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 am

granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles

granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least. How strong was the beautiful

of his stare, Effie

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

granite

Ability. It's a strong all-around

as 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 heroes Neph sometimes talked about. Especially since

the Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to pay as tribute to the tyrannical lord of the castle had

Ability was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing to do, especially not

surprise, Effie

a great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell you

was a mischievous glint

right. As if anyone is

only enhances all my physical attributes, it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate

and shook

was fun, not

come by, it was a dangerous Flaw to possess. It was a curse that

at its severity, but not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it

was the reason why Effie was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to, but because she

needs do people have?" Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then water and food, then… uh…

said not to

flinched and looked up at Effie, who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he gritted

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'