Chapter 14 - Lady in black (2/2)

”Oh, that was fast. Don't worry, I already have a clue of who it might be,” said Shad. His eyes turned cold, causing the woman in front of him to shudder in fear. She felt as if she was in the presence of a predator, or one of the ancient beasts living in the Great Tower, but she recovered quickly.

”Tell me who it is, young master. I will take care of it,” she said hurriedly.

”You are still too weak to fight against that person, and your Void Magic doesn't possess any offensive capabilities,” responded Shad with a genuine smile to take the sting out of his words. The woman could only smile helplessly in return. While her Gate skill could let her travel to any place she had previously visited, she could not kill people with it, nor were any of her other spells geared towards offense.

”You still have to be very careful, young master. At least 3 other people accepted this mission that I know of, and all 3 of those were silver level assassins,” she said. Even though her face was hidden, the concern for Shad was easy to see.

”I know,” answered Shad. ”So, now that I've returned, what are your plans?”

”I plan on completing enough missions to raise my level to silver. I have been stuck in copper for the past two years and it's time to upgrade. Have you broken through to a 4th class mage, young master?” she asked with a look of anticipation.

”Yeah, I broke through about three months ago.”

”That's great! We can finally accept more difficult for missions. For the last two years I've spent most of my time travelling throughout the continent so that I can use Gate to return. With your strength and my mobility, we can finally complete missions without arousing any suspicion,” said the woman happily.

”It must have been hard on you.” Shad caressed the woman's hair in commiseration of her suffering.

”You have it worse, young master. Being forced to work in both the light and the darkness just to protect your family. Just don't forget, I will always be here for you. Ever since you found me and took me from that place, I vowed to give my body and soul to you,” she said.

”I know, and I told you that I don't want you to feel indebted to me. I gave you your freedom long ago, yet still insist on following me. Even worse, you insisted on that servant oath. Now you'll never be free.” Shad shook his head in sorrow for the woman's plight.

”You were hell-bent on letting me go. I had no choice, it was the only way to stay with you,” said the woman. She sounded more like a spoiled brat than someone who was six years Shad's senior.

They both sat in silence for a few minutes, thinking about the past, before the woman spoke up again. ”I've missed young master.” As she said that, she hesitantly moved behind Shad and began to give him a gentle massage.

”Mmm.” Shad closed his eyes in pleasure at her gentle touch, spending the next few minutes enjoying the moment. Suddenly, he felt a spiritual force within the palace.

”You have to go now, I can feel my father scanning the palace,” said Shad hurriedly. The woman wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek before quickly using her Gate spell to leave the room. Before the Gate fully closed, he heard her voice floating back through the portal.

”I have a big present for you, young master. I will give it to you after your coming of age ceremony.”

Shad simply smiled in response. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this bold woman. Eventually he regained his former tranquility, and laid back on the bed and fell asleep.