The cold wind bit harder than before as Cyr stumbled through the twisted alleyways of the border town, the scent of smoke and burnt metal clinging to his lungs. His right arm throbbed where the blackened symbol burned into his flesh — a curse mark, a binding token forced upon him by the Syndicate's enforcers.
[System Alert: Curse Mark Detected — Origin: External]
Effect: Life Drain (Passive), Obedience Modifier (Active)
Resistance Level: Low
Warning: High dependency risk. Remove via Forbidden Ritual or Risk Fatal Repercussions.
He swallowed hard, clutching the sleeve of his tattered cloak tighter around the mark. Every step sent waves of heat pulsing beneath the skin, as if the mark was alive — a parasite leeching power.
"Did you really think you could walk free from their grip?" a voice rasped behind him.
Cyr spun. A gaunt figure stepped from the shadows, eyes shining with malice and desperation — a low-level Syndicate dealer named Corvan.
"You're marked," Corvan sneered, "And you'll never be free until they say so."
Cyr said nothing. He felt the power drain sapping his strength, but beneath it, something else stirred — a flicker of defiance, fueled by the cursed system buried deep inside him.
He reached inward, summoning the faintest thread of binding energy — a whisper against the oppressive weight.
[System Notification: Curse Resistance Protocol Activated]
Temporary Shield: 3 seconds
Cost: 10% Mana Pool
Cooldown: 20 seconds
The mark flared, burning brighter for a heartbeat, then dimmed as Cyr dashed past Corvan and disappeared into the labyrinthine streets.
Later, in the safe house, Cyr examined his arm in a cracked mirror. The mark was still there, stubborn and smoldering.
"Binding marks like these," a voice said behind him — Maro, stepping into the room, eyes cold but curious — "aren't just collars. They're living contracts. Feeding on your will. The longer you carry one, the harder it is to think for yourself."
Cyr clenched his jaw. "Is there a way to break them?"
Maro smiled bitterly. "Sure. But it costs more than you can afford — forbidden rituals, blood oaths, or a death sentence."
The room fell silent except for the hum of the System interface hovering nearby.
[New Objective Added: Investigate Forbidden Rituals to Remove Curse Mark]
Cyr stared at the glowing text. Freedom wasn't given — it was stolen.
And he was ready to pay any price.