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

understood her instructions, the huntress turned around 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 skin,

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:

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

glanced at the granite slab, then

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

have. While not as flashy as many others, it was practically the ultimate warrior Ability. With not only her strength but also her speed, agility, endurance and resilience boosted, Effie was like one of those ancient

had most likely absorbed a very large amount of soul essence over the years of hunting monsters in the Dark City.

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

his surprise, Effie

eyes knows what my

was a mischievous glint

anyone is insane enough to

all my physical needs. Why do

and

was fun,

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,

not Sunny. He knew what hunger, real hunger, felt like. What it

first place. Perhaps she had become

have?" Sunny thought, a little

not

was staring at him and cackling. Embarrassed, he

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'