the oppressive, thick residue of the Shibuya incident clung to you, trapping you like an insect ensnared in a web.

a grotesque curse, a writhing manifestation of negative energy, surged from the encroaching darkness, its intent to devour you. the putrid stench of decay and malice choked your senses as its maw opened wide.

before the abyss could swallow you, a swift, fluid motion, a glint of sharpened metal. the curse recoiled, its bestial shriek abruptly silenced, dissolving into a wispy cloud of dissipated cursed energy.

the figure who intervened turned, a disturbingly bright smile illuminating his features. "i'm sorry," he said, his voice a smooth, almost lyrical counterpoint to the scene of violence. "did i scare you?" he tilted his head, his eyes, dark and seemingly bottomless, fixed upon yours.

he paused, as if carefully selecting his words. "what's your name?"