The two men face each other in the abandoned mansion.

Without any hesitation, Ray heads straight towards Gerard who momentarily loses sight of him.

Your back. (Ray)

Im sorry to say but I see you. (Gerard)

Gerard spins around and readies his shield to intercept the unique sword but at that moment hes slashed across his back.

Guh.!! (Gerard)

I told you your back. (Ray)

In the split second that Gerard had reacted and turned around Ray had moved behind him again and slashed him.

A normal person would have died from that single slash but as expected from a mazoku from 2000 years ago his body was strong.

As expected from someone from the chaos generation. For a mazoku from this time youre pretty good, however.. (Gerard)

Gerards shield emits a gloomy blue light and Rays back suddenly tears and spurts out blood.

Rays wound was obviously deeper than Gerards.

Ray-san! (Misa)

Im fine. (Ray)

Ignoring his wound Ray focussed on the shield.

Its cursed I see. (Ray)

Gerard nodded.

Majun Genias. Its a magic tool that curses the person who injures its user with the same wound and pain but doubled. As long as I hold this shield you will be injured more than me. (Gerard)

Really? (Ray)

Rays steps forward and swings Sigshesta down.

Fuu! (Ray)

Turning his body Gerard blocks Sigshesta with Genias.

Or rather he would have done but the blade changed its path halfway through.

Ill have that first. (Ray)

Gerards right hand was amputated at the wrist and falls down still holding Genias.

Haaa! (Ray)

Quickly reversing his stroke Ray swings at Gerards neck and fresh blood is scattered, however, Gerards head is still attached as Rays right hand still holding Sigshesta falls to the floor.

I said as long as I hold the shield but that was a lie. Youre a good swordsman but youre a little too honest. Even if I no longer hold it the curse wont be removed unless the shield is broken. (Gerard)

I see. Unfortunately, Im not much of a tactician. (Ray)

With a cool smile, Ray casts Total Complete Demon Healing <Ai Shearu> on his wrist but it doesnt heal at all.

Its useless. Due to the curse recovery magic wont work. (Gerard)

Thats unfortunate. (Ray)

Ray picks up Sigshesta with his left hand.

Why arent you healing your hand and back though? (Ray)

I wonder why? (Gerard)

The curse amplifies and returns the wound its user receives but does it stop you from healing as well? (Ray)

Who knows? It might stop it or I could just be pretending and can heal myself at any time. (Gerard)

Hes basically saying he has the overwhelming advantage here.

Do you have the courage to test it? (Gerard)

Of course Ill test it. (Ray)

Stepping forward without caring Ray slashes at Gerards left leg scattering more blood.

The light on the shield increases and the curse activates cutting Rays thigh more deeply than Gerards.

Without caring Ray carries on.

Fuu!! (Ray)

As hes swinging his blade with all his might at Gerards shoulder Gerard Raises Genias and Ray connects with the shield instead causing a strange sound to ring out.

Finally got you. (Gerard)

As Gerard was talking the curse sliced through Rays shoulder.

.Kuu..! (Ray)

Ray falls down on one knee.

I never said the curse wouldnt activate if I blocked with the shield. Gerard said never breaking his polite behaviour.

You should have understood from this that you cant win here since you are no good with magic. (Gerard)

I wonder about that (Ray)

Ray stands up slowly.

Do you know who I am? (Ray)

Yes, I know you well. The demonic sword saint Ray Grandori. You are no good with magic but your skill with the sword and your ability to grow in the heat of battle is no less inferior than a mazoku from 2000 years ago. However. (Gerard)

Gerard drew a magic formation and pulled a sword out of it. It had the same blue jewel in it that the shield had. It was more than likely also a cursed item.

No matter how much you grow, any wound you give me is returned to you. Unfortunately, you lack experience when fighting against the curse kings forces. (Gerard)

Gerard steps towards Ray and swings his cursed sword down with all his might at Rays head who blocked it with Sigshesta. Where the two swords clashed Gerards cursed sword chipped easily.

Ray frowned as the cursed sword was too fragile.

Immediately after a stab wound appeared in his chest. The curse moved the intended wound.

.Guu (Ray)

How will you dodge this? (Gerard)