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?»

deep breath, holding

earth, teacher… you scared the

He scoffed derisively.

guy like that is a deadly threat for sheltered

a while, then looked down at

leather clothes, a body covered by bruises, dirty bandages hiding a barely healed cut on her

these sheltered young ladies her teacher was

head, she exhaled

I'll keep that in

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

didn't

knocked on

her own. The tent Rain used was meant for one person to sleep in, while

the entrance, all laborers like her

a quiet conversation. Rain didn't need to

robe. One was a young man in leather armor, who was leaning on

of full plate armor forged from lustrous

course, all three were undeniably gorgeous, like

person

Rain held her breath.

stunningly 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

saying in a husky

Tamar, However, you must be careful. Do not get too close to the Hand, and whatever you do, do not cross the realm boundary: You should know the consequences. Be well, and I hope to see you again in

The Legacy nodded.

there should not be any problem. Please relay my gratitude to

left, not sparing the mundane humans even a

silence, and then, the Legacy

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

than eighteen… Rain wasn't that far

frowned, then said

of Sorrow. These are my companions, Awakened Ray and Awakened Fleur. You should have been told about the nature of the task… our goal is to conduct the final survey of the environment for

She didn't seem especially mean, but definitely had 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 tremendous pressure to perform well. Perhaps that

«Great.»

and affection during the journey — she did not need another benefactor. In fact, dealing with the one she had was already

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

of the mundane laborers to learn their names

reached Rain last and

«Name?»