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 back many unflattering

on earth, teacher… you scared the

He scoffed derisively.

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

a while, then looked down

clothes, a body covered by bruises, dirty bandages hiding

young ladies

her head, she exhaled slowly and

keep that

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

I didn't see

the tent, knocked on the door post, and

sleep in, while this one was basically a small building. There were several

the moment, there were about a dozen mundane humans gathered near the entrance, all laborers like her —

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

woman with fair skin and red hair, wearing a beautiful silk robe. One was a young man in leather armor, who

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

course, all three were undeniably gorgeous, like

was the fourth person that drew all attention,

Rain held her breath.

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, and had come

was saying in

is of the essence, Lady 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

The Legacy nodded.

provided, there should not be any

bowed slightly and left, not sparing the

a few moments of silence, and then, the

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

eighteen… Rain wasn't that far in terms of age, but she felt old and wizened when looking

frowned, then said

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 the last stretch of the Eastern Road. We will depart in two

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.

«Great.»

to gain the girl's friendship and affection during the journey — she did not need another benefactor. In fact, dealing

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

of the mundane laborers to learn

Rain last and stopped in front

«Name?»