The Strongest Curse Master

Chapter 157: Innate Curse Art: Cursed Ascension

Chapter 157: Innate Curse Art: Cursed Ascension

Humans' relationship with freedom is ironic. When they have it, they often take it for granted, willingly trading it for a more comfortable life. Yet, when they lose it, they yearn for it desperately, even to the point of risking their lives to reclaim it. 

Ace had paid enough attention in history class to realize this. If he wanted to turn things around with Layla and get her to serve him willingly—enthusiastically even—he needed to make her believe it was her choice. It had to feel like she was doing it out of her own free will. Whether or not she realized she was Emi's Shikigami Slave didn't matter in the long run. Her life bond with Emi's Shikigami, her Curseling partner, would ensure she fulfilled her intended role.

All Layla had to do was use her new status as a curse slave to climb the ranks of the C.I.B., gaining higher clearance and access to sensitive information. The more she uncovered, the more Ace would know—ensuring he was never blindsided by the agency again.

The most effective way to make that happen was simple: Layla had to believe her new powers came without strings attached. If she suspected otherwise, she might try to distance herself from the C.I.B., or worse, do something reckless. That couldn't happen.

Even though the Shikigami Slave Art gave Emi absolute control over Layla's body and life through the life bond, it didn't extend to her will. Layla had already shown she was highly ambitious but also willing to make enormous sacrifices for what she believed was the greater good. Someone like that couldn't be controlled through brute force or fear alone. Trying to dominate her outright would only backfire.