Chapter 229
Then came a regal-looking individual, her posture exuding authority. Her eyes scanned the surroundings with a cold, calculating glare. She had a crown of thorns digging into her scalp, and her limbs were bound in heavy chains that dragged behind her. As her gaze fell on James, he felt a crushing weight of tyranny, a need to submit. She represented the curse of power used to dominate and oppress, a ruler who would bring others to their knees with her mere presence.
In contrast, a brute of a man followed her, his muscles bulging grotesquely, veins pulsating just under his skin. His skin was a patchwork of scars and fresh wounds, and his hands were unnaturally large, capable of crushing bone with ease. He radiated raw physical power, but his curse was the compulsion to use it to harm and control. As he moved, the ground seemed to tremble, and James felt a primal fear, the instinct to flee from the violence this being embodied.
From the mist, another figure appeared, dressed in flamboyant attire, seeking the attention of all around him. His face was an ever-shifting mask of other people’s features, never settling on his own. His curse was the insatiable need for fame at the expense of others. As he paraded, James felt a repulsion, sensing the underhanded tactics this being would use to climb to the top, no matter who he trampled on.
But there was also another side of fame. A figure cloaked in shadows emerged, shunned and whispered about. His face was blurred, constantly shifting and never clear, representing anonymity and public disgrace. The curse of public disgrace hung heavily around him. As this being moved, James felt a pang of empathy, understanding the crushing weight of being forever scorned and humiliated.
Then, a grotesque figure lumbered forth, adorned in tattered finery that had once been luxurious. His skin was a sickly gold, shimmering unnaturally, and his fingers were elongated into claws that clutched at invisible riches. Coins and jewels seemed embedded in his flesh, causing him constant pain as they glittered with a cursed light. This was the embodiment of wealth, cursed to be consumed by greed. As he moved, his eyes darted, and James felt an overwhelming desire to hoard and protect, a greed so intense it made him sick yet he couldn’t help but want more riches to himself.
Lastly, two more beings stepped forth. One, an artist of extraordinary skill, displayed their talents with a sneer, belittling all who watched. His fingers were unnaturally long and nimble, but his eyes were hollow, devoid of joy. This was the curse of talent used to demean others. As James watched, he felt his own inadequacies magnified, a deep-seated shame for not measuring up.
The final figure was a tragic sight. They were frail, their movements shaky and unsure. Their hands, once deft and sure, were now clumsy and weak, fingers twisted and useless. Their eyes, once filled with confidence and spark, were now clouded with despair. This was the curse of never having talent. As James observed, he felt a profound sorrow and fear, the terror of a life lived in mediocrity, haunted by the dreams of skills they never possessed. The haunting memory of what they aspired to be, now forever out of reach, was etched on their weary face.
James stood among these cursed beings, each a reflection of a twisted aspect of human desire and ambition.
Back in Mahu’s realm, she was busy retwisting Ikenga braids when all of sudden Ikenga cursed tattoos glowed purple, his eyes glowing too, which caught her attention "What’s that? she asked