Chapter 121 Graveyard Of Hope
Sunny’s worldview is profoundly shaken as Kai bombards him with questions, not about dark secrets or the mysteries of their world, but about mundane real-world trivia: fashion trends, celebrity scandals, and dance crazes. Sunny finds himself surprisingly ignorant, a fact that almost insults him. Kai’s persistent curiosity eventually turns to melancholy as he questions if Sunny was also a “shut-in” in his past life, a concept Sunny struggles to grasp, recalling only his time in a cargo container. Kai reveals he’s been trapped in this nightmare for two and a half years, a revelation that surprises Sunny given Kai’s seemingly gentle nature.
Suspicion flickers in Sunny’s mind, leading him to question if Kai is affiliated with Gunlaug’s gang. Kai vehemently denies it, expressing his strong dislike for bullies and Gunlaug’s “hideous” armor, though he admits to taking jobs from Gunlaug’s lieutenants out of necessity. Sunny chooses to believe him, noting that Kai’s survival and the fact he wasn’t previously kidnapped suggest a hidden capability. With the threat of the Fallen beast receding, they prepare to move deeper into the city, but Sunny pauses, asking Kai if his armor is chosen for its quality or appearance.
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Kai’s confused reply, “Is there a difference?”, leaves Sunny speechless. As the sun fully rises, casting its light over the ruins, they press onward, the unsettling conversation and the unanswered questions hanging between them as they venture deeper into the heart of the cursed city, their fragile alliance and understanding of each other constantly tested.
Chapter 122 Four Months Ago
Sunny’s fragile understanding with Kai is disrupted by a sudden, unsettling flashback. He sees Nephis again, but this version is transformed. The woman he remembers, usually distant and clad in her Starlight Legion Armor, now wears a white cloak, her silver hair longer and adding a surprising maturity. Sunny notes her eyes, once cool, now blaze with “resolve and determination,” radiating an “infectious feeling of temperate confidence.” This transformation hits Sunny hard, for Nephis is both the person he desires to see and the one he dreads, the true reason he left his past life behind.
The narrative then shifts to four months prior, a stark contrast to their current predicament. Sunny, shivering in the wind on a boat of demon’s bones, witnesses the dawn on the Forgotten Shore. He wakes Cassie, their shared ordeal against a “horrifying dweller of the depths” and a “tentacle monster” having miraculously concluded. They, along with an unconscious Nephis, lie huddled on a giant stone hand, survivors of a harrowing escape from a cursed sea. Sunny reflects on their improbable victory, especially given the “enthrallment hex” that had compromised his mind, and the immense toll Nephis paid, her “mangled flesh restoring itself in the crucible of purifying flame.”
As the sun climbs higher, Sunny, surprisingly resilient thanks to his “Blood Weave,” assesses their dire situation. Despite their survival, the specter of being stranded in the cursed sea looms. Cassie sleeps beside him, her face etched with anxiety, while Nephis remains unresponsive, her pale skin a stark reminder of the painful magic she wielded. Sunny’s thoughts drift to the “unimaginable pain and suffering” Nephis endured, wondering at the price of her survival and why she had never used such potent healing before.
Chapter 123 Helping Hand
Having emerged from the ordeal of the cursed sea, Sunny, Nephis, and Cassie prepare to ascend from the colossal crater. Sunny, surprisingly optimistic despite his usual cynicism, reflects on their vastly increased strength, forged in two months of fighting through the crimson labyrinth. He muses on how Nephis, already a figure of legend, could easily shoulder the narrative of their survival, making his own role seem less significant. As they descend using the golden rope, Nephis’s stern warning to “stay vigilant” echoes Sunny’s own caution against complacency. They reach the crater floor, expecting an attack, but the path westward towards the distant grey wall remains eerily quiet.
Before they proceed, Sunny pauses to admire the colossal statue of a graceful woman whose outstretched, partially broken arm served as their sanctuary. He notes the seven stars carved into her robe, and the unsettling fact that, like the giant knight, she is headless. This image brings to mind Cassie’s vision of “seven severed heads guarding seven seals,” a mystery Sunny believes he’ll never unravel, as he has no intention of returning to this hellish shore. With a silent thanks to their rescuer, they press on towards their goal, the imposing wall of the mysterious city.
As they near a near-vertical section of the crater’s slope, their fragile peace is shattered. A stone Sunny is about to step on shifts, revealing a hidden danger, and a terrible roar erupts, signaling that their journey is far from over.
Chapter 124 Desolation
The oppressive silence of the crater floor is broken as Sunny, Nephis, and Cassie finally reach the colossal, unassailable stone walls of the mysterious city. The immense granite slabs, still slick with the cursed sea’s touch, stand as a testament to a lost civilization, their immense height dwarfing even the defenses of the Awakened Academy. Sunny, eager to escape the nightmare, briefly ponders the builders and their fate, but dismisses the mystery, focused solely on returning home. Finding no immediate entrance, they opt to scale the daunting wall, their enhanced physical abilities and the strategic use of their swords allowing them to ascend the monumental structure.
Upon reaching the summit, their eyes behold a breathtaking, yet heartbreaking, panorama. Beneath the cold grey sky lies an expansive city, utterly ruined. Beautiful stone buildings are reduced to rubble, silent streets devoid of life. The dead city stretches out before them, a mournful testament to a forgotten tragedy. Cassie, her voice alight with hope, asks Sunny, “Sunny? What do you see?” The grim reality of their surroundings contrasts sharply with her optimistic query, leaving the future uncertain.
The chapter leaves them poised on the edge of this desolate cityscape, the promise of sanctuary replaced by the chilling spectacle of a dead civilization. The formidable wall, once a beacon of hope, now guards a silent expanse of destruction. Their journey, though seemingly at its end, has merely led them to a new, unsettling mystery, and the question of what lies within the heart of this ruined metropolis hangs heavy in the air.
Chapter 125 A Feast In Time Of Plague
Residing atop the colossal wall, Sunny, Nephis, and Cassie opt against descending immediately, prioritizing a safe exit strategy. They move north along the granite edifice, observing the desolation below. Sunny catches glimpses of unseen creatures in the ruined streets, though none appear inclined to scale the imposing rampart. A lingering unease emanates from Sunny, directed towards the distant, ominous Crimson Spire, yet the thought of imminent escape fuels his resolve, pushing back the encroaching dread. Their perilous journey through the Forgotten Shore nears its conclusion, with this final obstacle standing between them and a triumphant return.
As they approach a massive, round tower integrated into the wall, its broken wooden gate revealing only impenetrable darkness, Cassie halts them with a tug. Her brow furrows as she whispers, “Listen.” Straining their ears, Sunny and Nephis discern a chilling, rhythmic sound emanating from within the tower—the gruesome crunch of something being devoured, flesh and bone being ground.
Both Sunny and Nephis summon their blades, their shared glances confirming their apprehension. Sunny deploys his shadow, which merges with the tower’s interior darkness, offering a glimpse of the horrifying scene: multiple eviscerated monster corpses lie in pools of blood, their remains brutally dismembered as if by a skilled butcher, suggesting a powerful and ravenous presence within the tower.
Chapter 126 Effie
The trio cautiously approaches the tower entrance, uncertainty clouding their next move. They weigh two possibilities: the source of the gruesome sounds is either a helpful Awakened who will guide them to safety, or a dangerous Nightmare Creature necessitating a brutal confrontation. “Listen,” Cassie had urged, her discovery of the chilling crunching sound from within the tower confirming their fears. Sunny’s shadow-infused vision revealed a scene of carnage: dismembered monster corpses suggesting a powerful, ravenous occupant. Hesitantly, Sunny follows Nephis into the darkness, immediately assailed by the smell of roasting meat and a bone shard that narrowly misses his head.
The young woman, previously hidden, reveals herself, her deep, raspy voice speaking human language and a wide grin baring her teeth. “Is someone hiding in the shadows? Why don’t you come out to play…” Sunny, despite sensing her coiled power, follows Nephis’s lead and dismisses his blade. Stepping into the firelight, they see a towering figure, taller than Nephis, with an imposing physique and ancient armor, an image of an ancient goddess. “Humans? Huh! Unexpected,” she exclaims, inviting them to join her.
Nephis, her voice tense, finally voices their burning question: “Are you… are you human?” The woman laughs heartily, “What else would I be? A horse?” Assured of her humanity, they approach the fire, settling onto the stones. “My neck is tired from looking down on you,” she remarks, the hunger in their eyes mirroring the burning flames before them, leaving the question of her intentions hanging in the air.
Chapter 127 Abandon All Hope
The towering woman, Effie, shatters their fragile hope with a blunt declaration: there is no Gateway in the Forgotten Shore. Sunny’s world crumbles, his dreams of escape dissolving into bitter realization. He understands now, with agonizing clarity, why this unique, deadly region remained uncharted territory. Cassie, her face a mask of shock and pain, whispers, “What do you mean, there is no Gateway?” Effie, unperturbed, explains that the castle is merely a sanctuary for those who find their way here, a trap rather than a passage.
Effie continues, her tone softening, revealing that a group of desperate Sleepers claimed the castle years ago, and since then, a few “lucky or resourceful people” arrive each solstice, only to become permanently stranded. Nephis sits stoically, her fists clenched, while Cassie expresses her anguish, “But that’s… that is not fair!” Effie’s dark amusement, a grim echo of Sunny’s own learned cynicism, answers her: “When was anything ever fair?”
Yet, amidst their despair, Effie’s demeanor shifts, her smile becoming genuinely cheerful as she asserts their immense luck in meeting her. She claims that without her guidance, they would surely have perished, subtly hinting at her unique position and potential value in their dire predicament.
Chapter 128 King Of The Hill
The sanctuary castle Effie revealed is not a free haven, but the domain of a warlord named Gunlaug, demanding a weekly tribute of one soul shard for entry and safety. Sunny, a familiar darkness stirring within him at this exploitation, questions the consequences of non-payment. Effie explains that those unable to pay are relegated to a meager settlement beneath the walls, constantly fearing the night’s horrors. He probes further about acquiring shards in this desolate place, learning that hunting the city’s Awakened creatures is the primary method, though fraught with peril.
Effie’s own hunting prowess is highlighted when she casually admits to having slain “around a hundred or two” Awakened creatures, staggering Sunny with her combat capability. He questions why, with such demonstrable power, she doesn’t simply pay the tribute to reside within the castle walls. Effie dismisses the idea with an indifferent shrug, citing a distaste for the castle’s “ambiance.”
Amidst this grim revelation, Nephis interjects, her voice taut with apprehension, seeking clarification on Effie’s mention of “other ways of earning soul shards,” hinting at a deeper, perhaps more dangerous, avenue for survival in this treacherous land.
Chapter 129 Solace
The harsh reality of the Dark City crushes Sunny’s dwindling hope; the promised sanctuary castle demands a soul shard tribute weekly, leaving those unable to pay to the mercy of the surrounding horrors. Effie, the enigmatic huntress, reveals her own formidable skill, admitting to slaying “around a hundred or two” Awakened, yet chooses to live outside the castle’s “ambiance.” Nephis presses Effie, sensing hidden, perilous methods for acquiring soul shards, hinting at a deeper, more dangerous path to survival than merely hunting the city’s creatures.
Sunny, disheartened, struggles to accept their grim new reality. He laments the loss of his aspirations and the absence of mentors, feeling a profound exhaustion. However, he begins to find a sliver of solace, acknowledging their immediate safety from the sea’s horrors and the potential strength in the castle’s human community, despite its oppressive master. His shadow, a silent observer, offers little comfort as Sunny questions Effie’s seemingly carefree demeanor.
Effie, unbothered by their despair, prepares for their departure at dawn, casually dressing monster carcasses with practiced ease. Sunny observes her cheerful whistling and the summoning of a leather apron, marveling at her almost cheerful disposition in such a desolate place, wondering if she is “insane.” The group remains somber, each processing the devastating implications of their journey’s end.
Chapter 130 Strength Of A Dozen Men
As dawn breaks, Effie leads Sunny, Nephis, and Cassie out of their temporary refuge, offering chilling instructions to “not make any noise” and to suppress all emotions, particularly fear, as certain creatures are sensitive to them. Sunny struggles with this, earning a teasing remark from Effie about his flushing cheeks, which he dismisses with annoyance, while she advises Nephis and Cassie to avoid fear and Sunny to “try not to get too excited.” Effie then effortlessly shifts a multi-ton granite slab blocking their exit, revealing her Aspect Ability: a potent physical enhancement that grants her the strength of “a dozen men,” boosting her speed, agility, endurance, and resilience.
Sunny is astounded by Effie’s raw power, a stark contrast to his own struggles. Effie, seemingly unconcerned about revealing such a vital secret, casually explains her Aspect, noting that her abilities are common knowledge in the Dark City. She even offers to share her Flaw, further baffling Sunny, who wonders why she would readily divulge such information in this treacherous environment, especially after hoarding her soul shards rather than paying them as tribute.
Effie’s open display of strength and her straightforwardness about her powers suggest a complex character, one who operates outside the norm of the Dark City’s cutthroat survival tactics. As they venture forth, the group faces the immediate challenge of navigating the perilous landscape under Effie’s guidance, with the huntress’s unusual demeanor and potent abilities hinting at the dangerous, yet perhaps ultimately advantageous, path ahead.
Chapter 131 Traversing The Dark City
The desolate ruins of the Dark City stretch before Sunny, Nephis, and Cassie like a tomb. Guided by Effie, they navigate a labyrinth of streets and rubble, the oppressive silence broken only by their cautious footsteps. Sunny grapples with the constant threat of unseen horrors, finding solace only in Effie’s capable leadership, a stark contrast to his own internal turmoil and disdain for the less practical professions. He admits to himself, albeit begrudgingly, that Effie’s presence is far more reassuring than any “useless scribbler” could ever be.
Effie leads them through a winding, convoluted path, a testament to her intimate knowledge of the city’s treacherous terrain. They frequently halt, hiding from unseen dangers, and at times traverse rooftops on precarious planks or crawl through collapsed buildings, carrying Cassie when necessary. Sunny observes the surprising preservation within some structures, offering fleeting glimpses into the lives of the city’s ancient inhabitants.
His respect for Effie grows as he notices signs of her meticulous preparations throughout their journey. It’s clear she has spent years shaping this lethal maze into her personal hunting grounds, creating hidden passages and reinforcing precarious routes. Effie’s effortless command of the environment makes their passage through the cursed ruins appear deceptively safe, hinting at a far deeper capability than her casual demeanor suggests.
Chapter 132 End Of The Line
The party ascends a white marble arch, the sole pristine structure amidst the ruins, leading to a stone road scaling a hill. Effie shares lore about the castle, a sanctuary from Nightmare Creatures, mentioning a past conflict where a group of Sleepers bravely eliminated a formidable Spire Messenger. Nephis inquires about the creature, learning they are Fallen beasts and that its demise was a costly victory, casting a somber mood over their progress up the increasingly fortified path. Sunny notes the absence of guards, a detail Effie attributes to Gunlaug’s limited manpower, though she assures him the castle’s vantage point and protective measures have already alerted its inhabitants to their approach.
Reaching the summit, they are met by the castle’s breathtaking grandeur. Constructed from the same immaculate marble as the arch, it resembles a white mountain, its central tower boasting a decorated gate and a sweeping staircase. Flanking towers, connected by aerial bridges, and the soaring main keep create a harmonious yet imposing silhouette, a testament to its divine-like construction. This awe-inspiring sight is jarringly juxtaposed by dozens of human skulls dangling from rusty chains above the gate, a grim reminder of the city’s harsh reality.
Below the castle’s magnificent facade, crude hovels constructed from scavenged materials huddle on the stone platform, creating a scene of squalor. The familiar, acrid stench of a slum permeates the air, a stark contrast to the unnatural purity of their surroundings. Sunny observes this grim tableau, the juxtaposition of opulence and destitution painting a complex picture of the castle’s inhabitants and their precarious existence.
Chapter 133 Farewell
As dusk settles, casting long shadows from the Crimson Spire, the inhabitants of the outer settlement retreat to their hovels, their fear palpable. Nephis, clutching shimmering soul shards, declares the necessity of splitting the group, a pragmatic decision born from their newfound opportunity for sustenance and shelter within the castle. Sunny, ever the cynic, questions this strategy, recalling the grim fates of those who separate in perilous situations. Cassie, confused, voices concern for the third member of their party.
An uncomfortable silence descends as Sunny, Nephis, and Cassie weigh who will be left to face the harsh elements. The tentative bonds forged in the Labyrinth begin to fray under the strain of their return to civilization. Just as Sunny’s insecurities surface, Nephis offers him the soul shards, instructing him to take Cassie inside the castle. Sunny, surprised by this unexpected act of kindness, questions her motives, to which Nephis dismissively replies, “I have never been noble. I have never been kind.”
Nephis reveals her true strategy: Sunny, with the aid of his shadow, can glean more vital information from within the castle’s walls, while she will gather intelligence from the outside. They agree to reunite in a week to share their findings and determine their next course of action, a stark display of Nephis’s own cynical pragmatism mirroring Sunny’s.
Chapter 134 Bright Castle
Upon entering the Bright Castle, Sunny, Nephis, and Cassie find themselves in a vast, cavernous hall. Young women diligently cover tall stained-glass windows with heavy fabric, ensuring no light escapes into the encroaching darkness. The imposing gates slam shut behind them, a heavy bolt securing their sanctuary, and Sunny feels a disquieting sense of confinement, like an animal caged. At an opulent desk, a gaunt young man named Harper, the castle’s guest coordinator, greets them with a nervous yet welcoming demeanor. He informs them they arrived “just in time,” as the gates were moments from closing, and expresses his pleasure at their arrival, revealing he himself was once a resident of the outer settlement before being taken in by “Lord Gunlaug.”
Harper, whose clean attire belies his frail appearance, inquires if this is their first tribute payment, a question Sunny confirms. He then shares his own story of finding safety within the castle walls due to Lord Gunlaug’s “kindness,” a statement Sunny finds ambiguous, unsure if it’s genuine gratitude or a performance for unseen ears. Harper’s apparent lack of surprise at their arrival, unlike Effie’s earlier reaction, suggests a disconnect between the castle’s inhabitants and the outside world’s harsh realities, hinting at a carefully managed ignorance within the fortress.
The stark contrast between Harper’s meekness and the castle’s grandeur hints at a hidden undercurrent, a fragile peace maintained by unseen forces. As Sunny observes the meticulously sealed windows and Harper’s subservient attitude, he begins to question the true nature of the Bright Castle’s safety, sensing a deeper, more sinister purpose behind its opulent facade and the supposed benevolence of Lord Gunlaug.
Chapter 135 Cohabitation
Harper leads Sunny and Cassie through the Bright Castle, outlining its simple rules of cohabitation: freedom to act as one pleases, provided basic tenets are respected, with designated areas for general access and restricted zones marked by a serpent coiled around a tower. He also stresses the importance of showing deference to the castle’s guards and hunters, advising them to “be mindful of their burdens” and avoid confrontations, a sentiment Sunny interprets as a clear warning to not challenge Gunlaug’s authority. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, Sunny observes the castle’s inhabitants appearing surprisingly ordinary, their faces etched with worry but managing their lives with mundane casualness, suggesting humanity’s innate adaptability to even tyrannical stability.
Their tour concludes at the westernmost tower, chosen for its quietude and obstructed view of the looming Crimson Spire, a perfect, secluded spot for Sunny and Cassie. A hesitant Harper then asks if they require one or two rooms, prompting an immediate, unthinking dual response: Sunny requests one, wanting to stay close to Cassie and ensure her safety, while Cassie immediately asks for two. This shared moment of misunderstanding, with Cassie blushing and Sunny paling, highlights the unspoken complexities of their relationship now that they are within the castle’s confines, a situation fraught with unspoken implications beyond Sunny’s practical concerns.
