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.

she think she is?! Wait…

the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved under

and gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a couple

his stare, Effie raised an

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

I mean, that's not why I was looking. How are

the granite

that. That's my Aspect Ability.

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

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

would she just admit what her Ability was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing

surprise, Effie

with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell

a mischievous glint in her

right. As if anyone is insane enough to share

my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a literal pile of gnawed bones, for the fun

laughed and shook her

fun, not

for having the strength of many men 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 curse that could force

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

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

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

not to

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

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'