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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjNfyhtVSH
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBzlpfN8ZJ
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WiGKX48LF
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr1BDw2ygb
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3np3OAcE1m
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN6Z4gteZv
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllNzwGid1a
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq18L2BODdX
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetvUt2qBkG
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6qq0MeqbE
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK6pMIxpw8
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1HWWnjB1l
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zOkBRbXOm
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeVLJ8TviX
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbKuXrbrOM
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmU1UwJ9WG
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VleK46ohV
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl979KkxgF
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvsBsBGTdb
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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 tone160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVmXMy6m2S
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B8tnb0Gt6
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PND40Dzvr
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntvEMU69Q1
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjTwebYCKi
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I smirk, looking around.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteufugJBSw
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSPhUSTcn7
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFOD1pSege
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgh7vKbqRY
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ormfy8dPg
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaibQO6Zfm
“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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWlTAPw95D
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“….” Gloria flinches160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOrm3geYJG
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBUherx7mD
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBjfvnfox7
“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.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPBgk3fKTd
“You aren’t angry?” I ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYKjiQzzHt
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqabco3NRym
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdKjAYCWgM
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVJgexb3XB
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQibZ6H8aJ
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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 ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pH7nAOdoY
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ65ItkIHF
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqN1fh7pvA
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtvxbiosXf
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAlnk44tlB
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwLAZrJreX
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hw87dxLya
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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 asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtwXpdUfZQ
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I had a feeling she might ask this.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6TquoNimi
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEXmvm4cXM
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIJdA1bQum
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9551hOZkfT
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl9mjJg26e
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFwGqHnPvu
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF52eK1IIfh
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKNoLSZMKM
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4tYJCcXxV
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9T9EGZR1z
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPFPO4ZSEt
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOug43wwhz0
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9sXFbzRPh
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDviv4aGFFp
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYWLi2CN1i
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrPLhPAPvI
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaKtmuAjJc
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8B12CA7Bx
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WwhIIM75U
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwIhR66FLq
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB6S98ntmt
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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?”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjCSQJAMoI
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc6ysux9MH
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiwMtc2PkR
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmKlQUV1oT
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“Work on hire.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicV0Rgi5UB
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j5hKyz9oy
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddiFph7gOK
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hJ7hW5YhX
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGVCDHDi07
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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?”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Ph4bBFHw
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOJoCDUZ5x
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg9VfZkwcV
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8V5nusWvc
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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 asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhyPNaIlM3
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLFEXSjDQ8
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n8xrJ6DyK
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDinoFA9bt
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA2rsxxkTL
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrxnPvxRN0
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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 explains160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OiX5yBUW4
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qRbHkZILV
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg1i1SIR2t
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY2WBXUiGi
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeckqIIt2c
160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF089qkByOc
“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 me160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nMC1bjsKZ
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mm80a7oN7
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3iFLfTQlb
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm07KDlWzPv
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6zECDdIyE
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSbzKOLgvy
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNDvpQgOFa
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCD0TJO6mC
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P7NxxG8Jk
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6yXgSNoF0
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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 ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSlQUDVyrc
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp3FLPnkDO
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45TEa9Xv9n
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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 say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWScuZjQS0e
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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 gasp160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNSkzM5OEr
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBMgAgKsqn
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWlVF27JEH
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnWW0acAW0
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo428Fd9Yyh
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I3Wfj2sHz
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg8eICms3g
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW80N3j2QN3
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7R4N0DcXO
“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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFN5ZmRwKl
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ikPCjotBW
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DJQRS9Hpi
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBUfzEZ3Vb
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWPzpgpMLa
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHLOrqI4Jd
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHfzR2UkdH
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHsqm7iqgJ
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD7tLIkH3E
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUEsvsmKNb
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM0mXIDFJ5
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5oyzTluwd
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRVflsM6SI
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDIosq668X
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJxXsXnS4V
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDQIzNs9na
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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 expression160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOASRrdAwsi
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrQDsuypJt
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1tXBJXPH5
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfxDIVMNM8
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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?”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLdb610d5n
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHMUw4iOpf
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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 answers160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXmUCaW5Ae
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBdVt7OJs7
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gn2l9y2U6
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3annuzHU3
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUrhN7NHAu
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhdtugDBis
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd1JMtsXgI
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEej6rnLsug
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFVMDUo0z1
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP6u94pwya
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcmd7n9jAI
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAr1CeZzLX
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEvXzR86BA
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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 say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAONzlxkJn
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6TL2ycUQy
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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?"160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PwNNRqJmD
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“Me?” I ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhEXCxZrYo
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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 asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sKUB8UYlA
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLmLkKJTN0
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tccNBpSFJ
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4AsayQb3z
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF3jHLgHMn
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6sWPEkr29
“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 suggests160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgpQp9o3SC
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNCF90xyXR
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOeA1w1fq2
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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 ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwP4JuM8X2
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRFC5EvI82
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscLky1rp33
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAW9nImDUd
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmpcc0WmM0
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwSqmJeXW3
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9mIDF5zE5
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3O2yaYMvf
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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 says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6UKqPQ2D0
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“Why tell me this?” I ask160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgCcP5P2ta
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxSrnswKfC
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUQ44LFutB
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTnBtvp3cr
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBFAdPzERu
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGph1zhRzK2
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8HyIHjR13
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FotAzIA9c
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMGMBxRgbf
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLITxJWjmNZ
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AqdQX4zRy
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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."160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJQBrHwvyR
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kBGTkWVAN
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wWQowsc3G
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNmEub0RpQ
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl70idhPZR
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLXAanoJQ9
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhv53zQi28
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55xgcdlj1y
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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.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblPfOPvraZ
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZcNI5j23R
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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.
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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/Q27uA8vnfu160Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZWiwu2orO
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