calm down. We are guests here, not here to pick a fight."
Sensing that this opponent was far stronger and more difficult to handle than expected, Mr. Enemy immediately adjusted his approach.
He realized Huddi seemed to enjoy the refined customs and manners of humans — something he could certainly use to his advantage.
Sure enough, hearing those words improved Huddi's impression of him, though he still looked at Sanhu and the others with open contempt, as if a noble lord gazing down upon lowly peasants.
"Out of respect for your companion, I will overlook this outburst. But try my patience again, and I will seal you deep beneath the earth, where you shall remain trapped forever."
Sanhu's face twisted in anger, but he knew he could not win. Huddi's power was terrifying — which was exactly why he had pushed so hard to bring everyone here together.
In his mind, Huddi would never agree to join them, and a fight was inevitable. Even if Huddi was strong, they outnumbered him greatly. How could they possibly lose?
But now, seeing how calmly Mr. Enemy was handling the situation, Sanhu realized his earlier assumptions had been far too naive.
This leader was far more patient and calculating than he seemed. He could only huff in frustration and hold his tongue.
"Allow me to introduce myself. You may call me Mr. Enemy. This is Sanhu, whom you already know. And these are…"
Huddi raised a hand, cutting him off. "I have no interest in those you have brought with you. There is no need to tell me their names."
The remark made Sanhu's already sour expression turn even darker. Nana looked equally displeased. Cyber, the sand spirit, kept his feelings hidden, though his irritation was clear.
Only Mahito's smile grew wider — he was already imagining how satisfying it would be to reshape this arrogant giant into a new puppet.
Huddi's pride ran deep; even his earlier politeness had been nothing more than a show of superiority. Now he saw no reason to hide it.
Mr. Enemy paused briefly, then got straight to the point. "In that case, I shall speak plainly. I have founded an organization whose purpose is to unite all Cursed Spirits and stand together against humanity…"
"And I would like to invite you to join us."
To his surprise, Huddi did not react with anger. Instead, he leaned forward, looking genuinely interested, and asked several questions, all of which Mr. Enemy answered in detail.
"Overthrow the humans, and let Cursed Spirits rule this world?"
"Exactly."
"Sounds promising. Very well — count me in."
Mr. Enemy froze, completely caught off guard. He had expected a long debate and had prepared countless arguments, yet none of them were needed.
But he soon realized he had celebrated too soon.
"Hold on — I still have a few more questions."
"Of course. Ask whatever you wish."
"Suppose we truly succeed in confining humanity and taking control of this world. Then who shall rule over the Cursed Spirits?"
So I underestimated him after all.
Asking this question proved that beneath his rough exterior, Huddi was sharp and thoughtful — he had not been swayed by Mr. Enemy's words at all.
Mr. Enemy frowned. If anyone else had asked, he would have claimed the position without hesitation. But he knew that was not the answer Huddi wanted.
So instead, he tossed the question back, turning it into a test. "What do you think?"
"Simple enough," Huddi said, baring his sharp, gleaming teeth in a grin. "The strongest, of course."
The mask of civility fell away — his true intentions were finally laid bare.
____________________
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