Shadow Slave

After the movie was other, Kai appeared to deafening applause and gave a short speech, congratulating the director and the crew of the movie and then inviting them on the stage for a short Q&A.

Sunny stared at the director of this travesty, seriously considering silently assassinating him for a few moments. Then, he glanced at Effie, who — judging by her face — was thinking the same.

He lingered for a few moments, then asked:

"What do you want to do?"

The young woman inhaled deeply, turned to him, and smiled.

"...I am hungry. Let's go eat."

Together, they snuck out of the screening hall and went to find the theater's restaurant.

There were a lot of people there who, just like them, had decided to skip the PR portion of the event and were now enjoying food and drinks, discussing the movie with lively expressions. Sunny and Effie got themselves something to eat and sat at an empty table, then grew quiet for a while. Each was preoccupied with their own thoughts.

Now that Sunny had a little time to digest the movie, his anger subsided a bit. In fact, he was even happy.

Sure, the way he was portrayed in the story was as far from the truth as it could have been, and more than a little bit humiliating. But… in a way, this was exactly what he needed.

Now that Nephis had become his master, he didn't have to hide his strength and True Name that much. But he still preferred to remain in the shadows — not only because there was a possibility of becoming masterless again, but also because it was the best way to be in the world so full of hidden dangers and powerful enemies.

Being renowned would make a lot of things difficult for him, and make every battle he fought after that harder. After all, there was no better advantage than being underestimated by the enemy.

From that point of view, the ridiculous way in which he was portrayed in the movie was a blessing. It made the possibility of anyone thinking highly of him that much lower. Of course, not everyone was going to watch that travesty, but many would, and their opinion was going to spread.

Who would believe that a Changing Star's bumbling sidekick was, in fact, one of the most dangerous Awakened alive, and thus consider him as a serious threat?

...Pretty much no one.

So, in fact, the director of the Song of Light and Darkness unintentionally made him a favor.

Effie with stunned expressions, clearly gathering their courage to come and introduce themselves.

could hear their whispers,

her, Raised by

"Oh, my!"

but to actually see... She is so

herself was strangely quiet. She ignored the whispers, then

I ask

not going to be a simple question, he tensed a little, and

"Sure. What is it?"

moments, then lowered her voice, so that no one would be able

really leave to

'Ah…'

at his friend for a bit, then shook his

left to make sure

Effie inhaled deeply.

"...I see."

didn't continue that conversation, as though his answer

she was extremely intelligent, cool-headed, and cunning — otherwise, she would have never survived for three long years alone on

natural for her to have suspicions,

did not ask

restaurant, looked around, noticed their table, and walked

no… another fan of Raised by

of them, glanced at Effie, and then turned

are you Awakened

Sunny blinked.

'What?'

"Uh… yes?"

bright smile appeared