I Can Copy Curses

"I accidentally entered a dungeon where I faced a life-and-death situation and somehow awakened my system."

That was what Orion told them and that was what he also believed to be the true reason why he awakened his talent.

Since his talent had something to do with curses, it hadn't awakened when he was born, and anything related to curses had a lot to do with negative emotions.

Although he had his fair share of negativity growing up in the palace of the Darkwood family, it wasn't anywhere near the life-and-death situation he had faced in the dungeon, and that was the reason he couldn't awaken his talent in the family and was easily able to awaken it in a dungeon.

In a way, what he said was the truth.

"So, your father was right when he mentioned you need to push through the limits to awaken your talent."

His mother mentioned the things his father said to awaken his talent. She felt very complex about this because, for this reason, Orion's cousin beat him in the name of training.

Orion didn't agree with what his mother said just now. Although his father's words meant for him to awaken his talent, he believed he said those words out of anger and disappointment that his youngest son couldn't awaken his talent.

Though he also believed he could be wrong about this matter completely,.

"Orion, tell me what happened after that."

His mother asked curiously, and her expression appeared worried too.

"Yes, Big Brother Orion, tell me what happened."

Ella also demanded to know what happened in the dungeon.

Looking at their curious faces, Orion told them briefly about what happened in the dungeon and of course he cut out the part about the god and anything related to that.

He also mentioned what happened after they left the dungeon, how they found themselves on planet Sadola and what transpired after that with the arrival of the sword sage. But he excluded the part where he turned into a giant. That would be too shocking for anyone to believe.

In the end, he mentioned the attack of the demon race in the Starforge.

He almost told them everything that had happened since he arrived in this world.

His mother's face turned to shock, worry, and shock and worry as she heard his adventures. She felt her son might have it harder compared to the other descendants in this test. But she also felt proud that he ultimately triumphed over all of that and awakened his talent.

"Orion, you should go to sleep now. Tomorrow is the assessment and you should rest early for that."

His mother suggested that Orion rest. She knew his son was strong after hearing his story but as a mother, she felt worried nonetheless.

"Mother, don't worry. I will be fine."

Orion shook his head at her.

"Son, even so, go and have a rest."

She insisted on Orion having a rest.

Orion sighed and accepted her mother's proposal.

"Alright, mother, I will see you tomorrow and see you guys tomorrow too."

He stood up from his chair and said his goodbyes to his mother, his friends, and his sisters.

"Big Brother, you will have to win tomorrow."

Ella shouted at Orion and held her hands high, which still held the fork and knife she was eating with.

"Of course."

Orion laughed and left the hall.

Moments later, he appeared in his own room and laid down on his bed to sleep.

***

The next day, everyone from the Darkwood family gathered in what appeared to be a battle arena.

It wasn't like the one from the last time—no, it was completely different.

It was as big as a football stadium and all around it were seats for spectators to sit and enjoy the battle happening on the arena.

At the highest point of the arena, where one could get the best view of the battle, seated the Master of the Darkwood Family—Barion Darkwood—and the Mistress—Olivia.

There were many other seats in that area where all the elders and other senior members of the family sat.

The junior members of the family, like Orion's big brother and big sister, including Ella, were assigned to an area just below the senior members. They had already sat in their respective seats, waiting for the assessment to begin. Orion's friends were also seated there, watching the show.

Meanwhile, the eight members, including Orion, who would participate in the assessment were standing near the Master of the Darkwood Family.

At that moment, the Master of the Darkwood Family stood up and waved his hands at the bustling crowd, causing everyone in the arena to become silent.

"Today is the assessment of these young lads, who had gone through so much in the time frame they were away from the family. Have a round of applause for them that they managed to pass the test."

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

"Young Master Ford, do your best."

"Prince Tray, I am supporting you."

"Princess Lucy, do your best."

"Young Master Dustin, I am cheering for you. Do your best."

Waves of clapping sounds were heard all around the battle arena, along with encouraging words to the seven young men who would participate in the assessment.

In the midst of all this, Orion, who had been paying attention to everything, smiled wryly. He thought about how only his little sister and a few others who had watched his battle in the arena the previous day had cheered for him.

At that moment, Barion waved his hand, and the crowd fell silent once again.

"The rule of the assessment is simple. All the participants will fight a battle royal in the arena and the last one standing there will win the assessment. Is that clear?"

Barion explained the rule loudly so that everyone could hear him and turned his attention to the eight individuals who would participate in the assessment.

Dustin raised his hand at the moment.

"What is it, Nephew Dustin?"

"Master, what happens when there is a tie between the last two standing individuals?"

"At that time, another battle would take place between the tied candidates and the winner of that battle would ultimately decide the winner of the assessment."

"What if that battle would again result in a tie?"

"Then we would continue to hold battles between them until a clear winner was decided. Anything else, Nephew Dustin?"

"No, Master."

Barion nodded at Dustin before he turned to look at everyone in the arena.

"Alright, let's star."

However, he suddenly stopped midway when he was about to declare the start of the assessment and looked above.

Everyone else seemed confused by their master's reaction and they all turned to look at the sky.

But there was nothing in the sky and the weather was also fine, with clouds all around the sky.

It was at that moment that a huge silhouette could be seen taking shape behind the clouds.

Moments later, the silhouette tore through the clouds and revealed itself to the residents of Morse.

Everyone was surprised to see a huge void shuttle had entered their planet and their master didn't do anything to stop it.

Soon, the void shuttle stopped near the arena and the gate leading to it opened, revealing three figures making their way towards them.