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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTIrs3VJjj
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lzAFaBLC0
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD7ony045Z
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3JcW8fQSd
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LgM61N6If
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJsx488wOl
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DlQnQ1jQY
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOh6EcSBaA
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90AcMC9A2p
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rdW5bbvnx
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyBggr88o4
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBJkpQlvNv
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFguQatk4Na
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfo9uYeBBK
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgGh40fTr6
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLcqcsSf9l
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JlaYjBJ5W
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWwZ2gZ6Ys
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJRCEtlLoK
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76bmzK9kWU
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22CJINBRok
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RMrhNES00
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleC51oeIWF
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvvklfv89v
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SNikVsM14
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjb4Ddz4uP
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTO5VPBmmI
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs7cP0ZFkr
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I smirk, looking around.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOCNiXBU3Q
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xwK6VX93G
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrEDa4tCih
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOp6ubaKNF
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8xpeInurm
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjmb3sYBUs
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“….” Gloria flinches109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhSOUINh3E
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsID5P2dHvk
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgMAKcJkDI
“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.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVIeit15ZR
“You aren’t angry?” I ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW448Ejjzfx
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67zrmSoGG5
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsGAK20FYk
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ERpi8Ozdl
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBrTkMigUa
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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 ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmNEZA5EsG
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpDT79D8aH
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswxc6KVOOV
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVj78CIsK9
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCqPQpbhro
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMePn5htOi
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV1uTpYotH
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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 asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ULG2WPjN
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I had a feeling she might ask this.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6LBeMgZSU
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxAI6RPsFh
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduCY4VKzON
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbFcmxxL01
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVnaJlUhA3
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhu0ST3Veb
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4g1pqZpfU
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O68KwP5Us
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rorJrwseH
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymMnb8uNqG
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnilJy2Bnvh
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sPOJLopAn
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z98lSqKWz
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSntUCW1cD
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c1OrzkMfB
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fFpbkBIG7
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauxCcOSB33
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRnfswztoT
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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 says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQcTzUY9Gy
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4Oowi4yj8
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFmm50At75
“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 says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrXEWlXpb0
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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?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEYOQrhT2J
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5Z0H1p3eu
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD8gvOtvFD
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWigUGzyCO
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“Work on hire.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S68IcTTaY
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyJjQISv6a
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDaniXw87H
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxST9zJzhH7
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD6wDdOHML
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91PUVewx9g
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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?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLRB0DcWGK
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcAMMmuVx7
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51ZrcUCPkL
“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EPexaygFw
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1xmYbPIjb
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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 asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqmsLe7Brq
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHR9s9DjGi
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicYd263TmT
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80aTFxO7Cb
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKogN7gUsQ
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mtBEbSste
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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 explains109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZuFfogJaW
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZno1wnoNw
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQG5PjFG3n
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLtLzWILUQ
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsdGQUMu1C
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53hxcl6a65
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPlnWqzujj
“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 me109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScWjwCxahZ
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbKwnfDAym
“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhRgMf7glU
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCpu17GnhB
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She must be struck hard, but I cannot be friends with my contractor’s daughter. I don’t want anyone else to be hurt because of me.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnbmt94T4M
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCQGstrnnx
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtxFXQ5bZ4
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TBDTvnGls
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlK8OLuz7R
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9d5iGVs29
“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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcZsVMTUiA
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1Dw43qiPe
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8pr9YDR1h
“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 says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UbYedVL3x
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW5tXyRfK1
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kjAn9vSyD
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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 ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeuxS4XLAH
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PYSNZcDXd
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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 says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cTFthn5z7
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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 say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFqYeGGA4x
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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 gasp109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWU7NZlEqh
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffYmXdLpwm
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQKeuMk420
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbUHOjlipA
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQIy1eiAkd
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMEV1v34QU
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSuazlFmJ7
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYlIfQS1YV
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDhXRZmMYF
“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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W0MggRXcb
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ2qBU2AHw
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N56NAG7Yq
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BlHRCZhTW
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrv82TfVy1
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIwPMfVN0E
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3N9XYx7Ai
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9VW6X5Fdb
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9q9CZTPDv
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH58x76561
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTXr8OHEzY
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJxUZPCcyr
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLFOhbP79r
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Uft461Jg8
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOJ72PonTY
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5ne6WNURY
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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 expression109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ef8zi1DAG
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSOYXhenee
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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 says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMnX3pFQ6l
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fiJj3BmFl
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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?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU87Wopfxv6
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTNkRl5LLM
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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 answers109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL3opSGMdg
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtX2SOt9Bk
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0suKoANmf
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFww9RPDDf2
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfOz3I3wVf
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvALsA9ktqD
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzRcaOo7ip
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhNkQ7luhd
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNi2U27bNR
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j2fq1CNNB
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LnKQLTBKp
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8I3sPsuof
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iIAqLUPPT
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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 say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb7OJx8gtK
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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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgclz27cwe
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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?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDKRMJIF3D
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“Me?” I ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQTSbxnKRx
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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 asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknxfV8ADwa
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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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhQEknMPuu
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfBnG41iB5
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlZfgT7xxk
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdZmPrdJk5
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdSgzd26R9
“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 suggests109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d31msVaCD
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTqN8shZie
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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 says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjbMktd4u5
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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 ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR6QGix8CR
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt06JYucbg
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOryny3LdGu
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUL3pga1J7
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNRPkx6Tm8
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv0VpCEOPd
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4XM7bGla8
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOHl3lqlbD
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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 says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1x3taXR0U
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“Why tell me this?” I ask109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlo3FcmjHt
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KHiM0IHEA
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyhFD036Ob
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXmqcGjPSc
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6HlNhLIKi
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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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTAl3C7taA
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VfWu3JGQO
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ53xjwTAqQ
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO7WC6Db07
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTpNd1xgVB
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGdGbTmYUC
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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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yaHIoav9t
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBfahQSUyP
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PXuemnvwE
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebaZgbaVEi
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3TmemjPFB
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xTpeBQ1qZ
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvzJRc10xE
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzU8ccLEn0
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWfYTrqPvq
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF3YM14AuZ
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFIXk4ZFgT
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeeuR7qLA7
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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/Q27uA8vnfu109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G79Jcorlh
Dive into hot discussions with the creator, meet fellow story fans. Theory crafting, story creation, all sorts of things.
and then Add to home screen.