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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ95cwR9zp
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlvNUCp8gB
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFFCPu7nKZ
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRxSq2KGXn
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvw9rnVWYa
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG42aPF3yKU
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YsNlaNJws
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreq7MexBlB
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDABawMnTq
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX7d0DDLsL
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqHu7ZLPcJ
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nQjNadRLH
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsHp7Sin3w
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroE86uCq9h
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIccel2wGl
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiG6fh29pK
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46XG2rJash
I catch her shoulders. Frail looking like any woman’s, But she sure is strong, and It felt like I am holding ambers.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3luWaIm8It
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynyswH503i
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqdN91S9Ke
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Lw786FPa7
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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 tone90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIruaCvHsv
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C1eWbUvnO
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipSbdmhiJs
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KyAzSd5Wo
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03kyRnuK5g
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I smirk, looking around.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexT0GeBwoo
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ2MW1hUIT
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP8qCTi4sX
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7tUjznQ6G
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURh7q8UfV1
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl88Gt6JJS5
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“….” Gloria flinches90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmovATzpd3m
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrXUtUdmtP
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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.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC9fdpWcIt
“You aren’t angry?” I ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRYc9yd7un
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmKrplH6yu
90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh598BUmLi
“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb5VMrAbxr
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVGuGOJnez
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWW6jsKwM0
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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 ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdzF0NMFrt
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCQDG8faou
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PtosSxQAE
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdJPIuytBX
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDeGs3Yh1P
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3GH5upj5R
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvD0aAhQme
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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 asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27crTrJeBJ
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I had a feeling she might ask this.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8kuLwfbve
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSAo4J13Tm
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirmkfBvGjy
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmZhW2hY16
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCZWOUsZA3
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMapRTYFSRT
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNoS8cZYHV
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGjQ3fE3Bo
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QWB9qowbz
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF47weertKE
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHSjcP7MsN
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zBLboG6pH
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa92oSQ3Xe
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVt8itGYCI
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCaphmmQpR
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG2lUOGWr0
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeJ1tUK6vD
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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 says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCb696WT0A
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAkMzH8rua
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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 says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DIuaLmuzZ
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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?”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlPvgB9Gun
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30NXuvyPbI
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc7gY4ScUT
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquie9RxsMR
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“Work on hire.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2meyuWAjrU
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8UoK7YYsX
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4TjhvmvZp
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YAzE3TTZZ
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycccVEHxkT
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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?”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AHeNFtEgY
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPPGC3IvVB
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuABSAZz7zB
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJdUHC0i07
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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 asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeWorw1rAi
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8uGsoSPBF
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAbPJbiYV6
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS1u2c1mpn
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKTjIKY9az
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XV3JXy8gM
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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 explains90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5TChYXcvP
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYiLJcxS6Z
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9JkpfQwCG
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmevS0mmj7
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0yg8r3nSM
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“Why not become an adventurer just like me? I have never asked anyone this because no one is worthy around here, but maybe we can become friends?” she says as she spins and walks backward while she face me90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pDOlltHhq
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOCodhbWKv
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRifPCZY2V
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJba5cNVT0R
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEoFq5YzId
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Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9UoeHlFM7
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“Your father taught you well, arrogance is downfall of the weak who think they are strong..” I says with a small smile as I rub my beard.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH9YVpm55W
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqe0lyVDis
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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 says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaHkm3mRit
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqqijdt7df
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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 ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3ZX4BwX8g
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojl5Q6qYK8
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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 says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXOAwk0TgF
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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 say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISf6QQWuDd
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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 gasp90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mX7IV0QE1
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HvN3yes1G
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuFJcVOCbR
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKEqTplqlO
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPk7i9PAbs
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZqdr6Ekcr
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZfMb0nIlR
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1S35DCaeM
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡschtUEIO2H
“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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0SXYgp41p
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSshXHloHK
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtxxvYPswp
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cWh125C2g
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IldrCj0d8
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOerULE4Exg
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiUje7UbYz
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbAv1c1vno
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcwMjprljA
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOM4jrmtpV
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQmccBUQzQ
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Kuax1ozj
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5aMofWRmU
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU58DfuhoH
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYIbYOl0xy
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6VRz9dHvg
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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 expression90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyv36vV845
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDHrzTO8tl
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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 says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLyp3VAClV
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7qIwCle9s
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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?”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7yniZuBQN
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQmCD4TnYd
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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 answers90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgycfR6O1Wv
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3CaNrhtSs
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLDF7EvIwz
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EA5zpqPPa
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyck3apXndM
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pLy5weHrc
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIacjair3c
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypKs6MzySQ
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49azmL1oy8
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBae9LTmjA
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFLX6AB2LY
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd3vyIRZ98
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoMw4JkgCK
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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 say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5ToWLWInD
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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."90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZQmGmpH8O
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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?"90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ39UyU3xcL
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“Me?” I ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hMJdU8Goc
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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 asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbz3d5dqvP
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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."90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6fHsEULCr
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGWiwrzrca
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAFGWcSoA8
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5VZl1DTnq
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFe8DWZcH6
“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 suggests90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFtpVV7yaO
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK1kFmp3ad
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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 says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZRtWegSOR
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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 ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy8La0Zw5r
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTlow0fJSb
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7jAgAZlfg
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnAk201M4X
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7oNPwARyU
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb9A5CdVHX
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA8K66fM4R
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdjlinJSHI
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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 says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLmCM8JDJn
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“Why tell me this?” I ask90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2FCE4aZVR
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRdIA2Ubkd
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT1B5ZH4Z5
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNanE9Qj3L
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5UdADLZcI
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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."90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrVuDMosvz
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNwNNIBOTZ
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CkPrxPhrE
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxcuKNDWBh
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L6AsFHrdL
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa87iLDEjIS
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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."90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz41rYUpGcO
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWbWH4f1QG
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39vq4Y8vXq
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5ABE1ocWu
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLjfhLdrr3
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWeSgvQmKf
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmc5GEBTjW
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGzlOs8I1z
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATuyu6DADN
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2noEYxze5d
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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.90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCd53LCELQ
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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/Q27uA8vnfu90Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9YAyyUDqV
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