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, holding back

earth, teacher… you scared the hell out of

He scoffed derisively.

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

while, then looked

bruises, dirty bandages hiding a barely healed cut

sheltered young ladies her teacher was

head, she exhaled

keep

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

I didn't see you

tent, knocked on

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

about a dozen mundane humans gathered near the entrance, all laborers like her — most

four people were having a quiet conversation. Rain didn't

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

intricate suit of

were undeniably gorgeous, like all

the fourth person that drew all attention,

Rain held her breath.

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,

in a husky

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

The Legacy nodded.

should not be any problem.

beautiful Master bowed slightly and left, not sparing the mundane

were a few moments of silence, and then, the

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

older than eighteen… Rain wasn't

Legacy frowned, then said

been told about the nature of the task… our goal is to conduct the final survey of the environment for the last stretch of the Eastern Road. We will

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 was the reason

«Great.»

girl's friendship and affection during the

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

of the mundane laborers to learn their names

and stopped

«Name?»