Shadow Slave

In the morning, they set out for the castle.

Before leaving the safe haven of the granite tower, Effie gave them a list of instructions:

"Follow behind me. Listen to everything I say. Don't make any noise. Don't bleed. Don't think too much. Some of the creatures out there can hear noisy thoughts, others can sense strong emotions. So don't feel fear, either."

Sunny stared at her with a grim expression. How was he supposed to control what he feels?

The vigorous huntress grinned.

"What? You never tried to solve math equations in your head to impress a lovely lady? Just do the same."

As Sunny's сheeks began to turn bright red, she giggled and turned to Cassie and Neph:

"Correction. The two of you, try not to feel fear. Doofus, you try not to get too excited. If walking behind me turns out to be too much, ask to get slapped, alright?"

Sunny scowled and uttered through gritted teeth:

"That… won't be a problem."

Effie blinked a couple of times, then smiled.

"Ah! Playing for the other team? I see, I see…"

What… what was that supposed to mean?!

Trying to get his emotions under control, Sunny took a deep breath and counted to ten.

does she think she is?! Wait… why

turned around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the

at her back and gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least. How strong

a glimpse of his stare, Effie

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

no! I mean, that's not why I was looking. How

the granite slab, then at

that. That's my Aspect Ability. It's

flashy as many others, it was practically the ultimate warrior Ability. With not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those ancient

of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to pay as

why would she just admit what her Ability was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing to do, especially not in the ruthless reality of the Forgotten

surprise,

mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what

mischievous glint in her

right. As if anyone is

enhances all my physical attributes, it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a literal pile of gnawed bones, for the fun of

laughed and shook

was fun, not gonna

to have the hunger of many men, as well. Out here in the Dark City, where food was scarce and hard to come by, it was a dangerous Flaw to possess. It was a curse that could force a

knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it could do to a

why Effie was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a

Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then

not to

Effie, who was staring at

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'