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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXdANzkd3y
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvzuljWqLb
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9wshz1bx9
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuAuRZjNYR
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeY6tL4Q1M
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuTORyCrYA
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePhIR4XejW
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaqRjjBKPK
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyurjaf9QAl
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6sZCURdgv
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTS4IOh8WR
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdHHbQ9M7G
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAdVwqwQc5
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp6hgmtAFS
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoPPwwYpYa
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zMb4syY1u
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PU84HTwyR
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk0xab8d8q
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSPGFBxgQK
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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 tone145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRSTY0evZz
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo1l6nosFO
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrUf7CcIHs
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWQCCqJdX1
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWE2LJsbgf
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I smirk, looking around.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJCQEzJFW9
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9LZJpGPbx
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CgdclBBJm
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“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4j7YCgeXv
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHvPj4cN40
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“….” Gloria flinches145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETx40Dew0Q
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFUNw9ko4I
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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.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHSQkEIf3U
“You aren’t angry?” I ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ1kid4MsL
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aMeDvlQcb
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVKCyjWQ5O
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DzqZYAjgB
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP9PErS89w
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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 ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuIlbgGROa
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDG8esp0iP
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWALJJoQFu
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcErEaSIeH
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD57RDrW4v6
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEFEUFAyAh
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAevZkFxWR
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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 asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzeR1H9JCa
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I had a feeling she might ask this.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiskTrgrKRt
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjv0aNFIcf
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQvjMJ5MPW
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIQKDJx2kh
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry6dtHj5lp
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqOK5aLuur
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdE6do2KUd
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinaXniIktX
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFV1lwbIhl
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhntWMjswHQ
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Yt4HRr73
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89RQeWAKjl
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaosVS1REZN
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqFy14XGnG
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyJBqVlRv6
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2Cq5s7pRL
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8VP9nEw78
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIPcvcL4zh
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQHaGLqHwv
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUkc5nNjlL
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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?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuFtsMA8WI
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaKJKS29FD
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UEvSS36oT
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArJZKRgOrE
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“Work on hire.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqeQ8BtJC7
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4dViwfNWN
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBjgttBw5C
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKAieYzxDU
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55JeKPd1CN
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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?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbChLpKthZG
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQeFBkDYrK
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWogyEaFNr
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiosAKFeyOa
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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 asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p3wzYrerR
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmHmq3p4RX
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78U0OgGH3n
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJZJ0OTee0
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbUPqztw8c
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yOJBWRqNy
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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 explains145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpDOMI9sGz
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVSifQ4K1C
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol5QfXyNAk
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiB5QXNU55
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdsEHxFARD
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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 me145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3T9pAYP1m
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71QOncam6m
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUg19XPErC
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxioTI0J4Be
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0OPmJXo7I
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUEc7vEiUO
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWa4XmQLWz
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpIV0ynjlP
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNWOvUCaBR
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarjQespGnF
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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 ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbZAj2ad0F
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnQM5oGYVT
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHi0mb3WLI
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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 say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQFY4yrWCU
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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 gasp145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEQUZB8XCr
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqLZWb0CrJ
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenm35p0R1P
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCPxKijkFa
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJcijRq6lz
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzyYNIrbr2
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbg4lQcF3I
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGYPQO87sQ
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwo7Tr1Qpj
“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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13ozOeVNQW
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBsHIIwoKy
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf54TXfe6n
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAtJlEyJnN
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgRGwbo3n2
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQkG0VB1cz
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rrCe1uI0I
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8UXJphCJw
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMZZLGlu2v
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeN8OJHAwL
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5mndBgWtb
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT8LPwQ4Vt
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrDCzae1gd
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf7j6uwnoH
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTTMwfPzEd
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlHjrrman1
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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 expression145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEjskuRjjn
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU2VFMDv0q
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmC5f0u8sH
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXOw2R2hLt
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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?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yXMhv0KiZ
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt399Cj2bq
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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 answers145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYxfNiPMq3
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDcZQeLzl2
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7fkgaEVrS
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG9RTbJzeo
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtgtwSy77R
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsVCcZvmW5
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW4YYD7gKo
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfVOy3PWfT
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBHVrf71Hg
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrEbaq9AEO
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0n1fLs9xJ
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqYJsNy3kQ
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTV4SBjW0v
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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 say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidkAnLpAQz
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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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgqODBkU2I
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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?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxpJME79DA
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“Me?” I ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NiT5jHn5J
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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 asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qyiQakDoT
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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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyMQrPP9Pj
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1gSZFUTjd
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69KdiLClQq
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS0S3NnerF
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEE4qg6zDr
“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 suggests145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgplDtRf0P
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFWKs0ge80
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOQqo4qCCr
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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 ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICqj3eZbWP
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4xiKAc7ub
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oq4UISenk
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnemZb6uk3
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63rQuM2wN0
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39XFG0sbXf
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamX3nGK41G
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VucVODmoP
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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 says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXohg0uG5w
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“Why tell me this?” I ask145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNckIwXnLhM
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk9teWB8ZO
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8YdVCJxlr
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXc5zZltwH
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwMsr3JkX6
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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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMTPLCOrMT
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7agqHeqdR
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJllSzHE0X
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc0SH8SzU6
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ668ElHoWF1
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5SYVHZC5e
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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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6yphYgK57
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxiXof4fwA
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhIozpvx0v
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20m1xwz28p
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN0KkFVZys
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc7lPtF1T2
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1JVILUYMg
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtyFN5m38H
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRg4Q9buwb
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsfCV2N2lV
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN0PQwJx2L
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VpXibfdRC
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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/Q27uA8vnfu145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGLsDdatYx
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