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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9Yk1Op5Ms
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAYB3HQDB9
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUogIsKjhtB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUEQQxd7Co
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4QQkAvXB9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiXtJTBdF6
I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW1qvw1x2R
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEStzuTOYda
But before that I tie a cloth around my left eye which is making me feel dizzy, this place is filled with energies.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvQiSraaGM
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfot1JuyXMw
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMotdRWu6j2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DeRrlkPgi
Although it pains my chest, I power through it219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQfzyEjsHF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRzWv2lpsu
“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCtczNepEk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4xJaL9un3
But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2j7ylYTwc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMBshSQENt
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fy0Zvi0zG
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwzpQjU6bN
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHazzP5qYZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNhJ4jxpqA
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsom6kOnNz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIaRvhGgKX
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PHuVz748e
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMY4BjzlVL
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq8CytnaL8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lLtMsoGjW
Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMUv9ZuRFp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlEjchNIze
I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9GvlGdgt9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINjTArGqLW
A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCbSvMrOTN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCj0tTkOiW
“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWYhv0975C
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscgdQPSPHJ
“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVduGah6iLg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHMMmplEtZ
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOqI7eGuKo
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIdWxxec1r
“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotYt8gOeTG
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZdrcCj6sL
“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTBuZ3b50T
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RhJE9mDzU
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzbVA5Jwbd
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmRPa445mk
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJdwMxT37n
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm3ydU89Wy
I smirk, looking around.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaHMNPfHav
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzqdM0WoOE
“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqWo0zlvhL
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWTRWKNo9T
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqo5H879kZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSruYQl1aAy
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkgLx8CiIM
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0I9tQP2Fl
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLlO4Eu6xn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N8yuy3w7n
“….” Gloria flinches219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwie0YobDK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0xbVeYEqM
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUVmZ4oxBB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQttQ4qQoky
“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.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmtkmBU396
“You aren’t angry?” I ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp292boT5pI
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLxHPmYc7I
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweZkYbszVg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKrFIYUgiL
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfDEFcAF8R
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWhmyCldyX
“Then we have a deal?” she asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVg0AjJVmp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdlvviHZiM
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNUoKwocKg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sn9ViAd5j
“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngvgnLPBtD
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r2C3bzj7F
“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT2zrojX6o
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjXsNNmOAH
I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8QTt6PQx3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5y3A8eng3
I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi0Dyg3mJ3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFNIdYcEp5
Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimISMxhxLJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatVFmcQxHT
“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosmoGXD0wF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoQlQz6fxT
“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZKz8boHOK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lxyZUyyN7
“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 asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkOMsUqa2M
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZLD65yz85
I had a feeling she might ask this.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfai9tBqPO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8joSWiPi75
“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBtwphjUeW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVRxZotQ0V
“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJThhv0p0R9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKRICkngwV
“What rank are you anyway?” she asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCUv06Dv0F
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUHRT6W2oT
“Rank?” I ask back in confusion219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ167ZVKlrLA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5UbRJ7uv6
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2jKYPYwbn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QM8PEAlAW
“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTYPw8LWSx
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZwQZCnGjw
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2kaOyOUHg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSwNndzAg7
my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUnZ8HeEuK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcWrJyimoI
“History can wait for later. But Food? My friend here suggests we Eat.” I say rubbing my stomach under the shirt.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bbhmwp8E2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGvN8RCCon
“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREAnPFO1sz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4svO0C8li
“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm33IysIV7
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLcVcm0PBx
“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5e5iNTA3q
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9Q58IppVh
She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuUFfl85mn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf42l2dPe7
“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrXAjL9dnS
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNj1zT2eMQ
“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lF5RbqAAD
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUB62GmDJo
“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptUfveR7i7
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qQNBli8v9
“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 says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEO8x6qdyk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAGsbwD8Qg
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIcHflPJj3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYYgbwBVKL
“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 says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurWNg4E2IV
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLGwcEUDIe
“Seems like the Old dwarf spilled more than I expected,” I say.
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZQuttnFyi
Maybe she's right about the age thing, though.
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokjApb67bT
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.
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k4ceI0z6x
“So—these adventurers—they are what, monster hunters?”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2vGOzIwUi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT5jXeBVfl
“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmTa9goVEH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDan7iwwq2
“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMIyxnHpQ8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAUGznWQ4y
“What’s freelancing?” she asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXIJrt0Kp2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFyt09nNI0
“Work on hire.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb7yA27w73
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9x7vBF4qt
“yeah, more or less. How the hell do you don’t know about adventurer’s guild?” Gloria says, suspicion creeping in her voice.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ3dewU9h3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnhd347IXP
“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7JScTInTA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil0Waf5Hv9
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEeN0z8HRo
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3nbM6rHub
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpQdNVHdqw
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwqwyetWYb
”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?”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMuS2zww2l
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5JIsn1n7I
“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2cdaywr8m
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXoTrVsEJJ
“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnSqPGWKEd
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e1jLNfXBL
“You should become a Sage.” She laughs219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuclnCGay5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9a0S54zla
“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 asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg23olq0C61
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6dL1A2vAk
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkECh96Gm1m
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECvj1aYtdF
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcDUsqa4DQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR7B5sFjUC
“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2BlwEyUy9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7kuoPjWVR
“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRGWhsBKOt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqu2TPqfII
I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2kLGEEFxB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7aVECdM17
“Hehehe, Don’t hold it against him, Grandma Sil has a special spell that forces other to speak more than they intend.” She explains219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeINHvMm6ln
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLID0jSXOl8
“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NvZNqc6Jc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ2eN9sCq9
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v5AMlkVDi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFUgxm4489
“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xP1deNbKy
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFJLgGmTaC
Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBjYQdc2iP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZcFxMCx9j
“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 me219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUfe2C6pGj
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlUc46EmtS
“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pExM2Axmk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl1iZgrPtO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eSfEwTFxv
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QRxQzgclB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVzaXVFmwR
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkElVU7kmVr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXih2wquqh4
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FJyhvGJHg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx4JRLjzMT
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWu7CrBi4u
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWMGGxRiqe
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNoMHff6RW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AA6n6EGNH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWotQUhMYm
“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuYynQRVFP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8KHS2W8fp
“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 says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiM8bhua5O
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGUXQBMGZV
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0yrib2ujM
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTSjJrihpU
“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 ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr3hn4P1kJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2TETEg28g
“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSaBioufwC
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNky7njrj9
“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 says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH5YhHYfML
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQEi267J2O
“Take off? Oh didn’t Warzheil tell you? I cannot take off my artifact. It is bound to me with Curse of Binding.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjNWWuMTwN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDY8quZMrw
“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 gasp219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvvsh3NY5p
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8RUrX5zua
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPvs1JD0XH
“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwITedwpA7X
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHuiR4AXr9
Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6seSVi9zK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wIefPXJTj
The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dAa7Vh5h0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU3qjG0Vls
“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2DqWmaI5f
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgetpGu45xo
“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfFoh3u9Qi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREtWW2bsZG
I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPZ3UrhRoh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52NOHPtnl6
“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO55Wr1sNXe
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouwpsu5Ufw
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmN7rO0jvN
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGYGbrUIYI
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42jH2S0Cz7
A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT6pkDvI9f
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRAlX782RD
As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCzmyvYMeO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiixYlFooi2
There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLcaZPy7GZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGqN6UBXnu
She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjYAjCOJU3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcnzsG7MUx
“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBC0qfL6Dh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wzvHzyMb5
“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRjLPqimE8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC5COz6Zpp
“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5mpFuBJJk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ueFzX1hhp
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFZo5ff4sD
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatq4xz50tQ
Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0GhG7kWhr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGEImMAoOJ
“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDfqa6NiqN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z7oipJmXv
“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5EDop38Gx
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwf2PKthym
“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUOgtoZJ2k
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx79UoE5y2w
“If you say so Big sister. But what brings the Flame Queen here today?” Sinfia says, letting her guard down slightest.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN4DHHXI81
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZN0ODJPUA
“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGysCBw4SV
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjC7O6GjXj
“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 expression219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUDGyWCScL
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2UezPnS4n
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU45T62hxSh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZwp68dkDZ
“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 says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwR0juFGED
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWCcNH7LIH
“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNukXi6Y7h
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgFW0b3oEL
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?”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I9tqvE9Cy
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FcoWXnZHw
“I am not a kid!” she recoils219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dqdZCA1v5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71VLmrPAFj
“Tell me that, When you learn to control your temper. For now answer the question.” I say which annoys her but she answers219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8gzQFH00l
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCElY30LeG
“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN8SSiHxfX
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbLHdh6o3N
“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcHsi2OG3A
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui7VCOdbfC
At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom6LvoBYDV
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9XKDDpHTt
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbXXZr5EJH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P1dNUNkC6
“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUtthlc8vP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x1bLhZHVT
“Hello, Gloria. Thanks for taking care of our town in my absence.” She says as she jumps down from the top near Gloria.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRofhjxI70
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtycHpUdn6
Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyiOywoY34
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61YZhLZGcn
Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTenM0bPtO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwasYFtnTV
“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6ftY1xIG5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmSuxK3EN8
The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcCsoP6rNh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MNlVFTNxd
“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRNmeZ1lDv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5iANxczod
But Her bossy attitude won’t work on me, putting bossy people in their place has been a big part of my history.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnRzFHexIs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVvyXYYMmH
“I am confident I won’t meet someone who can take it from me, I know just fine how to go against odds.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUgjvZ7Xbc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS9rtGV4LW
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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoa7vpbgUk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yQ7EfyhfQ
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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKYrml7ULC
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC50ulcG3Jj
“Me?” I ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g9TVLxOxF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhLgPDblbP
"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 asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTmTC6WQO9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0dT3M5IQJ
“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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGWt8tYVo3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk2rH6dCKt
“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCB7YJyiz0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw1Rgb6Kvp
“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1nLnFg4lM
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3JXRHkd1V
Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H7LQ2POHo
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCIseysatc
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTmIuCTqkq
“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 suggests219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiBy3YdGDJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjfbNxtfJp
“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveGeA4rNWk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveQ1MjRZQF
“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 says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOKhM5QcNu
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde8XYcljkD
“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 ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xueh5ADqo
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ676UJVhmKz
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4pCR5VePA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReHu1mB2oJ
“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbj6rJtD3K
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8iSNGRref
“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMGdqzo5Y0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl96K8sgGt
“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q37TwFuTx
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GrpDK8MY9
“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKAZD3iVGN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FoVREki1K
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6IL6MTHV2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C31HKl9PS
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnyLpp3aZ4
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXukkLt1Jp
“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 says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYcBfMFJYv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxITNconhvk
“Why tell me this?” I ask219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XoyoNmcJ3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJs0UQTKHd
“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGPmjgWFSk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj245bV9xxo
Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiZcVfofox
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNWLnW7Cxh
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1OernQiAx
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTVBg17DOk
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.
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K7Vq7zA01
"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."
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12z9w7N6be
Gloria Step forward, he hair flaring with amber particles.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GVB4owTXx
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHEsXU02Ev
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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bG07q31Vz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDaWVWHUdg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSOmGscvq0
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9NhoXJswO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4p2yguKJQ
My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMM7hdaaIS
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSJggOHrQw
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncodUKCoSi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo74ieeK61V
“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04jDzN8XnI
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmq6atVu85
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEQOKG3lBg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWEC1imuqF
“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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC9QkhC0AG
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUxjf3ilCo
And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ3VEItQb4
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqJ6SlqE0F
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wAibTlaoG
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6Cz90P361
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5Hvlg5b9M
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjDLFlx97a
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySRtdfwsB1
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYxPyjGSCo
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6o8aPftlB
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxLds55MWt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vjzWlQqPd
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZHlVFXy58
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8ZOZ5OUx5
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBPX85VTrH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHhL0ifjry
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfhitbPuC
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSTj0JXxln
I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDjqdgC7yv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9TSDE2Uu1
“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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM5cZFWZlb
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFXUFnrfn8
;)219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc5vV0GMUz
Join my Discord server If you want sneak peeks or early access to chapters of Cosmeta series. Discord Server link: http://discord.gg/Q27uA8vnfu219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwWNJjRKHU
Dive into hot discussions with the creator, meet fellow story fans. Theory crafting, story creation, all sorts of things.
