Shadow Slave

A strange expression appeared on Sunnyʼs face.

ʼLend her a hand? Me? Why would a Master need help from an Awakened?ʼ

Meanwhile, Master Jet added:

”Youʼll be generously rewarded, of course. Well… I canʼt guarantee the generous part, really, but there will definitely be a reward.”

His eyes gleamed.

”Really? What kind?”

She chuckled.

”A fair share of contribution points? Enough to exchange for a decent Memory, at least. Plus, didnʼt you say that you owe me a favor?”

That did not sound bad at all. Saint was on the verge of reaching the coveted [200/200] status, and was currently just a few shadow fragments away from it. However, Sunny couldnʼt really agree to the proposal without knowing what exactly she expected him to do.

…Or could he?

Master Jet was one of the two Ascended he knew, and his only contact to the government. This was a relationship worth maintaining, which meant that it wasnʼt wise to refuse her request for assistance.

Plus, Sunny quite liked her, and also owed her a lot… even before she had saved him during the Gate battle. They were both from the outskirts, and had a rather good rapport.

They had a connection.

He lingered for a moment, and then said:

”Alright, no problem. Iʼll do it.”

Master Jet answered with satisfaction in her voice.

”Good. Iʼll come pick you up, then.”

Sunny glanced around, evaluating how presentable his living room was. He was suddenly a bit nervous.

ʼWhat the hell? What are you nervous for, fool?ʼ

He cleared his throat, and then said:

”Sure… oh, wait. Let me give you an address…”

Master Jet laughed.

”Gee, Sunny. I work for the government, remember? I know your address.”

Before he could respond, the call was cut off. Sunny was left standing with a rather dumbfounded expression on his face.

ʼShe knows… well, of course she knows. I wonder what else she knows?ʼ

Noticing the strange look on his face, Rain asked:

”Did something bad happen?”

Sunny sighed, then slowly shook his head.

”No, nothing bad. Just some business I have to deal with. Sorry, weʼll have to continue the lesson next time.”

She stared at him for a moment, then shrugged.

”Well, alright. Iʼll practice back home, then.”

With that, Rain picked up her training sword, said goodbye to Effie, and left.

A couple of seconds after the door closed behind her, the former huntress gave him an amused look.

”That pupil of yours is a bit dense, isnʼt she?”

Sunny frowned, offended by her words.

”What do you mean?”

Effie giggled.

”Well, youʼve been tutoring her for a whole month, and she still has no idea who the two of us are. Weʼre just two average, random Awakened to her. I mean, itʼs not surprising that she didnʼt recognize you. But I am a very famous person, you know!”

Sunny smiled slightly.

”Yeah, yeah. Your pride must be really hurt, venerable Raised by Wolves. Please accept my sincere apologies… not everyone, you see, is obsessed with the Awakened. Rain for example is more interested in historical stuff, about or from before the Spell. Plus, the government mostly uses your Dream Realm appearance to plaster all over the city, so…”

Effie waved a hand.

”Iʼm joking, you doofus. Sheʼs a good kid.”

She paused for a moment, and then added:

”...Thatʼs why it hurts me to see her wasting money on a hack like you...”

At that moment, there was a sound of a PTV stopping nearby, and of light steps approaching their door. Effieʼs eyes shined.

Turning her wheelchair, she opened the door and yelled:

”Finally!”

…Master Jet stood on the porch in her usual deep blue uniform, with one hand raised to knock on the door. Her jacket, as always, was carelessly unbuttoned, revealing her slim waist and generous figure. Her short raven-black hair was a bit messy, and there was a look of slight surprise in her icy blue eyes.

Effie stared at the older woman for a few moments, disappointment clearly written on her face. Then, she said dejectedly:

”Oh. Youʼre not food delivery.”

A polite smile appeared on Master Jetʼs face.

”Ah. Awakened Athena. Itʼs an honor to meet the famous Raised by Wolves. I am Ascended Jet.”

Effie glanced at her, then at Sunny, then back at Master Jet.

Then, she smiled.

”...Good job, doofus. I approve.”

Sunny gave her a murderous look, cursed inwardly, and turned to Master Jet:

”Do I need to prepare?”

She shook her head.

”Your usual Memories should do. If everything goes well, you wonʼt even need to use them.”

He hesitated, and then asked:

”What if it doesnʼt go well?”

Master Jet grinned, making Sunny suddenly feel very uneasy for some reason.

”Well… then itʼll go badly, wonʼt it? Weʼll know when we know.”

With that, she looked at Effie and said:

”Please excuse us. Time is of the essence, so we will have to leave immediately. It was very nice to meet you, Awakened Athena.”

Effie winked at her.

”Sure. It was nice to meet you, too. Bring snacks next time!”

Sunny felt his ears turning red and promised himself to have a word with her when he got back.

...Or better yet, kill her. Yes, that would be much beter.

ʼWhat next time? There wonʼt be a next time!ʼ

He quickly put on shoes and followed Master Jet outside, then got into the familiar PTV. As soon as the doors closed, she sent the vehicle moving at full speed, the acceleration pressing Sunny into the seat.

The streets of the terrace district flew by in a blur.

Master Jet glanced at him, then said wistfully:

”Thatʼs a nice home you have there. Feels strange, right? To own one. I did the same thing after becoming an Awakened, actually. Granted, it took me a bit longer to earn enough. You could have afforded a much better district, though. You know that, right?”

Sunny shrugged.

”Yeah, I know. But I like it here. Itʼs quiet.”

She looked into the window and smiled.

”Canʼt deny that.”

Sunny waited for a few moments, then finally asked:

”Uh… Master Jet? Sorry, but what exactly are we doing?”

She briefly glanced at the control screen of the PTV, sent it into a sharp turn, and answered calmly:

”We are going to hunt down a dangerous beast.”

He frowned.

”Beast? What kind of a beast?”

Master Jet remained silent for a few moments. Then, she glanced at him and smiled darkly:

”...The most dangerous beast there is. A human.”

😉