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,

on earth, teacher… you scared the hell

He scoffed derisively.

A guy like that

while,

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

these sheltered young ladies her teacher

head, she exhaled slowly and resumed

I'll keep that

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

didn't see

the tent, knocked on the

Rain used was meant for one person to sleep in, while this one was basically a small building. There were several compartments, field furniture, and

all laborers like her

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

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

skin and strange ashen hair, wearing an intricate suit of full plate armor

course, all three were undeniably gorgeous, like all

the fourth person that drew

Rain held her breath.

And not just any Master, but one

was saying in a husky

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

The Legacy nodded.

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

not sparing the mundane humans even a

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

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

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

frowned, then said

Awakened Ray and Awakened Fleur. You should have been told about the nature of the task… our goal is to conduct the final

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

«Great.»

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

that she would barely exchange a few words with

addressed each of the mundane laborers

reached Rain last and

«Name?»