Chapter 151 Head Hunting
The group, now focused on building their strength rather than immediate escape, seeks out the elusive huntress Changing Star. They find her dwelling, a crudely constructed but reinforced cabin adorned with a formidable bestial skull above its entrance. Upon their arrival, a sleepy and annoyed Changing Star answers their knock, initially mistaking them for prey. Nephis, however, instructs Sunny to turn away, an odd request that hints at something unusual. When he’s allowed to look back, he witnesses Changing Star donning a Memory, specifically “Effie,” revealing a surprisingly scant outfit underneath.
Changing Star, described as tall, strong, and vital, greets them with a knowing smile, commenting on their return and the presumed pleasantness of their time in the human castle. Sunny offers a reserved response, confirming the castle’s unpleasant atmosphere. Once inside Changing Star’s cozy, yet opulent cabin—filled with scavenged curios and luxury furs from Nightmare Creatures—Nephis directly addresses the huntress, noting her inactivity since their first meeting.
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Nephis’s question about Changing Star’s hunting hiatus sets the stage for their new plan. The implication is clear: they need her unique skills for their newly formed hunting party. Changing Star’s languid reply suggests she’s still groggy, but the interaction clearly establishes her as a crucial, albeit eccentric, ally in their survival strategy. The chapter leaves the reader wondering what the huntress will do and how her involvement will shape their future hunts.
Chapter 152 There And Back Again
Nephis reveals a startling plan to Sunny and Cassie, leading them away from Changing Star’s cabin and back towards the imposing Bright Castle. As they ascend the castle stairs, Nephis probes Sunny for details about a Pathfinder accused of murder, specifically inquiring about his Aspect Ability, which Sunny describes as the power to make any weapon incredibly sharp, capable of cutting stone. When Nephis presses for information on the Pathfinder’s Flaw, Sunny admits ignorance, highlighting the secrecy surrounding such vulnerabilities, a statement that prompts a subtle reminder from Cassie about Sunny’s own guarded nature.
The trio reaches the castle gates, where guards confront them with leering contempt and crude propositions, demanding tribute or hinting at payment. Sunny’s blood boils at their disrespect towards the girls, but Nephis instructs them simply to “follow me and try to look… virtuous,” a cryptic directive that leaves Sunny deeply unsettled about their impending actions within the castle.
Nephis’s determined expression and cryptic words suggest she has a specific, possibly audacious, objective in mind. The urgency to alter Effie’s mindset before sunset hangs heavy in the air, hinting at a critical juncture in their precarious survival. The chapter leaves the reader on edge, questioning the true nature of Nephis’s strategy and how she intends to leverage the castle’s inhabitants, particularly the Pathfinder, for their desperate cause.
Chapter 153 Guiding Star
Nephis, Sunny, and Cassie are led into the grand hall of Bright Castle, the news of an impending challenge still nascent. Sunny, plagued by a gnawing unease, whispers to Nephis, questioning the sanity of confronting one of Gunlaug’s lieutenants, deeming it suicidal without sufficient soul shards. Nephis, ever enigmatic, dismisses his concern with a cryptic warning: “…The walls have ears.” Their escort, a disdainful guard, ushers them into the hall where a small, growing crowd stares with bewildered curiosity at Nephis. Gemma, the leader of Hunters and a lieutenant of Gunlaug, sits observing them with a sullen expression, confirming their arrival for the Right of Challenge.
Gemma, appearing somewhat perplexed, questions Nephis’s intent, inquiring, “Did I hear it correctly? One of you three wants to invoke the Right of Challenge?” Nephis, with unwavering calm, meets his gaze and affirms, “I do.” Her serene demeanor contrasts sharply with the gravity of her declaration, a far cry from the fiery denunciation that preceded Jubei’s fatal challenge. Gemma, genuinely concerned, advises reconsideration, urging, “Listen… it is indeed true that anyone has the right to invoke the Right of Challenge. But throwing your life away is a really stupid thing to do.” However, Nephis remains resolute, cutting him short with a simple, “No need.”
With Gemma’s resigned acceptance, he asks, “Who are you here to accuse?” Nephis’s answer, a chilling echo of past events, rings through the hall: “I am here to accuse the Pathfinder known as Andel.” This accusation, directed at the very individual whose transgression triggered Jubei’s demise, sets the stage for another high-stakes confrontation, leaving Sunny and the reader to ponder the true extent of Nephis’s desperate gamble.
Chapter 154 Light Of The Seven
The grand hall falls silent, a hush descending as Nephis announces her accusation against the Pathfinder Andel. Her words, however, are overshadowed by a more profound revelation: her True Name and her lineage from the legendary Immortal Flame clan, a fact that sparks a wildfire of awe and nascent hope among the assembled Sleepers. Nephis, radiating an otherworldly calm, summons her armor, its breastplate emblazoned with the symbol of the Seven Stars, the crest of the Seven heroes revered in Bright Castle’s history. This display ignites whispers and tentative faith, making Nephis appear a near-messianic figure, a notion that causes Sunny considerable anxiety.
Gemma, leader of the Hunters, recovers from his shock, his initial perplexity shifting to a wary assessment of Nephis. He subtly questions her proclaimed heritage, his insinuation momentarily shattering the burgeoning hope and returning many to their somber or anticipating states, though a few cling to hesitant faith. Nephis remains impassive, seemingly detached from the desperate emotions swirling around her. It is at this juncture that Andel, the Pathfinder, is brought forth, a skilled and formidable warrior whose presence commands a mixture of fear and respect from the assembled crowd.
Andel, a man of about twenty-four with sharp features and a warrior’s bearing, acknowledges Gemma with a bow before fixing Nephis with a dark gaze. The stage is set for a brutal confrontation, Nephis’s audacious challenge to Andel, the very man whose actions indirectly led to Jubei’s demise, now amplified by her startling claim to a True Name and her connection to the revered Immortal Flame clan. The echoes of past tragedies and the promise of future conflict hang heavy in the air.
Chapter 155 First Recruits
The brutal aftermath of Nephis’s duel with Pathfinder Andel is laid bare as she leaves the castle, Andel’s severed head held casually in her hand. This macabre display, an act of almost unsettling indifference from Nephis, leaves Sunny deeply unsettled. He finds himself questioning her true nature, the chilling thought of how many lives she might have claimed in her past plaguing his mind. While the castle inhabitants react with a mixture of awe and terror, perceiving her as either an avenging angel or a terrifying demon, the outer settlement’s response is a silent, simmering intensity that hints at something far more volatile than mere admiration or fear. Sunny grows increasingly uncomfortable, sensing the dangerous undercurrents Nephis’s actions have stirred.
Nephis, seemingly unconcerned by the storm of emotions she has unleashed, leads Sunny and Cassie to Effie’s cabin, fulfilling her promise to talk. Effie, initially annoyed by the intrusion, freezes upon seeing Nephis present Andel’s head at her feet, the macabre offering speaking volumes. Inside, a furious Effie confronts Nephis, demanding, “What the hell have you done, princess?!” Nephis, with a hint of sincere confusion, simply states, “You wanted me to prove my strength. Did you not?”
Sunny, witnessing the exchange, explains the astonishing events to Effie, his tone devoid of amusement, “By now, this must be the only thing people are talking about.” He feels the familiar weight of trouble settling upon him, a sentiment amplified by his shadow’s gleeful gloating. Effie, absorbing the reality of Nephis’s immense power and the implications of her victory, regards them all with a strange, dawning expression as the chapter closes on the cusp of their conversation.
Chapter 156 Free Lunch
The first hunt proceeds with unexpected smoothness, guided by Effie and bolstered by Sunny’s shadow, allowing them to easily bypass Fallen creatures. Once at their destination, Nephis expertly assigns roles for the anticipated monster encounter. Sunny feels a pang of resentment when Nephis designates Caster, rather than himself, to deliver the killing blow, a task seemingly more suited to Caster’s potent combat Ability. Despite his own contributions being minimal, Sunny swallows his bitterness, observing Nephis and Caster’s harmonious, Legacy-trained teamwork as they dispatch the creature without a scratch. Effie expresses her delight at the “easiest meal,” her role a peculiar one of hired guide and informant, unburdened by direct combat.
After butchering the Nightmare Creature, the group returns to the Dark City, laden with spoils. Upon reaching the marble arch, Nephis makes a surprising request: she asks Sunny, Cassie, and Caster to entrust their portions of the meat to her. Cassie readily agrees, followed by a polite Caster, leaving Sunny feeling compelled to comply to avoid appearing ungrateful after his minimal contribution. He resigns himself to the decision, even as his shadow revels in the brewing chaos.
Back at their lodge, Nephis divides the remaining meat, giving a small portion to Cassie and placing the vast majority on the stones before their dwelling. An observant Effie and a gathering crowd watch with curiosity. When Sunny questions her actions, Nephis explains that the small portion is for their sustenance until the next hunt. The crowd’s eager inquiries about selling the surplus meat are met with Nephis’s deliberate silence, leaving the true purpose of her actions shrouded in mystery.
Chapter 157 Wind Of Change
Following the first successful hunt, Nephis continues a relentless pace, leading the group on several more hunts. While these expeditions are not as smooth as the initial one, they consistently emerge victorious, albeit somewhat battered. Nephis upholds her commitment to Effie, sharing a portion of the spoils, and then distributes the vast majority to the outer settlement’s residents for free. This practice forces Sunny and the others to hunt with increased frequency, a decision Sunny finds needlessly risky, especially as he spends most of his time acting as Effie’s scout, learning the intricacies of the Dark City. This partnership, coupled with their combined prowess, quickly earns their cohort unparalleled renown, placing them on par with the elite hunters of the Bright Castle.
The cohort’s reputation solidifies with Nephis hailed as a formidable fighter, Effie recognized as a top scout, and Caster adored for his amiable nature and skill. Cassie, by contrast, is beloved as the compassionate face of the group, distributing the free provisions. Sunny, however, remains largely unnoticed, perceived as a mere support member, which simultaneously gratifies his desire for obscurity and fuels his frustration, particularly when Caster garners such attention. The growing adoration for Nephis, who is now jokingly referred to as “Saint Nephis,” stirs anxiety within Sunny, a premonition of potential conflict with Gunlaug.
As the cohort’s influence expands, the lodge becomes a hub of activity with an ever-growing number of individuals from the settlement joining their ranks, offering assistance with everything from processing hides to distributing food. These newcomers often fail to recognize Sunny, even asking if he’s new, a slight never directed at Caster. This increasing anonymity leaves Sunny feeling like a stranger in his own group, a sentiment that exacerbates his existing insecurities.
Chapter 158 Invisible
The weight of his ever-present insignificance presses down on Sunny as another month passes. The lodge, once a humble refuge, now buzzes with activity, a testament to Nephis’s growing influence, yet Sunny remains a ghost within its walls. He encounters Harper, a former castle receptionist now cast out for failing to pay tribute, seeking sustenance. Sunny, despite his own feelings of displacement, directs the gaunt young man to Effie, assuring him of their generosity and the possibility of contributing in exchange for food. This influx of castle dwellers, seeking refuge and opportunity, further highlights Sunny’s own invisibility, as even newcomers fail to recognize him, a stark contrast to Caster’s easy camaraderie.
A sense of unease settles over Sunny as he overhears Nephis and Caster discussing an upcoming joint hunt. He believes he’s been excluded, arriving to find the others already planning, their conversation dominated by strategy and the merits of different hunting grounds. Sunny attempts to offer his insight, mentioning a sound-producing Memory that could aid in their hunt, but his voice is lost in the din of discussion. No one acknowledges his contribution, and Caster’s subsequent brilliant idea, met with rapt attention, leaves Sunny feeling utterly ignored.
Frustrated and rendered effectively invisible, Sunny withdraws from the group, the sting of being overlooked a familiar pain. The once-exciting prospect of their cohort’s ascendancy now fuels his anxiety, the gap between his perceived worth and his reality widening with each interaction. As Nephis’s reputation grows, attracting more followers and garnering admiration, Sunny finds himself increasingly isolated, a silent observer in his own narrative, left to ponder the true cost of obscurity amidst their rising fame.
Chapter 159 Revelation
Despite his gnawing unease, Sunny finds himself participating in a large-scale joint hunt, a testament to Nephis’s burgeoning influence, though his own role remains marginal. The nearly twenty hunters, with Effie leading the way and Sunny scouting ahead, venture east towards the ruins of a collapsed lighthouse. The journey through the Dark City’s treacherous streets is fraught with peril, and their fears are realized when Effie signals for everyone to halt. A chilling silence precedes a guttural cry, and Sunny, shielding Cassie, witnesses a colossal, winged Spire Messenger descend upon their formation, its blood-soaked beak a stark image of impending doom.
The sudden, brutal attack forces the hunters into a desperate choice: scatter into the unknown dangers of the ruins or stand their ground against the terrifying Spire Messenger. Without hesitation, they rally, launching a fierce, albeit seemingly futile, assault on the creature. Though their Memories cannot pierce its formidable hide, each strike inflicts damage, and those with direct Aspect Abilities aim to disorient the beast. Sunny, initially paralyzed by the creature’s appearance, shakes off his fear and prepares to fight alongside Cassie, the survival of his cohort hanging precariously in the balance.
The confrontation is a whirlwind of action and terror. The Spire Messenger, a Fallen Beast of immense power, retaliates with devastating force, leaving the hunters to question if their unified stand is a death sentence or their only hope for survival. Sunny’s shadow is absent, leaving him reliant on his own skills and the Midnight Shard, the desperate battle for their lives beginning amidst the rubble and fog.
Chapter 160 The Future
Shaken from his stupor by Effie’s concerned query, Sunny admits he’s merely “thinking about stuff.” The brutal encounter with the Spire Messenger, however, has triggered a profound realization. Recalling Cassie’s prophetic vision, Sunny’s focus shifts from the past cataclysm to a terrifying future. The vision of a “woman with a bronze spear drowning in a tide of monsters” suddenly crystallizes, with Effie’s spear serving as the catalyst for this dreadful epiphany.
Sunny now understands that Cassie’s horrifying visions are not of history, but of their imminent future. Nephis, with her name meaning “Star of Misfortune,” is the “lonely star” destined to bring fire and blood to the Bright Castle. Gunlaug, the Bright Lord, is the “corpse in a golden armor” on the throne. Effie, he now believes, is the woman drowning in monsters, and he himself may be the archer attempting to pierce the falling sky.
This chilling revelation confirms Nephis’s relentless ambition to return to the real world, an ambition that necessitates her gaining control of the Crimson Spire. To achieve this, she must eliminate Gunlaug, seize his power, and amass an army – a plan that will inevitably drench the Bright Castle in blood, regardless of the cost to her followers. Sunny is left to ponder if the hope he sees in the eyes of their new recruits is misplaced faith in Changing Star, or a foreshadowing of their shared doom.
Chapter 161 Rubicon
The weight of the previous chapter’s revelations presses down on Sunny as he confronts Harper, whose seemingly meek demeanor now rings with suspicion. Sunny’s mind, still reeling from the horrifying premonition of Nephis’s bloody destiny, battles with the urge to lash out at Harper, whom he now firmly believes is a spy. Despite his internal turmoil and inability to lie convincingly, Sunny adopts the guise of ignorance. Harper, oblivious or perhaps feigning ignorance himself, invites Sunny to his humble dwelling to share a rare bottle of liquor. As they navigate the impoverished settlement, Sunny sees only “walking corpses,” people who are already dead in his eyes, a grim foreshadowing of the fate he foresees for them and the Bright Castle.
Inside Harper’s meager hut, Sunny accepts the offered cup, the unfamiliar liquor a brief, unwelcome solace. Harper, eager to glean information, probes Sunny about his survival of the Spire Messenger encounter and his prolonged stay with Nephis. Sunny, though recognizing Harper’s clumsy attempts at extracting details, plays along. He understands the desperate hunger for respect and attention that drives individuals like Harper, a hunger he can exploit. “Rats like me will tell you everything as long as you show them a tiny bit of respect, huh?” Sunny muses internally, his mind already strategizing how to feed misinformation to Harper and ultimately serve Nephis’s plans.
The encounter with Harper solidifies Sunny’s understanding of the delicate, dangerous dance of deception he must now master. While Harper’s desire for favor and access to the Bright Castle is evident, Sunny’s true objective lies in using Harper as a conduit for intelligence and misinformation. The bitter liquor and the oppressive poverty surrounding them serve as stark reminders of the desperate stakes. As Harper continues to prattle, Sunny remains focused, the chilling premonition of Nephis’s rise and the imminent bloodbath at the Bright Castle a constant, guiding terror.
Chapter 162 Lost From Light
The fragile pretense shattered as Sunny, driven by a terrifying vision of Nephis’s doom and the sting of betrayal, lunges. He plunges his knife into Harper’s frail form, the ensuing struggle a brutal, desperate act. As Harper’s dying eyes fix on Sunny with a silent “Why?”, Sunny whispers, “Lost from Light! I am… Lost… Lost from Light…” The weight of his action crushes him; he retches and collapses, the Spell’s chilling pronouncement of Harper’s death and his own growing shadow a stark confirmation.
Overwhelmed by guilt and the sheer brutality of what he’s done, Sunny grapples with the horrific reality of killing a fellow human. His internal struggle intensifies as he tries to justify the murder, acknowledging Harper’s intention to betray him to Gunlaug, a betrayal that would have endangered Nephis and Cassie. Yet, the core reason gnaws at him: survival, and the chilling ease with which he accomplished it. “I killed him because I wanted to survive. I killed him… because it was easy,” he admits, a dark acceptance settling in.
Just as Sunny begins to process the aftermath, contemplating the disposal of the body, the door bursts open. There stands Caster, his face a mask of disbelief as he witnesses the scene: the destroyed hut, the smell of liquor, Harper’s lifeless body, and Sunny, smeared with blood. “This… this is not…” Caster stammers, the unspoken implication hanging heavy in the air, leaving Sunny in a precarious and exposed situation.
Chapter 163 The Past
Sunny faces Caster’s shocked gaze, the implication of his bloody handiwork hanging heavy in the air. Caster, ever the opportunist, offers aid, but Sunny immediately recognizes the veiled demand for leverage. “I will help you,” Caster states, his words a promise tinged with possession. “But what he actually meant was ‘I will own you.'” Sunny, trapped by his crime, can only accept the offered lifeline, a grim understanding dawning that any “help” will come with a steep price.
Forced to remain, Sunny waits as Caster departs to procure cleaning supplies, the Legacy’s assurance of discretion a fragile reassurance. Sunny, however, mistrustful, dispatches his shadow to maintain surveillance, a silent pact of mutual vigilance. Alone with Harper’s corpse, a chilling realization settles: a new shadow has joined his silent army, a grim testament to his escalating darkness.
As night descends, the ruined landscape plunges into shadow, a comforting darkness Sunny, with his unnatural sight, cannot fully embrace. Harper’s unblinking eyes serve as a constant accusation, a silent reminder of the irreversible path Sunny treads. The chapter ends with Sunny, exhausted and bound by his secret, contemplating the grim reality of his existence and the precarious alliance he has forged.
Chapter 164 Farewell
Caster, ever the pragmatist, helps Sunny clean the crude hut, disposing of Harper’s body as best he can. He explains the precarious situation: Harper’s ties to the Bright Lord mean his disappearance will attract unwanted attention. “The Guards will become interested in his sudden death,” Caster states, “and they’ll use it to create trouble for you and Lady Nephis.” He offers a solution, for a price, allowing Sunny a brief window after sunset to move the corpse to the ruins, a transaction that further solidifies Caster’s leverage over Sunny.
The following morning, Sunny awakens to a disquieting normalcy. Despite the violent act he committed, the world remains indifferent. The slum dwellers greet him as usual, and the Guards show no sign of investigation into Harper’s absence. This profound lack of consequence leaves Sunny deeply unsettled, the “world moving on without Harper, indifferent to the pain and horror.” He grapples with this unexpected anonymity, feeling a strange compulsion to mourn the victim no one else remembers.
Sunny, left to his own devices, finds himself increasingly isolated, the weight of his secret a heavy burden. His interaction with Caster, though brief, highlights their transactional alliance, with Caster subtly reminding Sunny of his debt. The unsettling calm of the Dark City offers no solace, leaving Sunny to contemplate his escalating darkness and the chilling indifference of his surroundings, questioning what, if anything, will finally break this unsettling peace.
Chapter 165 Power
The oppressive normalcy of the Dark City continues to gnaw at Sunny as he awaits sunset, the grim task of moving Harper’s body looming. The risk of venturing into the starless void at night is immense, with unseen horrors lurking, yet Sunny, armed with his Shadow Sense and knowledge of the ruins, prepares to face the dangers alone. His resolve hardens against the gnawing fear, accepting the necessity of his clandestine mission.
Just as dusk deepens, Nephis appears, her presence a jarring interruption to Sunny’s internal struggle. She summons him, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to his rising panic. Leading him to a secluded alley, she confronts him not about Harper, but about his visible turmoil. “I’ve seen you practicing with the sword today,” she states, her gaze sharp, “Your moves were weak and aimless. It was as if you had lost all clarity. What were you thinking about?”
Relief washes over Sunny, realizing Nephis is unaware of his crime, only sensing his inner chaos. Yet, this knowledge brings an unexpected surge of anger. He meets her questioning gaze, a grim smile playing on his lips. “Murder,” he replies, his voice flat, the word hanging heavy in the twilight air.
