A soft whistling sound wakes me up, I find myself in my room. I feel much better, but Getting up is still a challenge as my chest aches every time I try.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl9GwCrrPk
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTevNRAqESc
After a few attempts, I drag myself to the edge of the bed and roll down softly to get up, then walk up to the window.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n0HSUjSFI
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAgv4Hr1OY
The sun is not visible but the sky seem dimly lit, stars are still visible, and now that I see it, the planet has two moons, one is blue and another is silver, except the blue moon is broken.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBm6PgWvJp
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQytRbFXWhl
I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZtWXsrgRJ
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZPDOlLvgJ
But before that I tie a cloth around my left eye which is making me feel dizzy, this place is filled with energies.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiK6JlBUeV
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QoEIXgYoL
I open the window, and using the branches as foot hold, climb down slowly, but just as I am about to reach the bottom, my foot slip and I am about to fall flat on my face, but using my unbelievable strength I use my arms and legs like a cat to spread the impact across the ground.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVAyNupQYM
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKd7UhrCLJ
Although it pains my chest, I power through it57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGFy65TNzW
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcDsTPvrno
“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IpeBIqhpe
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiIb1BHL9q
But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2qXjdG9Lm
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdfQLSsVEZ
There are less people around than I expected, maybe people sleep till sunrise here. And this place feels like it’s based in center of an Oasis, there are lots of trees and bushes.
I follow the sound and arrive into a small clearing not too far away behind the mansion. There are some wooden swords, some sort of equipment.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGnSHMq9pz
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQjKItxx8Z
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt935B5kRHT
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkqKY1eXRp
Just kidding, they think they can ambush me, they are on my right in the darkness of the trees. I summon a dagger just in case.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9QOTifsVM
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C6u5xFGTN
I quickly turn towards my right, ready to defend, but the flash of bright golden hair dazed me. I snap into action as the sword nears me, I divert it using calculated precision, tilting it so that the flat side slides against my neck, but suddenly Gloria switches her grip, trying to stop herself.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKPMSeXfqg
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6tHfCJRno
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2DykhmpqA
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfeWKyxeik
Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHYLEgLeq9
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6PlITuZlv
I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7PA8B3XnN
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8ygzuC9SR
A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ2uYWgW8q
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ6M3RKrqf
“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVUp3QQ6FK
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z0XvEwlzu
“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXw1n9moqO
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktpfqgdmdw
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74gov0dxnj
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGUllgeqTW
“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9cpp39YBy
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA7m7n27Yc
“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4XI2grp1B
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtolkMHC9yK
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxAGytwEAw
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzkgBCgcy3
I don’t speak to strangers much, trying to save energy is a habit I developed during my time as the best hitman. She is just my contractor’s daughter.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNWybRcKbM
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuiO93GhzU
I smirk, looking around.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEGdoMp9YP
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J601qNze4
“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAanU34A5m
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25yjzBVlXb
I stroll around, looking at the equipment. But as I turn towards Gloria again, I catch a wooden sword. Old memories, unpleasant ones return to me as it instantly crush the sword in my hand and throw it aside.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ4n483a0M
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDqj13FWBC
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBEpotBcCg
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JnMTH5t71
“If it were a random person that forced a sword in my hand, they would be draining on the ground by now.” I snap, only to realize that I am way out of line.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHG2KpU9rl
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfreVJZAUmO
“….” Gloria flinches57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG4THBhjNJ
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUuWIND15L
“Sorry. I didn’t intend to do that. Swords and I don’t get along.” I say as I pinch my nose disappointed on myself.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpFhRnSSoS
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnttzJnBc1
“No, it’s fine.” A small, almost surprised smile touched her lips. “Startling, is all. Not many outside my family dare raise their voice at me.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2WULKtmGd
“You aren’t angry?” I ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjjGuTC7sO
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKfGNAhfur
“No, I was just trying to get you to spar with me, forgetting you are injured. I was the one at fault, so I will let you off the hook this once.” she chuckles, mischief in her voice.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKwdahWn5c
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyztgmYiEGF
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT92uVttq2O
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtqNItV7n3
“Then we have a deal?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeilV9PYGW
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5CFulMQir
“Deal” I assure her with a thumbs up as I transition into a cross-armed pose.
Keeping up this polite facade was exhausting. So much wasted energy.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA41bdIbMOH
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq0zyEwhPd
“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO10n1TU2v
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q3rwCpXcO
“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbm3vjyiEq
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8CiPux05t
I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWtXsHTnzT
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMF4Wx4A6M
I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstIZq4r1lf
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLtfJEwJk4
Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DehqDxDDD
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3O82z4uV4
“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUyQhJ4Het
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgqQz9BCZz
“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWOz83aBE4
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK90wSqcY1
“Don’t take me as a fool. That staff was not there before. How did you make it appear out of nowhere? And I know you have an artifact which stops magic around you, mine didn’t work when I attacked you earlier.” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpvPSp5al4
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH8BzCP1nh
I had a feeling she might ask this.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVtz2S6CDY
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtd0KIg8hp
“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb3g8n4bHH
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOSVe8JWjj
“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfVS2l1uLw
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rGaAtqv6D
“What rank are you anyway?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q6F4ADSPE
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwMxOJwwF8
“Rank?” I ask back in confusion57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8u0Bzf4qQ
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwrZx9skbu
“Yeah, as in Adventurer Rank. I am called the ‘Flame queen’ and my Rank is called Silver Hand. Burned a Wyvern into a crisp with single blow using my fire magic once Although I was trying to hide my power.” She says with a smug voice.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9BagURqxq
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDaO5HZJWd
“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0wCNj8dcr
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYAzf4xK3y
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKnvKANLPL
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qNcmhlq3A
my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVloZqLUzp3
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVND1CmRd6
“History can wait for later. But Food? My friend here suggests we Eat.” I say rubbing my stomach under the shirt.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NLEZ9Erp9
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1lHnh17mf
“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6j3RQcE8H
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tCYnUTH2L
“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ358AAXpL1k
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0mrzCpvBx
“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02eyzGo9w4
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioR2lnWDBi
She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLov8q22Bgb
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesEPGPzjZb
“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAltGfcN7Ed
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0nhOjMNBH
“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CnXsYBD0V
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPgaPbtvL9
“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPT3VDS0iN
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBOgBOtCm7
“HEHE, there are many out there. Meat is quite expensive for common folk. And, eating lower beings is the last thing I want to do,” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i3cby2Sgc
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAShpsWU0r
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRARvm3mWeM
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeWLAaaNPK
“You know, when I first saw you, I Mistook you for some god’s descendant too, Your eyes, although strange, speaks of wisdom and knowledge not meant For humans to achieve your age, It’s unbelievable no matter how I think of it.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHYx3Gehmd
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVSaIeD3Wq
“Seems like the Old dwarf spilled more than I expected,” I say.
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4xHorQ9U5
Maybe she's right about the age thing, though.
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkFwYYZBzg
Telling her I'm decades older felt wrong somehow.
I lost my childhood working to meet expectations; perhaps being young again wasn't so bad. I shift the topic.
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFOiw94Sps
“So—these adventurers—they are what, monster hunters?”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9GcaBGsBB
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ90G1sZTGW
“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVNN81OekJ
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5KVLrMSlM
“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj897JtFuY
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXEsG7Fim1
“What’s freelancing?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWlFXNLuLX
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMljAIPzFZR
“Work on hire.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmwonQxpKo
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCrD3VTuWZ
“yeah, more or less. How the hell do you don’t know about adventurer’s guild?” Gloria says, suspicion creeping in her voice.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdtIWOxSy6
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEBMIUkYZ4
“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UrISfQPZL
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESjj2WesA6
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvCL0tA8pr
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhfbePsszB
“He doesn’t know it as well. I just realized that there was something missing in my head.” I say as I make up a random story.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9vIzOI8ri
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFiCQnxJHX
”By the way, you don’t quite speak like how one would expect a goddess, I assume you grew up here and not in a castle?”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBR1PD1vUA
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDfgMlVXdh
“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKaL2IDsmS
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHk15GxvUK
“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v0wrc7VY0
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7UzGfyn3P
“You should become a Sage.” She laughs57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWgM55bOuq
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAUa5udfGs
“So, What’s your plan after this? Like, what do you want to do in life? You already defeated extremely powerful foes and lived to tell the tale. I am sure you can easily become a captain of some knight’s order in a capital city if you wanted.” She asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmAcwWD2n4
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhQ2pPMZl1
Her ideas are alluring, now that I reflect on it, I never took time to peacefully sit down and think about what I want to do after I found Ava.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbQkMqxlE6
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMftkhBE7Yc
“Maybe I will go visit the man who stole my precious sister’s heart, and show him who the boss of the house is!” I say, cracking my knuckles with a grin.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z5tlycJPH
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVDbRVHs0B
“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKfn71VnP7
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEOTOyGIKU
“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDhusWUhIs
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2b5OGHD3F
I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx7bbK6FZf
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSf1APo1ll
“Hehehe, Don’t hold it against him, Grandma Sil has a special spell that forces other to speak more than they intend.” She explains57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkn0rjCzb6
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm0ygaaEZT
“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPgUJTBU75
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMsAJWfvY3
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppKl6Lheky
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpsiaJTUEl
“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdT8hhjQK5
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7UMdirphw
Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LcXId1A38
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbpCiaztaI
“Why not become an adventurer just like me? I have never asked anyone this because no one is worthy around here, but maybe we can become friends?” she says as she spins and walks backward while she face me57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj8i1IjoyU
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg7TJJLtvJ
“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGyJ7WmAqJ
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sfXmbSjfx
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1ziKyQElh
Gloria, who was excited earlier with her hand raised in joy had suddenly stopped. Her joy was put to an abrupt halt. I stop too.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGZG4LsMYo
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEFBN7mwui
She must be struck hard, but I cannot be friends with my contractor’s daughter. I don’t want anyone else to be hurt because of me.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4csXrLnzME
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70MSRGHW5g
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpflgtFmmS
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DswlpaJLP
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsJkzjhlJC
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeZpv5JUiJ
“Your father taught you well, arrogance is downfall of the weak who think they are strong..” I says with a small smile as I rub my beard.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiae3gByP5c
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSjr7qTgy0
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyEMdzDxbl
“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHg5UNYLWr
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6usotoucld
“oh, They don’t let mutants into the guild, but I can vouch for you if you want. The local adventurer guild can only promote you till the Elder Silver Hand rank. But after that you will need to go to one of the capitals.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmrZ8lOReb
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvVu0cgclG
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXxi7uLxfu
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvAmLhIdfn
“I am not some fool who dwell on emotions for too long, and you are our guest, so I will help you. We are almost there anyways and Since there is still time until the food stalls open up, we should go there” She says
“Won’t the guild be closed as well?” I ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QdkIjtPxI
57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukp8oFkpV2
“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5sPcwiH6t
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“You will need to fight a monster or instructor to get a rank, which should be breeze for you. But I suggest you take off your artifact when you measure your mana.” gloria says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygI1Z4pgNX
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“Take off? Oh didn’t Warzheil tell you? I cannot take off my artifact. It is bound to me with Curse of Binding.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg30QI8Wb8
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“Curse of Binding? But that’s a curse lost during time of the Elder Gods. Just how old is that artifact? And how did you even get your hands on it?” She asks with a gasp57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8h9BiXOdF
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zQngqBC3F
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHI8z1nJcP
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrY5W9wjf6
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCrC0xtk3C
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlcyv4owzV
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSwLmIwM8b
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCZ0TBHBLg
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb15Moe5QAD
“Oh, you gi~yot me nyanfused for a second there. Hahahaha. Go in, Sinfia should be on the reception.” she says with a welcoming gesture.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UQ0T4taJ1
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“Hmm… strange man, I couldn’t feel my mana near him.” Canthrine dwells on the thought for a few moments before getting back to her chore.
Gloria nods as we walk into the Adventurer’s Guild. Polished hardwood floors gleamed under soft, magical light emanating from runes carved into the ceiling beams. A long counter dominated one wall, several empty stools before it, while comfortable-looking leather chairs were arranged near a large, unlit hearth on the other side. Quiet, for now.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDT3RqLCpw
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjlLuP1MNE
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRmXRJBv27
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZwtwdrOve
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjYTBPgVnJ
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjDjRheZhs
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Au6F8UHL
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsGxqNlWI9
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“Wha-?, Excuse me, I am THE receptionist and I am 19, a full fledged adult. And I will soon be posted to a capital city too. Sister, Who is this rude per…..son?!” her voice drifts from annoyed to shocked when she notices my hand.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP88pCrM0BZ
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iOas6JqLr
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsH653Ua1J
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE51srUQaiK
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjESlcG6UeA
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“If you say so Big sister. But what brings the Flame Queen here today?” Sinfia says, letting her guard down slightest.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzCijjv7kP
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX58QLPrrl
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“Him? I don’t see much in him though. His left eye is patched by a cloth, his left hand looks like a gauntlet out of the demon treasury.” She says with a bored expression57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUzuCHVi6y
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“Fia, If one of your adventurer becomes above Vanquisher Rank, you would finally get a job in one of the main branch, Right?” Gloria says, gesturing at me.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmKVWbgsgo
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“So you are telling me this guy here is that capable? Even if it’s you, I need some proof to accept your vouch.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE25j5GR6sb
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoauDNZft9F
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So I interrupt her as I step forward and put my index finger on the desk. “Listen kiddo, you saw the flash of light in the sky a few nights ago right?”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIOcVs495B
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNaABrOzeL
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“Tell me that, When you learn to control your temper. For now answer the question.” I say which annoys her but she answers57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi9nqcOze0
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrrnZXBuMM
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oxOXy9Isd
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYcCmuJThf
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But Shortly after, I hear another giggle. I look up, slightly backing away from the counter, and see a powerfully built woman perched atop a counter. Muscle corded her arms and shoulders, compact and dense beneath practical white clothes and a half-leather jacket, but she moved with a surprising grace when she later jumped down. Not just brute strength, but honed power.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJTvMBgd3z
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwKrSQnHW1
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“Hello, Gloria. Thanks for taking care of our town in my absence.” She says as she jumps down from the top near Gloria.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHdglmILrn
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ2TV7qhDF
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgsWJlqr0y
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQhr36nMxk
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgPDwqYzMJ
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JLN6VZ837
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But Her bossy attitude won’t work on me, putting bossy people in their place has been a big part of my history.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqWw8S0C7N
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“I am confident I won’t meet someone who can take it from me, I know just fine how to go against odds.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHw9kMXP28
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Kainia nods slowly, her sharp eyes assessing me. "So it is true." She lets out a short, barking laugh, devoid of humor. "I like you already kid."57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4CawbTnwf
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Kainia leans a hand on the counter, her expression turning serious. "And to think such a youngling is the 'Demon Traitor'. You're already a hot topic in the Holy Kingdom, you know?"57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcCER0KGkN
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“Me?” I ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1u4wrd4aZ
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"Yeah, you," Kainia confirms, seemingly enjoying the dramatic effect. "The Holy Kingdom realized you killed the Demon Lord – their prophet, the one who talks to gods, apparently saw the whole thing."
Sinfia gasps, her earlier mockery vanishing, replaced by wide-eyed shock as she glances nervously between me and the Guild Master. She had heard my claim.
"They're saying," Kainia continues, ticking points off on her fingers, "that a 'half-demon' betrayed the demon race..."
Half-demon? Where did they get that? I think, catching Gloria giving me a quick, questioning look.
"...held his own against the Light Borne Hero..."
Gloria's eyes widen “So Oldzheil wasn’t lying?” she asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NWCI3Yzin
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“You still had your doubts, huh?” I ask with a sigh
"...and then killed the Demon Lord," Kainia finishes, driving the point home.
Sinfia looks faint, clutching the counter for support, finally grasping the reality behind my earlier statement. Gloria lets out a slow breath, seemingly confirming this part to herself while the other details swirl.
Kainia smirks slightly. "Made you a wanted criminal and a legend overnight." She pauses, letting the weight of her words settle in the now silent reception area. "Point is, they’ve put out a request to every guild, mine included. Compulsory quest: report any information on your whereabouts."57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiiyreqfek
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcziId7mxz
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dicXlvol8
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIHTAv3HIE
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“Ok, first of all, I may look like this, but I am not a Demon. I am human by heart.” I pause “I am here to apply as an adventurer, so, are you going to let me take a test or should I leave? Because I have other things to do.” I get straight to the point.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoiCA2GD5M
“Hold your horses now, there is no way we can make a demon into an adventurer, but I will make it a special case for you. I have ears around the town you know. Since you are a guest who saved our elder Warzheil, I will be delighted to help you create a fake card.” She suggests57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfPWADGT5k
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaciBk2FiZm
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“I can register you as a human adventurer with a prostitute hand or something. As for the test, I need you to bring some big hunt with you while you are here. I am sure you don’t want people hunting you know where you are because that’s what will happen if I told the main branches of adventurer guild about you.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwmRCxwvDp
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“I think that’s a good plan, so I just need to register as a newbie, hunt some beasts, and rise through the ranks?” I ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1Vf0gogYG
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“Bingo. It seems like our Gloria found a smart boyfriend for herself, I was starting to think she would be alone all her life.” The guild master huffs teasing Gloria.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7UaVeJThA
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhYkMdk8fz
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyLQ1aeia4
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0zALcs5pY
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMy76KpTp6
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“I will get register you on Steel Sentinel rank which is the 8th rank out of 10, hunt a good beast and I will raise your rank.” She says handing me over a small tempered Blue-Steel wristband that fails to attach to my wrist, so I try to bend it to fit my wrist.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uaszeyk0Y
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“Killing the demon lord has it’s benefits It seems. Thank you. Although it doesn’t fit my hand.” I say trying to fix the band, Gloria turn to leave, I follow her as I fix the band, but Kainia stops us as we near the gate.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiutdVEv9J
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“Take this advice to heart. Do not use your powers, items or artifacts openly. Kingdoms rage Wars over such precious commodities. They will try anything to strip you off your things if you are not under a kingdom.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbPIcKRm6Y
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“Why tell me this?” I ask57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAmOzwcSGf
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjoG7HUDNW
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9BPrqeYIn
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We step into the pre-dawn twilight. Just as our eyes adjust, a party of five adventurers approaches the entrance, moving with the synchronized efficiency of a veteran team, their boots crunching softly on the street. Their gear, though travel-worn, is high quality; the leader, encased in gleaming golden plate armor, wears the unmistakable Obsidian Black wristband of a Reaver. The bulky warrior beside him sports the Burnished Bronze of a Vanquisher. Slightly ahead of them, hurrying towards the door while glancing back, is a man in flamboyant silks carrying a lute.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6qK6AF7st
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Preoccupied in adjusting my band to my wrist, I don't sidestep quite fast enough as the bard reaches the threshold. Our shoulders collide. He yelps as the waterskin he was lifting flies from his grasp, splashing dark liquid down his colorful tunic.
"Seven bloody hells!" Valerius—the bard—exclaims, stumbling back and staring aghast at the spreading stain with theatrical horror. "My Aquarian silk! Utterly ruined! Have you no eyes, man?!" Real irritation underlies his dramatic tone.
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"Easy, Valerius," the Vanquisher rumbles, planting his heavy frame squarely in the doorway, blocking our path. His Bronze band is prominent as his hand rests near his axe hilt. He looks me up and down, gaze lingering contemptuously on my blue-steel band. "Watch yourself when approaching your betters, Sentinel. Some 'accidents' have steep prices."
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Gloria Step forward, he hair flaring with amber particles.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvAhVEqaaR
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Gloria draws herself up beside me, her posture unwavering, her hand near her Polished Silver band. "He was rushing blindly toward an occupied exit. Perhaps even those," she adds coolly, pointedly glancing at the leader's Obsidian Black band, "self proclaimed ‘betters’ should mind their own path."57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmKCKXMygR
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The leader in gold armor remains silent, visor fixed forward, assessing. Behind him, the veiled mage and the shadow figure watch impassively.
Valerius recovers, striking a pose despite his damp tunic. "A tragedy! Such artistry warrants recompense! Perhaps," his eyes flick to Gloria's rank and bearing, "the lady understands? A private performance, maybe?"
I step slightly forward, drawing the focus. "It was unintentional," I state raising my left hand a little suggesting a gesture of de-escalation, my gaze fixed past the others onto the impassive golden helm of the Reaver leader.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfmVi2fNss
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrMmGml1vX
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The Vanquisher bristles. "That all? It seem we need to teach you how to respect elders. You think that Silver Hand protects—"
"Rank means less out here," I cut him off, I say flatly, going out of my way to avoid an unnecessary fight, addressing only the leader. "Rank doesn't grant you the whole doorway. Travel costs coin. And Don't mistake the colour of a man's wristband for the threat he might be hiding just because he works the fields."
The challenge hangs, palpable. The Vanquisher glares, momentarily silenced. Valerius raises an intrigued eyebrow. The leader remains still, but I sense his focus sharpen behind the visor. The veiled mage shifts, lifting a hand subtly.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmALkrhozb
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqORVs9Ayqn
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A faint thrum vibrates the air as mana gathers around her fingertips, Condensing into a sharp water stream aimed my way. It touches the field around me – less than a breath against my senses – and then its form destabilises, falling at my feet, wetting them. A silent crack like static discharge, and the nascent spell vanishes utterly, leaving no trace near my inert Blue-Steel band.
The mage gasps audibly, physically recoiling, her entire frame rigid beneath her veil.
Every member of the Reaver party reacts instantly. The Vanquisher stares, his jaw slackening in disbelief. Valerius pales, eyes wide. The shadow figure becomes a knot of pure tension. The Reaver leader's helmet snaps fully toward me, his stillness radiating sudden, intense scrutiny. An Iron Guard nullifying magic? Impossible.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zMbaGJWJu
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“Now I am wet too, that makes us Equal.” I say
The Reaver holds the stunned silence for a long, calculating moment, clearly recalibrating the threat assessment. When he finally speaks, his voice is dangerously smooth, stripped bare of any condescension. "Enough. Hedvard" The command is clipped, directed at the Vanquisher, but his unseen eyes bore into me. "Inside. Now."
He starts to turn but pauses deliberately beside me, his presence radiating controlled power. His voice drops, a low murmur meant only for me, sharp as obsidian shards. "Don’t think I didn’t notice your artifact, Sentinel." The leader says with a voice dripping with venom. "Artifacts attract attention. The wrong kind. And that behavior of your will be your gravedigger." He holds my gaze through the visor slit, a silent promise of future scrutiny. "Remember that."
Without awaiting acknowledgment, he brushes past me and disappears through the open doorway into the quiet shadows of the guild hall. The bulky warrior gives me a final, hateful glare before lumbering inside. Valerius, looking thoroughly unnerved, scurries after them, followed swiftly by the still-shaken mage and the silent shadow, their figures quickly swallowed by the hall's depths.
The immediate threat recedes, but the tension lingers heavily in the air, the silence from the empty guild hall behind us somehow amplifying it. Gloria lets out a slow, shaky breath beside me.
"Well," she murmurs, looking from the empty doorway back to me, her expression troubled. "That was… more than I expected. I have a very bad feeling we'll be seeing that Obsidian band again."
I stare into the guild hall's depths where they vanished, the leader's parting words echoing. "No," I agree quietly, a cold certainty settling within me. "I have a feeling this isn’t the last we will see of them." I turn away from the guild entrance. "Let's go I am Hungry."57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMo7R0iFoz
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyDAGxA8LV
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It's an old stubborn habit of mine to observe surrounding to almost minute details even when relaxed. I always feel insecure if I don’t, so I do what I am best at.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwPKJX8y0H
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passers talking about Jortheus’s death, omens, wars and demon attacks on various kingdoms, Species trafficking etc. but there is one interesting think I noticed to be odd.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T76GRoblN
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There were birds chirping in the trees unlike in the Kobe forest, who suddenly went quite. I look around, scanning the trees, but my right eye can see only so much, so I force my left eye open under the bandage while it’s still on it.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhcDAjDrZp
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I see outlines of beings, as if using some sort of sensor to outline things, even if it makes me nauseous, its handy in these situations and surely I see many figures in the trees watching me.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iczKV4pM0
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2 have pointy ears, elves, 1 has ears and a tail, a beastman?, another have a bow and its hiding under a hood, they all have a very thin line of colorful outline unlike gloria whose is overflowing, which means they are suppressing their power, but the hooded person doesn’t have any outline maybe I can try to peek…..I try to focus my left eye on the person, but it sends a dizzying pain in my head, maybe I shouldn’t force my strange powers, I don’t know enough about them.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tl7XDPIme
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They aren’t too bad, but they are unlucky I am the best at the game they are playing. I smirk at them to put them off their game.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeobKK9GZI
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anyone would see me as crazed guy if they saw me smirking to thin air but I am certain I saw them flinch. I can even hear bits of murmur if I concentrate my enhanced hearing, but its no use.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ToE3lGcCC
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77rk16SwWF
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“Hey! What you gawking at up there? The stall is very close, come on I am hungry too, it’s Oldzheil favorite too.” Gloria shouts from a distance which snaps me from the Simulator phase of my thoughts.
For now, let’s see what happens.
Dear Reader, be kind enough to leave a comment in the chapter about it, as it inspires me to keep improving and doing better. And like if you enjoyed this chapter.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk08RvYZkXV
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTIGPttbcp
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Join my Discord server If you want sneak peeks or early access to chapters of Cosmeta series. Discord Server link: http://discord.gg/Q27uA8vnfu57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZbxjwSsrV
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