Chapter 286 Blessings of the Fire
Leaving the desolate ruin behind, Sunny and Nephis, along with the remaining members of their group, approach the looming Bright Castle within the silent, bleak Dark City. The oppressive atmosphere, heavy with unspoken tension, suggests an imminent, disastrous shift, with even the Nightmare Creatures unnervingly absent. As Nephis steps onto the path leading to the outer settlement, her usual mask of indifference remains firmly in place, presenting a facade of triumphant return rather than a march towards potential execution. Sunny, for the first time, walks beside her, an unspoken distance growing between them as he decides against the familiar pattern of following in her footsteps.
As they ascend the hill, Nephis, with a seemingly casual air, inquires about Sunny’s recollection of his First Nightmare. He affirms that it remains vividly etched in his memory, describing it as an “impossible, ghastly, despicable, and torturous ordeal.” He then turns the question back to her, expecting a similarly harrowing account.
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Nephis’s response, however, is surprisingly understated. She states her First Nightmare “wasn’t that bad, actually,” and claims she didn’t have to fight anyone until the very end. This admission, met with Sunny’s disbelief, leads her to paint a tranquil picture of her past: living as the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, her family dwelling in a beautiful tower by a serene sea, enjoying warm sunrises and gentle winds. This stark contrast to Sunny’s own brutal awakening leaves him bewildered, further deepening the enigma of her past and the nature of her trials.
Chapter 287 Lonely Star
The outer settlement of the Dark City has transformed, now fortified with a stone barricade and vigilant sentries armed with Memory weapons. A watchtower crowns Nephis’s lodge, bristling with archers ready to defend against any encroaching horrors. The slum’s inhabitants, though many bear the marks of recent struggles, display a newfound, subtle glimmer of hope in their eyes, a stark contrast to the pervasive tension and furtive glances toward the imposing Bright Castle. Sunny notices a striking change: white cloth armbands adorn many dwellers, a symbol of allegiance, alongside graffiti depicting a shining star or a bronze spear, all seemingly in honor of Nephis.
Effie, when questioned by Sunny about these changes, simply shrugs, admitting, “I’ve become a bit of a folk hero, apparently.” This humble deflection hints at a deeper narrative unfolding in their absence. As the cohort approaches, the sentries erupt in joyous recognition, their shock quickly turning to jubilation. “Lady Nephis! It’s Changing Star!” and “Lady Nephis has returned!” echo through the settlement, spreading the news like wildfire. The people surge forward, eager to confirm that their supposed savior is indeed alive and well, showering the group, and particularly Effie, with fervent attention.
The jubilant reception in the slum stands in stark contrast to the ominous silence emanating from the Bright Castle. Sunny, observing the formidable walls beyond the settlement, anticipates the Lord’s inevitable response, a ‘welcome party’ that promises to be far less cordial. The newfound hope and adoration directed towards Nephis and her companions fuels a sense of anticipation, as the true nature of their return to the Dark City, and the impending confrontation with the castle’s authority, looms large.
Chapter 288 Progress Report
The group finds refuge within Nephis’s stone lodge, only to discover a gathering of roughly forty seasoned fighters and individuals recruited into her burgeoning faction. These are no longer the desperate survivors Sunny once knew; they are now armed with scavenged gear and even possessing Memories, their bearing as confident as seasoned hunters. The stark transformation is evident, blurring the lines between the settlement’s defenders and its more experienced warriors. Nephis, her expression grim, demands a progress report.
A stocky hunter, scarred and hesitant, relays the successes: the organized militia has effectively defended the settlement, and the supplied Memories have drastically reduced casualties. He then details the fallout from Nephis’s departure. Members of the Castle’s Host arrived, demanding Effie for the disappearance of Guards. When told she was gone, they resorted to violence, injuring some but ultimately failing to achieve their objective. “We kept our cool and just… well. Took it. Like you told us to do,” the hunter explains, recounting how the Host’s escalating anger, met with the settlement’s passive resistance, prevented further escalation beyond harassment.
Nephis, however, is more concerned with the overwhelming public adoration. The hunter admits, sheepishly, that as the Castle publicly condemned Nephis, the settlement’s appreciation for her grew, particularly for the alleged, and exaggerated, slaying of Guards. “Their only regret is that you didn’t kill more,” he confides, sharing the colorful tales circulating, the most popular attributing her actions to defending her ‘honor.’ Effie, bewildered, questions the origin of this newfound honor, to which the hunter simply states, “Blame Park, it was his idea.”
Chapter 289 Start of the Play
Nephis reveals the fruits of their recent expeditions, a staggering mountain of soul shards, an unimaginable fortune in the Dark City. This wealth, accumulated from Sunny’s trades and the cohort’s exploits, is a tangible symbol of hope for the assembled fighters, each shard representing a life saved or a hardship overcome. Nephis declares this bounty is for them, to strengthen themselves for the trials ahead, igniting a fierce adoration and near-worship in the eyes of her followers. Sunny, observing this devotion, recognizes Nephis has now provided the final element—power—to solidify her hold and her image as a savior, contrasting with his own cynical awareness of her manufactured persona.
Effie, practical as ever, urges the Sleepers to absorb the shards before Gunlaug’s forces arrive. The urgency is palpable as a scout bursts in, announcing the enemy’s approach. The assembled group braces for confrontation, their faces etched with tension, but Nephis, ever the calm center, advises them to stay composed. The scarred hunter, his earlier hesitation replaced by a determined frown, addresses Nephis directly, his words hinting at the growing weight of responsibility and the impending clash.
As the first wave of attackers nears, Nephis surveys the desolate cityscape, her composure a stark contrast to the palpable fear and anticipation within the lodge. The distribution of soul shards has transformed the settlement’s defenders into a formidable force, their loyalty and resolve fueled by Nephis’s decisive actions and the promise of power. The confrontation is inevitable, and the narrative positions the group on the precipice of a significant battle, their newfound strength poised against the established authority of Gunlaug.
Chapter 290 Judgement Day
Tensions erupt as Tessai, representing Lord Gunlaug, confronts Nephis and her cohort, accusing Effie of murder. The atmosphere in the lodge crackles with unspoken animosity, shifting from anticipation of battle to a tense, charged standoff. Tessai’s icy demeanor and pointed accusations—“Were you not, Changing Star? Or is your sense of justice reserved only for the crimes of those who don’t serve you?”—reveal a calculated move to undermine Nephis’s authority and isolate Effie, presenting damning evidence and numerous witnesses against her.
Kai attempts to interject, a desperate defense on his lips, but Nephis silences him with a look, choosing a more strategic response. Seemingly swayed by Tessai’s words, Nephis offers a surprising concession, a calculated shift that disarms Tessai’s immediate advantage. “Well, well. That changes everything, then. Please forgive me, if you can,” she states, a subtle mask of regret in place. However, this concession is merely a prelude, a clever gambit designed to escalate the confrontation rather than de-escalate it.
The true intent behind Nephis’s feigned acquiescence becomes clear as she declares, “…However, I am coming with her. All of us are, in fact.” Her gaze hardens, her composure unwavering as she challenges Tessai directly, promising a full accounting of the evidence and witnesses before Lord Gunlaug himself. The question hangs in the air, a defiant challenge to Tessai’s authority and a declaration of their collective resolve: “…Who’s going to stop me?” This audacious move forces a grim realization upon Tessai, a flicker of triumph masked by a facade of imposing power, hinting at the deeper machinations at play.
Chapter 291 Eye of the Storm
The crowd of slum dwellers, their initial fury simmering down to a chilling dread within the echoing stone halls of Bright Castle, are reminded of Lord Gunlaug’s absolute power. The gruesome display of skulls above the gates serves as a stark testament to his reign, a potent deterrent against any who dare challenge him. Many in the crowd, their faces dim and listless, look to Nephis, their hope faltering. Yet, Nephis remains impassive, her usual mask of indifference firmly in place, concealing her true intentions as she walks forward, unfazed by the growing doubt.
Sunny, seeking to remain unnoticed, positions himself closer to Nephis, Effie, and Caster, a deliberate choice to be perceived as insignificant. He observes the castle’s unnerving emptiness, noting the absence of its usual bustling inhabitants. His question, “Where is everyone?” is answered upon entering the throne room, where hundreds of Sleepers, including Guards, Hunters, Artisans, Handmaidens, and even those who pay tribute, are gathered. Familiar faces like Stev of the Memory Market and Aiko from the gambling den are present, their expressions a mixture of unease, fear, and a dark fascination for the spectacle to come.
The oppressive atmosphere intensifies with the presence of Nightmare Creatures, Echoes of the castle’s inhabitants, standing unnervingly among the humans, their owners’ Soul Seas seemingly abandoned. On the raised dais, bathed in the ethereal glow of carved false stars, stand the four lieutenants of the Bright Lord: Gemma, Kido, Seishan, and Harus, awaiting their arrival, hinting at the true purpose behind this meticulously arranged confrontation.
Chapter 292 Just Cause
Lord Gunlaug, a figure of molten gold and terrifying presence, presides over the assembled populace. His smooth, featureless golden mask radiates an oppressive aura, a mental assault that even Sunny struggles to endure, recognizing the amplified fear as a manufactured sensation. Gunlaug, seated casually upon his throne, surveys the gathered crowd – Sleepers of all strata, including familiar faces like Stev and Aiko, alongside Nightmare Creatures, their Soul Seas eerily vacant. He addresses the hushed assembly with a serpentine voice laced with mirth, praising their fervor for justice, his gaze specifically locking onto Nephis. When he addresses her, calling her the “Changing Star of the Immortal Flame clan,” her forced agreement under his psychic pressure is palpable.
Gunlaug’s veiled words reveal a chilling awareness of a spy within his ranks, a fact he seems to have tolerated, thus subtly demonstrating his absolute control. He then turns his attention to Effie, his tone shifting to one of faux pity. He laments their reunion under such dire circumstances, suggesting that her current fallen state could have been avoided had she joined his “Host.” This pronouncement hangs heavy in the air, hinting at Effie’s past and her defiance of Gunlaug’s will.
The lieutenants—Gemma, Kido, Seishan, and Harus—stand on the dais, their pale faces a testament to Gunlaug’s veiled threats and the precarious situation all present find themselves in. The stage is set for a confrontation, with Nephis and her allies facing the terrifying power and intricate machinations of the Bright Lord, leaving the outcome of this staged judgment shrouded in uncertainty.
Chapter 293 The Challenge
The silent tension in the great hall crackles as Nephis invokes the “right of challenge.” Gunlaug, the molten gold figure, finds her audacity amusing, mocking her “insolence” and “clumsy attempts at playing the hero.” He descends his throne, his voice shifting from a low growl to bright laughter, revealing a complex admiration for Nephis’s deception, though he ultimately dismisses her as a “fool.” His gaze then falls on Effie, questioning Nephis’s right to challenge, suggesting it should be Effie’s place.
Nephis, resolute despite the overwhelming psychic pressure, stands firm. She accepts responsibility for her people’s actions, stating, “…I am responsible for the actions of my people. Any crime they commit… is my crime.” This confession, delivered with unwavering resolve, forces Gunlaug’s hand as he reflects Nephis’s own determined face in his masked visage.
Gunlaug, his hidden expression unreadable, poses the critical question: “Who are you going to challenge, then?” Nephis, after a brief hesitation, declares her intention to challenge “whoever it was that passed the guilty verdict.” Gunlaug’s subsequent chuckle confirms the terrifying truth: by her own logic, she must challenge him, the very source of her judgment, setting the stage for an unprecedented confrontation.
Chapter 294 Song of Steel
The great hall of the Bright Castle transforms into a hushed arena, the silence heavy with anticipation as Nephis faces Gunlaug. Effie is removed from the immediate vicinity, leaving Nephis and the formidable golden figure of Gunlaug alone in the center. Observing from the sidelines, Nephis’s lieutenants – Gemma, Tessai, Kido, Seishan, and Harus – along with Kai, Caster, and the outer settlement leaders, watch their master with complex emotions. Cassie stands by, her hand on the hilt of her sword, her expression grim. Sunny, noting the stark contrast in their physiques and the palpable power radiating from both, understands the direness of Nephis’s situation.
Sunny recognizes Nephis’s formidable capabilities, yet the sight of her confronting the towering Gunlaug fills him with unease. Gunlaug’s sheer physical superiority – his height, weight, reach, and combat experience – are daunting, but it’s his “damned golden armor” that truly concerns Sunny. He likens attempting to breach it with Nephis’s current sword to cracking a carapace centurion’s shell with mundane steel, an almost impossible feat. The golden armor, unlike a scavenger’s carapace, shows no discernible weak point.
The tension escalates as Nephis summons her silver longsword, pointing it to the ground, while Sunny anticipates Gunlaug’s choice of weapon. Instead of sparks of materialized power, Gunlaug’s liquid gold armor flows, shaping into a heavy battle axe, which he casually shoulders. This revelation causes a flicker of a frown to cross Nephis’s face, and Sunny inwardly laments, “This is even worse than I imagined…” The implication is clear: Gunlaug’s weapon, born from his Transcended Echo, will effortlessly cleave through Nephis’s armor, foreshadowing a brutal and potentially one-sided duel.
Chapter 295 The Duel
Nephis’s armor cracks under Gunlaug’s brutal assault, yet she presses forward, her silver longsword a blur against his shifting golden war axe. The great hall echoes with a furious clangor as the two titans exchange blows with terrifying speed and skill. What Sunny anticipated as an elegant dance of power reveals itself as raw, barbarous violence, each fighter striving to cripple and kill. Despite the desperate struggle, Gunlaug’s golden armor remains pristine, while Nephis sustains numerous bloody cuts, her armor torn and broken. Both fighters, described as wild beasts in their ferocity, momentarily disengage, leaving the onlookers breathless and contemplating their own inevitable demise against such power.
The respite is brief as they lunge again, this time with unbridled ferocity. Nephis adapts her grip on her longsword, holding it by the middle to better control its tip against Gunlaug’s ability to alter his weapon’s length. Gunlaug retracts his axe, two straight blades sprouting from his forearms, transforming into heavy punching daggers. The clash intensifies, the force of their blows causing the very walls of the throne room to tremble. Nephis, abandoning much of her defense, takes on more severe wounds, her armor barely holding together, in a desperate gambit to land a decisive strike.
Nephis’s strategy, to endure shallow wounds for a chance at obliteration, begins to yield results. Her shorter, more agile blade becomes unpredictable, evading Gunlaug’s relentless daggers. Though more bloody lacerations mar her form, her calculated risks allow her to achieve her objective, leaving the outcome of their brutal duel hanging precariously in the balance and drawing the focused attention of both Sunny and Caster for their own distinct reasons.
Chapter 296 Creature of Light
Wreathed in blinding radiance, Nephis transforms, her body glowing with an otherworldly luminescence that shocks Sunny. He recognizes the stark, terrifying beauty of her power, a phenomenon eerily similar to the radiant creature depicted on ancient mine walls, especially with the Dawn Shard gem burning like a third eye on her forehead. Sunny realizes Nephis is augmenting herself, boosting her physical prowess exponentially, much like he uses shadows. This revelation prompts questions about whether she always possessed this ability or if it’s a recent development from absorbing countless soul shards. Regardless, this newfound power allows her to match and even surpass Gunlaug, her enhanced speed and ferocity leaving dents on his pristine golden armor.
Nephis’s relentless assault, fueled by her radiant transformation, begins to wear down Gunlaug. Her wounds accumulate, yet she lands decisive blows on his mirrored mask, hairline cracks starting to appear. Sunny observes that Nephis is only capable of supporting two effects at once, choosing to augment her sword and body over her healing capabilities, an unwillingness to sacrifice power evident in her grim determination. Gunlaug, sensing the shift in momentum, unleashes a psychic assault amplified by Nephis’s reflection in his mask, a wave of pressure that incapacitates many onlookers and throws Nephis herself off balance.
Seizing the moment of her vulnerability, Gunlaug plunges a dagger through Nephis’s chest, remarking in a chillingly calm voice, “There, there. That’s enough. Go die now, stupid girl.” He then twists the blade, eliciting a cry of pain. The chapter ends with Nephis impaled, the tide of battle brutally turned, leaving both Sunny and Caster to contemplate the deadly consequences of this exchange and the escalating conflict.
Chapter 297 Red Flower
Just as Gunlaug believes victory is his, Nephis unleashes a desperate counter, enveloping him in a cloud of nightmarish pollen. Sunny recognizes it as the deadly pollen of the Blood Flower, a parasitic blossom he himself narrowly survived. Gunlaug, despite his initial arrogance, reels from the inhaled poison, his golden armor cracking as he coughs violently and cries out, “What? What have you done to me, bitch?!” Meanwhile, Nephis, though grievously wounded and her radiant aura extinguished, begins to heal through the flickering “Immortal Flame” burning beneath her skin, her shattered armor unable to hide her pale, agonized face.
Nephis, with a voice trembling from pain, declares, “I… I killed you,” as Gunlaug’s vision narrows in shock before widening. The Bright Lord stumbles, dropping his battle axe, and his body begins to convulse, blood spilling from his mask. The hundreds of onlookers watch in stunned disbelief, anger, and terror as Gunlaug, despite his initial bravado and a hollow laugh, sinks to his knees.
As Gunlaug experiences agonizing pain, Nephis watches with dark malice in her eyes, the crowd whispering in awe of her “Immortal Flame” and the blessing of fire. Sunny, sensing the imminent shift in the battle, subtly positions himself closer to Caster. Gunlaug raises his head, glancing at Nephis before hisses, his fate sealed by the insidious Blood Flower’s curse, leaving the outcome of this brutal confrontation hanging precariously in the balance.
Chapter 298 Fire and Blood
As Gunlaug collapses, his body consumed by Nephis’s fatal pollen, a desperate ploy unfolds. Sunny, unseen amidst the unfolding chaos, dispatches a kunai to dispatch a guard moving to attack the vulnerable slum dwellers, his attention split between Nephis’s vulnerability after absorbing Gunlaug’s essence and Caster’s stealthy movements. The Castle hall erupts into pandemonium as Tessai’s order is given, with Caster a blur of motion. Sunny, momentarily incapacitated by Caster’s counter, successfully trips the Proud Legacy with an invisible string. This ignites a brutal free-for-all, with Guards, driven by a primal bloodlust, slaughtering indiscriminately. “Not so fast!” Sunny cries as he’s thrown off balance, but his action prevents further harm to the slum dwellers.
The white marble floor quickly turns red as hundreds of Sleepers clash, their pent-up rage unleashed. The Guards, wielding superior weaponry and training, gain an initial advantage, but the ensuing melee becomes a chaotic free-for-all, blurring lines between ally and enemy. Sunny witnesses the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent assistants and those who had sought refuge, the promise of safety now shattered with Gunlaug’s demise. The Guards’ faces contort with ferocious grimaces, their eyes burning with “rage, hatred, and tenebrous joy,” a sight that chills Sunny to the bone. He grapples with the disturbing human capacity for brutality, a realization that flashes through his mind as he prepares for the next move.
As the slum dwellers rally, their fury matching the Guards’ onslaught, the great hall becomes a bloodbath. “Protect Lady Nephis!” and “Kill the bastards!” are cries lost in the din of battle. Sunny, pushing past his horror, summons the Midnight Shard and races towards Nephis, while the slum dwellers engage the Guards with desperate resolve. The air fills with screams and the metallic tang of blood, the floor slick with gore as bodies pile up, a grim testament to the brutal conflict that has consumed the Castle.
Chapter 299 Twisted Reflection
The carnage in the great hall continues, a brutal testament to Gunlaug’s demise. Amidst the desperate struggle for survival, Sunny, his own horrifying experiences fueling his resolve, retrieves the Midnight Shard. He finds himself alone with Harus in a quiet corridor, a stark contrast to the chaos above, and seizes the opportunity. Sunny reveals his long-held desire to kill Harus, expressing profound disgust for the hunchback’s very existence and his willing servitude.
Sunny, his voice thick with emotion, articulates the sacrifices he made to escape slavery, questioning Harus’s right to exist freely while embracing such a fate. Harus, initially impassive, finally speaks, dismissing Sunny as a “little worm” who talks too much. Sunny retorts with defiance, and Harus responds with a chilling smile, promising to “Break you. Apart.”
Harus then undergoes a terrifying transformation, his twisted frame straightening and radiating immense power, a luminous chain appearing around his arm. He declares this is the “will of the Lord,” prompting Sunny to mockingly announce the “Bright Lord’s” death. Harus, displaying a disturbing pity, merely smiles as the chapter ends, leaving Sunny to ponder this twisted reflection of his own past.
Chapter 300 Bright Lord’s Slave
Harus, transformed and radiating the “will of the Lord,” confronts Sunny. Despite the immense power Harus now wields and Sunny’s temporary blindness, his Shadow Sense allows him to anticipate the hunchback’s brutal assault. The ensuing fight is a desperate dance; Sunny dodges crushing blows, the iron chain on Harus’s arm a deadly blur. He makes a critical choice, relinquishing his Shadow Sense’s strength boost to regain his sight, a strategic move that allows him to momentarily wound Harus. “Slippery worm… how are you doing that?” Harus asks, amused. Sunny retorts, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” before revealing his Aspect grants him vision.
Harus, unfazed, unleashes a devastating trick: his chained arm ensnares the Midnight Shard, ripping it from Sunny’s grasp. Forced to abandon his weapon, Sunny faces Harus’s renewed, relentless assault, his own strength his only remaining defense. “I can still see you thanks to my Aspect,” Sunny states, a grim determination hardening his features. Harus simply grins, the promise of breaking Sunny “apart” hanging heavy in the air.
The struggle escalates as Harus, fueled by a disturbing devotion, presses his attack. Sunny, now disarmed and facing his foe’s terrifying power head-on, must rely on his own resilience and cunning to survive. The fate of this brutal duel, and perhaps more, hangs precariously in the balance as Harus prepares to deliver another crushing blow, leaving Sunny to ponder the grim reality of his situation.
