“So….Rena was it?” Glint requested as he tossed a thick brown cloak over his shoulders. He pulled the hooked up hood over his face earlier than persevering with his phrases.

“How was your introduction to the chapel?” Glint sincerely glanced on the girl’s face, anticipating some kind of response. As an alternative the wolf-girl grappled with a sudden bout of disgrace, it brought on her cheeks to redden — as if she have been a faculty woman being teased a few crush. She might solely avert her gaze downward and hurriedly cowl her face together with her personal hooded cloak.

A couple of steps away Fargo set free a hearty snicker, the sound of which was so overseas that the trio might really feel eyes throughout gazing upon them. Fargo took the lead, stepping as much as the 2 adventurers who had no different function than to behave as “bouncers” for the chapel which masqueraded as a nightclub.

The 2 muscular males did not present any outward indicators of aggression however their expressions have been arduous like metal as one among them grunted, “Goal?”

“Coaching the brand new one. And perhaps some gentle snatching too.” Fargo added with gleeful enthusiasm. The bouncer shifted his proper forehead upwards, as if questioning whether or not Fargo’s temper was misplaced. Nonetheless, he stepped to the aspect and allowed the three enslaved adventurers to step out of the constructing and into the daylight.

“I did not notice simply how darkish it was in there till now.” Rena remarked as she stepped into the sunshine of noon.

“You will get used to it. Sadly.” Fargo added, although if fact was instructed Rena did not sense a lot lamentation within the bald Guardian’s voice. He then turned and started strolling, as did their different companion Glint, leaving Rena to really feel as if she have been merely tagging alongside.

She searched her thoughts for one thing, something which may assist her bridge the space between her and the whole strangers strolling simply forward of her. Her thoughts swam with ideas as she mulled over the crash course given to her by the person often called Fargo. She had a good suggestion of what was permitted and what was not, and for probably the most half the slave mark compelled her into indentured servitude. That was, till such a time that the person often called Gaines felt “glad” with an individual’s contribution to his cause–whatever that was.

Rena additionally realized that the phrases of breaking a contract have been so obscure that most individuals by no means managed to measure as much as them. In reality, she recalled profitable a scoffing chuckle from Fargo when she requested if anybody had ever been launched from their bondage. The final couple of days at Memento Mori had been stuffed with gloom and doom, save for her time together with her new “sisters”. Which was why Rena was puzzled. Each of the lads earlier than her walked like that they had a function and what’s extra they gave the impression to be discussing one thing between each other. Their phrases have been low so Rena could not make all of it out, however there was an unmistakable sense of pleasure within the air. That and a way of hopefulness, one thing Rena shortly realized was briefly provide given her state of affairs.

The trio quickly approached the primary highway of Sprim Row, a big intersecting road which stretched from the primary entrance to the top of the district. Now that there have been extra folks close by Rena entertained the concept of calling out for assist, of letting anybody know of her present predicament — but at the same time as the concept fashioned her throat started to burn. Quickly she was rubbing her throat, her eyes have been watering and he or she tried to clear her throat in useless.

This drew a troublesome to learn look from each Fargo and Glint. Rena thought she noticed a touch of unhappiness and empathy behind their gazes, however their expressions have been clean.

“So, you are from the east proper? What is the identify of the starter city there once more?” Fargo requested as he directed his gaze earlier than him as soon as extra.

“Oria.” Rena replied, her ideas selecting her hometown.

“That is the town nestled within the mountains proper? That sounds very nice. I’ve by no means been myself. I would wish to go sometime.” Glint added, although he was talking to Rena, he did not trouble to face her. For a quick second she thought this is perhaps impolite, then the darkish skinned man turned and tapped his temple a couple of instances.

“Would not harm anymore–does it?” He then requested.

Rena’s eyes widened barely as she realized the ache in her throat was all however gone.

“Y-yea. How-” She began to ask, however Fargo smiled and pressed a finger to his lips as if to say — “our little secret”. Rena nodded, understanding considerably as she thought she had an thought. The second she centered her thoughts on one thing else the ache went away virtually immediately. There have to be guidelines to triggering Gaines’ mark. On this topic Rena recalled Fargo’s directions to easily “do not assume or act on something defiant and you will not have any issues.”.

At first she thought the phrases to be missing in context, however she now understood. It was intent that brought on the ache in her throat. She swallowed, her eyes rising watery as she recalled the searing ache — for a second she virtually lapsed again into it. It was a battle to coach her ideas, however lastly after a couple of extra moments Rena managed to take a deep breath and management her personal ideas.

Unbeknownst to her, Fargo was nonetheless observing her from over his shoulder as all of them walked. When she seen his gaze the person merely nodded, as if to say “good job”. Earlier than he regarded ahead and continued their dialog.

Throughout the trio folks have been going about their every day lives. Some resembled road urchins, others regarded like hobos and but nonetheless adventurers mingled inside. The scent of the streets was lower than interesting and an odd funk which Rena’s eager senses picked up on appeared to linger in regards to the air.

*I would by no means be caught lifeless in a spot like this.* Rena thought, her nostril quivering as they handed a very smelly alleyway. Simply strolling by way of the streets of Grenvale was inflicting her to overlook residence. The air was fairly brisk, regardless of how vibrant the solar shone– a delicate reminder that fall was upon them.

Sometimes Rena would have her consideration drawn by her companions, they each appeared to have many questions and after some time she started to really feel extra relaxed round them.

“So how are you coping with the damper?” Glint requested as they rounded a nook and started strolling down the primary road of Sprim Row.

“Damper?” Rena requested, momentary confusion lingering over her.

“Yea. That is what we name it. This..’mark’ does not simply limit us, it additionally debilitates.” Rena seen that Fargo selected his phrases very fastidiously as he spoke.

“I see you are a rank one. However proper now you are most likely at about half your energy. It is even worse for these of us who’ve larger ranks.” Fargo mentioned.

“What? I by no means even seen.” Rena mentioned, an aggravated grimace masking her face. She subconsciously regarded down on the spot on her chest the place a cranium and dagger image shone faintly with purple power. She moved her hand in direction of it, as if to wipe it away — solely to be shocked.

“Strategies to maintain us in line. To forestall a revolt.” Glint added to the commentary.

“Strive to not contact it an excessive amount of. In any other case…properly..you see what occurs.” Fargo provided as they lastly reached the big archway which led into central Grenvale. Rena glanced round, as if she’d simply been launched to a complete new world. So far she’d solely seen Sprim Row, the poorest and dirtiest location inside the metropolis of Grenvale. She was now confronted with correct adventurers, normals going about their on a regular basis lives and a bustling sq. stuffed with varied people.

For a couple of moments she allowed the splendor of Grenvale at work to clean over her, she soaked up the sights and sounds, even the scent which was vastly higher than Sprim Row. Then a shout, adopted by the clang of metallic drew her focus.

“Be careful!” The person named Glint shouted as he leapt into motion, one among a pair of daggers on the prepared. He intercepted a blow meant to cleave Fargo’s bald head from his shoulders. The influence from the weapon’s clashing rang out by way of the sq., however scarcely anybody lifted their gaze to note. A second later Rena realized that they have been beneath assault, and although she felt no allegiance to the individuals she traveled with, she known as forth her shuko. The metallic glove match her hand completely inflicting lengthy metallic claws to gleam as she started to step forth, her eyes locked on the one that dared to swing on them.

Fargo held up his hand , signaling Rena to remain the place she was as he clenched his jaw, an odd grin forming throughout his lips. Fargo’s eyes have been locked with the person, Glint had managed to cease the blade of a halberd simply centimeters from his throat. With a heaving shove, Glint compelled again the halberd, pushing the girl a number of steps backwards within the course of.

Rena recoiled upon specializing in the girl’s face, she might really feel palpable waves of in poor health intent wafting outwards. It was sufficient to make her rethink approaching — as if she had any intention.

*Pink Eyes.* It was the very first thing Rena seen, within the shadows of a close-by constructing the girl’s options have been hidden, nevertheless it was her eyes that shone by way of, piercing all that she set them upon.

“Dying as soon as wasn’t sufficient it appears.” The lady’s phrases held a sure weight to them, as if every syllable commanded Rena’s compliance. She slowly averted her gaze, folding beneath the stress of the crimson haired Succubus standing earlier than them.