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… why am I

blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved under her olive skin, making for a picturesque

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

of his stare, Effie raised an eyebrow

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

at the granite

Aspect Ability. It's a strong all-around

Ability. With not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of

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

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

surprise, Effie

with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can

was a mischievous glint in her

if anyone is insane enough to share

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

laughed and

it was fun, not

to come by, it was a dangerous Flaw to possess. It was a

severity, but not Sunny. He knew what hunger,

place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to, but because she simply didn't

have?" Sunny thought, a little confused.

not to

at him and cackling. Embarrassed,

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'