Chapter 9

When entering the cave, everything was covered in black shadows, so I couldn't see anything.

I didn't realize it at first, but it seems I'm in a rather large cave.

After walking for about five minutes, I finally arrived at the next space.

All I can see are shadows, but when I purify the area, a vast space becomes faintly visible.

It feels as wide as the space where the wolves were when I first entered.

Well, I can't be sure because of the shadows.

Looking at the wolves, they seem quite exhausted.

They must have lost a lot of stamina due to the curse.

Maybe it would have been better to rest a bit more before moving on.

I'm sorry.

However, it doesn't seem like we can rest here right away.

The reason is the shadows.

They are everywhere, and this presence seems to slowly wear down my spirit.

We need to purify the area before we can rest.

I could imagine the visible range as I did before,

but I want to try purifying a larger area in one go.

...

Doing the same thing over and over is tedious.

...

I can't see anything, not even how far the inside goes.

The shadows completely cover everything.

The only way is to use magic.

For seeing in the dark, I should use Dark Vision.

For seeing what's invisible, should I use Far Sight or千里眼 (Thousand Mile Eye)? Which one?

... I don't know.

Let's try imagining Dark Vision first, and then Far Sight or Thousand Mile Eye...

Hmm, I can't even imagine it.

Ah, Dark Vision seems more doable. Far Sight... Thousand Mile Eye...

It's impossible.

I can't even picture what kind of image I need to create.

Let's think of a different spell.

It would be great if I could sense the invisible space.

Spatial Awareness, maybe? The image for this is... a bit tricky, but I can sort of get it.

Using magic to flow and check the space in the darkness, can I do it?

...

I have to try.

"Dark Vision. Spatial Awareness"

It worked, but it scared me.

Suddenly, a real image appeared in my head, though it being anime-like is a problem in itself.

Well, now I need to imagine cleaning the area from corner to corner using this image.

"Purify"

I can't help but smile a little.

It feels so good when it works.

While I'm at it, I need to prevent shadows from entering from somewhere unknown.

"Barrier"

Perfect!

I even did a small victory pose.

Embarrassing.

Now, I recognize that this is a huge space.

And my gaze is drawn to a certain spot.

"I don't want to see it, but I can see it anyway."

In front of me is a mass emitting dark, ominous shadows, like a pitch-black rock.

Well, I've never seen a rock that emits curses in Japan.

Is this the source of the curse?