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 her

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

glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

granite

Aspect Ability. It's

others, it was practically the ultimate warrior Ability. With not only her strength but also her speed, agility,

most likely absorbed a very 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 castle had to go

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

his surprise, Effie

great mystery. Around here, anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell you what my Flaw is

mischievous

right. As if anyone is insane enough to

Aspect not only enhances all my physical attributes, it also does the same with all my physical needs. Why do you think I ate enough meat to create a literal pile of gnawed

and shook

it was fun, not

the price 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 like. What it could

that was the reason why Effie was out here in the first place. Perhaps she had become

Sunny thought, a little confused. "Air, then water

I said not to get

and looked up at Effie, who was staring at him and

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'