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

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

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

a glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow and

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

at the granite slab, then at

That's my Aspect Ability. It's a strong all-around

rare and powerful Ability to have. 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

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 go

admit what her Ability was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing to

his surprise,

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

was a mischievous glint in her

As if anyone is insane

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

and

fun,

was 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

knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like.

the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she

Sunny thought, a little confused.

I said not to

staring at him and

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'