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 she is?! Wait… why am

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

stared at her back and gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least.

glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow and

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

no! I mean, that's not why I was looking.

glanced at the granite slab, then

that. That's my Aspect Ability. It's a strong

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

amount of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City.

was? Sharing secrets like that was not a wise thing

his surprise, Effie

eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do

a mischievous glint

is insane

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

and shook

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

knew what

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

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

said not to get

Effie, who was staring at

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'