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

blocked the exit from the tower

slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least. How strong

stare, Effie raised an eyebrow

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

why

at the granite slab,

that. That's my Aspect Ability.

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 that boost seemed to

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 had to

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

surprise,

what my Ability can do. Do you

mischievous glint in

right. As if anyone is insane

physical attributes, it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you

laughed and shook

fun, not gonna

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

He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it

was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because

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

said not to

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

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'