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The Cursed Technique, "Trace Mark" (痕跡印術 / Konseki Injutsu)

Mai possesses the inherited cursed technique known as Trace Mark, a rare technique that allows her to place invisible cursed seals, known as Traces, upon living beings, cursed spirits, objects, and even portions of the environment.

By channeling cursed energy through physical contact or cursed-infused attacks, Mai leaves behind these marks. Individually, a Trace is harmless. However, as Traces accumulate, Mai gains increasing influence over the target and can trigger a variety of effects.

The technique rewards patience, strategy, and precision rather than overwhelming power.

Unlike conventional offensive cursed techniques, Trace Mark grows stronger throughout the battle, allowing Mai to gradually gain control of the battlefield.

OFFENSE

The primary offensive function of Trace Mark is the accumulation and activation of cursed marks.

Each successful strike places a Trace upon the target.As the number of Traces increases:

The target becomes easier to track. Their cursed energy becomes easier to disrupt. Mai's techniques become more effective against them.

Trace Detonation

Mai can remotely activate placed Traces.Upon activation, the marks release condensed cursed energy directly into the target.

Effects vary depending on the number of accumulated marks:

Few marks = minor damage

Moderate marks = internal disruption

High amounts = severe cursed energy instability

Trace Collapse

A stronger version of Trace Detonation. Mai activates every Trace on a target simultaneously, causing a chain reaction throughout their cursed energy network. This attack can temporarily disable cursed techniques and leave opponents vulnerable.

Hunter's Mark

After marking an opponent multiple times, Mai gains an instinctive awareness of their location and movement patterns. Escaping her becomes increasingly difficult.

DEFENSE

Trace Barrier

Mai places Traces throughout a designated area.

When activated, the marks connect together and form temporary barriers capable of blocking attacks.

The larger the barrier, the greater the cursed energy cost.

Mark Suppression

Mai can place specialized Traces that interfere with cursed energy flow. These marks weaken techniques and reduce output without completely sealing them. Against stronger opponents, the effect is reduced.

Echo Recall

Mai can place Traces upon allies or objects.

These marks allow her to locate them later and react quickly to threats. This ability is commonly used during missions and rescue operations.

SHIKIGAMI ARTS

Unlike traditional shikigami users, Mai does not summon creatures directly.

Instead, her shikigami are born from accumulated Traces.These creations are known as Mark Wraiths (痕霊 / Konrei). Each Wraith is formed from cursed energy gathered within existing marks.

Hunter Wraith

A wolf-like shikigami created from enemy Traces.

Functions:

•Tracking

•Pursuit

•Reconnaissance

The more marks on the target, the stronger the Hunter Wraith becomes.

Anchor Wraith

A defensive shikigami created from marked terrain or structures.

Functions:

•Guarding allies

•Creating barriers

•Restricting movement

Mirror Wraith

Mai's most difficult shikigami to create. It is formed through extensive observation of a marked target. The Wraith can imitate simple combat movements and techniques, though at a weaker level.

Wraith Fusion

By combining multiple Mark Wraiths, Mai can temporarily create stronger composite shikigami. The process consumes immense cursed energy and cannot be maintained for long periods.

ULTIMATE MOVES

Trace Collapse: Hundred Marks

Mai activates every Trace within a large area simultaneously. All marked targets suffer cursed energy disruption at once. This technique is particularly effective against groups.

Phantom Hunt

Mai releases multiple Hunter Wraiths at once.

Every Wraith automatically pursues a marked target until destroyed. The technique is extremely difficult to escape once activated.

Eternal Echo

Mai's strongest shikigami technique.

By sacrificing all active Traces and Mark Wraiths, she creates a massive composite shikigami formed from accumulated cursed energy. The resulting entity possesses tremendous power but can only remain manifested briefly.

ATTRIBUTES

Mai's cursed technique revolves around a unique symbol known as the Trace Wheel, a circular formation composed of five interconnected markings.

Each symbol represents a different aspect of her technique.

Silver represents detection, tracking, and perception.

Blue represents barriers and protection.

Green represents support and ally-marking.

Purple represents shikigami manifestation.

Crimson represents Trace Detonation and offensive applications.

When activating her technique, portions of the Trace Wheel appear in front of her hand, beneath her feet or behind her back.

Control

Trace Mark requires constant management of active marks and shikigami. The more Traces that exist simultaneously, the greater the mental burden placed on Mai.

Precision

Marks must be applied carefully. Poor placement significantly reduces effectiveness.

Setup Time

Unlike techniques that provide immediate power, Trace Mark becomes stronger as battles continue. Mai performs best in prolonged engagements.

Range

Physical contact is the easiest way to apply Traces. However, cursed tools, projectiles, and shikigami can also place marks at a distance.

Current effective range: Approximately 300 meters.

Domain Expansion: Echoes of the Marked Hunt(領域展開・痕跡狩猟の残響 / Ryōiki Tenkai: Konseki Shuryō no Zankyō)

Mai's Domain Expansion manifests as an endless dark forest illuminated by floating silver symbols. Every surface within the domain is covered in invisible Traces.

Sure-Hit Effect

Any target inside the domain is automatically marked. The longer they remain within the domain, the more Traces accumulate. This makes avoiding Mai's abilities virtually impossible.

Domain Abilities

Automatic Trace application, instant shikigami creation, Enhanced tracking, Amplified Trace Detonation, Increased cursed energy efficiency, King of Wraiths. Within the domain, Mai can temporarily summon a gigantic composite shikigami formed from every active mark. This entity acts as the ultimate expression of Trace Mark.Duration

At first-year level:

Approximately 20 seconds.With mastery, the duration and efficiency increase significantly.