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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBRgpFeVmN
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A7U3rPGEQ
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3RAGqhGvg
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIi8eu9GzP
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXBAKubufB
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXzfIJNDld
I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8alD4ArsS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ipsqpUmm9
But before that I tie a cloth around my left eye which is making me feel dizzy, this place is filled with energies.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEtf4jpb1W
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYQ9znD21u
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHHPybGcw7
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4xPrPZOEH
Although it pains my chest, I power through it283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqY8Xly0oD
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0g15kCDGr
“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipiki7PfGg
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1DhBXQ2OO
But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZiouondr7
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLau7q7Fjc
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IowCBQrAo
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF98NCuI9P
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AGyUgUMGw
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHifmT9XF96
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T8wjewg8R
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5Fe1wuiRZ
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbtdFakcsy
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkaQ0Aqza2
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJE1v8FCUr
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqKioldXHR
Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOh55aXD7i
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBGSwZPmIq
I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkQvcnMCTo
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7aOV0xFnp
A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZRw3MhFhP
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKSEEzftVe
“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSDw729Igi
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hXYIn47e9
“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB00SWSTCJ5
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZheEW8DDS
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqncwy62NZV
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedB0tJW6S3
“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysNecYXqRc
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhNaaoW8Im
“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5aVl2rvo1
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukXjsAcxlX
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MIp7PUWEr
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6f8wRij3R
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAeCYGDsz4
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps8IsXiPH3
I smirk, looking around.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR32yhrpVVf
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzxqK95z02
“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh4lyQltb9
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLxAuzQqiY
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkTqlJ18bY
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xx17xv0M1
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eyCEwOrAR
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnDssGgT5L
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0bGnkmDdF
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVLgUq9eZL
“….” Gloria flinches283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW6gl4KYzK
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OsNfof51J
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKKhBqYupt
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRdqHpMQnh
“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.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpwBdlQ475
“You aren’t angry?” I ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMW1SBCKl5
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLLrRpz0KC
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWGymb0klZ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xp45I8Jin
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5fFbXBC8d
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoej1k17LZi
“Then we have a deal?” she asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd6WkD87nR
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T4YQChc4W
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzBE6oN8OT
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVgKHOE0Ow
“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAve84OnMf
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRfJmBcGZF
“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVSCrSqhcw
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzdsom1yak
I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pmXxdWDej
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLInqKrzXhQ
I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEDZT9HV0q
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WNVIjdFMz
Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImNbmiV7QF
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q1tfG4tQJ
“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmMtjdwyGi
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9XL4N16sg
“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT6gyWYdNk
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeQjQB8T4W
“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 asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFE1xRMCXK
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp4HhKdnFB
I had a feeling she might ask this.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0rIoHyGTY
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIAjwnCp4D
“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxDA5BhqYs
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtRHidq7Mt
“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtCdrNbzfT
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOuI8oWRDv
“What rank are you anyway?” she asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKwUpY8qjV
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kSqzZ3cJI
“Rank?” I ask back in confusion283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdobZmdxxDn
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnJK7wJred
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi00Wx4qvgH
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHjHkdMDFK
“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gQuZVA3rS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgIuA9XGcn
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDuSXI5NAs
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMquFYjJDq
my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsuMSTPAoq
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl86eTRP07n
“History can wait for later. But Food? My friend here suggests we Eat.” I say rubbing my stomach under the shirt.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKuH1h4zQA
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMzmFITeDO
“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ9SdkNrb8
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzTPZZ4jLX
“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLAtb5TcR0
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SwXVSGrLr
“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNlqLx8cG3
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRZqMCejhT
She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K8HI4aHJS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhIWEp1Wfl
“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbc48Mja97
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUmWUTYfZL
“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYspIr8lZVS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2i20clU1Q
“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD81IyjwOO
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cm0S9De4s
“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 says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE4wuFgSZZ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMZvMb9DIZ
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRUy0Dk3yu
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EXIC7lViS
“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 says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQT78YXG5m
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieYm3rnxVC
“Seems like the Old dwarf spilled more than I expected,” I say.
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPeL9FYjjH
Maybe she's right about the age thing, though.
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YjJnvYYYw
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.
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcZdNOmvnN
“So—these adventurers—they are what, monster hunters?”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWOwCJFQmb
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oy8DrbglF
“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhulfX1C1h
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYakIgxLLco
“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35sOWrOJwB
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVWYwSZBY8
“What’s freelancing?” she asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrFrOq09aI
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXqHxsoBBA
“Work on hire.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjKiKhBMfH
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELX9YImOrl
“yeah, more or less. How the hell do you don’t know about adventurer’s guild?” Gloria says, suspicion creeping in her voice.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0frpd6VbYo
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqMHyVXcBp
“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZHp2PRuZH
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR10Kt6txs
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKuPGqv3rm
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcDWCOQjzH
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQCrxniRRi
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe32jzD5Ms
”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?”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29eXp8BRBy
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNJC1rrjwG
“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRVkSEQV5n
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL1wpDyVJF
“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyhqfOIzGD
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedNwS6kJP9
“You should become a Sage.” She laughs283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTOxcWGmkQ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEgOtqkFFt
“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 asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23oE81aXgy
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1akx4LwwH
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHli07Kcz5m
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHw2YzNLMp
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYglJ0PZArC
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsjehax4dy
“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXJ1LRyOqU
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCSF2OEq5W
“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItbldIijpk
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU32yFqXX2
I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNShQBWArq
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16yLNnOnoY
“Hehehe, Don’t hold it against him, Grandma Sil has a special spell that forces other to speak more than they intend.” She explains283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzKvmli2sB
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7w8bD3Foj
“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ohfRI4Mte
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0x99eDzoc
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CHe3Ay4vF
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeJgodCRKn
“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY4wJEbfQu
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m5fwUMtD8
Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEci1uCbNPq
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtpI8X499M
“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 me283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDYDrFopA7
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8QuAdfIse
“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJzk7x5jiG
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95oEgtSEoi
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPW52qTlFp
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiT1LosP4A
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaeI3WwtpN
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAX7Ba74Qk
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ysaBWEilX
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgUirh2N6y
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGGf6Yyo9M
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2VBumwKJ1
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDaXBkeiZB
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n5iHOfTsQ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVehhE6rkn
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4QBAKVmNx
“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QZP0jyix4
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS22Z1DhY0r
“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 says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaBNDLDR3w
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbyUSfrvae
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcPNdekoMn
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJHJgslvMO
“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 ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAanZlWK6Mf
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmswwZVNwC
“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeqdTAloCF
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5zjugoVgf
“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 says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhWfx5lpaf
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY3ZJ7cgWT
“Take off? Oh didn’t Warzheil tell you? I cannot take off my artifact. It is bound to me with Curse of Binding.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc4ROtOjPS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiprd1cSaCn
“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 gasp283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd823aPRqY
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWO3iTCbpD
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2NBGCzYla
“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME7mmuQR1F
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLERpPFZ2DU
Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEPSAKCtXM
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9dz2L3CYU
The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVdUiL52oo
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd108l1etn
“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZInsYPEIJ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlYohb6gsx
“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIHzJbOtLS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo9FrJeyTc
I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPwZUACxGQ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1070bkye3
“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOc0A2gFpj
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY1UWDTS9s
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfq3g5yfao
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yOxgsMB6M
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs46fNx8MyC
A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1VgUTaeYm
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluIFbw2cy6
As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxksupJXw3
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f4tOeB2vb
There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PIj790i7n
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIch7ILKqgK
She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJTmnPJAew
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lFKzp3bPU
“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FN7CKPO4k
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFXoWew2Tu
“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxZ2htOkLM
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpdRgnOih3
“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ZpD1pm6I
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS7eNXL44K
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkEoWzS3Au
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzGeX4IvtU
Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLCH7omZ5m
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexrDHWNJjE
“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsMmCn5Mfq
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURzBOsbOpB
“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXrNOdGVp6
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gv1SBhqgJ
“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNcakXP4DE
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAe3p5RDab
“If you say so Big sister. But what brings the Flame Queen here today?” Sinfia says, letting her guard down slightest.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgdl7PZ94v
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOHcJJqwkt
“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CsjiwQMln
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgi2JlxkNq
“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 expression283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLR5P5N0IS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1NHu7wjT3
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxYOrJyC6Y
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwMvVdm9Nt
“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 says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTWEPjaaPW
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0rQboDU6I
“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgZgOfDPNR
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4hjpRIfbi
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?”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5OhRo8tum
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDNrHoSsVu
“I am not a kid!” she recoils283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ949jfvXPZ7
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhVpA5xETy
“Tell me that, When you learn to control your temper. For now answer the question.” I say which annoys her but she answers283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxoiBrkmzL
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7afTadIKo
“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEegIf32RwI
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3hLXMQHYO
“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ENzNIO7kc
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l5SpDjkTn
At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qPj8vcKGd
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs66pduXxdf
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDwf7hmUsw
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEuHzIlQk0
“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaRKq63l58
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtpg0hrs9Q
“Hello, Gloria. Thanks for taking care of our town in my absence.” She says as she jumps down from the top near Gloria.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOd6iZUiRZ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MjqK0mB9l
Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0cfWT5GD7
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2Pg3VE490
Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUevL42lyd
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpQK1J5Ocm
“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbxaC7l7An
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXrbvobqJs
The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KVRoCRrdD
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRoSipe92b
“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqJHej8tYS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHTLnhuEEN
But Her bossy attitude won’t work on me, putting bossy people in their place has been a big part of my history.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKejhmIvIP
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPBLhtON9l
“I am confident I won’t meet someone who can take it from me, I know just fine how to go against odds.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3GNabie9b
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ7n7wOhfS
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CSPNDu8ct
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFrvj5T6Cz
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?"283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk9RslhOm6
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xUT7nhY4q
“Me?” I ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQbgjZqSAK
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwPZg56lBD
"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 asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFbHsKD71D
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA2dULf0YZ
“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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYxPUBkonk
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICmf91PJtx
“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesN6g08Yzq
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhUhHEoCza
“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIWMOFMnim
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FU2gdAK0W
Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9PsuMP7j8
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmyqsVRiYB
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SlJOSCbg4
“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 suggests283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBuXuKtnQU
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpurQUkh6Tt
“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMs8VuZ0Rm
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IRgw8BEgY
“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 says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd75qbT5RE
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTvWHt4LJz
“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 ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ipCdQOdEn
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV8ZNgTQ5T
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAenmX4Fw5
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU7C4zw3z2
“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhErXlP5O1c
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc27il1xEuy
“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8hkuXxc95
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYeheKZjDF
“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1IRhMKeFE
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahWmE4BpXb
“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UkJNIyfUU
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgR4Dki8Y5
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbmTStfoNd
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUAtMXxKJO
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEtZAaZ9oS
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeTUsjI8cs
“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 says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7sL9F8F79
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1IbodVu3d
“Why tell me this?” I ask283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPbe2acMvK
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXanoRw94Z
“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB6N6k0S0F
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ppQE375QO
Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc1l7ejpeJ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpkoofXzkm
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFEA0ozNY2
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwK2ARRAhM
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.
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJeUak1ArR
"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."
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYt8ZrP3Jv
Gloria Step forward, he hair flaring with amber particles.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnfwkDlHO8
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLD9GydZgm
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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcDKT0BRt7
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyQ7VaMKJM
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeXAL6aFze
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjILZ3JLja
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46w6f1Ejxe
My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWFNNv3ujj
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbscOLz63n8
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ426t37UA
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd2hMuPgvu
“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW3chz3VXM
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasVyVTYX2U
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6PiPIFmeR
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBQ7hANk5q
“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."283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpylNxNScQ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmINAG2ibYT
And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx7CvDjxBq
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL0yeDIEDW
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsolhyY9pG
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDRMRp1tKR
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhhHJsgYny
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ1qjEtBwo
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW5gW5sV7G
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmXlGe8U2v
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z0CG7BW4i
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XfpN0ZTIH
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HK5jroCaW
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Oc5OWXlQ
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAbMZNGCuW
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfV8PQ616s
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eSVdQMjml
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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsRJjh4fYd
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oLcKQ0aBk
I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYhAyXZKlG
283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6gxlyugHn
“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.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc5WhVFYSI
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmuLfDr0yc
;)283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzImXNSSmG
Join my Discord server If you want sneak peeks or early access to chapters of Cosmeta series. Discord Server link: http://discord.gg/Q27uA8vnfu283Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPcJEA5lP8
Dive into hot discussions with the creator, meet fellow story fans. Theory crafting, story creation, all sorts of things.
