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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDndi4MoXr
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK67SLW995R
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa7QwCPwa9
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VzpWMg78l
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnKA9b11ve
I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHCQXd6J2h
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWh5S8EDzi
But before that I tie a cloth around my left eye which is making me feel dizzy, this place is filled with energies.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb7ofmHEGF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfLvkdzSxx
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuGyqcUX6u
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNFyDhLurr
Although it pains my chest, I power through it217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCGmfq0o9K
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C7YMUtjrT
“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBMuzJmA1G
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS6YKc9HrX
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj62k7GTSp
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dD7qedjl7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyLC9bsoX8
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hTvkzFtZO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVzi76iyMm
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEg6PZqI0S
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRXMRN2YDw
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7XR8pK4s0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bzsjuCPMS
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kqq5xi2ak
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK2jxK3ZBS
Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrBFbbq5Dm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Otgz99SG
I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRqIm76ttc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGCpvdkGRT
A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqod97p8kP2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH5vkWX4zM
“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfJ7qyeKBG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyilKKFKFV6
“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH1lp8meDx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gw3A3JwEg
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS8yCqbxY5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStcAN3yAJv
“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx3qPvEQNq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBh5mtNhpC
“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNCL3gofzb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQZDFjNEC7
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv9nIVHIwK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDOTMKa8o5
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATDINMOe6u
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHVRFDI7HV
I smirk, looking around.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PbQuWnXwW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN7k8fn0hV
“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObqSXgzEFa
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0nQBXRndl
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdDwZSI9dy
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9CB7EqS5w
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEdfokvZFD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8M95R1K6a
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGauZbg8K86
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme3n9dODUj
“….” Gloria flinches217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNw74h4cwx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8Q8kG0bH6
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmINxmWyumq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFAxliaKkW
“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.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0qc2M3igE
“You aren’t angry?” I ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E1iHcGXKS
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tbMHVAhSC
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sSZjoV6zs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEZiA3ZLoz
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEnxvfwYBE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9Hh5arzQL
“Then we have a deal?” she asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6y08CpL9z
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1OU4VZe15
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj7oIH58Gy
“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BH5ghpdCA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UCA3Q2lan
“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNFAfKzWZ6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSTJ3T6t7s
I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfu5WXYiF9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv8YLJWXn7
I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTxyMtNcit
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ947WjG0O2z
Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3pAPHsZqC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyESWzGSX5j
“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bUAzjzR1J
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLGhapmg6S
“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9nUf27c8p
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtChAHLO88t
“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 asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOUevfImg1
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I had a feeling she might ask this.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3Uxyx2SSf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ekWikRYBW
“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqnxTtIfas
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCOLce5L68
“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs3SbxImY1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLB71wjBBA
“What rank are you anyway?” she asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqixdtshztu
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAiSciNhx8
“Rank?” I ask back in confusion217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej5ZZhV0x0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1tpxaJ8Vu
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47CWzC9gx4
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBMfWdWy3Z
“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB6VMcHAeP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgAPzOp8Np
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNwSiOZyyx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEUfWFvmBi
my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrSnEfqTpZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQRd9uypiq
“History can wait for later. But Food? My friend here suggests we Eat.” I say rubbing my stomach under the shirt.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHajXMQIwJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtTbH70G3s
“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUZvQYpUzb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i0jvz6OZR
“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJMFD6ySjf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCcGT2wj8o
“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkt90FZOy0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzsZCbK97U
She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7JTn3NLTn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEMnxMW9oE
“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aLvqe9Dho
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2eovBoK0i
“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTUndDMI2Z
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvtGeHL6LE
“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0silKb0Yo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigYxeAxX6Q
“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 says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL7thpSSwJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Hy4bsZwVZ
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EjUmNungY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK2A3tH8FI
“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 says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gm010XpzP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk4Ds0h6eY
“Seems like the Old dwarf spilled more than I expected,” I say.
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhcoAHfJum
Maybe she's right about the age thing, though.
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH8Q5ebpSb
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.
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnXHnpGRAe
“So—these adventurers—they are what, monster hunters?”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLmclxkpBc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP9WCYMiHX
“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlrRDWWhNY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUmBB4BzUi
“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90AMxnTB1B
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0otl126SB
“What’s freelancing?” she asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7TSIU5ro9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GwV0FPBhm
“Work on hire.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk7iSJRvUa
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcworYT7L0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhmamVUtVH
“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53iWN8aLbx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOP5qc1N0X
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwva0Nat8W
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhrrSDq1Bh
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UfhZe4SQ3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZFvoRKBM2
”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?”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNL7xO9HjW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7I30jwZQa
“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrxFFsDntp
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmoBOZZDHw
“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUPkn60h11
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP5vqhtwwS
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMSjByZip3
“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 asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs4Jwrwrly
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCjX97QP0b
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTegXumnbc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIUMziNKgE
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eBgwnD8uV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvsOn6qGcL
“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU8v6OsVjw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBa98lDz8X
“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBczvoCHARG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxLH950sWs
I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcAJcVX92j
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AfmmabvM5
“Hehehe, Don’t hold it against him, Grandma Sil has a special spell that forces other to speak more than they intend.” She explains217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WXg4OABzM
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIo5WoCYbc
“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DenfAkLQQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7a8soSudI
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWh8ffJpEL
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzdgqJEE5y
“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTGDIbAmRK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggihFBIP3D
Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlL3HNc9J0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59sEFQPNov
“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 me217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpCc11bKW8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIbdXUFFZx
“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvFCYRcrjq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhLduRPOjM
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwBnzFuyf3
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBt60HUeTI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpWi8YQfHi
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqLxGWpuMl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz4VWFfAhQ
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyA8qCiETs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVMHO0dUcK
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SajxcIXdP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR4TkXkvVi
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee9XPbhNBM
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217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoD28ptMkL
“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1IlZBJbtU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK7EJzpMtk
“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 says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUkrlNmB2U
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0wL4CQ9Yj
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYCWNQVkuI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2KWwr4SPk
“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 ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUPfRFQJ1r
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvooZPqb6Fi
“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3owYAUAfiI
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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 says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQQ47sU3LF
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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 say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zZdXmUDMm
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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 gasp217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O2BzFzvGV
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYX6B1ujLE
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICQ2APxi9P
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7J0rH5WMB
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk0IlwFe2K
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUSocFjADH
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOoo9XrMYb
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO4xWcvjWG
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8Q78ohiJ1
“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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY5bNED92w
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6TTuhGnoD
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4Ci4ye2yd
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYDzFySaAZ
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCQAB4vNjd
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGgNVyDc6z
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe7X5qXes3
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEavfXF88yG
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws2AXHeuYd
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeTwQrO2LL
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYyaa3Mm4Q
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG1ikNYJtn
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpVO7CaB7I
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbPnaY37mM
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk10W14knb
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQQUpxGo13
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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 expression217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpnURJkUzh
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuETqEkuKxa
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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 says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHIC6iwSKb
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnppa0YlTGZ
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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?”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL9O0zEwS6
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG2KyJX1vz
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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 answers217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9lhbriSIl
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzMDKkC6sE
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJdDDEh5ld
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7OOzeDihN
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd6aoP6jfy
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuod8NyYIU
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgqkparnx9
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrtL9cvZY4
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWbDvSzOrv
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj4Vf7PQBG
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJpgBIuV7C
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIPwaMHR8P
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1pnPu0Mjb
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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 say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2kui3MriY
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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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECmBYhB5xh
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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?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9tQKi3Lxm
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“Me?” I ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMbTFeIcIQ
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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 asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBjso4c8Eu
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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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdwzYNvstm
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSMcAMuTQO
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2vupN5BB6
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiUDkR5Tjf
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZHwSAt35Q
“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 suggests217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfiF7jQmhX
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oNzKA2yaN
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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 says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQjIGOA9mc
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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 ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5ZDeLNV2V
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmToKdVekZD
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn9HZ6qA1n
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFqnNCm284
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkpcI0u9yJ
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHgOkIFx8U
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSpS7izVe3
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM00pVjoxS7
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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 says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1suVDAVbu
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“Why tell me this?” I ask217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjVU95mEz0
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLcBUAmat0
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7lUX786Ed
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR3kwKvfQC
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmPw0Q48mF
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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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jm92bzk7h
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCENnK82Jd
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZeSOQ5SVg
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0yOOAm2GF
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiEREJNIJn
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8StY2ZMpK
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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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOvORPpMBk
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvezXgYaw0
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FfVL7yKNu
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg7e9HAmw6
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZRS01Zhbe
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qDBhXcsBw
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC50hufPJEf
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pBZYusWBB
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07RjbOolA0
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpn21lGoIY
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM4nhH3dpx
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPO4WfPvFO
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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/Q27uA8vnfu217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXkmYeDpJg
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