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,

scared the

He scoffed derisively.

scared! A guy like that is a deadly threat for

silent for a while, then

by bruises, dirty bandages

were these sheltered young ladies

her head, she exhaled slowly

I'll keep that in

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

I didn't see you

approached the tent, knocked on the

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

all laborers like her — most of them were men, but there were a couple tough-looking women

the open space in front of them, four people were having a quiet conversation. Rain

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

wearing an intricate suit of full plate armor forged from lustrous steel. Her expression was serious, and

undeniably gorgeous, like

was the fourth person that drew

Rain held her breath.

any Master,

was saying in a

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 well, and

The Legacy nodded.

you provided, there should not be

and left, not sparing the mundane humans even a

few moments of silence, and then, the Legacy

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

was older than eighteen… Rain wasn't that far in terms of age,

Legacy frowned, then said

of the task… our goal

seem 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 mission she had received as an Awakened, so the young Legacy was

«Great.»

affection during the journey — she did not need

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

of the mundane laborers to learn

last and stopped in

«Name?»