***Riverwalk*** is an innate cursed technique that allows the user to manifest flowing streams of cursed energy water beneath their feet as they move. These rivers shimmer with fluid motion, appearing as dark, ink-like water rippling with cursed energy, and stretch across the ground wherever the user steps. Once formed, these cursed energy water rivers act as personal pathways — when the user steps onto one, they become completely invisible to both the eye and cursed energy detection while moving along it at high velocity.

Each river requires a moderate amount of cursed energy to create, limiting how many can be active at once. However, the user can reabsorb cursed energy from previously laid rivers by standing still on them, creating a natural ebb and flow of offensive momentum and recovery. This design encourages a rhythm-based combat style — expanding their reach across the battlefield, then retreating strategically to restore power. The technique thrives in structured, tactical environments and excels in one-on-one or urban close-quarters engagements, where movement patterns and terrain can be leveraged for maximum advantage.

# Extension Techniques 

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## - Undercurrent Mirage 

This technique allows the user to implant a delayed cursed energy echo into a previously laid cursed energy water river. This echo mimics the user’s cursed energy signature and motion, appearing to sensory-type enemies as though the user is still running along that path. Visually, it manifests as a shimmering silhouette just beneath the cursed water’s surface — like a phantom trapped mid-step.

This technique cannot attack or interact with the world, but it serves as an exceptional misdirection tool. Enemies often commit to countering the illusion, allowing the real user to reposition or strike from another direction. It reinforces Riverwalk’s fundamental identity: movement as misdirection, presence as a threat, and cursed energy water as a living decoy.


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## - Backflow Severance 

Backflow Severance weaponizes a segment of cursed energy water by reversing its flow. When the user slams a foot or channels a burst of cursed energy into a previously traveled river, the cursed energy water lashes backward in a slicing wave. This attack surges low to the ground, cutting through terrain and striking anything caught in its path.

While not wide-range, the attack is fast and unexpected. It consumes the cursed energy water segment it uses, removing it from the network, so the user must weigh the cost of losing mobility for the benefit of surprise offense. Ideal for punishing pursuit or breaking line-of-sight pressure, it gives Riverwalk a precise offensive edge.


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## - Crossflow Convergence 
When two or more cursed energy water rivers intersect, the user can activate a cursed energy node known as a convergence point. These nodes temporarily increase the user’s movement speed and cursed energy efficiency while within range. The user can blink across multiple rivers in quick succession, chaining paths into high-speed directional bursts.

The convergence also causes momentary cursed energy interference in nearby enemies, destabilizing their footing and technique output. However, the node fades after a few seconds and requires existing river intersections, making it a temporary but potent battlefield enhancer — not a constant buff.


# Maximum: Flood Burial (洪水葬, Kōzuisō)

Flood Burial is the user’s ultimate offensive maneuver, created by collapsing all active cursed energy water rivers into a single, focused surge. When activated, cursed energy water from across the battlefield rushes together and releases in a high-pressure wave that travels across the river network and converges at a target location. The effect is akin to a curse-powered flash flood — controlled, contained, and deadly.

The technique requires a minimum of three connected rivers to activate, and once used, all cursed energy water is consumed, rendering Riverwalk unusable for several minutes. It’s not designed for mass destruction, but for delivering a decisive blow in a 1v1 scenario or flushing out entrenched opponents. 

# Binding Vows

## - No Turning Back 

This self-imposed vow enhances cursed energy flow by forbidding the user from ever stepping backward onto previously laid cursed energy water rivers. Once they’ve crossed a river, it becomes a one-way path. This restriction forces the user to commit to every movement, turning the battlefield into a strategic puzzle with no second chances.

In return, cursed energy within the rivers flows faster, moves the user more quickly, and sharpens their invisibility effect. The longer they maintain forward momentum, the stronger their cursed energy water becomes. However, violating the vow — even unintentionally — results in the immediate collapse of the entire river network, leaving the user without Riverwalk for the remainder of the battle. It’s a vow that perfectly echoes the nature of water: once it flows forward, it never returns.

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# Domain Expansion: Waters of No Return 

Waters of No Return manifests as the interior of a red train car suspended over a massive, silent river. The environment is modeled after the infamous Fuji River Bridge — a narrow, rusted track hanging above cursed energy water far below. The target appears inside the sealed train car with the user. Water already coats the floor. Outside, mist rolls across the mountains. The doors are locked. Time seems frozen.

The cursed energy water begins to rise gradually, its presence subtle at first. As the target moves or acts, they unknowingly activate the cursed rivers flowing below the train. Each step feeds the flow. The more they fight, the stronger the pressure beneath them becomes. The Domain does not guarantee a hit instantly — instead, it ensures a guaranteed collapse once enough cursed energy has built up. The train begins to rock. The lights flicker. Finally, when the target reaches a threshold — either by panic or time — the flood is triggered. Cursed energy water erupts from below, crushing the car and drowning the target in their own momentum.

Cursed Technique: Riverwalk