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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqOToisk0m
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYforWOO5o
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUZpXKTvOw
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdqrmcaLn5
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFQeRMCbO2
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eJMke9qXL
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwlMitwPSF
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9St7eOVix
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOXJRax31R
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhHzJQhD1H
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoNa6W8CLt
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nHgFbbIN6
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65NKCR264c
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvPT6e5T62
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEH3NjnuJT
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwQV8duTJT
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyaLQoZpog
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO4mTjOm5S
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOoNFG4RSC
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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 tone113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstg9a9djzX
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaHByjjne9
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9DmzyBKvf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpFtMe48Pb
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo3kD41re4
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX1NvsAUua
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I smirk, looking around.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoxiIojLXM
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ufdNxkocW
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkOPX8r0pa
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7yzKa47i8
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALAxJnPwGx
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZkUKRxcrM
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“….” Gloria flinches113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMJ3L3AJIu
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbTbgTNZFu
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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.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrQ6NUlqDX
“You aren’t angry?” I ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU5L5YjJ1D
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4W6OET0pv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGII67zyATa
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwQdYsr97U
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEwW3tKXuC
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyw7lScGEg
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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 ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj0Hq1ZQc4
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwQaKqzb7Z
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqU1lD1vAd
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUp7Yx8u84
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn0mS0gWw0
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceIei4XolU
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmuhCyNSyf
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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 asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1wOmJ4Eie
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I had a feeling she might ask this.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxcGTk6jSz
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbPWcbr108
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVnwtoMHGe
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4al7g42kCk
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZahKwDOM1W
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ4kGkdqTy
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzodWsZQXFE
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAh0IaEboG
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXBPqM13xi
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs23L8kGmD
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs41222r1C
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX9A0GLyAm
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdMtCqbw9E
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFRsLRmJP1
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpprGJZqLlN
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwT1gxt2lz
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ou46hY8Um
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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 says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNJV7vcapC
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cGrtlJYLz
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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 says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTOarnkgtG
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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?”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x0UoWZbQC
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQniHzThjL
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAs38EZIxz
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lNzoNhiXT
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“Work on hire.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXlGtXiNb8
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeX9uljFxy
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik7crmRCRp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKamA24ROG
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4UPJ4vA2H
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu8OVfdLhy
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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?”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WOfsF3HIO
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEMuhHOZxN
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCpUp8L5Dj
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6NTQk2VeQ
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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 asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLyyTZYZD0
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe3HKdDAdq
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6BcAGe5yp
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzexqbwoXc6
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0NbWEwPDK
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj8tdAOiiT
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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 explains113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoDDT3iwek
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyvcz97a6t
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxD2iq3sRQ
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5kOgdsjRo
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggD1vpVcXD
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPwCSfZs8c
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV5BctSLH1
“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 me113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeFOenLPkx
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0LgTFEwaT
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGkajvX2pv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCxqaHYsnD
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm25X1jHkl
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAql4y0WStT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6uManl09k
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJMXVnQpDE
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfFRXTyuL9
“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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzmzYq0Aa0
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGVfLotFuZ
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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 says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18jIL4AOqJ
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08XidDvbAM
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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 ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWuJM4b0Yv
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcLtYt98s1
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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 says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ShG5FV8qv
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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 say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69v4pGxvYE
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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 gasp113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNdfqSqzij
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYWw05cCoI
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HcyaHbe9W
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHL38sE40C
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFaLZ67CNp
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRHjxLE9dL
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQDSd52bog
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DCTLzK7Mv
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1MzveOTC1
“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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaket9OFpev
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXkfQr8U0K
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyFVNKWee3
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK9mCx5kdZ
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YVgrkhUYG
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XqMtp6Dle
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjuoVgu1qP
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKllPMmTqL6
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmpKZmFiIq
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56KHiHjj6K
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouUoJqU8VF
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0n0xBigBU
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHDrlRSbeM
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rNf0Rlpj1
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQgsKATwUi
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu0X8aJ5pX
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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 expression113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8Av6Q2w51
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCCpQKIz63
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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 says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7WluJKQug
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkPy60AEfg
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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?”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9nQMIBwn8
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoScGgDCniR
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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 answers113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AQGSML2ES
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu39ikpmKt0
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTPgqISDJr
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t2XEA2E1A
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMQT0UYjuW
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DMo7ecFPf
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMUk4XBfyb
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYPTBXxlT7
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPxrNBBZmJ
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8NhgY8BwL
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiNTQoia7A
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv6UjPryMG
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiPdq6vA5H
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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 say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11echh8Kpd
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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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpyORGbRvh
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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?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7sTPjqhH2
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“Me?” I ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrTIUJEBC0
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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 asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKHqqY92Zn
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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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj38MsssvY
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh88RmHuKQ3
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSb2fiyDQQ
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5WRTiN8cW
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6US6QgFwaC
“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 suggests113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRepRkiAIjg
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZt9CI5Swj
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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 says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAwkThqrA0
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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 ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Aea6ZAPnn
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFmgAz4h2D
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8W9iDRJ25
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVs7F5Blke
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWCOXFrirf
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOLVW8UNNv
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ3qO2ic5i
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnc5xiOnZx
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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 says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDvfR496Uu
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“Why tell me this?” I ask113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytUhhXuPwi
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp9Zhwpbp7
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGpA4dh7BN
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr0m8NGFNP
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTpnSalbue
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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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FIli0Qqp2
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhJyAV3FMV
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU4jEs0ftp
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0tC9kMXF8
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttO4TKSwUi
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXQwBpdiG5
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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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVd7aGlTMi
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj963DpMpJ
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3swCJOapUz
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlq17sbvSg
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawd9E1ZwCL
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieJ0QgY28P
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfxo3gh5Tg
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9g7riOb4j
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ST40XQXse
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvHGaXanHj
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSrLS3vOCF
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtvk8Vryjb
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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/Q27uA8vnfu113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoB0amLcgr
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