Rea was a mysterious animalkin girl who was suddenly on our ship. Although I felt like helping her, that didn’t mean I would foolishly ignore her. I had experienced too much in this world, so no sooner had I brought her up than I had sent a slave communication to Celeste to watch after her. It may seem like Shao would have been the better choice, as she was the assassin skilled in shadow magic. Next to her, the only person better suited might have been Rea.

However, when you were nearby, no one was a better spy than Celeste. This was because she had sensitivity to vibrations, and could hear everything going on around her. Unless someone specifically used magic to block her, she was aware of everything that was going on in the ship. She could also change to any size, making it easy to hide. That didn’t even speak to her extreme speed, and her dominancy in the air. Being on an airship, she had the most flexibility, able to even float outside someone’s window if the mood struck her.

There was another reason I didn’t pick Shao though. That was because Shao was a bit intense at times. Celeste was extremely gentle-natured and kind, and I knew she would act harshly no matter what happened. If things went south, I wouldn’t have doubted Shao would have stabbed first and asked questions later. As a former gladiator who had lived her life as do or die, it would be no surprise that she would act that way.

“What’s the issue?” I asked.

Celeste didn’t hesitate as she fluttered to my side. With a wave of her hand, a sound suddenly could be heard.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Are you all here?” I heard Rea’s voice.

It was every bit as good as a communication stone. I knew this had to be a new skill of Celeste’s. It appeared to be able to take sound from somewhere else and transfer it nearby. It wasn’t just a very sensitive hearing, as the sound didn’t come out distorted or muffled at all. I wondered if we’d be able to use these talents of hers with other applications shortly.

“Hmph… when you said you could get on board the ship, I had my doubts. You’re pretty useful for a recruit.” A gruff man’s voice spoke, causing my eyebrows to furrow. “When the guild master told us to follow your lead, I thought she was crazy. Just what is your relationship with her anyway?”

“That’s none of your concern,” Rea responded coldly. “Your job is to eliminate the target. Can you do it?”

“Kill a measly lord? You must be joking.”

“That lord was able to take on the king of Dioshin and win. He’s not as simple as he seems. If you’re arrogant, you’re only going to wind up dead.” She responded angrily. “I knew I should have just handled this myself.”

There were several angry mutters before the leader spoke up. “Hey, watch your tongue. You may be the guild master’s pet, but we’re the true professionals. We know what we’re doing. I have a surefire way of dealing with him. He’ll be dead before he realizes it.”

There was a moment of silence, and then Rea spoke again. “Fine. Kill Deek Deekson, as for those being controlled by his slavery, they will not be harmed!”