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?»

a deep breath,

you scared the

He scoffed derisively.

like that is

silent for a while, then looked down at

bandages hiding a barely healed

these sheltered young ladies her

head, she exhaled slowly and

it. I'll keep that in

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

I didn't

the tent, knocked on the door post, and

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

entrance, all laborers like her — most of them were men, but there were a couple tough-looking women as

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

a young man in leather armor, who was leaning on a table with a sullen expression. The

hair, wearing an intricate suit of full plate armor forged from lustrous steel.

three were undeniably gorgeous, like all

person that drew all attention,

Rain held her breath.

young Legacy… a Master. And not just any Master, but one of the Blood Sisters — an elite group of Ascended who

in a husky

get too close to the Hand, and whatever you do, do not

The Legacy nodded.

the mape you provided, there should not be any problem. Please relay my

not

a few moments of silence, and then, the

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

was older than eighteen… Rain wasn't that far in terms of age, but she felt old and wizened

Legacy frowned,

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

most likely the first mission she had received

«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

that she would barely exchange a few

each of the mundane laborers to learn their

last and stopped in

«Name?»