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.

my ass… who does she think she is?! Wait… why

turned around and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved

gulped. That slab of granite had to weigh a

glimpse of his stare, Effie raised an

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

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

granite slab, then

That's my Aspect Ability. It's a strong all-around physical

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

had 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

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

surprise,

anyone with a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me

a mischievous glint

is

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

and

it was fun, not gonna

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 a person to hunt more, and therefore risk injury and death more than anyone else

severity, but not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like.

in the first place. Perhaps she had become a huntress not because she wanted to,

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

I said not

flinched and looked up at Effie, who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he gritted his

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'