Shadow Slave

Sunny smiled and leaned back on his chair, then looked at his friends with curiosity.

There was a question he really wanted to ask, but tried not to up until now.

"...What's your second Ability, anyway?"

His words hung in the air for a few moments. Suddenly, Kai coughed with embarrassment and looked away. After a couple of seconds, he said in a strange tone:

"I, uh… can see really far now, when I want to. Even when there's no light. I am also supposed to be able to see through illusions and all forms of obfuscation, whatever that means. And… uh… I can also see through objects.

Sunny and Effie stared at him and asked almost simultaneously:

"Like, through walls?"

"Like, through clothes?"

Kai hid behind his glass, lingered for a bit, and then answered in a small voice:

"...Yes. But I would never!"

While Sunny tried to imagine why would Kai refuse to look through walls, Effie laughed out loud.

"I see, I see. What a great Ability!"

She shook her head, then turned to Sunny and asked:

"Hey, doofus. I bet you often wanted to stab me with something sharp. Wanna try?"

He frowned in confusion, then raised an eyebrow.

"No. Why would I stab you?"

looked at him with expectation clearly written on her face, then sighed in disappointment when he didn't

a shame. I wanted to demonstrate my second Ability to you. Basically, it makes my whole body invulnerable. Well… comparatively, of course. Skin of steel, that sort of deal. A very sweet comprehensive defense boost,

and looked at the gaunt young woman with a bit of awe. Indeed, that was a very powerful Ability. Combined with Effie's previous one, it turned her

at him

"Well, what about you?"

He shifted slightly.

through walls, I can go through walls… while you

Effie grinned.

of words. I

changed

uh… what are your plans, guys? What

while, a strange silence settled among them. All three had contemplative, wistful expressions on

was both slightly awkward and slightly sad. Back on the Forgotten Shore, the three of them had forged a bond, and now,

their separate ways. Perhaps

a while,

from both clan Valor and clan Song, but… you know me. I don't do well with authority. Plus, none of them have moved a finger to help me when I really needed it. Only now that I am a hot commodity are they all suddenly kind and friendly. Rubs me the wrong

her wheelchair, then slumped

the fastest way to get ready for the Second Nightmare would be.

of a

that for her, striving to conquer the Second Nightmare

through no wish of his own, Sunny had ended up in a

few moments.

a very good position in Bastion. So I'll be going there soon. I won't have to fight another Nightmare Creature for

his life, he didn't sound too happy. There was a note of reluctance in his voice.

Sunny frowned.

There's nothing wrong with living like a person should, not having to worry about being

young man smiled

forgive my ungratefulness. But what about

scratched the back of

Realm can actually earn you money. And! I think I can weasel my way into receiving a salary from the Academy as a research assistant, whatever