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.

ass… who does she think she is?! Wait… why am

and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from

gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least.

his stare,

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

not why I was

the granite slab, then at

that. That's my Aspect Ability.

strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those ancient

very large amount of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused to pay as tribute to the tyrannical lord of the castle

was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing

his surprise, Effie

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

mischievous glint in her

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 enough meat to create a

laughed and shook her

it was fun, not

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

scoff at its severity, but not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger,

out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to, but because she simply didn't have

do people have?" Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then water

said not to

up at Effie, who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he gritted his teeth in

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'