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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbYq8rI7hM
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyOjh6hqFr
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW5wuy2Pfj
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzAzm4effe
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdCSEnV7nw
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkKCRstPsJ
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVSs5KLGqK
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Rr5gEIrp
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0i4herlJq
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkjTOKIrHF
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ9zkZuPvr
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24B0qcoEda
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCX2ry8mVh
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT8iuZAqkm
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvv9rDJ5Qc
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLfjvyGX0W
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9j0PAEmDr
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38lcCyH1Ct
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAO8mKSeVO
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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 tone60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVCHsIXom9
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuI7JcU7le
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HJ0Y7uAwE
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ylrtB2rNU
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj2LIvaU2L
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I smirk, looking around.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ofHUI8MoE
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M9IKJ657D
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqmQPexYH4
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“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK025aiChPq
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVPW8X9xuF
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“….” Gloria flinches60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFbFkIbFgJ
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV6KZRW1l6
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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.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc5Kco0CtW
“You aren’t angry?” I ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKn1jgNjNK
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEBOor0qq0
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6RrIVZQdZ
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61LoIADC3Z
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXQiFOLedv
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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 ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MdTImikwt
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsdhrDCtZk
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAGNMvZbSe
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq7ue7LJc1
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2O6Iyfsof
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE49QklPNqd
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hrQ2C3ocV
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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 asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsCrMzXj9d
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I had a feeling she might ask this.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2peXXPKOXq
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRcqMJj88b
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTLfEpacwr
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvE2GwK6cC
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDWaKrhUBQ
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r6jvGvMh8
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpe1GXkUST
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEUV0Oiw0k
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ925udfG3i
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjVcCkCx7G
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutNtiW8rub
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GZjQZyisx
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIXQNVmTMk
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeCDHzv6Op
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxulpwaP5z
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tSrH1c4vy
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9lrRUHeUu
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt83iXBgvH
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUH9JrcSUV
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiNwmcshWi
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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?”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVV8dvCzNw
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU6FTQk7t8
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN97CgUGQG
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmGi9OGsph
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“Work on hire.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsnXogizdj
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OQcQnjAVB
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHTZNS5q0M
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoLbTv8Z91
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIAk2QElxW
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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?”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPCMRpzFLe
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCqN8Jbxta
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vDeH8s0IA
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jv6w8Z7em
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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 asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgKWfY1OMi
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRHEVxoNjO
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb44pIyu8g
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqvWrULmgG
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVT2if6m5R
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPZDBIsAc3
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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 explains60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MaJDy5uvL
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpfLlxGXDs
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTxtTasuvT
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx19NpPeicf
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TDvJ9nbbV
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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 me60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDtwy8tSuH
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo0hZPfTje
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsV5hzCSm1
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7RPGWLofN
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzgrjxXniP
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMkgnT5NLu
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWhjjU4YAU
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhKiuSLD9B
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnUSw1mQC8
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“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhm7ZH06no
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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 ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB54UsM2vOC
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dx998DRIX
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j971nHQZ3
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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 say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmsU0chLmv
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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 gasp60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKcKbIhg3W
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDjMl04ubo
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2R6qqySUs
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NltZnS9U9
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rHf61vVNN
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFebKzbG9kV
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DxNhfsTvp
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5BLQMAF82
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP4jkcVnOB
“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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfvnWDsmck
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xv5KhAyXL
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tL5tXxtyg
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLtkn0Ppvg
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca6WVATLyc
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgcg2iEAfR
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nr968oak0
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fXqoLeVMb
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRJMLzO2oc
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ709A9Ppju9
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufsgjoXM7q
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8qumMDVaA
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxLwxgDtuB
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KvkWc08FT
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvavE5QEpB3
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOlglxMYUY
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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 expression60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qoqBSy08J
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY4nEXs1Wg
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSev7dpqdbk
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv4oOtvYBQ
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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?”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4ojPi0opB
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIvomHMhu8
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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 answers60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkkvTkGBTV
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqVKQRBMH0
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k1yO78zoj
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOGxHNhtNp
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYecsH2ATO
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1KrwrWGY3
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kWy8I8LK3
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2xTntLFRP
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7aahWr8Hl
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDb7ZFzIKO
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4loG0Vm0EG
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOM70ng0pA
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdmsQIDWpM
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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 say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwCWWpbZlF
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRCTY6Hbxf
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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?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ7BCrbYiN
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“Me?” I ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAaxyiBeh8
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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 asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0H2lo8g8X
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXhbmtOLfy
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7XHAA3KXt
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcudN21HWZ
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGEWP5RZAv
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQabnYx2E3
“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 suggests60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVhAPasZT3
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0821r7RXT
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGE1whZhFL
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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 ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTe8spvsai
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLpt0Mgnvn
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVqmw0m0YB
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmIKiMcvDu
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwv0C6YGIo
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu8kwCwEhD
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1zQLczObA
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG3QKOEzc9
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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 says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuwZWtlaIP
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“Why tell me this?” I ask60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNLnk0qTED
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCeW7Uu1i5
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51nxUSP1jD
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgrCAVqcDj
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2UUSSXnkF
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2021stN2mF
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMM3EBdB7a
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNg9bgPQPL
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFgMeHIHnh
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY9dHHs09S
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHk5yTVYdG
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDdEdMmIzE
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yiBoAJm3s
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC0iqzp2tL
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9Bjg4XBxX
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jAYE8JaCu
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8te78SHKu
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjsiYCzE7V
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ4X8Mma0T
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2V8f5eubm
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfdgHtebpf
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw961Xxs0B6
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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/Q27uA8vnfu60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j2LL8kpcP
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