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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdoknMWkUi
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jW7zzshpU
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ33NnjLTn
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF44GjnJJw
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgccexyb0h
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3heukYIFet
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65aBSS7Od5
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PqKEQHx8w
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM3nLqK5pk
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjS22vAYTR
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qkCZbMIoZ
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I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra2b5igX9Q
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAJywH60gW
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj9SpUDMkz
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It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgetWENIhrj
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Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvnK3an3Ke
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5daPvXkx5z
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72Wyw2HwwC
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRhbJEvxv7
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yqZ1lqBVw
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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 tone235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRTEMbU524
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“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRZCzilVi8
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA5A2vK3oB
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She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqPYe0Gh5K
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4n4TzGZI6
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I smirk, looking around.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS4MIxDmxK
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJmKBKccV0
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPTRzGUdmS
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“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UWpzVuhTP
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBQlpv2g4x
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“….” Gloria flinches235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKGTaTthPg
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoqbsdL1lv
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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.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlygfG3VRtT
“You aren’t angry?” I ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WGaytDUhn
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFBpfYDn6C
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgRMg5w27E
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam14VUYd4v
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qiLc2b1lp
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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 ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIM9hlKLI9
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0peTmtIrlO
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlncJJ5ZgKn
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXZkTWxhBQ
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vkBW0rcyW
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl2W33wWln
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“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD70uNm8Is8
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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 asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRDFTcKaeB
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I had a feeling she might ask this.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSJ6EHVLiH
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfbBWUCzNZ
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJpgoiXJnM
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“What rank are you anyway?” she asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHCrVBOWus
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZFzaDfpJx
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpbyCK6C3L
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24IK3v8y75
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“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx75GFO2hw
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNthFIUZKWB
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JL5zkwgxz
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“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuT17vslNw
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1t91ofUGl
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVnzIzsxnz
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst3GQSfGzN
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8uim1iZX3
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLIWXY3gb9
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“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG6iw2pTRN
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAQj8OnjvT
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7jR03arQq
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAMp3SfVV4
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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?”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRGiSxlVLa
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“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywWZGqEoRr
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJCMhHMnMr
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“What’s freelancing?” she asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr4o0865sL
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“Work on hire.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGCxmr0EiF
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWwbsidr7v
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“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6zhwyYEEJ
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“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8rXH8hTrF
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkqNhd5FWW
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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?”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIYDeew0Ig
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“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8FZvyTgyg
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6QJlMAILq
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM44c8oKqPA
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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 asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9SH1QiIs6
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DGllMLOyH
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i0wrprflJ
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovMnLR2cL4
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtSriTk0oE
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILT3y3qEGw
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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 explains235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpAS2YvBof
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“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91K8xi7vuU
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“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ljwVQhoHR
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNkvgTZAol
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCFfgqmUmf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBr11d5vGy
“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 me235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm3u50PTV4
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hdj8hRK7O
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQeAGkY2K5
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQJXpKZGTP
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But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauIoGWeZf6
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYErsbL43RR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlQorTBU1F
“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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5VDiajby9
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUVrJsstbl
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE4VbIsHH4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOse3WDiVwi
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zNsmJnqL
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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 ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLKw4VtIYI
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8RC9LB0x6
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mvGLaRUUr
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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 say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGqQ8387g4
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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 gasp235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wwfIau67e
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVyiXZMCDW
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnSDcRHJvM
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKCQ8RYgUs
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFMlU4T1qv
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQa4grJkR5
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo6OqBZLtI
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcIwGffONh
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwkuc0V4wZ
“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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdWG4EjuEd
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDHufD7YAs
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1osaSjotNS
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2WfsX4owS
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xNse3qOAP
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2pTgDQ1hZ
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY7GJySN6X
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUUSlX8Jmd
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY4p9o9xoh
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDZh7yVBmu
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr8mthlQfG
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCS8SUSofw
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtYUkiBFP6
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMRZ7ygxrJ
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRooJzInVE
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaDsVJ6Ls9
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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 expression235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyIvaS18K9
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vnDgGo9NN
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhan8jF84l4
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMe3kswfG7
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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?”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0TrwEais0
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q1pt7bnKb
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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 answers235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DMUp9J9Sl
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9TQmMAz9G
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNonrG1rFxS
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbVPYDFgIO
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy96m1CZNlz
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg0lVD4QfQ
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnlCb7Uwp2
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcpltaDEwf
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkJPXDbpEo
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk4sriqUFe
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MTnvWsj51
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1vcICmT6W
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaUL6ItAsm
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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 say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJtyLnm7ga
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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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBCieRHtDe
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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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l3KQinM5l
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“Me?” I ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTo0tYkfIp
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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 asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ6sBrqDmL
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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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3jXUsAIf6
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNX3v1NXyV
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMEneF34oK
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDWO7ir3HY
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhszVE1JWj
“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 suggests235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64N8AuSCfs
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpold9GN3D
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRiZ1YAmDu
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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 ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGpF9hs4E3
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4A5iSoxXS
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCp2WyPQM8
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAsM7MvX2E
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeX1SuyBdL
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pgx5TLiNe
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21Kygrf3ne
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2QJ6JnBo0
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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 says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh8zInd2bE
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“Why tell me this?” I ask235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleXqiuJ2Nh
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1IWATrrIR
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKpr64FrH2
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MxuiSfSNC
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeqfWfh3Ym
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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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmW4o4DuQl
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4VOaSYGCV
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFafh3UN7K3
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG82LOWoG3B
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lucH71M1t
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11TE6aPdbi
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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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0gbKMD0LV
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjawaGX12wa
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9JtPZ77ZP
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg8h3tiMO0
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDfh8jb0CH
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8YEHKBKTW
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXafqWQ8HFq
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ujlSaULeE
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEicWVBA8ke
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwUFQnHzvN
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK17jroM7Q
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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/Q27uA8vnfu235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAJduwDiXO
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