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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP34IN3uT3d
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9iWXHAqxQ
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD4DD6RrSq
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9aWbASlqv
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But before that I tie a cloth around my left eye which is making me feel dizzy, this place is filled with energies.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmTE91P6iJ
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6krw78RlgN
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsHfuf6v2v
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6j1jSv1hw
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcbBW9nts2
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrTdOlPsPU
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4R30W3Nxo
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU9wnsnPre
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCKaG9RQnX
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpZ5SAijwa
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfPDcV4C7b
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I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhnqHBkJSw
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4KwsQyly3
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQPHkfA7sf
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsO6ClfFfl
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“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZSgcNKo4A
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ZtwlxXIC
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilsnEDw4Re
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDokwWauXU
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbwNvHouhR
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I smirk, looking around.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJNWKi8I02
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNMVl0PFfK
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8kIlFERAK
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“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq5yAqW99H
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9G0FXX6go
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“….” Gloria flinches170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn2nwLPUK8
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDIepEbsXu
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“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.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tospRjE2M
“You aren’t angry?” I ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ6LFlat87
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6wuFgsxiA
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZDI8xZqyL
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCS8LYg4Jb
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3ofxG5ZsR
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“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03EGkt7aj3
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMoyQ4RxBr
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgYS9ggfDI
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw1wNH2x5G
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qs8Ny5eRU
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ692sxmuOm
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz4C1SyuAp
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“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 asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZpOEUNiHf
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I had a feeling she might ask this.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxyIAkayRH
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡackQGg5FXd
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“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ4u2qcfyB
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViB2enfelk
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDjQmtQVE7
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEYWvhLa7p
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD1xVl56HC
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjnSwTPrNu
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iGr3mskz4
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“History can wait for later. But Food? My friend here suggests we Eat.” I say rubbing my stomach under the shirt.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizH2LQWf4S
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcSfxYDXLU
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIedkJ1p6SF
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIcqnY1lV7
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecwzOnQchG
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSp515Yz3V
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXORoFLY1P
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgVhAMIA0g
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“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 says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXkmhLcXK9
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Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJdjqIqp9g
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“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 says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyJx9BKZex
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“Seems like the Old dwarf spilled more than I expected,” I say.
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Maybe she's right about the age thing, though.
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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.
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“So—these adventurers—they are what, monster hunters?”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09cA9cR7DV
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH0r9p6KZE
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafyrpLaqTY
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkSeKPBN0q
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“Work on hire.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOJTfTtacX
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“yeah, more or less. How the hell do you don’t know about adventurer’s guild?” Gloria says, suspicion creeping in her voice.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Tb5jxi5la
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvUdIWEKHo
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7lDcQpDXk
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWCaqAdDDs
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”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?”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0qLkcDvGy
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxLSYTUftE
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNNz1P0HEc
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8i6t2wupw
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“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 asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv4q4N5OVv
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5xzpK2OcN
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyNqr6z5s6
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRfecI0U2d
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiZHDKTheu
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrBnl0Pgq3
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“Hehehe, Don’t hold it against him, Grandma Sil has a special spell that forces other to speak more than they intend.” She explains170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4yOjvh3dc
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01wfrfC0nq
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOLTQrDOrL
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww5fJlOoE0
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRcUEmO3Lf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTX3FKE8Sx
“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 me170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4lVHmjxAM
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQXn84vNJi
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvJGfFDpuM
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIVfKL7u7u
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkKYQwAgo0
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Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRMqMK8b9o
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“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjwaLahAVh
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjIWkIiDvV
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“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 says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrQV00ZByC
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD9Pt6sHnQ
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“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 ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrtgLDzVaF
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInA9yvHeQH
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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 says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCkCPh1jfL
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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 say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhoaDxw4r5
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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 gasp170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRZ48FOY0n
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDzUsQHXTr
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjjg9huNnJ
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuBl5JPMhZ
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuIquqnosr
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXltiTVUUUt
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwVrOHlcIn
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR3BlmPBxC
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTmrDZAbzv
“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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEjQQTZqlk
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m3IZ9oIEH
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMTShdkaXy
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLkDXmOdl5
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQhjeorpvH
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH0k0O7UnC
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl6jlzxOHI
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uWAkixt8i
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp7W6247OW
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdhsI00EwI
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkoF1swIys
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dKLV6QixC
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReYMV6F938
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRKzVr9zx3
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0vrs7rwD3
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZUVRaZ7kk
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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 expression170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIK9naRIqA
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsmFym02Hn
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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 says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc2UayrHTm
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCda7rvv5Aw
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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?”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKiuu39kqr
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpaIw5Agx5
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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 answers170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsI7K8KqRt
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSzKAoWNx0
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek5nr2af05
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsKE8eaYFJ
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn0InF6NGg
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLbK0nVDGn
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELnyrrrKB3
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYJIfz3SHZ
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdGM2Yw8Xg
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugEB1ST0mz
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhlgWLMrCl
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARCXEEJsA1
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BpxpAdVIV
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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 say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI50lJFmaE
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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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ432iZS2Uar
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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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc566ADgE5k
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“Me?” I ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrV6q9Znz6
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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 asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU92Ie43M7e
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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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpAxJn7BUh
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zzzx8jnzR
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTnN6Vt4ro
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yggXpqYWg
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPpK1uH9Ny
“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 suggests170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh91qM6qqun
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqXx6PRgE4
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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 says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwprNmrGsR
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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 ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYgCuYx99Z
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphg7KGEzZh
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihmPNFR7to
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbjQc0fzo3
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF2CYNYlUT
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hEkC79swI
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGN69jHCPD
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLMecci6Wk
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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 says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyPhA3CcSq
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“Why tell me this?” I ask170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju7UwIU9Kv
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8UEaL80K7
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiUc370xFn
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQYweDzoNd
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvyGTfTGc2
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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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sPg70Qj7e
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT26emazTJ
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaRI5PR80M
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlruKmuXe9
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDNyQOvY7d
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY3cg2PiBR
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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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSrTPqZNuf
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmzTToFKXw
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kuWebgKz7
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCJSlIAMi4
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldAAd6eIUc
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYzkcyKn2s
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfavH3XwInl
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFjlDcelZT
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOEep9bnnK
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29HxS1AOAR
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80QlgWx7Bi
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnN7fwTvaZ
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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/Q27uA8vnfu170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoXRQorfLF
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