Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage

Chapter 113: Shadow Guard

CH113 Shadow Guard

***

The original Alex Fury had grown up at the Back Mountain Lodge, almost as if he were living in exile. He had very little contact with others his own age.

The closest person to his age he encountered back then was Megan, the daughter of the lodge’s Head Maid.

Alex had grown attached to her, always sticking close whenever she visited her mother.

She was, in a way, the closest thing to a familial connection he had back then. And as he grew older, she became the model for what he imagined a wife would be like.

Hence why True_Sage thought of her as the original Alex’s first crush—though the boy himself wouldn’t have recognised it as such at the time.

”Big Sis Megan.”

”We don’t have much time—we still have to attend that annoying family meeting,” Megan Fury said, her beautiful face contorting into a mildly annoyed scowl. She gestured to the tall woman behind her.

”I’m delivering her to you. She’s to be your Shadow Guard.”

”Shadow Guard?” Alex blinked, visibly surprised.

A Shadow Guard was a secret protector—an elite bodyguard trained to serve from the shadows, usually assigned to the most important members of noble families.

These guards were hand-selected and rigorously trained, chosen not only for talent and potential but above all else, loyalty.

However, Shadow Guards were usually chosen directly by the one they served, to foster trust from the very beginning.

In the worst-case scenario, the guard was selected by the master’s guardian—but even then, the master and guard were introduced early, to build familiarity.

Which made the current situation... highly unconventional, to say the least.

As if reading his thoughts, Megan added,

”She was selected and trained by your father personally. He handed her over to me so she could follow me into real battles and gain hands-on experience.”

”Oh...” Alex nodded slowly, eyes narrowing slightly.

He turned to size up the mysterious woman.

She looked young—perhaps in her late teens or early twenties.

Surprisingly tall, almost reaching Alex’s 190cm height. Muscular and bulky, yet lithe in a deadly feminine way. Even while standing still, she radiated a strong, wild aura—her primal warrior-like braids only adding to the impression.

Her traits were unmistakably Amazonian.

But her ink-dark skin, sharp, drop-dead gorgeous features, and elongated ears clearly marked her as having Drow (Night Elf) ancestry.

She wasn’t just an Amazon. Nor just a Drow.

Something else flowed through her blood—something more... inherent.

There was a distinct, seductive air about her.

And no, it wasn’t just because her clothing was form-fitting, leaving her toned midriff and muscular legs exposed, nor the modest but tempting bosom, nor even the thighs that looked like they could strangle a man mid-battle and mid-kiss.

No, it wasn’t just the appearance.

It was her nature.

Speaking of which, Alex could feel something... different.

The woman gave off an unusual connection to nature—almost as if she could blend into the surrounding flora at will.

She wasn’t just an Amazon. Nor was she just a Drow. Nor just any other race Alex could name off-hand that fully explained the wild yet elegant vibes she radiated.

’It’s like she isn’t just one thing... but a host of them.’

”My work is done,” Megan said simply, turning on her heels to walk away.

”Wait.”

Alex stopped her. ”Shouldn’t you properly explain what’s going on to me?”

”Not my place to explain. Speak to your father,” Megan replied as she pulled her hood further back and resumed her departure.

Alex’s frown deepened.

”Oh,” Megan suddenly paused. ”The meeting was called because of you.”

She looked over her shoulder, her eyes sharp.

”Word of advice... if you don’t want to constantly deal with those insects and fleas—crush them all at once.”

Her tone sharpened.

”There will be many watching... we’ll be waiting to see if you’re worthy of the position you were born into.”

A moment later, she added coldly:

”If you’re not... it’ll be taken from you.”

And with that, Megan walked away.

She used some strange movement technique. Although she appeared to move slowly, she covered a shocking amount of distance with each step. Before Alex could think to reply, she had already vanished from sight.

Her parting words echoed in his mind, deepening the furrow on his brow.

The Megan in Alex’s memories had always been a curt person, but even so, it wasn’t like her to leave him with such cryptic, almost threatening words.

Still, it didn’t take him long to piece together a rough idea of what to expect at the upcoming meeting.

His ruby-red eyes darkened in shade, and a cold smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

A subtle ripple of power leaked from him—a regal, commanding pressure laced with his True Name, Velkarasolmir.

The Regal Dominance Aura.

The Shadow Guard shivered unconsciously, her pupils dilating in visible shock.

It was like the calm, intellectual youth had suddenly become a ruthless warlord in front of her eyes.

But just as quickly as the shift happened, it vanished.

Alex had regained his usual poise, that relaxed, scholarly calm.

”I apologise for my lack of manners,” he said smoothly. ”My name is Alex Fury. You are?”

”Udara,” the Shadow Guard replied, her voice unexpectedly soft and low. There was a musical lilt, almost sultry—sounding like velvet strung through honey.

”Lady Udara—”

He was about to continue, but she gently cut him off.

”Udara... just Udara.”

Alex blinked, slightly caught off-guard.

”It feels improper to call you by name so casually. I still don’t understand what’s going on, and so... I can’t yet accept you as my Shadow Guard. I hope you understand?”

Udara bit her lower lip, eyes flickering with a brief flash of emotion—something close to disappointment.

The gesture was unintentional, but mesmerising nonetheless.

Still, she nodded.

Then she moved.

And disappeared.

There was no puff of smoke. No magic flash. Just pure, terrifying grace. Her movement had both the aggression of a predator and the lethal flow of a master huntress.

Alex was caught off-guard.

He remained standing, awkwardly frozen, feeling... oddly like a villain.

Still, he could sense her.

Or rather—she was letting him.

It was a high-level technique. She was deliberately allowing only him to sense her presence. A method of silent, respectful assertion.

Udara had positioned herself a few feet behind him, just out of sight.

She had taken up a protective position.

Without needing acceptance. Without needing permission.

Her actions spoke clearly:

She would do her duty. Whether he accepted her or not.

Whine~

Fen, resting in Alex’s arms, nudged him gently with his head.

”You’re right,” Alex chuckled softly. ”I should get going.”

Smiling wryly to himself, he remounted his steed and set off for the Ashen Castle.

Udara followed in silence, keeping a precise distance behind—ever the shadow.

**