Shadow Slave

With a bit of disappointment, Sunny realized that all types of physical activities were out of the question. Not only because Effie was going to win every damn game, but also because Cassie couldn't participate in most.

If that was the case, they would have to settle for a battle of wit, instead.

After thinking for a while, he made a few preparations and addressed his companions in a mischievous tone:

"Alright, let's have another competition. This time, it will be a challenge for your minds."

Sunny paused for a few moments and then smiled.

"And to spice things up, this time, there will be a prize. The winner will get this!"

With that, he produced the ascended soul shard that he had gotten from the Corpse Eater from behind his back and showed it to everyone. The beautiful crystal shined with an alluring, ethereal light.

Except for Nephis, who was resting with her eyes closed, everyone stared at the shard with a lot of interest. Sunny grinned.

Of course, they were interested! It was very rare to see one of these, after all.

He didn't really have a use for this thing right now, though. And making the cohort stronger would, in turn, increase his own chances of getting through the expedition alive. So parting with the shard was not that detrimental.

Especially if he could have some fun in return.

Effie was the first one to speak:

"What are the terms of the competition?"

Sunny put the crystal away before answering:

"It's really simple. I'll give you a riddle, and the first person to answer correctly wins. How does that sound?"

The huntress looked at him with doubt and shrugged.

"Sounds boring. But alright, let's play."

Smiling, Sunny commanded the shadow to separate from him and put the Ordinary Rock on it. Then, he turned to Effie and said:

"Listen carefully. Imagine if you will that the two of us, my shadow and I, are in possession of a rare treasure. One of us is an honorable, extremely attractive Awakened that can tell no lie, while the other one is a vile, ugly, stupid devil that would never tell a word of truth. But you don't know which one is which."

Effie grinned.

mean… isn't it

Sunny blinked.

to find out which one of us is hiding the treasure. If you do, you'll get the treasure. If you don't, the devil will kill you. You can only ask one question, either to me or the

huntress giggled and

the answer out

a moment too long,

can. Also, you're

at

"What? Why?!"

shrugged and glanced in her direction with

you to ask whether you can beat me up or not? What a stupid way

unruly was huntress was throwing daggers at

"Next!"

apologetically at Effie

your question? Do consider that our roles might have changed since the

man gestured at the marble beneath his feet

color is the stone I am

the Ordinary Rock

"...White."

at Sunny with a

win? The shadow is obviously

gave him

which one of us is

archer sighed and looked at him with reproach.

grateful that I allowed you to play at all! With your Flaw, you are like

He scowled, then added:

fact that you claim to have

Effie. Sunny had to suppress his laugh when he noticed that the boisterous huntress reacted to being this close to the charming young man's deific body pretty much exactly the same as

your head out of the gutter!

onto his face. Shaking his head, Sunny turned away to call the next contestant, but Kai suddenly

entirely right, you know," he

Sunny raised an eyebrow.

"About what?"