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?»

breath,

earth, teacher… you scared the hell out

He scoffed derisively.

like that is a deadly threat

while,

by bruises, dirty bandages hiding a barely healed cut on her side, calloused

these sheltered young ladies her teacher was

exhaled

it. I'll keep

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

didn't

approached the tent, knocked on the door

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

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

and red hair, wearing a beautiful silk robe. One was a young man in leather armor, who was leaning on a table with a

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

all three were undeniably gorgeous, like

person

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 a

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

The Legacy nodded.

you provided, there should not be any

slightly and left, not

were a few moments of silence, and then, the Legacy turned to them. Her expression

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

None of the three Awakened was older than eighteen… Rain wasn't that far in

Legacy frowned, then

have been told about the nature of the task… our goal is to

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

«Great.»

much. Rain was not planning on following the 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

likely that she would barely exchange a few

meanwhile, briefly addressed each of the mundane laborers to learn

and stopped in front

«Name?»