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

massive slab of granite that blocked 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 of

a glimpse of his stare,

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

no! I mean, that's not why

at the granite

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

very 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 about.

large amount of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City. All those shards the recalcitrant huntress refused

not a wise thing to do, especially not in the ruthless reality of the Forgotten

his surprise,

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

a mischievous

anyone is

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

laughed and shook her

it was fun, not

as well. Out here in the Dark City, where food was scarce and hard to come by, it was a

its severity, but not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it could do

she had

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

I said not to

at

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'