The Infinite Story Volume 1

18. How unfortunate

The curse inflicted upon Jay is undeniably potent, possessing both a universal deal and two powerful effects.

A universal deal, also known as a reality deal, involves making a deal with the universe, exchanging something of equal value for another. Once made, this deal cannot be broken by any means, not even reality magic or by any other ways. However, it can be weakened by other universal deals, requiring something exceptionally valuable to counteract. Such deals can be made between two parties or with oneself, enabling one to acquire something desired. Once a universal deal is sealed, there's no turning back.

Hence, the curse placed on Jay remained unbreakable, possessing two potent effects. Firstly, it nullified any healing magic, rendering him unable to heal injuries magically, compelling him to rely solely on natural healing processes. Secondly, it targeted his reincarnation ability, threatening to sever it if the curse penetrated his soul. Fortunately, his soul was heavily safeguarded by the reincarnation system and his ace ability, Skullk, providing him with formidable protection against such threats.

The symbiotic relationship between Jay and Skullk meant that Jay's soul resided within Skullk's, intertwining their fates. As Skullk had to safeguard its own soul, it naturally shielded Jay's soul as well, offering him a layer of protection against the curse's effects. However, Jay couldn't afford to risk death, as the consequences remained uncertain. Despite Skullk's mythical nature, the extent to which it could adapt to the curse's influence remained unclear, leaving their fate uncertain.

Sam's ability as the game master took effect, teleporting them into random locations, all separated from each other. Jay found himself in a forest. He could sense a lot of life forms all around him but didn't really pay attention to them. He looked around, ensuring that he was alone and no one was looking at him.

"Oh, god..." Jay bent over and started to vomit out blood. The damage he had suffered throughout the chess game with Sam finally got to him. He couldn't hold it in anymore. He wouldn't hear the end of it if Blue saw him in that state. "Oh, wow, so you do have a limit," he would have said.

Jay sensed a "familiar" life presence near him from up in the trees and decided to make his presence known, hoping to catch their attention in an obvious way.

Jay began speaking with his eyes closed, fidgeting with Skullk. "Oh boy, it sure was fun killing that Sam guy earlier. You should have seen his face, what a loooser, aren't I RIGHT!" He turned his gaze toward Sylvia, who had launched herself, aiming an attack at Jay. But before she could get close, Jay enlarged his hand with Skullk and grabbed her whole head.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't slime girl. Congrats on still being alive!" Jay brought her close to his face.

"Let me GO!" she said, hitting Jay's hand and trying to escape.

Jay threw her against a tree and started walking casually. "Look, I know we started off on the wrong foot. How about a truce?"

Sylvia went for another attack, but Jay dodged it and continued walking. "You're too slow."

Sylvia attempted to hit him several times, but Jay kept dodging. Then, an arrow was shot from an unknown direction at Jay's head, but he dodged that one too. "Huh?"

"The pretty boy's got moves," someone said from within the trees.

"Your words flatter me." Jay responded in a girly way.

The leader of the hunters grunted and looked at Jay. "Give us our catch back!"

"Your what now?"

"The slime!"

"Oh, you mean the girl?"

"Those creatures can be deceiving; it probably took a girl's form to trick men like you."