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.

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

turned around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved

had to weigh a couple of tons,

a glimpse 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

granite slab, then at

Aspect Ability.

While not 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.

of hunting monsters in the Dark City.

like that was not a wise

surprise,

It's not like it's a great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell you

mischievous glint in

is insane enough

the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a

and shook

was fun, not gonna

was scarce and hard to come by, it was a dangerous Flaw to possess. It was a curse that could force a person to hunt more, and

Sunny. He knew what hunger, real

the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to, but

physical needs do people have?" Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air,

I said not to

was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed,

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'