Cursed

Chapter 8

"Crystallization skill?" Lucian asked.

"Yes, the ability to turn body parts or objects into a type of stone that is harder than diamonds." Aika smiled, showing Lucian her hand, which had turned completely into a crimson red crystal, "The color changes depending on the person."

"Is this a common skill?"

"No, up to date, you and I are the only ones with it."

"Congrats!" Melodie grinned.

"And back to you!" Aika turned back to Melodie, "Do you know how much energy I had to use to revive Lucian? You even used poison!"

"I'm sorry..." Melodie chuckled nervously.

"Lucian, it didn't hurt too much, did it?" Aika asked.

"O-oh! No, not at all!" Lucian stuttered.

"That's good. That's the only good thing about Melodie's poison. It makes the opponent feel no pain when injected with it. That's why I have decided not to punish you, Melodie."

"Thank you!" Melodie beamed.

"You punish heroes?"

"Of course. It's only proper for people to pay a price for their crimes. Just like a killer who has to die for their sins." With that, Aika left.

...

Lucian walked through the hallways with Melodie, conversing while they did.

"Could you show me the process by any chance?" Melodie's glasses shined.

"S-sure..."

Lucian focused hard. A while ago, Aika had taught him how to activate the crystallization. He just had to focus really hard and imagine the crystal on his hand. Just like Aika's description, a thick layer of the black stone had encased his arm.

"Wow! C-can I touch it?" Melodie's glasses showed digital stars.

'Yeah, s-sure..."

Melodie gently placed one of her mechanical hands on the hard shell. It was a smooth cold surface that gave off cursed energy. For some reason, only Melodie could sense cursed energy while other heroes couldn't. They just thought that people with the curse had no powers.

"That's awesome!" Melodie beamed, quickly retracting her hands, "Anyway, did you hear about the mission from Aika?"

"Mission?" Lucian asked.

"Yeah! We have our first mission together!"

...

"Why did you put those two together for a mission? It'll be too easy for him if Melodie was there." Trias asked his wife.

"Well, it's very clear that they're attracted to each other. Besides, I believe that this might even be a mission that Melodie might struggle on herself. That's why I sent Lucian with her."

The couple were walking outside in a public park. Trias had covered his extra eyes with an extra layer of skin. Aika had to wear black glasses and pretend that she was blind. After all, it wouldn't really be lying since one of her eyes was.

"Why not send Uriel with her? He has an ability similar to crystallization." Trias suggested.

"No. This will be a good experience for Lucian."

"Why not send another hero just in case. I don't believe that Lucian's... Prepared."

"Come on. No one likes a third wheel, right?" Aika smiled.