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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfeySslOTT
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSzHuqviWO
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYJqkjzIOD
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I can hear the whistling sound. And now that I am awake, might as well take a stroll.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UKTOT5lbh
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDyR1goGYw
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDJjy8pBWx
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Although it pains my chest, I power through it180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjfifkTcf7
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“Cool..., lets go.” I say to myself optimistically.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTewxgpNTa
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But if someone saw me walking around I am sure they would avoid me.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHNc7hta7e
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdXFZCDA6g
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefe3FGLwcz
I am sure the whistling sound must be coming from here. But there is no one here?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZKWbik1PO
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy0FSxUQlc
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ0DWhKMzt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8ZYIaVc3Q
It works for me but seems like it didn’t quite work for her.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn37xnxuosa
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKkDe5pT7B
Gold particles disappearing in the air signified her failed attempt to use her powers.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEayennGAi
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLNs1x1hD5
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A hissing sound starts to come from my hands.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ6fcc6RGr
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“Get your hands off me!” she says as she tries to force my hands away.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG0GcDVuTz
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“You should be in bed. I nearly killed you.” she says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY8LtY3hpE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTmdUCmWy0
“Don’t flatter yourself, and do you attack people out of the blue if they approach you?” I ask in a serious tone180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CCYzYijEz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkIhFTehUR
“Excellent, so you CAN~ talk?!” she says forcing a hint of surprise and frustration in her voice180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM14MNfGX3
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“This is my training ground. Restricted. I hate people Intruding during practice.” She says arrogantly.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwLQ5hGEFV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXqPJcdAuF
She flicks her head to slight right “I didn’t injure you did I?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabkOsEA7qM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaYdSSNTGL
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtaUol5c8L
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I smirk, looking around.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc9qbQvaDn
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“Oh, so you can smile. I though you were some serious guy.” She says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYyIUBLaNC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqYneImn5t
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaWHrNp2W1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIJ1g2rutS
“Wha—Hey! If you didn’t want to practice you could have said so! Why break it?!” she says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iEDx0aJfn
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjudplirQHf
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“….” Gloria flinches180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQiCqnEmxF
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfgH4Bt9dg
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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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaW5uccoUL
“You aren’t angry?” I ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDkQCcTRQy
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb4UVf6c8u
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“A spar?” I considered it. Good exercise, but not worth reopening these wounds. “Maybe Another time.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcNxphS1V2
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“Then we have a deal?” she asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirm8kGC0bL
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zM1Y3rOpe
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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 ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTVHV08sgC
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“You want to know?” I ask, she nods immediately.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PXtOpEapr
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I point at the moon to distract her “Oh, look! A bird!” It works like it always does.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VrPZ5OsI6
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I only need moments to summon my spear using my strange powers.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjHFIFjBmH
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Now that it was in my hand, I remember how badly its damaged since the last battle.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4oaiXugcA
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“Hold on—Where did that come from?” she asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BxWZ2lr3H
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09HAbgHOI0
“Magic?” I offer with a shrug “Maybe, who knows?” motion180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKGD55zxDc
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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 asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZkAPVDhUB
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I had a feeling she might ask this.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpJvOpjeNJ
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“Fine, It’s a lost technology. I had the staff, but in a miniature form.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5lBHWtA5c
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G586TCgcF
“Hmm, that might explain how you defeated the demon lord.” She murmurs while clutching her chin and the part of the mask covering it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglVIOQP8pV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfdIFnxMuB
“What rank are you anyway?” she asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nWz46TpMI
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“Rank?” I ask back in confusion180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOU9uPVSnO
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8hzmicymz
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“Adventurer, huh? I am not one, I am a Hitman.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLBrjqcXcM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvgZiGjPX8
“Oldzheil did mention that before. What does that even mean? Is that some kind of title?” she asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Dq1vjDbqB
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my stomach lets out a deep growl as if a lion roar.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa5jLCU3Ro
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XO9jTE80D
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2OuT48KhV
“Now that you mention it, I am hungry too. But…” she hesitates180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4WIYCJCZ9
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“But I don’t think you would like what I eat.” She says.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6ivqOFnOp
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“Anything that doesn’t scream first.” I pause. “Even a tree will do, if it comes down to it.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbFtodkGdc
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She giggles “Your sense of humor sucks just like Oldzheil.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfuafz4UUq
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“Problem with vegetables?” I ask with a flat voice180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNUOhRR1to
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“Not at all stupid, as a matter of fact I am veg too.” she says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeq4c45s1J
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46avwO81JT
“A veg like me in this world? Crazy fantasy world to be in.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTgC680ggd
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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 says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuR6DBSppY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeombatDoIf
Gloria starts walking excited, and I follow behind her, we both walk for a few minutes, quite. But then she speaks.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvx9Vj2tAV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IRWzq3p8V
“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 says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJxp1n8BrQ
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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?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DuvVGN99X
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAxHX1t2Kb
“It’s an umbrella term, but yeah it involves bandit hunting, monster hunting and many other things.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmoYrKqWay
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“So it’s a freelancing platform for people?” I ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iS6edLRmh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaDTLowgs8
“What’s freelancing?” she asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr9rsuHxIQ
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“Work on hire.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7a6RFd2bg
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH4uivtG3S
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpdy03Eeuk
“Geolard scrambled my memory before I met Warzheil. Only the important bits stuck.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOArLgdAmJp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgZfM957HM
“Oh, Oldman didn’t tell us about that.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJyRoIsxdi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5PKKRdmzh
“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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlAPfmwN8u
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriVASkGeCE
”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?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67ELupXEO6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzyhN9VFdF
“It’s that bad? Maybe I should take those classes Sil was telling me to.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbALSIOvmZt
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“One’s presence can be powerful when used with knowledge and precision.” I say.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNVXXBUrDI
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“You should become a Sage.” She laughs180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgABcWFbNMD
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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 asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqMuinZqnC
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8uWPEpfeH
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW9GEL3RCC
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“You mean Ava ‘The Light Borne Hero’, right?” she catches me off-guard by mentioning Ava.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgCPICZjo0
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“Oldzheil told us about her too.” She says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRVzTrg6CC
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I sneer “That Oldman…...” tightening my fist180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe19IeMlsat
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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 explains180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeCM85FIqG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GgIWPQZLn
“Fine.” The thought of facing Ava still unnerved me. “Doesn't change that I need to see them.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeFAuXDdQX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYLUrvuvJy
“Why the long face? You think your sister won’t welcome you because you had a fight with her?” she asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FfuXfjnlm
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“It’s---complicated. Right now, she hates me more than I hate the sword” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCtOJt6DvP
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Gloria does not enquire further. But after a moment of quite walking she speaks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE50pWn062
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS2T8qLUUh
“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 me180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJGkv5HejI
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“Friends?” I continue after reconsidering. “Hard pass.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTn0uHNhBl
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KWAQJSWkt
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrvzg9W0hP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGuJon8Ygi
But, Then I hear a few sniffs. My heart sinks.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67HbndKyea
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bozWH6MZ0
Giggles after sniffs “I was just joking? Why would anyone want to be friends out of the blue with someone who attacked them.” She says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OYMycpPMX
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMYYsGkexQ
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“So, do you think I can become an Adventurer?” I ask trying to divert from the sobby mood.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneq0xvrlIo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaEXjHqJWu
“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 says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0vwwcwVRN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qjRtAJVfy
“Can I ask for your help? Or did I hurt your feelings and you won’t help me?” I ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNPVB17jsV
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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 ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi24EZEDUpo
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“No, it opens up early, since adventurers start coming here.” She says as we walk through the town.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn9zK3ZAD8
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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 says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6DMPXlSfL
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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 say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lcWL950nz
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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 gasp180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2BlWwk7Ln
“Well, Geolard had it.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gJxCiCt3k
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“Oh, that makes sense.” She says with an analytical nod180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVFwOX7jVF
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Soon, we arrive near a big, exotic looking building, magical almost.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh60SZyy260
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The doors are open and a Cat woman is mopping the front of the guild.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8etcxpz8P
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“Nya-? Miss Gloria? What brings the Flame Queen so early to the guild?” she asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bFz2nrYiR
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“Good morning Canthrine, This is a guest of our house. And he wants to register as an adventurer.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwtnnN0T3g
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I join my hand as a greeting which confuses them.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuxRolNO9Y
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“This is the way of greeting in my homeland” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBlEMl7EtG
“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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTB7Ju6UK3
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBJAIvR3SI
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A half Dragon half Human girl sat on the center counter.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVhPIGyrKF
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As far as my knowledge go, they are called dragonewt.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGVNY5p8Kw
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There are 5 counter openings and she is on the center.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliizC3oatk
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She Seems busy with some paper work, and doesn’t notice us.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwlpmosQFs
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“Hey Sinfia!” Gloria says waving her hand.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3JfoFaltA
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“Oh, If it isn’t Sister Gloria.” The girl says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirlSwTCnfm
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“Kid, Where is the receptionist?” I ask, teasing her180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqymFe11Muz
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQlW8BzFmW
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Seeing her stare at my hand, I and realize that my hand really makes things complex for me.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLHWrYSmjw
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“You mean This? Standard issue. Made For certain specialized… professions.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rilma3kLK
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“A gauntlet?” she asks suspiciously180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVeP2S53t8
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“You don’t need to hide it when I am with you Ronin, I will fill her in later.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG2UwxeAso
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiX1P7mK9N
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“I am here to vouch for this man, Says he wants to be an adventurer.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmk7nfF713
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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 expression180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi3VkZXkAa
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYftreLZ74
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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 says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEJZEZwwQ8
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“A proof? I don’t think we have….” Gloria says but I know exactly what to do.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8mJZekWBw
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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?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR3wwYm3WQ
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“I am not a kid!” she recoils180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRKyEFQRaf
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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 answers180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOElTJ4RX9K
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“Yeah, what if I saw it? The Heroes must have defeated the demon lord.” She says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pxbQqRtcJ
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“Heroes didn’t kill that monster.” I lean forward slightly. “I did.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFCOKc3IkL
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At first Sinfia covers her mouth and then starts laughing wildly almost falling off her chair.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgRDHCwbve
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7euXij4JO
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“Guild Master Kainia, You returned from Holy Kingdom?” Gloria asks.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlikGrCEnII
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRXPDyNEap
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Walking up to me she realizes something is wrong with her mana, her expression gives her away.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkmtpZ4SZR
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Kainia’s eyes narrow on me. “No mana In or around you… An artifact?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JCXEE61TP
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“As expected of the boss of the place. You know your stuff.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeZwJjVJfD
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The guild master’s expression changes, now she feels like someone who is worth talking to.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj5uQB1jlq
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“Kid, going around, telling other that you have precious commodity doesn’t raise fame, it raise chances of death.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwuJCxpCsk
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VEOnvLzFk
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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 say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi67NlfC1p
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFx6IBQRQg
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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?"180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiOrdSaxKI
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“Me?” I ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pTAxCqzqg
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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 asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClUctbXoZ7
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5jN8Gxnoa
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“W-w-wait, tell me you aren’t joking boss!” Sinfia says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFsiOR1J8m
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“Not at all, Sinfia, you should apologies this man before he eats you.” She says teasingly to Sinfia, which works.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxzps6BNll
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Sinfia is about to get up but I gesture her to sit down and relax.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1ZceCOppv
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpvSxbSzU9
“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 suggests180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2AmNQr32i
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“I see a fake card….” I dwell on it for a moment180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AIXHdlEob
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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 says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5az9gzISLz
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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 ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkysxc7fryj
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n5DLmxIU2
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“B-b-boyfriend? We aren’t like that! How can I- with him.” She starts to stammer.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh7n4THEVb
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“She is teasing you, snap out of it.” I say in a commanding voice180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7sU3C4xZ2
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“so? What did you decide?” Kainia asks180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i4AMWqgXh
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“Your proposition is not bad, ok let’s go with that.” I say180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWssBVEpAkc
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2bvHBurUp
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwCEUokixw
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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 says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW0PfdxizT
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“Why tell me this?” I ask180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uOs6Gt5CM
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“Your ancestors must have worked hard as adventurers to obtain such precious artifact. I can respect that.” She says180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfX3ljkd6p
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Well, It’s good that she doesn’t know that it’s not an artifact. She is a good person.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfyaLXitqK
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCuuOHq1z0
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JMzFRgjL7
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD6EUbLXs9
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBCaWyGFG2
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My stance is relaxed, although the Vanquisher seems to be raring for a fight.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd1aEcqpcv
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu8V1ctAaR
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“A small lesson for one so young as you.” She says in a whispering voice.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUl5VbuiMJ
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlgcVmQ0vg
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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."180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vXLBpi9aj
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And we walk into the streets looking for cuisine that would satiate my hunger.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXwuiYe1xp
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqjBjPwCYM
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sabJQxwb1
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjvMflevyR
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4ScHmO6LB
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI6mZW44Tn
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh2MHoJU73
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SecgCJBsA
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I notice them using sign language and then using magic to disappear like they were never there.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gY5GudglA
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9MplDFBo6
It hardly takes a few seconds to write "Good", but it boosts the confidence of us authors.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34YL7D6oTV
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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/Q27uA8vnfu180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDH3OEuRP4
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