As I flew through the space, it felt like the very fabric of reality had been altered. I drifted away from Uztia, yet it seemed as though I remained in the same spot, caught in a strange paradox.

Strangely, just as fast, I was thrown to the ground, forced onto my knees, and crushed by the same white hand moments before.

"I wouldn't even bother with you if it wasn't an order from Lord. I'm not even sure why he thought it was required to have you alive. However, this will be an opportunity to rid yourself of the brand."

"The brand? Oh, you mean this?" I looked to my right arm and saw a tattoo that wrapped around my arm, covering the majority of it.

The tattoo showed a snake skeleton that slithered from my upper right shoulder, winding its way down my arm and finishing on the backside of my hand. It shimmered and rippled like water disturbed by a thrown stone, reminiscent of a mirage shimmering in the heat of the desert. Initially, I believed I was imagining it until the snake flicked its tongue at me.

A dark aura radiated from the tattoo, brimming with a mix of emotions: fury, sorrow, hopelessness, rage, and an insatiable hunger. The sensation of it crawling across my skin made me scrunch my nose in disgust.

"The brand is an indelible mark that remains on the bearer until they eliminate the one who bestowed it. In this case, you must take down Lucifero to rid yourself of it. Lucifero is considered immortal and beyond reach, tormenting us for ages. Your odds of defeating him solo are nonexistent, a point I'll elaborate on later. However, this chance for a new life will benefit us both. You will end Lucifero's existence for the Lord, and in doing so, you will break free from the curse."

"And how can I defeat an opponent that powerful?"