Shadow Slave

Nephis concentrated on her sword, guiding it with effortless ease. The movements she performed were not particularly fast or taxing... and yet, her body was under tremendous strain, beads of sweat forming on her fair skin. Her breathing was controlled, but heavy.

That was because she had to infuse her swordsmanship with sincere intent. Without the intent, her display would be meaningless - she would fail to show the essence of her technique to the young enchanter, and he would not be able to forge a suitable blade.

She was straining herself... but, at the same time, she was enjoying herself.

That was because she did not need to think about anything else but the sword in these rare moments of peace. Meeting Master Sunless was not entirely without purpose, but compared to the rest of her endless errands and obligations, it was a respite.

Nephis had always been driven, and never allowed herself to get distracted from the goal. But that was not because she never wanted to put it all aside and enjoy some rest... it was simply because she could not allow herself to do so. Falling behind meant death, and even worse than that, failure.

With the war approaching, the pressure on her had only increased even further, It had increased tremendously. There was so much to do, so much to prepare, so much to foresee and assess and consider... and even then, there was so much uncertainty. The uncertainty of it all was the most burdensome, and even with the help of her companions, it was almost overwhelming.

Because their lives, too, depended on her. She had pulled them into the maelstrom of ruinous change, and it was up to her to see them safely to the shore.

Which was why Nephis secretly enjoyed the time she spent with Master Sunless. The charming enchanter was kind, nice... and, if she was honest with herself, quite pleasing to the eye. There was nothing wrong with indulging in stealing glances at him from time to time, of course... everyone loved beautiful things, after all. She wasn't an exception.

But his looks were not as important as the fact that he was far removed from the dreadful matters involving war, bloodshed, and boundless heartbreak. To the Sovereigns, the dead gods, and the fate of the world.

On the rare occasions she was in his company, Nephis could allow her tired mind to relax, and concentrate only on simple things. Like wielding her sword.

She had always loved swordsmanship, but now... as it turned out, performing it for someone to see was strangely rewarding.

Especially because Master Sunless always watched her intently... very intently, even, never missing a single move.

Nephis was satisfied.

‘He must really appreciate swordsmanship…’

Who knew that the gentle enchanter had such a voracious appreciation for combat techniques?

It felt good to be appreciated.

[Hey, Neph.]

Cassie's voice did not distract her from dancing with her sword. Nephis took a step forward and performed a smooth slash, then answered calmly.

[Yes? Did something happen?]

came a few moments

just that... can you do me

a flowing chain of swift attacks and couldn't help but notice

do

hesitated for a

losing her prophetic gift, and was only recently able to recover. She didn't

next words almost

you... give Master Sunless a

to

A-absolute not! I... I am not going to hug him! Why are you even asking me to

remained silent for a bit,

whatever. I can't tell you. If you don't want to,

say anything

Nephis was stunned.

don't want to, and so

However...

already been planted in her mind, refusing to disappear. After all, people didn't just like looking

and tried to cover

'Damn you, Cassie!’

to suppress her strength and put too

be used by Saints,

Nephis stumbled.

as it shot through the air with terrible speed... And struck Master Sunless, who had been slow to react, straight in the face. She

‘Oh, no!’

the entire arena with a

charming enchanter had barely had time to react, raising his hands to clutch at his face. Nephis kneeled beside him

an alloy blade would not hurt him too much... but still,

your hands. Let me

he looked at her with one

than I

teeth,