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.

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

blocked the

of granite had to weigh a couple of tons, at least. How strong

a glimpse of his stare, Effie

"Like what you see?"

He answered on autopilot:

huh… wait, no! I mean, that's not why I

the granite slab, then

Ability. It's a

her strength but also her speed,

she 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 pay as tribute to the

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

his surprise, Effie

a pair of eyes knows what my Ability can do. Do you want me to tell you

mischievous glint

if anyone is insane

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

laughed and

fun, not gonna

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

what hunger, real hunger,

she had

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

I said not to get

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

'Don't flatter yourself, beanpole!'