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

around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the

her back and gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least. How strong was the

his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

not why I was

at the granite slab, then

Ability. It's a strong all-around physical

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. Especially since that boost

large amount of 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

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

surprise, Effie

here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can

a mischievous glint in

anyone is insane

My Aspect not only enhances all my physical attributes, it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate

laughed and

fun, not gonna

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

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

had

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

not

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

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'