Changing Star smiled, then looked at Sunny.
"Don't be misled by his act, Effie. Sunny might behave like a cowardly weakling, but in fact, he's the last person in the Dark City I would want to face in combat. He is far more dangerous than anyone thinks he is. Isn't it right, Sunny?"
The smile froze on his face. A few moments passed in silence, with everyone staring at him. Finally, Sunny sighed.
"Oh well. I guess the secret is out of the box. Surprise, everybody! I am actually not a weakling. Who could have thought?"
Then, he glared at Effie and added in a mocking tone:
"Oh. My mistake. Actually, everyone except for you already knew. It seems that you are…"
However, Neph interrupted him:
"That's why he was able to survive three months in the ruins, just like he had survived two in the Labyrinth. Sunny is an extremely formidable fighter."
'Wow. Is she trying to flatter me?'
"...He's just a bit of a devious asshole. But that's exactly what makes him so dangerous."
'...I guess not.'
Looking at Effie, Sunny shrugged and smirked.
"If you don't believe her, just ask Night."
Suddenly dragged into the conversation, Kai coughed, hesitated for a moment, and then said:
"Uh… yes, I can confirm. He is indeed a bit of an asshole."
Sunny's face twitched.
"Not that! Tell them how I saved you!"
The charming archer fluttered his eyelashes with an innocent look, then added:
"Oh, right. Indeed, Sunny saved me in the ruins last night. He is a very exceptional and resourceful individual."
Sunny glanced at Effie with triumph. He didn't really want to provoke the tall huntress any further… but she did call him a little imp…
"See, Night has known me for just one night, but even he was able to see how fearsome I am. You and I, on the other hand, had hunted together for an entire month. How come you're so dense?"
Whatever. It's not like he would be spending a lot of time with Effie. Let her boil with anger…
With a teasing smile on his lips, Sunny turned to Nephis and asked:
"Anyway, what exactly do you want me to do?"
Changing Star hesitated, then said:
"I want you to take Effie to your hideout in the ruins and keep her safe there for about a week."
Sunny blinked.
Oh, no.
'...I'm dead.'