Shadow Slave

Rain was used to spending time in the wilderness, so it did not take her a long time to pack her things and take down the tent. Her bow was unstrung and attached to the pack, and so were her quiver and sword — usually, she would have kept the weapons on the ready, but since there would be a cohort of Awakened leading the survey team, it was better to keep a low profile.

There weren't a lot of mundane people who habitually hunted Nightmare Creatures, and since Rain was supposed to be hiding, she didn't want to attract undue attention.

Saying goodbye to the few acquaintances she had made in the main camp, she hurried to the tent the road manager had mentioned.

Rain felt both relieved and a little wistful, knowing that she might never see this place again.

As she was nearing the large tent, there was the sound of several voices. Her teacher suddenly mumbled something from the shadows:

«No, it can't be… can it? Curses, it is! Damn, I knew this would happen!»

He sounded alarmed.

She slowed down and stared at her shadow in confusion.

«Teacher, is something the matter?»

He remained silent for a few moments, then said in a grave tone:

«Rain, I need you to listen to me very carefully She tensed, overcome by sudden fear, Her teacher, meanwhile, continued somberly.»

«There is a guy named Ray in that tent. Keep away from him… at all costs! Don't talk to him, don't listen to him… better yet, don't even look at him. Treat him like he has the plague. Do you understand? Nod if you understand!»

Rain stared at her shadow in bewilderment.

«W-why? Is he some kind of terrible fiend? Is he v-very dangerous?»

Her shadow stirred.

«Yes! Very, very dangerous! And he is something way worse than a terrible fiend…»

His voice shook with some dark, chilling emotion.

«…He's a male teenager! So, keep your distance, alright? Nod if you understand!»

Rain blinked a couple of times.

«Huh?»

Her teacher hissed.

«What are you spacing out for? I said to nod if you understood. Why aren't you nodding?»

took a deep breath, holding back many

on earth, teacher… you scared the hell out of

He scoffed derisively.

should be scared! A guy like that is a deadly threat for sheltered young

a while, then looked

clothes, a body covered by bruises, dirty bandages hiding a

young ladies her

exhaled

I'll keep that

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

I didn't see you

the tent, knocked

to sleep in, while this one was basically a small building. There were several compartments, field furniture, and one could stand Inside without

a dozen mundane humans gathered near the entrance, all laborers like her — most of them were men, but there were a couple tough-looking women as

them, four people were having a quiet conversation. Rain didn't need to look twice to know that they were

a beautiful silk robe. One was a young man in leather armor, who was leaning on a table with a sullen expression. The third one…

was a young woman with tan skin and strange ashen hair, wearing an intricate suit of full plate armor forged from lustrous steel. Her expression was serious, and

were undeniably gorgeous, like

person that drew all attention,

Rain held her breath.

beautiful woman in modest red garments was addressing the young Legacy… a Master. And not just any Master, but one of the Blood Sisters — an elite group of Ascended who served Saint Seishan,

was saying in a

be careful. Do not get too close to the Hand, and whatever you do, do not cross the realm boundary: You should know the

The Legacy nodded.

should not be any problem. Please relay

left, not

moments of silence, and then, the Legacy turned to them.

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

None of the three Awakened was older than eighteen… Rain wasn't that far

frowned, then said

the nature of the task… our goal is

a severe personality. Although… considering her age, she must have Just Awakened recently. This survey was most likely the first mission she had received as an Awakened, so the young Legacy was definitely under

«Great.»

road manager's advice to gain the girl's friendship and affection during the journey — she did not need another benefactor. In fact, dealing with the one she had was already testing the limits of

was far more likely that she would barely exchange a few words with

briefly addressed each of the mundane laborers

reached Rain last and

«Name?»