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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KzDSry201
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27JSLnlPth
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10rMOBxCov
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6SLloPpVe
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx74hHzZKBC
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidqU9AuyFI
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl600Jxew3v
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLlmRUP8tc
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cdWETzYhH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULclNKomU0
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAK9OZmri8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV4X4snU0j
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLDJI7gT9z
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFRSNVyiMN
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3efbRepB4
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcbJMRHwUS
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV0uIbUaJU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K9yYAkoTn
Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHgnRhcwP8
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB7EWACTWy
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwfu4IGDfh
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaBmnZhy8D
“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJTIc8X4aD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OWED98HxA
“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA1NmdUzzc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJsrsnybgi
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi2mmaPtj0
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wB9Wd4JHy
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5NMuYfyCN
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoHOAMguKD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPHrzhN1Am
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO2BtSik6Z
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I smirk, looking around.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL7HZYebep
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnMCxLzmOm
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQnAG61ikQ
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53IfDlvwNJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzHr6k8Vnz
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3w1g20HaZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLYqNHbHpc
“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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHODjtSA5jH
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“….” Gloria flinches73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5dfqVGUP9
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIPU7PPjhp
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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.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFSvUHsrrQ
“You aren’t angry?” I ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5qK8VMASU
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbchDWuyHxL
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c2WcuDJtV
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynHe7bQDaq
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA93phK2GAL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHLqyxTHEm
“Last night, Old man said you defeated the demon lord. If you didn’t use a sword, then what did you use?” she ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoPtyTDpiz
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jukxFOthy
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4CJgXJSBx
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PemsbD3Fv
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd0PCRGVYM
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMTIwHaVAE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEShIRka1Uk
“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG32IcG30I
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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 asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc0Zk0Sdo2
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I had a feeling she might ask this.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslF303l9G5
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcj5DzI8Iy
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeLxGb65ly
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHds7ALksT
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2RUDsvi3M
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWMXcS3lx9
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uv8OQDGdi
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXUaE3LHbR
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWDTRrXSsc
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gnia7JxuT
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0Sva7jrLE
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6sOnq7i48
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfbC3OwYwR
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf9zMmscGy
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1VUnOXjzq
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu4wFTepCc
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d3o5Pd2Pa
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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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiSejb4x7K
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FuJDGjRA7
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTAdJJOIgQ
“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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzkcEHGyXo
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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?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHQGC6Kb3R
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyQRrpIKED
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKVE6ERBz2
“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjHahFajfr
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVISeBhSWz
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“Work on hire.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61w6EPJ8Py
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3flS3b7dD
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU4sYTx7re
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiJcULsjGq
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEAPaJPBFO
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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?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8a5T9UrG0
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM2HoMu2lj
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29VgX37mlU
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr5lSY2k50
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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 asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEQeEdvT8s
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4nVoj2OqI
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XyFHCnONC
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsr91HyDmG
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HdBWFlfl0
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgZTbcofIk
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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 explains73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3jnUczeLq
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxA4QdHiNl
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8wUP5AFk9
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzvxuWiPie
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIhEW5zTKT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79rH2ygDJS
“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 me73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WT41vMrS8
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSMwVxCapL
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpvxZxE8gt
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsyXWHyr1a
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv32ZbwAcc
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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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG4fDh98GR
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiksOmBcb1I
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFil3udukri
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwex6YPqr3m
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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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPi12KjpAw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBvdBVuOfi
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCg1PcJ5lD
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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 ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc9zEUmQ9z
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQpoEfmmtM
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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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ofgMygm71
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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 say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ElmADgrQy
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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 gasp73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9pHiRmOUE
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKgPpYBojP
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEvAHRxRF2
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FCS7Roup8
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GjcLVFmLF
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG41qC5vOH
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYN0d0QgI5
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbISgPP70z5
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zqtPYphGg
“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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j1SIerKS1
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiDPRK0Ham
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfePu02zu6R
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EbYEapqJN
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8RrjZIPPd
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s22at9v6K
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXzJUgfTK1
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8W59WbwNS
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WUmzXGikf
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEPAL999We
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FnpwaMRk0
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3EDmwcVMh
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TWgkkCWUv
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLisnazyjaY
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4T7AxS7th
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKypujTVUvm
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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 expression73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iBhkylWyJ
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaii3Y2pRp6
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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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaSopulfVi
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfVuDJTHsW
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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?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGE2gtOmpc
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBNk1oTLBF
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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 answers73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQP65NWlZj
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdmS1Kuo9v
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwEdEjYN3H
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FfMHB5Hsl
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXah9tuK789
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lXbmWql8P
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAo6P4tN3H
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9NOZn5i6n
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4XGgtnKpn
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aStjDp7tL
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yPSQLve9p
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuOilK22Yp
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y3aaW8u5L
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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 say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonas1j8skW
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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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQHBtCKa6w
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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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7qH0aUb40
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“Me?” I ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TdcIPVTGp
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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 asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh1b1nexyy
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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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVGunzV38e
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvDBZXqv7N
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnouVnpqQqJ
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs3tKk1dlV
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3huR2rFADB
“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 suggests73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUmhb2eqkt
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lP4bA9zD9
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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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjC4NhL5dC
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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 ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvxDTZCqxE
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzulPamsJAZ
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm35gOgcUr
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLh37oDDtO
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04Alz4Bnmv
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUMWC9YfGL
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe80fVXnNCj
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVNGArqqhF
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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 says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSYPgrbCqC
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“Why tell me this?” I ask73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqJTTruLgD
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1rTZS5iaq
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2nT5vFsTD
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQeM0HsfNW
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL2Ur8k9Qb
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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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jcSFSelKC
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwp7Wwta1H
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWwqw9x2PG
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoIdRE3yvr
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS7SXkQfH7
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBQynTLtBm
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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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTlVYD8Vhv
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycf4BJ6S9J
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAKVRDW67X
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn98Gx53Kh
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJzDiskD6U
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHxUZKv2BZ
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKUKEw1Awd
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvsrOuYGhx
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnSXXhjXHi
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqyaNiEP1p
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDT3dYVRIp
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcPJED8lGF
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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/Q27uA8vnfu73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlUGp3wiL7
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