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.

equations my ass… who does she think she is?! Wait… why

blocked the

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

stare, Effie

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

that's not why I was looking. How are

at the granite

Aspect Ability. It's a strong

was… a 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

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

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

his surprise,

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

a mischievous glint

right. As if anyone is insane enough

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

and

was fun, not

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

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

Effie was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to, but because

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

I said not

at him

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'