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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbxzI1Puep
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83VwAapt58
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgGjq1dMff
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUMdsZcfSC
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4KljbKljy
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdbrFQ34AE
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBMmr8ZtqI
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7yxNNlvs8
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXYIXI9sRa
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxww5qlglFf
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVszqEWkaQ
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AXLobtZEO
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyF4ssGdbH
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjVc9KWIGh
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WdJrJGdg9
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYl8LqINkK
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsURXnVwzVs
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs9IVbTY57
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwBg3ZU28d
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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 tone100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYxlqXMc1D
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrzIZjr9g9
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESprY6BXbB
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq9DEo4XGu
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu4qa9OJwE
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6vuF86zCU
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I smirk, looking around.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2L9jXyAZB
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4NGEhrm8k
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kFnLZOVMl
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“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWMWSKTXlU
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4FlSetGtX
“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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9lPuaogP4
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“….” Gloria flinches100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa3rACvkCP
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVLBQRmodc
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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.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpiEe1BCJK
“You aren’t angry?” I ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DnUVswmd6
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbcGGuJsFl
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByD4JE2VZ3
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRLRrYidUq
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp6mQWj1JB
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyOrCgsXfT
“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9CRGGC9l6
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprLeiuivA9
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJEZDOJ21C
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdQNq78MHg
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMNFqstE0Q
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs0FKmuE23
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUfVO0S1lP
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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 asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQZPlHoy9u
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I had a feeling she might ask this.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGQ0SId5UV
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcMYdNNrGW
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBCYZQkPdk
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aKRwGClam
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J6Z3TRVME
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtym7kQ4lx
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhIH7uYbzu
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPGBs3AHJP
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1ZM2yVllu
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZX53jS2qu
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8tjb41zi5
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfbXOm1AXy
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB5idKKTNx
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXsybg1FiS
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cqVle4PtP
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVagm41nygu
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwNpsJOJMA
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUdZ6X6Acz
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCmhLw4STQ
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuoGAlsdaG
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ021PJiQ1Zu
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd8WwcsKwz
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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?”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgysOu4Hooz
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwqzZ4sJJK
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUejmqi0nI
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbLWfYBqcd
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“Work on hire.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ht4jPMs5m
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rbdn4tYic
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnHpFUds8E
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhjyAVoSlz
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1DhlLAekb
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGcC3aD5rz
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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?”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeU3UROaEH
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGAwgOi63j
“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XiOm1yfQM
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17sRCv446K
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4zsiYYsDC
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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 asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyLn9zGF1D
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZyDnjYTZj
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwpWQMdfRv
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjptiWBJVd
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy2CCUAiWO
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK40tA2c6O
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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 explains100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdZEJ8d6KN
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHamwa8h8O
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FyuhgsnIB
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM8whiErEg
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr7mz9yCjG
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3wpUHUvQv
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCNtjFGAI2
“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 me100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNNJyTQFkf
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7n1bBd7YI
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2RpGPwnW6
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbFQuhSPZA
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q1n82Hgux
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkis4H2QpS4
100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDstWptjpIJ
“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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5oquERNRG
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lr4YaoIVa
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd93rexJnQX
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNwDmCZ5dK
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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 ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAizvD9wjmJ
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY21RAtj7AR
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIhQhMQxxc
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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 say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZMObIxZ7O
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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 gasp100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCYvcqKQuX
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBicHStsMoC
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0nH9xOsJ6
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DOEmR1a8G
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLfnIxh6tX
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULt3IYbDvW
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsmTsoY7oL
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl8Jv7ecwc
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefCqcjXIPu
“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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNAbz0ELyp
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Gh5AHetc2
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyzZJnxiwM
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayqkEw1Z3J
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4ImyjeucR
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMRClO1eEl
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4XX5sTRMm
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6yBrk5Tco
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynW5ym83Dk
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE74AMUwAqg
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc2Tntqybt
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaskM6p8eZ
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV04vN2cAG
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIJloKllsg
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimW9QhH6Q6
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcXJsD1zHM
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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 expression100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0un9Xfl0HY
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyrJWcJU1Q
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ3M5bwhvK
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JcPIjAaVM
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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?”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDCwKRtrzE
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQgPnha6D2
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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 answers100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHBDbPHB2I
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsubNYyhnQE
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaszeXdmdF
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGvsQI2yYD
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFai53iEH7Z
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYltJDfJ6Mf
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSdYmauu75
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUCFJhelOb
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn5cXqoaV1
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONKrLZkkio
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvJ61YXoeE
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAtLjf8U4q
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0Hk49BFSm
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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 say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EqA3gL3Di
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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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbzkkSmIuo
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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?"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1puMSNVa4
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“Me?” I ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLMRWFDsGN
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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 asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsKW9NHAAx
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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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhNWghRGuF
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauizMEgiRy
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz9Tc0HmH1
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mbm4RSoxh
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2EBQZIr0b
“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 suggests100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkgGBVF8N8
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3RJUTI9Ef
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGPuLJbd6e
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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 ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv5YbBb3Oz
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1vUpiJH3H
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44gcPocgFR
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgxZPbb54E
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQuJOWYK1t
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkOObJa4Ks
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrrKiCWFYX
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpVE0xlkQ6
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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 says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLUvKvmPpa
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“Why tell me this?” I ask100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZyjZPwVLF
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrmgvlH708
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT6LoLY2ON
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeGVVAkKOO
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMGHDqRe9F
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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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzET0Bq9ugI
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjDZq3kh2P
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5PnrVjrQQ
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0XrfDWdoZ
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpLAm1w82u
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gM5PdPdBt
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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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBxwe3ipFk
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQerUBaoay
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVZyS4TOj5
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhCPPqHlfa
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYiGp8czk3
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs9PowAOX9
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFkdjSYYrS
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtauzGdMno
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b7YzzVlSL
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpyXfQRoKm
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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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujkkl9l1Tk
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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/Q27uA8vnfu100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QnqE5GSuv
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