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 am

and rolled the massive slab of granite that blocked the exit from the tower to the side. Lean muscles tensed and moved under her olive

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

stare, Effie raised

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

mean, that's not why I was

glanced at the granite

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

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

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

like that was not a wise thing to do,

surprise, Effie

pair of eyes knows what

a mischievous glint in

As if anyone is insane enough to share

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 enough meat to create

laughed and shook her

was fun, not gonna

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

Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it could do

place. Perhaps she had become a huntress

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

not

who was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'