Chapter 106 Creating A Monster
Under Sunny’s gaze, the Stone Saint’s Echo undergoes a radical transformation, bathed in the Shadow Core’s light. Shadowy tendrils merge with her stone form, washing away color and replacing it with an all-consuming darkness, save for the twin crimson fires in her eyes that burn with increased menace. His uniquely altered vision reveals a deeper change: the diamond strings anchoring the Echo have vanished, supplanted by a living shadow that now imbues the creature with a new, unfathomable existence.
This remade being, now recognized as a “Shadow Monster: Stone Saint,” appears as an incarnation of pure darkness, a noble demon clad in lusterless black armor. More importantly, her crimson eyes hint at a nascent will, a spark of sentience where before there was only an empty shell. Sunny, though weakened by the expenditure of a hundred shadow fragments, feels no regret, recognizing the immense value of this creation.
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The Stone Saint’s eyes now silently track Sunny’s movements, their crimson glints reflecting off the placid dark waters. This transformation represents a significant step in Sunny’s quest, a literal monster created from his own essence, promising to unlock new avenues of power and understanding as he navigates the treacherous path ahead.
Chapter 107 Growing Shadow
Sunny’s understanding of the fundamental difference between his Echoes and his Shadows crystallizes: Echoes are static replicas, forever bound to their original state at death, while Shadows are fluid, evolving entities. This revelation dawns as he contemplates the runes, realizing that unlike Echoes, Shadows can grow alongside him, becoming exponentially more powerful as he accumulates shadow fragments and his Shadow Core evolves. He recognizes this inherent growth potential as a game-changer, shifting his entire strategic outlook.
The realization that his Shadow can evolve, unlike his Echoes which will eventually become obsolete and difficult to replace, ignites a new vision in Sunny. He sees the potential to cultivate his Shadow, and by extension, his Shadow’s manifestations, into an unstoppable force. This newfound understanding promises a path where his companions won’t just be useful tools, but integral, growing partners in his arduous journey, capable of matching and surpassing the threats he faces.
This shift in perspective opens up boundless possibilities. Sunny envisions not just personal combat prowess, but the creation of an army of Shadows, meticulously nurtured to overcome increasingly formidable foes. The daunting prospect of acquiring high-tier Echoes, a near impossibility for most, becomes a tangible goal for Sunny, who can now effectively farm weaker creatures to create and empower his Shadow army, effectively changing his role from frontline fighter to strategic commander.
Chapter 108 Test Dummy
Sunny tests the nature of his Shadow, the Stone Saint, confirming its distinctiveness from his Echoes. Instead of a spectral manifestation of light, the Stone Saint is consumed by black flame, returning to the depths of his Soul Sea. He muses on this, realizing his Shadows reside within his very soul, a fitting sentiment for a “child of shadows.” Emerging into his hidden lair within the ruined cathedral, the contrast between the sunlit cursed city and his secluded sanctuary is stark. His lair, once the private chambers of a priestess, holds preserved relics of her past, including clothing that sparks a fleeting wish for variety from his perpetually worn Puppeteer’s Shroud.
His thoughts turn to escape, noting the collapsed stairwell that serves as his sole exit should his sanctuary be discovered. The forgotten purpose of his recent hunt for fresh meat prompts him to summon the Stone Saint again for experimentation, resisting the urge to seek out combat with nearby Nightmare Creatures. As he wills her forth, the Stone Saint emerges not as a construct of light, but steps directly from his own shadow, a dark knight wreathed in darkness, her ruby eyes igniting before she fully materializes with a clang of stone.
The Stone Saint, now fully formed and armed, stands ready in his lair. Sunny experiences a slight headache from the manifestation, but his focus remains on the Stone Saint’s form. He observes, “She stepped out of his shadow like a sinister dark knight.” This interaction solidifies his understanding of the Shadow’s independent existence within him, hinting at its potential for growth and unique capabilities beyond the static nature of his Echoes.
Chapter 109 Soulmates
Sunny recovers from the Stone Saint’s manifestation, his wounds mended by the Blood Weave as the savory aroma of roasted meat fills his hidden lair. He awkwardly offers a piece of his meal to the stoic Stone Saint, who remains impassive. After his meal, he turns his attention to a crucial experiment: testing the synergy between his Shadow Control and his new Shadow, the Stone Saint. He commands his shadow to embrace the stone knight, and the result is immediate and spectacular. The Stone Saint’s ruby eyes ignite with crimson fire, her form radiating a dark, smoky aura that plunges the chamber into a chilling darkness.
The Stone Saint’s power is amplified, appearing fearsome and enhanced, a success Sunny attributes to the innate compatibility of his Shadow manifestations. He playfully laments his own lack of “mysterious coolness” compared to his formidable Shadow, but ultimately relishes his mastery over such a stylishly potent ally. The successful infusion of his shadow’s power into the Stone Saint signifies a significant leap in his understanding and control over his unique abilities, hinting at the vast potential for further growth and combat application.
This profound discovery solidifies the belief that his Shadows are designed to complement each other, a revelation that promises to redefine his approach to the dangers of the Forgotten Shore. The Stone Saint, now radiating an even more potent aura, stands as a testament to his evolving power and the intricate nature of his Aspect, leaving Sunny eager to explore what other synergies lie dormant within his Soul Sea.
Chapter 110 Memento
Sunny stares, dumbfounded, as the Stone Saint, instead of wielding the tower shield’s Memory, consumes it whole. A guttural whisper echoes, “Stone Saint has grown stronger,” confirming Sunny’s dawning realization. His Shadow Fragments count updates to [2/200], a stark indicator that his fearsome ally now absorbs power from these potent relics. He quickly summons another Memory, the eye of a basilisk he’d bested in a harrowing, sightless battle. Presenting it to the Stone Saint, she crushes the eye, her form absorbing the ethereal light. “Stone Saint has grown stronger,” the whisper repeats, and Sunny erupts in laughter, finally understanding: his Shadows feed on Memories.
This discovery ignites a fervor within Sunny, his mind racing with the implications of his Shadows’ true nature. He realizes that like himself, who hunts Nightmare Creatures to absorb their shadows, his manifested allies can directly consume Memories to gain strength. The Stone Saint’s unprecedented ability to metabolize these remnants represents a paradigm shift in his understanding of his own Soul Sea. The sheer potential of this newfound synergy, turning potent magical artifacts into raw power for his most formidable companion, promises to reshape his strategies against the myriad dangers lurking on the Forgotten Shore.
The successful absorption of two distinct Memories – the tower shield and the basilisk’s eye – solidifies Sunny’s belief that his Shadows are designed to evolve and complement one another. This revelation not only enhances his combat capabilities but also opens up a vast, unexplored avenue for growth. With the Stone Saint now demonstrably stronger and fueled by Memories, Sunny’s gaze turns towards the unknown, eager to uncover what other dormant powers lie waiting to be awakened within his evolving Soul Sea, particularly how these absorbed powers might manifest.
Chapter 111 Lesser Creature
The dawn breaks over the cursed city, the oppressive shadow of the Crimson Spire a constant reminder of their dire circumstances. Sunny, reflecting on his recent miraculous fortune, grapples with the slow pace of his Shadows’ evolution. The Stone Saint, now a Shadow Fragment, requires two hundred fragments, and at his current rate of acquiring usable Memories – just six in six months – the process will take sixteen years, far exceeding the lifespan of even the most seasoned survivors on the Forgotten Shore. This realization spurs a desperate search for a solution, his gaze falling upon his amassed fortune of soul shards.
The thought of spending his considerable wealth on Memories ignites a strategic debate within Sunny. While acquiring a large quantity of even lesser Memories could drastically accelerate the Stone Saint’s growth, the expenditure would inevitably draw unwanted attention. “If Gunlaug himself were to become interested in his exploits… that would spell disaster,” he muses, keenly aware of the precarious balance of power. The unpredictable presence of Nephis further complicates any long-term planning, adding another layer of uncertainty to his quest.
The dilemma weighs heavily on Sunny: risk exposure and potential ruin by aggressively fueling his Shadow, or endure the glacial pace of natural progression? He understands that his success hinges on finding a way to expedite this process. The sheer potential of his evolving Soul Sea, now capable of metabolizing potent relics, demands a swifter path forward. With the knowledge that his Shadows can absorb Memories, Sunny is driven to find a way to procure them more rapidly, even if it means venturing into dangerous territory, both literally and figuratively.
Chapter 112 Duel Of The Monsters
The Stone Saint, augmented by Sunny’s shadowed power, engages a formidable Carapace Centurion in a brutal street duel. Despite the centurion’s imposing size, adamantine carapace, and savage attacks, the Stone Saint, with her innate resilience and efficient, calculated fighting style, proves to be an overwhelming force. Sunny observes, impressed by the sheer power his Shadow now wields, noting the cracks she inflicts on the centurion’s supposedly impenetrable armor. He marvels at her technique, a stark contrast to Nephis’s fluid style, and begins to ponder the origins of his own combat training amidst the intense battle.
The exchange showcases the Stone Saint’s strength, as she expertly parries the centurion’s bone scythes with her shield, creating openings for devastating counterattacks. A powerful shield bash to the already weakened carapace leaves the hulking creature staggering, exposing its vulnerable flesh. Sunny, aware of the creature’s dangerous resilience, is relieved he didn’t test its full might against himself directly. He reflects on the Stone Saint’s economical movements, a testament to her skill and the significant advantage his “dark embrace” provides, making the outcome of the fight a forgone conclusion for him.
As the battle rages, Sunny considers the Stone Saint’s unique combat style, finding it grounded in simplicity and efficiency. He recognizes the strategic brilliance in her blend of solid defense and abrupt, inevitable offense. This observation sparks a deeper introspection into his own martial art, leading him to question its origins and how to further develop it. However, his immediate focus remains on the unfolding fight, eagerly anticipating the final moments of this monstrous clash and the potential insights it holds for his own growth.
Chapter 113 Dark Well
With the carapace centurion defeated by the Stone Saint, Sunny finds himself with an unexpected surplus of free time. Though the allure of further hunts, bolstered by his companion’s power, is strong, Sunny resists the temptation. He recognizes the need for his usual caution, a habit forged in this treacherous world, and fears that easy victories might lead to recklessness, especially given his current mental state. Instead, his thoughts turn to his true passion: exploring the ruins of the ancient city. The satisfaction derived from uncovering fragments of the past, whether significant or mundane, fuels his curiosity, a trait he suspects he shares with Teacher Julius. He longs to decipher the mysteries hidden within the city’s crumbling structures, finding particular fascination in the remnants of its former inhabitants’ daily lives.
Sunny’s attention drifts to the grand library, a location he had begun to explore, drawn by the enduring stone engravings that survived the ages. A particularly tantalizing fresco, mostly buried under rubble, beckons him. However, a strange reluctance surfaces, diverting his focus. As he retrieves the spoils from the centurion’s carcass, a marked spot on a crudely drawn map he acquired earlier resurfaces in his mind. Despite his attempts to dismiss it as a fabrication, the persistent fire of curiosity burns within him, warring with the logical voice that warns of unimaginable horrors potentially hidden at that location. He sighs, the lure of the unknown both terrifying and irresistible.
He contemplates the implications of the map’s authenticity, acknowledging that its truth would signal even greater danger. “And if it’s not fake, that’s even worse,” he muses, a chill tracing its way down his spine. The prospect of what the previous hunting party might have sought instills a deep sense of unease, hinting at something far more sinister than mere treasure or forgotten secrets. “Surely, there wouldn’t be any treasure or important secrets hidden there,” he tells himself, but the gnawing suspicion that he’s wrong remains.
Chapter 114 Voice Of Darkness
Drawn by an unsettling curiosity regarding the map’s marked location, Sunny finds himself facing a dark, gaping well. The sinister allure of the spot overrides his usual caution, and as he approaches, a voice, impossibly smooth and melodic, drifts from its depths, whispering, “…time, …time, …time.” This unnerving utterance immediately conjures a chilling memory of a previous encounter with a being capable of mimicking human speech, a creature that had nearly shattered his sanity. Despite his instinct screaming to flee, Sunny forces himself to remain, recognizing the potential danger this entity represents and the need to understand why the previous hunting party sought it.
He steels himself, the ornate grate above the well a small comfort against the unknown horror below. With a carefully chosen greeting, “It’s… nice to meet you,” Sunny attempts to establish communication. A soft chuckle echoes back, followed by the voice’s reply, “Oh, no… the pleasure is mine…,” with the echoes repeating, “…mine, …mine, …mine.” Sunny prepares for a deadly game of wits, recalling ancient tales of monsters that toy with their prey. His guard is up, his mind racing, anticipating a riddle or a test of his intelligence.
However, the entity’s next words shatter his expectations. Instead of a cryptic challenge, it asks, “So… are you guys going to feed me or not? Not to offend anyone, but lately, you’ve been very tardy. I have been sitting here by my lonesome for three days already. Or have you decided to try something new?” This surprisingly human-sounding complaint leaves Sunny momentarily stunned, questioning the true nature of the ancient horror imprisoned within the well and the implications of its hunger.
Chapter 115 Nightingale
Sunny, still grappling with the well’s unexpected occupant, struggles to convince the young man within that he, too, is human. The imprisoned individual, believing Sunny to be a monstrous entity, reacts with despair, muttering, “Yeah, it’s definitely all over for me. Oh, well. I had a good run, I guess…” Sunny’s own awkward attempts at communication only reinforce the misconception, leading the captive to incredulously question Sunny’s solitary nocturnal presence and lack of light, stating, “Maybe you should work on your story a bit more next time you venture out to devour innocent souls?”
Sunny explains his ability to navigate the darkness thanks to his Aspect, then inquires about the young man’s predicament. The captive reveals he was thrown into the well by thugs who wanted his Memories, their crude attempts at coercion proving unsuccessful. He even notes their ineptitude compared to “sasaengs,” whom Sunny assumes are some form of malevolent creatures.
The revelation that this entire situation is merely a mundane human conflict over Memories leaves Sunny feeling utterly disappointed. The mystery that drew him here is solved, and his companions, Nephis and Cassie, are not in danger. It seems he has wasted an entire night on what amounts to tiresome human squabbles.
Chapter 116 Deal With The Devil
Sunny finds himself in a predicament, having mistakenly believed a mundane human conflict was something more. The young man, Kai, trapped in the well, reveals his captors sought his Memories. Disappointed that his investigation yielded no supernatural threat and that Nephis and Cassie are safe, Sunny considers Kai’s unique ability to fly – a rare and valuable asset on the Forgotten Shore. Recognizing Kai’s potential worth, Sunny proposes a deal: freedom in exchange for assistance. Kai, after a moment’s hesitation, agrees, albeit with suspicion about how Sunny managed to move the heavy grate. “I’ll tell you when you need to know,” Sunny assures him, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. I just need help completing a few errands inside the castle.”
The arrangement is struck, with Sunny issuing a stark warning: “I will find and kill you” if Kai breaks their pact, a statement met with Kai’s seemingly resigned “Yeah, no problem.” Sunny, ever cautious, summons his Stone Saint to heave the grate aside, preparing for any unexpected outcome. However, as Sunny waits for Kai to emerge, a prolonged silence stretches. When finally prompted, Kai reveals his apprehension, questioning how Sunny, a single person, could move such a heavy obstruction. He states, “I know that we have already established that we are both human, and it’s not that I doubt your honesty, but would you mind explaining to me how is it that you were able to remove it all by yourself?”
Forced to conceal the true extent of his power, Sunny deflects by attributing the feat to a powerful Echo. This revelation only deepens Kai’s distrust, highlighting the inherent paranoia that permeates their perilous world. Sunny, grappling with Kai’s wariness and his own dwindling patience, realizes this simple rescue has quickly evolved into a complex dance of secrets and negotiations. The true nature of their alliance, and the errands Sunny requires Kai to complete within the castle, remain shrouded in mystery, leaving readers to wonder about the unfolding consequences of this precarious bargain.
Chapter 117 Cruel Injustice
The pact is sealed with a chilling threat, but Sunny’s manufactured persona as the wielder of a powerful Echo is immediately tested. As Kai finally emerges from the well, his disarming beauty and disbelieving question about Sunny’s strength – “would you mind explaining to me how is it that you were able to remove it all by yourself?” – create an uncomfortable dynamic. Sunny, forced to maintain his facade, deflects with the Echo story, deepening Kai’s suspicion in this world where trust is a luxury few can afford.
The encounter quickly turns from rescue to a complex negotiation, shadowed by hidden truths. Sunny’s true motives for needing Kai’s assistance within the castle remain concealed, a secret that fuels Kai’s wariness. This initial interaction highlights the precarious nature of their alliance, with both men navigating a minefield of secrets and unspoken intentions, setting the stage for future betrayals or unexpected loyalties.
As Kai, a strikingly handsome young man, finally steps into the faint light, Sunny is struck by his almost unfair good looks and inherent charm, lamenting, “Well, this is just… a cruel injustice, simple as that.” Initially mistaking Sunny’s shadow-clad presence and the Shadow Saint’s glowing eyes for a demon, Kai’s fear turns to disbelief when Sunny clarifies, “Sunless? You really are a human?” The exchange, punctuated by Kai’s cautious concern for attracting Nightmare Creatures and Sunny’s casual dismissal of the danger, reveals Kai’s intelligence and prudence, traits Sunny finds unexpectedly valuable.
Chapter 118 Mirror Image
Sunny finds himself begrudgingly amused and thoroughly annoyed by Kai’s disarming, almost unfair good looks. His attempts at humor, intended to mask his rusty communication skills and impending encounter with strangers, fall flat as Kai, with a gravely inconvenient Flaw, can detect lies. This revelation about Kai’s ability to discern truth instantly undermines Sunny’s carefully constructed narrative, particularly the story of the talking rock, which Kai immediately recognizes as genuine. The realization that Kai’s Flaw directly counters half of his own deceptive tactics leaves Sunny seething with a mix of outrage and grudging admiration for the Sleeper’s luck and angelic honesty.
The situation escalates when Sunny, still reeling from Kai’s inconvenient honesty, demands to know why Kai didn’t use his Flaw to expedite their initial rescue from the well. Kai’s innocent, yet undeniably self-serving, explanation—that he couldn’t be sure if his Flaw worked on Nightmare Creatures and that caution is paramount when dealing with such entities—only adds to Sunny’s frustration. He laments the cruel twist of fate that paired him with someone whose Flaw is the inverse of his own deceptive nature, further exacerbated by Kai’s striking appearance, leading Sunny to suspect a cosmic joke at his expense.
Despite his internal turmoil and the growing suspicion that his entire persona might be jeopardized by this man, Sunny pushes forward, aiming to get down to business. The chapter leaves the reader with the palpable tension of their burgeoning, yet fraught, alliance. Kai’s ability to see through Sunny’s lies, coupled with Sunny’s underlying desperation and carefully guarded secrets, sets the stage for a dynamic where trust is a fragile commodity, and the potential for both dangerous exposure and unexpected reliance looms large.
Chapter 119 A Fistful Of Soul Shards
Sunny navigates the treacherous, lightless streets of the Forgotten Shore, his Shadow powers allowing him to blend seamlessly with the oppressive darkness. The approaching dawn stirs the nocturnal nightmares, forcing him to move with extreme caution. He reaches the cathedral rooftop, finding Kai anxiously waiting, his horn longbow clutched tightly as he scans the gloom, clearly on edge. Sunny announces his arrival, his voice barely a whisper, but Kai’s immediate reaction is one of fear. “Lower your voice! What if that Fallen Devil hears us?” he hisses. Sunny, inwardly amused by Kai’s paranoia, reassures him with a confident “Relax, he won’t.” Kai, unaccustomed to such certainty, questions him, but Sunny’s truthful nature bypasses his Flaw, allowing him to trust Sunny’s word.
The uneasy alliance solidifies as Sunny reveals his plan: to descend into a hole in the temple roof to retrieve something important. Kai’s immediate concern is the presence of the Fallen Devil, his wide eyes betraying his fear. “Are you crazy? What about the devil?” he exclaims, a testament to his cautious nature. Sunny, suppressing a flicker of his own desire for vengeance against the creature, brushes aside the concern, recognizing the ironic benefit of Kai’s truth-sensing Flaw. This shared vulnerability and Kai’s inherent honesty create a fragile foundation for their mission.
Sunny intends to exploit the opportunity presented by Kai’s unwavering belief in his truth, while Kai remains wary of the lurking dangers. The mission itself, the retrieval of an unknown item from within the temple, promises further peril and exposure to the horrors of the Forgotten Shore. The chapter ends with Sunny about to venture into the unknown, leaving Kai to guard their precarious position, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable continuation of their journey.
Chapter 120 Approaching The Castle
As the nascent dawn washes over the ruins, Sunny and Kai navigate the cursed city towards the looming Crimson Spire. Sunny, more at ease as the darkness recedes, guides them through treacherous areas, while Kai remains vigilant, his horn longbow ready. They progress slowly, skirting known creature habitats. Sunny halts them, detecting a faint, weeping sound, and they both react with unease. “What are the chances that it’s actually a human girl?” Kai whispers, to which Sunny replies with a wry “Low.” They conceal themselves, and Sunny deploys his shadow to scout, a tactic Kai observes with bewilderment.
The conversation shifts to Kai’s limited resources. When Sunny questions his arrows, Kai confesses, “…I usually carry a quiver with a few dozen arrows… but the gentlemen who put me in that well… may they rest in peace… weren’t kind enough to let me bring it.” This leaves his bow effectively useless, as he only possesses “Uh… two” arrow-type Memories, which Sunny bluntly states, “No. I don’t think that will be enough.” Meanwhile, Sunny’s shadow confirms their suspicions: the source of the weeping is no human girl.
This realization sets a grim tone as they anticipate confronting the unknown entity. The chapter highlights Kai’s vulnerability due to his lack of supplies and Sunny’s resourcefulness in leveraging his shadow. Their journey toward the Crimson Spire is fraught with peril, and this encounter foreshadows the escalating dangers they will face, pushing their fragile alliance and Kai’s trust in Sunny to their limits.
