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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2RoZwDbhD
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGasHNbtfw
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ8XfaF4wO
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8m9s0RwwR
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPOswFHAPT
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFIEmawOBW
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUnfdzRuAI
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLKcpEYEzk
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSB5DE7Fb2
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHaJJ8vie7
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCqnyUnM7n
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt20xdabJbd
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmJqS1XjSU
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe7tREJRpc
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NyHRhj19M
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I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7me6rZtLJ1
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdvBzDZdYR
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo2389P1Xx
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx7ze5oc3c
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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 tone103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4PJp42Tbu
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRccBYSfXJA
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFftEek5v8K
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeEJ1rrt1r
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3fPl6NpGF
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I smirk, looking around.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTQFJor2pC
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuY7QYu5vy1
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEwtLmzCPY
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“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnvCtyMqjT
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“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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG66smREDLz
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“….” Gloria flinches103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s4OmPLqgi
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgC4E7JOu2
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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.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs5hw606Aq
“You aren’t angry?” I ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQSeZ6gUVb
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FbsFTOUmQ
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKESzjVOQD
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8trgipvTb
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVf1rOqbqm
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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 ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIZg2ddiEe
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaEfwSIGQg
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZtXxb6DlF
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6VZSAZors
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUVKAxPXuP
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BdlgLVijV
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbD15IHJp6
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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 asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvq1ztMTVh
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I had a feeling she might ask this.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMnv09BpXT
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNhaPABamc
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLlzoZ2M7P
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL3PHVqXyv
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RUJ19ekT8
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4Rt3DohWA
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9O4FbD6z3
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkZjt45SZo
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TXNiWd5Hr
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxITK6PXOhM
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kpRIELG97
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh4iJBNCGQ
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4jMoWxLc1
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ628Kgfy40P
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspY6rm8eS1
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya8ROKIuph
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqD6b4ecYe
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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 says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH3I8cmRhJ
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Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImnvQ3Tk1X
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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 says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJzeUpdclE
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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?”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AxNEwEWRO
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWJU6z1iHw
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZVyWFbAw9
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6R7PYShq1
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“Work on hire.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelB0LOBX3r
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sF7jSJfy2
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFslNrp0HO
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ380f3Rs3S0
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J02IQCcIR
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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?”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy50JFstHuS
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuYcGtZqDq
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe9guntNVS
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM82K7OgWyX
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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 asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX9sHferaa
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoz0F2XsOl
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQSSzjNpr6
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdbsQPgJtX
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNF3s6lyOL
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBl6p2X1fH
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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 explains103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pmfkmTBdZ
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6D08WPwVb
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhtagI88ID
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyNTe8doMf
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnLZoJU9Yc
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“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 me103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGNPUZApzH
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwmz6J0aY4
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrjcPYf81K
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq1EYTWDVT
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw7349GT55
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Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWXp71A5qe
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“Your father taught you well, arrogance is downfall of the weak who think they are strong..” I says with a small smile as I rub my beard.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZygrcwYdHf
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI5bXelX3Y
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“oh, They don’t let mutants into the guild, but I can vouch for you if you want. The local adventurer guild can only promote you till the Elder Silver Hand rank. But after that you will need to go to one of the capitals.” She says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRChFCCx42A
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYWXKiVOGv
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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 ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ed87wBSe4
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXe3BFIz3m
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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 says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9IgSyeSkJ
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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 say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tHA3nWI32
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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 gasp103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJAv8WehFs
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrfbKcLTAf
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KsFkoDwoW
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09K4L0e8Pe
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebqN89Q82Z
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxNpGdZxBl
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1bUwT5gMY
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoVBmhf5fA
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R674YuEml
“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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZUFAKog4n
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bY83kB6Zq
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD10CSsKIDG
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsq2mekHyP
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigpEJXQ0Za
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtPiGkVyDu
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSx3lwnYRg
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjUneF1LFA
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4bAYLdpfj
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EJVEE7aKU
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bkt8JkrGF
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26mBkukjv5
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlC0xOXksw
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MkWo3tWOW
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiSF4UUMq1
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MmZxJ6Gmk
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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 expression103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtA7N65XDe
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8XsLRV5ub
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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 says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKxYUY1gdN
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxiAPG8RSl
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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?”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq5vUgdqNC
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTEjkXr7pU
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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 answers103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXakUXOhRb
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qZMlKL58g
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HaspqcyFu
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlaLSfh95E
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI8JDTgXy2
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6AtM1uQnO
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdexfPOr0k
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMAxt2yv1O
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIStgDdrlu
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUjsaVkiJB
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJI7CPCIz6
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bpWz4dyWO
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eSi7Ag51V
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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 say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bqj6gywD7
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu5GDyvhtm
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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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRguVyb8Vba
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“Me?” I ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rsFQJWpu5
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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 asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpauPshgr5
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9ZceH2WxS
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVyTmZ3Hut
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF18RlBw608
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH2dIyaEaV
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpFytlCE1M
“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 suggests103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo4UxCcMJl
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvk9KlYren
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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 says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs57masXLAo
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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 ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvPZHN8cfH
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj4Q03h07a
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN8uurvtbd
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0MzlrCr7K
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObNDqezuPH
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ0SfbXSde
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOIE0g4UjK
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDFvE8P3mk
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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 says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD7QzfJVJ3
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“Why tell me this?” I ask103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyex1GIh5Z
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTs8Xe7q7A
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy6D4n6HBW
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH3plj6JLb
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrOkVv23kB
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYpvvYxdOB
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu92BbAa9CP
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1akPxfGqJn
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfQvPQVMrf
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz4jgJR7n5
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevyvkxSCpM
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS21PPJJEKb
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDWr1AwTXv
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAspuuwXqe
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbGZrOhiCs
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyLgVITULP
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLgWpSY7im
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdFU55c03C
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYDCERovtl
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQfa4TAHr1
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwowbjRqJOD
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChW0wjmzxn
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SWyoHsy29
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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/Q27uA8vnfu103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWKfLQJw5c
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