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

scared

He scoffed derisively.

be scared! A guy like that is a deadly

silent for a while,

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

ladies her teacher was

head, she exhaled

I'll keep that

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

I didn't see you

tent, knocked

The tent 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 one could stand Inside without bending

entrance, all laborers like her —

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

was a young man in leather armor, who was leaning on a

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

undeniably gorgeous, like all Awakened

person that drew

Rain held her breath.

modest red garments was addressing the young Legacy… a Master. And not just any Master, but one of the Blood Sisters

was saying in a

and whatever you do, do not cross the realm boundary: You should know the consequences. Be well, and I

The Legacy nodded.

should not be any problem. Please relay my gratitude

Master bowed slightly and left, not sparing

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

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

than eighteen… Rain wasn't that far in terms of age, but she felt

frowned, then

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

severe personality. Although… considering her age, she must have Just Awakened recently. This survey was most likely the first mission she had received

«Great.»

road manager's advice to gain the girl's friendship and affection during the journey

more likely that she would barely exchange a few words

briefly addressed each of the mundane laborers

and stopped in

«Name?»