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 back many

earth, teacher… you scared

He scoffed derisively.

guy like that is a deadly threat for

a while, then looked down

covered by bruises, dirty bandages hiding a barely healed cut

sheltered young ladies her

her head, she exhaled slowly and resumed

it. I'll keep

«Crazy bastard.»

Her shadow followed.

didn't see you

knocked on the

in, while this

dozen mundane humans gathered near the entrance, all laborers like her — most of them were men, but there were a couple tough-looking women

quiet conversation. Rain didn't need to look twice to know that they were

with fair skin and red hair, wearing a beautiful silk robe. One was a young man in leather armor, who was leaning on a table with a sullen expression. The third one…

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

three were undeniably gorgeous, like all Awakened

was the fourth person that

Rain held her breath.

Master, but one of the Blood Sisters — an elite group of Ascended who served Saint Seishan, and had come from the

saying in a husky

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

The Legacy nodded.

you provided, there should not be any problem.

left, not sparing

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

«Gods…»

She was a baby!

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

Legacy frowned,

the task… our goal is to conduct the final survey of the

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

«Great.»

the journey — she did

exchange a few words with

addressed each of the mundane laborers to learn their names and evaluate their

reached Rain last and

«Name?»