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.

think

that they understood her instructions, the huntress turned around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the

had to weigh a couple of tons, at least.

his stare,

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

at the granite

my Aspect Ability. It's a strong

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

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

like that was not a wise thing to do, especially not in the ruthless reality

surprise, Effie

what my Ability can do. Do

a mischievous glint

As if anyone is insane enough

also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a literal pile of

laughed and shook

it was fun, not

food was scarce and hard to come

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

the first place. Perhaps she had become

thought, a little confused. "Air, then water and food, then… uh…

said not to

at Effie, who was staring at him

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'