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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvECqarSePy
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1cH1nkUWG
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The sun is not visible but the sky seem dimly lit, stars are still visible, and now that I see it, the planet has two moons, one is blue and another is silver, except the blue moon is broken.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwPWfwezbI
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMxKfbROPv
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But before that I tie a cloth around my left eye which is making me feel dizzy, this place is filled with energies.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofAZFxeXxI
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I open the window, and using the branches as foot hold, climb down slowly, but just as I am about to reach the bottom, my foot slip and I am about to fall flat on my face, but using my unbelievable strength I use my arms and legs like a cat to spread the impact across the ground.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVDFt2mc9x
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU6IXTSMO9
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ9WqHw5ww
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4HiZWglnK
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There are less people around than I expected, maybe people sleep till sunrise here. And this place feels like it’s based in center of an Oasis, there are lots of trees and bushes.
I follow the sound and arrive into a small clearing not too far away behind the mansion. There are some wooden swords, some sort of equipment.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRKIkJK5aF
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZnKKBhkwb
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Just kidding, they think they can ambush me, they are on my right in the darkness of the trees. I summon a dagger just in case.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93JVUgbV72
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I quickly turn towards my right, ready to defend, but the flash of bright golden hair dazed me. I snap into action as the sword nears me, I divert it using calculated precision, tilting it so that the flat side slides against my neck, but suddenly Gloria switches her grip, trying to stop herself.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xzSkNiPNS
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qho4LmSdU
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhRVqCPzln
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi0CsJKoRv
I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHgRhekLiY
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeqil2sycS
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvLYohyF6h
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNy7xHT5GK
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“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7EDM4PeJN
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI0rRbRIbN
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoPBHFwjGU
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVeN6KsygE
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I don’t speak to strangers much, trying to save energy is a habit I developed during my time as the best hitman. She is just my contractor’s daughter.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDE5jU8C1w
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I smirk, looking around.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteWr1ReWrp
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUcxix1EKG
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I stroll around, looking at the equipment. But as I turn towards Gloria again, I catch a wooden sword. Old memories, unpleasant ones return to me as it instantly crush the sword in my hand and throw it aside.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkyCICxgaU
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJxVkoHCVX
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrrkHG5rl0
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS5ltwyrrv
“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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr6S1lrsH0
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“….” Gloria flinches112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3lywFr3gM
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“Sorry. I didn’t intend to do that. Swords and I don’t get along.” I say as I pinch my nose disappointed on myself.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWue41vctS
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“No, it’s fine.” A small, almost surprised smile touched her lips. “Startling, is all. Not many outside my family dare raise their voice at me.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoqf9Izwoz
“You aren’t angry?” I ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPBhkg3s59
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“No, I was just trying to get you to spar with me, forgetting you are injured. I was the one at fault, so I will let you off the hook this once.” she chuckles, mischief in her voice.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOUCDEgnjM
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCidRq4veyT
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRvzhEhrnU
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ6mzaS43K
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX82cPw0JWS
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“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPWizig4M4
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3YzMmE1Sf
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYkoYDmpTg
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcBVyXRPBH
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGKC3d6Owt
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmyKMmLD1Z
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfiXQqVS2Q
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“Don’t take me as a fool. That staff was not there before. How did you make it appear out of nowhere? And I know you have an artifact which stops magic around you, mine didn’t work when I attacked you earlier.” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbkhLnzlwD
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I had a feeling she might ask this.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzhysVwkQs
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmyEN9dRBh
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“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8ilscUofd
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnu3XZ0YOj
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQvz4iXei9
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DQzS86x2i
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eyS0BSYfD
“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh0eKteHvo
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0LGzIOtJc
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ3h21lUMn
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ38PUsqi1w
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“History can wait for later. But Food? My friend here suggests we Eat.” I say rubbing my stomach under the shirt.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8ibmYYvf5
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCaufPl6xA
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7ncen8pao
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb1iroK5tC
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNvNFNGyS7
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RdjSpqKhV
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxiiMKIO7u
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yfabhs43I
“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsAPyICW90
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“HEHE, there are many out there. Meat is quite expensive for common folk. And, eating lower beings is the last thing I want to do,” She says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEoq0I30E8
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl0a1w0eTZ
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEImu4ncS8C
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“You know, when I first saw you, I Mistook you for some god’s descendant too, Your eyes, although strange, speaks of wisdom and knowledge not meant For humans to achieve your age, It’s unbelievable no matter how I think of it.” She says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8XUuXkOEW
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“Seems like the Old dwarf spilled more than I expected,” I say.
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Maybe she's right about the age thing, though.
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Telling her I'm decades older felt wrong somehow.
I lost my childhood working to meet expectations; perhaps being young again wasn't so bad. I shift the topic.
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“So—these adventurers—they are what, monster hunters?”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnxyf06MoS
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2LkYION7K
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9QEmErR8J
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfQhwwAohB
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“Work on hire.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMGz7GDVUA
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQIHrfTj21
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsDtLOdU6B
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjjBSq8HmQ
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw26vea4rN
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“He doesn’t know it as well. I just realized that there was something missing in my head.” I say as I make up a random story.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozCPEMb1vS
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”By the way, you don’t quite speak like how one would expect a goddess, I assume you grew up here and not in a castle?”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt2kRM1nqp
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5dtRUmcvc
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI0RCulXAt
“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd3lP2p7Fb
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWjazvZYFq
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“So, What’s your plan after this? Like, what do you want to do in life? You already defeated extremely powerful foes and lived to tell the tale. I am sure you can easily become a captain of some knight’s order in a capital city if you wanted.” She asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZNcFr4H7x
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Her ideas are alluring, now that I reflect on it, I never took time to peacefully sit down and think about what I want to do after I found Ava.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROzWIQToqh
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“Maybe I will go visit the man who stole my precious sister’s heart, and show him who the boss of the house is!” I say, cracking my knuckles with a grin.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtchKt8e9Pu
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtcW2xbUrO
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sJyBTB3R6
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhWaDjSQtE
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“Hehehe, Don’t hold it against him, Grandma Sil has a special spell that forces other to speak more than they intend.” She explains112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3TCD8sTpj
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PqK08mD2x
“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MA4wdQ3Eo
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LtsUqS2GS
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVh082MWSL
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5ZiJQU12b
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL50eT2RM1
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8if30plPx
“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 me112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblXntWXYdU
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRy4kCpT8q
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Gloria, who was excited earlier with her hand raised in joy had suddenly stopped. Her joy was put to an abrupt halt. I stop too.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqrWt0Xajq
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She must be struck hard, but I cannot be friends with my contractor’s daughter. I don’t want anyone else to be hurt because of me.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkglMEX2Hd
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrZgyXc4xz
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVhrXQwKXO
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXTef1LsrM
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJPPs7MMct
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqwwCP7FWY
“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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV9oCxF0c1
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzydBza7Ti
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ636dgVBTQH
“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 says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnUvEdURZN
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsPt4ma3Sf
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M29hP92SS
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“I am not some fool who dwell on emotions for too long, and you are our guest, so I will help you. We are almost there anyways and Since there is still time until the food stalls open up, we should go there” She says
“Won’t the guild be closed as well?” I ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHRYVThInx
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gDkDK5m4c
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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 says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnuwHDlsE7
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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 say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s3EApNUzt
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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 gasp112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0SZqEThyT
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVTwJPvMAK
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYajeVso06X
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAy7VTQ7W0
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O3MSd4WUK
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR60C2Rm7An
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPuvBMSmEm
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKozqt7uoiH
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiznetiDncj
“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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpSn5q8s9j
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi51ulNqY9i
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0VfCim5Ve
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBEokywCRn
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmT964q6so
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFdOMNkioH
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqnPk9Fg8R
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W4fb0x80h
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Nu8kWERM
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRnTDSAwCS
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08ZKv5LOkL
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn0ymGHcjR
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzqaNaL0n3
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEMZT1vWA3
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrKMT2CdGh
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIRzu20zH7
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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 expression112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oPquh2Nv4
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhjAQdCowb
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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 says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl6jgN3JEQ
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9FfhxMdnv
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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?”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH20a3VpOzp
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e2KC87Gvy
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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 answers112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iuwHQ7HjP
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2DyfVvGEo
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bB2cGM5Sk
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoOjyaVLzN
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51rz0OUaUj
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMAclOb89G
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4t9GtJrY8
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGhOl3yDjG
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHYZkqqRrT
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeLg9J79IC
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbpTFpkecN
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppnyReuAOs
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65AI3ljLLx
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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 say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1JmylFVn0
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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."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjhTgNqzQ4
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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?"112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ZstjmD5j
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“Me?” I ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL0A8xezZp
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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 asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iwLmaee4A
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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."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch3H23i1Sx
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSOPUi2PjY
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG5DqGJtIV
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiHQw7Mo6J
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ4h8HjszU
“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 suggests112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo9VjBi2KN
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tpP5MKQOz
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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 says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OsguEJ9SZ
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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 ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT5CafAWoh
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzQi6JyYcq
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HBLci4kO5
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF8IVC5J21
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesyhCiTHGs
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYFF8R9pyU
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjk9EG4gc5
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FmNsOGFmO
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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 says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhhyqP4cVa
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“Why tell me this?” I ask112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTokW97u8Ka
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFKtxV8Mj0
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAnDF9d95g
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefSMc6v94I
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9IoZoTwkV
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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."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yagTMquNW
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ahqttg3NI
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEvi7OPfhl
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS8aSmeIcE
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZptdmUpDzv
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyELtYdJDEq
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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."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaf0848bfA
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHplDnG0XyZ
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn39V8zVAIn
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8cZnAC2km
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKONCTVme5u
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJJNs4aMfr
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPaa4RI54C
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wb6hEcvWu
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrqf6jwgfy
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe83IJhP1Ve
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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.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM78wMHyXN2
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBljCcbV7S
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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/Q27uA8vnfu112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmImrYwnaJ
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