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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MG7NSQn1N
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUcVenRnfy
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvEP4IhGnr
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM4CXwrYU3
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL5qfk1dDo
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6U2mu47pR
I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCFP7RAETb
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ62zISXcO
But before that I tie a cloth around my left eye which is making me feel dizzy, this place is filled with energies.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFctwX1ddg
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8zKNzhKKz
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hwceqExpR
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22TDksVf5G
Although it pains my chest, I power through it37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9btt2pzNz
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcOMvTHoIJ
“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDFWZv11uu
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob5ERVjRrG
But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeV8mO15c3
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAyEk4B0gb
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVTxdp48Ay
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcqsdrY6xC
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh4xEcBFkj
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdneMWeF0cL
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6Us6wIoyf
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEGwaCDF9q
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSoT2U21CK
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw6GG2GlqW
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBarrfSupWT
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYK7aP3Tgw
Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH2DavTFlN
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTSfbUUtJ2
I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mzZtxyCkv
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLfjqCw9q6
A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbPH0pwuAK
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWR6E4JfI4
“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDLoex0Q30
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoVXEOKqTM
“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsASPF9MhP6
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MZodKM163
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6Bw66SfJn
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCITFQ6ww6K
“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPIwoevrBq
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NsE7HTGXa
“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zc6Etg7K0
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5fGnPA9u7
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cJ8ylJTtu
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGr88ynkCE
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq7vYVFNyv
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhT1KwYwcg
I smirk, looking around.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lBoqR8JBI
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT65Qn9IFT6
“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZuWS6Lldl
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcIfbBAgKZ
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA6jZZa6Gx
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDfcW1k8yj
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK11oxhUtv
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkxT59MN5z
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzuk9BwP7C
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvJw2SIzAi
“….” Gloria flinches37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPDwHdrsn3
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphznDuCt0r
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpxGUqvaD6
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZepFNbEyi
“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.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHYttRTedJ
“You aren’t angry?” I ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i1DHbOMGc
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGfQsXwMou
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy58EOgHiQV
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZQl0Jv2rD
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz7gmvLZHT
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHkGYk5HJN
“Then we have a deal?” she asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTyUtEJv6G
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNONq9TOerc
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRewC1VYtR
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrJwWzSm6g
“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFfmJQ2rs6
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnOIJ6H19b
“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLrZ4Oreoi
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzQINbdCUE
I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBdTJvSN9r
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI2tfcBlAH
I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP38z1F9Uk3
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjk9TjIAwq
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBePyBK86Ob
“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWKmP98jNP
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYBA45wZUw
“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4guuJnEq3b
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNJJGIdRSe
“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 asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfofQiFHfMe
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuOT59fdQq
I had a feeling she might ask this.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD5U3irEKx
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVF9khAFJo
“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWzGpblP6c
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SQ3TeVepL
“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90XEOVLNC6
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjoA5Q3Yyh
“What rank are you anyway?” she asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYcHLCrO1V
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLYGUwd53K
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLnZK1VM9h
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEunJ40zPP
“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHIm2GHkGJ
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWG6YJyGJt
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb56X64HrW
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5WLxhyn0p
my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ml8rWeo1y
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFzJBp9UlO
“History can wait for later. But Food? My friend here suggests we Eat.” I say rubbing my stomach under the shirt.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG48U2khVF
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ss2iP9VuE
“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluufWsQvmU
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SeUmbI3RB
“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZqMTbiNcr
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpVHMhSwgB
“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZQefD3bfk
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumek3Yakq3
She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72imwjSSIL
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0RQd1W1id
“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1qCPYuxt2
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62DeIfHZVD
“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbnOu2WpNn
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAVr1dyS0v
“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLz72vMsbu
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMsySYtCa7
“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 says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIWJhnPNpV
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJzEuUuyeQ
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjZyNJjJU0
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHiYsN4jqG
“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 says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu20Tvyj74
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfSKJB2T0a
“Seems like the Old dwarf spilled more than I expected,” I say.
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnIIAltH8c
Maybe she's right about the age thing, though.
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUHgkJOCto
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.
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JVHkCakh7
“So—these adventurers—they are what, monster hunters?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uE2HsO9FF
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizhf1yqHzN
“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Ypxm3VPS
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSJwNthzhI
“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbf721cmrc
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdXa2tKWs2
“What’s freelancing?” she asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttsTtSmO6i
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRXMgJOZBc
“Work on hire.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma8Zwx4EBz
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZRBoJeRXU
“yeah, more or less. How the hell do you don’t know about adventurer’s guild?” Gloria says, suspicion creeping in her voice.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPqXG4lyu2
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWKZ8yvSYX
“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG30HE1RzS
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GVIVfvKso
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy9LxQ58Fz
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMXIJeYnBO
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq20S7H9oTm
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRX9luQAF0
”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?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41OZeInbwa
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHf487PqVX
“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKMcq4qHe9
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyv13SBgvG
“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb6EqbAQ4T
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmskK2wh4N
“You should become a Sage.” She laughs37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy956jJfykb
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzUkGPDDCz
“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 asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzSqzXKBHt
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdeugvW3T8
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImkB0vYZwe
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyAMJUAQYN
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u99OlmOVK
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGFOSQgxqM
“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAzcplRpQX
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiavIkdxcP
“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9hvgSJoCk
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpDYAnPcuV
I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAxQoAwexs
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJBPuyEGzG
“Hehehe, Don’t hold it against him, Grandma Sil has a special spell that forces other to speak more than they intend.” She explains37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcWaqmwORm
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3hapC0bTC
“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrE4bcxs0z
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwSZYkYqmX
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BABSP64JM
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9yTWf8nWC
“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2dX11iTP8
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4kKUUlyed
Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBIut4hHca
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaaXUcLt4j
“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 me37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkVlyeenJN
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xU1f7XauG
“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VllCxmaqa
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiJdSQGtLl
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRhnla7rtp
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0W9S04wot
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9hX6MVJ86
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9V8bV7IG2
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllDnDwhr1v
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBey5wkdZp
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mVgOzsQ8b
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg0YRM1Nh4
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmGrPAaPXT
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIRuFR3mKL
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tHYHXQ4mw
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSpuSeUAch
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV7HpDAfWd
“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 says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeSQ0bNrfy
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZcWXzfZGm
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbGeqjCJ2D
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33kHyExOqn
“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 ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2L4dNDbIf
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBATS4OKTl
“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAenZsKF2gq
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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 says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy7db1RcYJ
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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 say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7COp0LPAx
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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 gasp37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNGX56pbOH
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3F8Igx1hV
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G2Ym0PvKX
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPSt83yHwx
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCiTURfcwI
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQLV9C75eS
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfZqebJinf
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZbtjFWovg
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF3cYbhuM1
“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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrSLPZJo2I
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIUn5H37Op
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRukBJi2Gh
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBdsQ5DXsQ
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X9pFzODfW
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHJHfqY2UG
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTofBGaFfC
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmiU8jMRFp
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr3zZ0tDYf
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftfJJWgQs6
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVjsc5AbrJ
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gzJ1WHHqD
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wQmbNVjWf
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVchGL6cQ0
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPos0cWKllk
“If you say so Big sister. But what brings the Flame Queen here today?” Sinfia says, letting her guard down slightest.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q5Y018auz
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmaB8n5HcS
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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 expression37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovGxJJMjHK
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCYLMibgHr
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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 says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi5o7KOs7w
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvTmEKXt6g
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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?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxckjLJHuWr
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wvoPa5Lak
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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 answers37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqLHiD0NJC
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqygNXhFfe
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnlQwMrB5O
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaDPzGRCuD
At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bW3pwypeE
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg2Wpqhfkj
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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGYQhAxGT7
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKtV4AmyOh
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqAvWTUe2f
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYPZQOUCbO
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthfdonfs8t
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvknOoYMkSx
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeU4MMUAxg
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnTKYPAngB
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CIAEbV6Fi
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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 say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaGrAzyNYm
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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."37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu0RnCV5GC
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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?"37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsyE1L07Rt
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“Me?” I ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj8310Z8Y9
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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 asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeQr1fDd0z
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9exlMnWNz
“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."37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hw0leSfdh
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVHXAfevdo
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD7vTNYa4x
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTFXIF7uEh
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW1pVqXpos
“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 suggests37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWaPKbRW8u
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUzh3vsuvt
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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 says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWGHq1ktKk
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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 ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kiHV5raJr
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB6xx5o8Ub
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEFEZsiF9j
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bN7sDnC4e
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsRWsNJWJR
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA2bhPaCfO
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjEDRHXGPV
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnnFkSxS8l
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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 says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqOgWMxb6c
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“Why tell me this?” I ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaqviF85v3
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmnHVnxHSc
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMc0YrxPns
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBeDjvbpRo
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5dGC1OW9F
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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."37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpwvFwAvyk
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyquPRiODQ5
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsP9MdjeKy
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFZxHk24vX
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0R3s5JVZr
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSuTESsDvr
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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."37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv4tvtRr7W
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQigu3DT1Vv
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y8yWsw8XX
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQvCeQVkFm
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0dxqXUd4b
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AbmOTkrpq
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EEDIVcy27
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOuqELOKV6
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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.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJSAhKz72H
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaRmkAFjxA
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“Hey! What you gawking at up there? The stall is very close, come on I am hungry too, it’s Oldzheil favorite too.” Gloria shouts from a distance which snaps me from the Simulator phase of my thoughts.
For now, let’s see what happens.
Dear Reader, be kind enough to leave a comment in the chapter about it, as it inspires me to keep improving and doing better. And like if you enjoyed this chapter.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG9Ezq8quG
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjCxWhoaP7
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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/Q27uA8vnfu37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA8cHer6XQ
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