Chapter 361 The Goal
Sunny sits in his desolate room, grappling with a profound sense of isolation and the searing pain of severing ties with Cassie. He acknowledges the torturous emptiness left by losing something he’d come to cherish, admitting that while hurting her felt justified, it only deepened his own agony. Despite the suffering, he harbors no regret for his actions, understanding that some pain is a necessary precursor to growth. The trio, Sunny, Cassie, and Nephis, achieved the impossible, but the cost was steep. He acknowledges the absurdity of his current misery, having escaped the Forgotten Shore and gained immense power, only to find himself utterly alone and filled with a messy, overwhelming mix of longing and dread for Nephis’s return.
His mind, however, refuses to succumb to self-pity. New threats loom, and Sunny recognizes his immediate vulnerability, realizing he is now at the mercy of another. He anticipates a future reunion with his master, Nephis, a prospect that evokes conflicting desires: a desperate longing for her return and a dark wish for her demise. He remains convinced of her eventual survival and return from the Dream Realm, but the method of her escape is a mystery. He speculates that Nephis will likely attempt to traverse the known, albeit dangerous, Hollow Mountains rather than venture into the completely unknown territories surrounding the Forgotten Shore.
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This very unknown presents both a personal challenge and a potential opportunity. Influenced by his [Fated] Attribute, Sunny has glimpsed the secrets of the gods and the Weaver, uncovering a terrifying tapestry connecting dead deities, the unknown, daemons, and the Nightmare Spell itself. Humanity is now inextricably woven into this ancient pattern. Sunny’s primary ambition is to control his own destiny, a goal that hinges on acquiring deeper knowledge of the gods’ fate and the Spell’s genesis. The path to his freedom, he suspects, lies hidden within these cosmic mysteries, a complex web that also includes the ominous presence of the Sovereigns.
Chapter 362 Breakfast lnvitation
The dawn arrives, finding Sunny weary but not rested, his underground room displaying a projected park scene through a false window. His mind races with lingering thoughts from the previous day’s grueling tests, interviews, and the painful conversation with Cassie. Despite his resilience as an Awakened, mental fatigue gnaws at him, yet sleep evades him. He intends to review his newly acquired Memories, but his contemplation is interrupted by an unexpected knock on his door. Pondering who it might be, dismissing the unlikely possibility of Effie and Kai’s immediate visit due to their own post-Awakening responsibilities and separation, Sunny conceals a shadow, a practiced reflex before opening the door.
Standing before him is Soul Reaper Jet, an Ascended government official and a familiar, striking figure from his past. Her raven hair frames icy blue eyes and flawless white skin, clad in a dark blue uniform, casually unbuttoned to reveal a tank top. Sunny, momentarily distracted by her appearance, quickly recovers, complimenting her “fashion sense.” Jet, seemingly unfazed, offers to introduce him to her tailors, a polite deflection that Sunny politely declines, his thoughts circling back to her presence. He cautiously inquires about the reason for her visit, acknowledging her busy schedule and their prior acquaintance.
Jet, with a weary yawn, confirms his suspicion. “Correct,” she admits, “But since there’s some procedure you still have to go through and we already know each other, I thought that I’d do the honors.” Her words hint at official business, a procedural necessity that brings her to his doorstep. This unexpected encounter promises to shed light on his current status and the procedures awaiting him, potentially offering a new dynamic as he navigates his solitary path forward, all while the secrets of gods and the Nightmare Spell continue to weigh heavily on his mind.
Chapter 363: Citizen Sunny
Master Jet escorts Sunny to the Instructors Lounge, a space revealing the stark contrast between his humble origins and the Academy’s opulence. Sunny is awestruck by the natural wood furnishings, a luxury he’s only encountered in the Dream Realm. Jet explains the astonishing truth: the entire lounge, including the chair Sunny occupies, is crafted from the remains of a colossal Nightmare Creature, a titan that once ensnared Bastion in a voracious forest. This revelation shocks Sunny, reminding him of the world’s hidden dangers and the immense power wielded by those who tamed them.
Their conversation shifts as food arrives, a magnificent spread far beyond Sunny’s usual meager meals. He devours the feast, comprised of items he’d only dreamed of, like real vegetables and roasted meat. The sheer abundance and quality of the food make him momentarily reconsider a previously offered position, highlighting the allure of such comfort and privilege. Jet observes his unbridled enthusiasm with a knowing smile, confirming that such rare luxuries are indeed hidden away for those connected to the Academy’s inner workings.
After his substantial meal, Sunny experiences a profound satisfaction, a stark contrast to his usual struggles. Jet’s casual remark, “This is where they hide the good stuff,” underscores the hidden layers of Bastion’s society and the privileges afforded to its elite. This seemingly simple meal, shared with an Ascended official, serves as Sunny’s introduction to a more comfortable existence, one that beckons him with promises of security and plenty, even as the shadows of his past and the Nightmare Spell continue to loom.
Chapter 364 SS Class Sunless
Master Jet reveals the significance of Sunny’s “SS” designation, explaining the rigorous tracking of Awakened individuals by governments and Legacy clans. Awakened are obligated to respond to Gate crises, a duty many shirk, a concept that clashes with Sunny’s burgeoning sense of responsibility. Master Jet clarifies that “SA” signifies a “strategic asset,” a rare designation given to those with the potential to significantly impact humanity’s survival or achieve Master or Saint status, like herself. This system ensures the nurturing and recruitment of promising talents.
The conversation deepens as Master Jet elaborates on the unprecedented nature of Sunny’s group. All hundred individuals who returned from the Forgotten Shore have been marked as strategic assets. Master Jet expresses excitement, stating, “Currently, everyone is running around and foaming at their mouths because of you guys.” This mass designation of high-potential Awakened threatens to disrupt the existing global order, hinting at a seismic shift in power dynamics.
Sunny, processing this information, probes further into his own specific classification: “What’s that about me being marked as SS? What does SS stand for?” Master Jet nods, her explanation poised to unveil the unique implications of his individual ranking within this newly established, world-altering cohort, leaving Sunny and the reader in suspense about this ultimate designation.
Chapter 365 Young Prospect
Master Jet reveals that Sunny must choose one of the three human territories within the Dream Realm to call home. Unlike other young Awakened who must fight for a place, Sunny’s “strategic asset” status means any of the three main Citadels, governed by the great clans, are open to him. While the government has a presence and acts as a “connective tissue” between factions, the clans hold more sway in the Dream Realm. Sunny’s choice will determine his allegiance and potential alliances, locking him into one clan’s sphere of influence and excluding him from others.
The conversation takes a stark turn as Master Jet subtly warns Sunny that even with his prestigious designation, “you’ll always be treated as someone… a tiny bit lesser” by Legacy clans, a sentiment Sunny understands with chilling clarity. She then lays out the recruitment methods: patronage contracts, adoptions, and even matrimony, the latter being the preferred way to enhance bloodlines for true “gems.” Sunny is momentarily shocked by the mention of marriage as a recruitment tool, a testament to the lengths clans go to secure top talent.
Despite the allure of major clans and the government’s unique advantages, Master Jet also presents the option of remaining independent. This path offers freedom but lacks the dedicated support, resources, and training of a formal organization, forcing him to forge his own way hunting Nightmare Creatures or offering services. The sheer volume of choices, each with its own incentives and drawbacks, leaves Sunny contemplating his next move.
Chapter 366 Lessons of History
The chill of the winter air barely registers as Sunny leaves the Instructors Lounge, a stark contrast to his past vulnerability. His conversation with Master Jet, while informative, has left him wrestling with a complex web of choices: aligning with a powerful Legacy clan, serving the government, or forging his own independent path. The allure of prestige and power from the great clans is undeniable, yet Sunny recognizes the subtle condescension he would face. The government offers structure but burdensome obligations, while independence promises freedom but lacks crucial resources. He realizes his immediate need for more information to navigate these pivotal decisions, pondering how to gather it discreetly.
His search for knowledge leads him to the Academy’s library, an unexpected sanctuary of physical books. Sunny, unaccustomed to such tangible repositories of information, marvels at the sheer volume of paper volumes. The sight sparks a realization about humanity’s past reliance on digital mediums and the subsequent loss of knowledge during darker times, highlighting paper’s enduring value for preserving information. Amidst the quiet study, he spots a librarian, a young person named Ren, engrossed in a vintage book, representing another facet of this unfamiliar world.
Sunny’s contemplation of his options continues as he heads to the library, a place he believes can provide the answers he seeks. The vastness of the paper-filled shelves presents a foreign concept, a stark departure from the digital interfaces he’s familiar with. He observes a librarian, Ren, engrossed in a book, hinting at the diverse paths within the Academy. He finds himself thinking about the possibility of becoming a “Lord Sunless,” a title with a certain gravitas, but acknowledges the significant drawbacks of each potential allegiance, underscoring his current quandary.
Chapter 367 Fog of Time
Sunny immerses himself in a book detailing the history of the prestigious Immortal Flame clan, a lineage deeply intertwined with humanity’s struggle against the Nightmare Spell. He learns of Immortal Flame, the first Master, and his son-in-law Broken Sword, the first Saint, who led the initial cohorts against the Second and Third Nightmares. While these figures are celebrated, their companions, who later established other great clans, remain less known to the public. The clan’s revered status stems not only from these early triumphs but also from their ultimate sacrifice, a defining characteristic of heroes, which marked the clan’s tragic end. This history, particularly the sacrifices made during the chaotic aftermath of the First Nightmares, underscores the immense difficulty faced by humanity’s earliest Awakened who navigated the unknown dangers of the Spell.
As Sunny reads, he grapples with the sheer volume of information presented in the paper book, a stark contrast to his digital upbringing. He learns that Immortal Flame himself fought against Nightmare Creatures during the initial chaos when millions were thrust into the First Nightmares, leading to widespread destruction and the collapse of nations. It was figures like Immortal Flame who eventually united, carved paths through the Dream Realm, and established the current world order. Sunny acknowledges the immense resilience of these early survivors who possessed no knowledge of Aspects, ranks, or Gateways, yet managed to fight back and save humanity.
Despite finding the early history compelling, Sunny acknowledges that it holds little immediate utility for his current predicament. He notes the clan’s legendary figures, like Neph’s grandfather Immortal Flame, achieved their feats through immense hardship and sacrifice, with Immortal Flame ultimately dying defending evacuating cities from a Category Five Gate, an event that crippled humanity. He then shifts his focus to Broken Sword, the information on whom he believes might prove more relevant to his pressing decisions about his own future.
Chapter 368 Aster, Song, Vale
Sunny, weary from his deep dive into the Immortal clan’s history, recalls the names of Broken Sword’s companions: Asterion, Ki Song, and Anvil of the Valor clan. He connects these names to the cryptic “Aster, Song, and Vale” that Nephis once warned him never to utter. These words, which elicited a powerful reaction from her and a perplexing question – “Which Domain do you belong to?!” – seem to be intrinsically linked to the Soul Devourer’s mind hex and potentially the shadowy forces pursuing Nephis. Sunny suspects these “Domains” and the Sovereigns who apparently orchestrated the Immortal Flame clan’s destruction are one and the same, tying into the lore of Lineage Memories and forbidden Attributes like his own [Blood Weave].
Further reflection, spurred by meeting Seishan of the Song clan, leads Sunny to initially believe “Aster, Song, and Vale” represent rival Legacy Clans responsible for the attempts on Nephis’s life and her family’s downfall. Her distrust of Seishan fuels this theory. However, Sunny’s perspective shifts as he considers the possibility that these are not clan names, but the personal aliases of Asterion, Ki Song, and Anvil. If these individuals, trusted companions of Broken Sword, later betrayed him and targeted Nephis, it would readily explain her deep-seated hatred and perhaps even Broken Sword’s demise.
This realization culminates in a profound and sudden certainty: Asterion, Ki Song, and Anvil are not just former allies, but the very Sovereigns themselves. The connection, blindingly obvious in retrospect, is confirmed by Nephis’s own words, leaving Sunny to grapple with the enormity of this revelation and how these trusted figures could have become the architects of such devastation.
Chapter 369 Hidden Forces
The chilling realization that the Sovereigns are Asterion, Ki Song, and Anvil solidifies Sunny’s understanding of the world’s hidden powers. These figures, once trusted allies of Broken Sword, now represent an invisible, formidable authority influencing the entire human race, potentially more so than the official government. Sunny understands that his immense potential and rapid growth make him a threat to their dominion, as “among the strong, only one entity can be the strongest.” This revelation casts a grim light on the Awakened society, suggesting that talented individuals like Master Jet are deliberately suppressed from advancing to Saint if they don’t align with these hidden masters, as “the clans were controlled by the Sovereigns.”
Sunny grapples with the implications of this truth, realizing that Master Jet’s offer to join the great clans wasn’t a simple choice between factions but a decision about servitude to the Sovereigns themselves. This complex dilemma is further complicated by his connection to Changing Star. He acknowledges his current conjectures, but the fundamental certainty remains: the architects of destruction are the very ones he once believed to be heroes. The stakes are undeniably higher, and his path forward even more perilous.
Hours of further study reveal the intricate geography and current state of the Dream Realm. A nascent plan begins to form in Sunny’s mind, but he recognizes the limitations of his current resources. He needs more information, knowledge that cannot be found within the familiar shelves, forcing him to consider his next move in this newly understood, dangerous landscape where every step must be measured against the watchful eyes of the Sovereigns.
Chapter 370 Exploration Report
Sunny meticulously compiles a comprehensive report on the Forgotten Shore, detailing its geography, notable landmarks, and the perilous nature of the dark sea and Labyrinth. He describes the Nightmare Creatures encountered, documenting their powers, behaviors, and weaknesses, drawing from personal experience and direct information from the Spell, including descriptions of Memories and Echoes in both human and runic languages. His report also delves into the history of the region, analyzing engravings, mosaics, and murals, and proposing theories about the ancient civilization’s downfall and daily life. However, Sunny intentionally omits crucial discoveries: the Vile Thieving Bird’s nest, the Weaver, the underground chamber beneath the ruined cathedral, the Stone Saint, his battle with the coral golems, the banishment of the cursed sea, and the fates of the Crimson Terror and the artificial sun and Spire.
He presents this filtered account as an “Exploration Report on the Forgotten Shore, by: Awakened Sunless,” structuring it as a practical guide for someone entering the region unprepared, akin to how he himself began. Sunny views this report as a crucial tool, believing such a manual would have greatly aided his own initial foray into the Forgotten Shore. He sends the report via his communicator, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with weariness after two days of intense work and study since his return to the real world.
Before leaving the library, Sunny takes a moment to return several books to their shelves, finding quiet satisfaction in restoring order to the space. The chapter closes with his reflection on the Forgotten Shore as a “fascinating place” he enjoyed, leaving the reader to ponder the secrets he keeps and the true extent of his discoveries.
Chapter 371 Academic Achievement
Sunny’s return to the academy brings him face-to-face with Teacher Julius, whose familiar presence now carries a new weight for Sunny, colored by his recent brush with true history and the legendary first generation of Awakened. The old instructor greets him with boisterous affection, scolding him good-naturedly for his year-long absence before listening with rapt attention to Sunny’s understated summary of his harrowing adventures: surviving an unexplored region, battling a Fallen Terror, and navigating a series of trials that tested his mettle, all as Julius had taught him.
The conversation takes an academic turn when Sunny mentions his work. “I did,” Sunny confirms, activating his communicator. “In fact, I have compiled a lengthy report about things I have seen, fought, and discovered there. Would you like to take a look? I can send it to you.” Teacher Julius, feigning demurral, eagerly accepts, his initial murmurs of embarrassment quickly devolving into exclamations of awe as he dives into Sunny’s meticulous documentation of ruins and discoveries, even noting Sunny’s inclusion of runic citations with proud approval.
As Teacher Julius pores over the report, his excitement escalates, punctuated by mumblings about “Greystone architecture… possible connections to the Third Wandering Archon?” and “Rats! That’ll show that smug bastard Sando how wrong his Universal Origin of Rituals ramblings were!” The sheer depth of Sunny’s findings, particularly regarding the unexplored region, clearly reignites the old teacher’s scholarly passion, hinting at the profound impact Sunny’s veiled report will have within the hallowed halls of academia.
Chapter 372 Names of the Gods
Teacher Julius, energized by Sunny’s groundbreaking research, excitedly discusses the academic publication process. However, Sunny must first establish himself in the Dream Realm and find a Citadel to anchor his existence. Julius offers practical, if cryptic, advice for choosing a Citadel, humorously emphasizing the importance of “good plumbing.” This practical tangent shifts as Sunny pivots to his burning curiosity about the Dream Realm’s indigenous deities, specifically questioning the discrepancy between the gods he encountered in the Dark City and those from his First Nightmare.
Julius explains that while the names of these worshipped entities vary across regions, they likely refer to the same powerful beings, possibly Divine-ranked creatures. He reveals that these ancient gods are now dead, their existence spanning numerous Nightmares, though the cause of their demise and their relationship to the Nightmare Spell remains a mystery. Sunny accurately guesses their number, prompting Julius to list their common names: Sun, War, Beast, Storm, Heart, and Shadow, though he cautions that these monikers fail to capture the true complexity of these beings.
The discussion deepens as Sunny questions the apparent limitations of these divine labels. Julius elaborates, using the War God as an example, noting the deity’s dual nature as the god of warfare *and* life, hinting at a profound, multifaceted existence beyond simple categorization. This revelation sparks Sunny’s intrigue, promising further exploration into the enigmatic pantheon and their surprising attributes.
Chapter 373 Reunited
Sunny, disoriented by the familiar yet subtly wrong sun of the waking world, rushes back to the hospital compound, arriving late for a memorial. He notices the list of survivors, his own name conspicuously present beneath those of Effie, Kai, and Cassie—”Raised by Wolves,” “Nightingale,” and “Song of the Fallen.” Within the conference hall, the former Sleepers of the Forgotten Shore have gathered, a hundred souls brought together by shared trauma and the memory of their fallen leader, Nephis. Despite the potential for division, an unspoken unity pervades the group, a bond Sunny struggles to comprehend.
His attention is drawn to Kai, whose appearance has been dramatically enhanced by the Awakening, leaving Sunny momentarily stunned by his friend’s newfound, striking beauty. As Sunny approaches Kai, he notices a gaunt young woman in a wheelchair beside him, her expression weary. Kai’s warm greeting, “Sunny! You are finally here!” is delivered with a brilliant smile, but Sunny’s focus is already captivated by the mysterious new companion.
The chapter ends with Sunny’s realization that this memorial is not just a gathering for the living but a somber remembrance for the fallen. The reunion with Kai, while a joyous occasion, is tinged with the bittersweet reality of their shared past and the unknown future, especially with the introduction of the frail young woman. This unexpected encounter hints at further developments and the enduring mysteries surrounding their journey.
Chapter 374 Dinner with Friends
The somber memorial ceremony continues, with instructors offering hollow condolences and words of praise for the returned survivors of the Dreamer Army, acknowledging their sacrifices for humanity’s continued existence. Though many attendees are visibly moved, Sunny finds the sentiments empty, a stark contrast to the raw grief he feels. The focus shifts when the crowd demands an update on Nephis, interrupting Instructor Rock’s speech. He reveals that Nephis, known as Changing Star, sacrificed herself to distract a Fallen Terror, and while her vital signs are stable, she is presumed trapped within the Dream Realm. Despite this devastating news, an overwhelming wave of hope and unwavering faith washes over the survivors, with many proclaiming, “She will return! If anything can do it, it’s Lady Nephis!” Sunny, observing the fervent belief in his friends Effie and Kai, senses their quiet hope, though Kai expresses concern for a visibly devastated Cassie.
Sunny turns to Effie and Kai, seeking their thoughts on Nephis’s fate, and Effie pragmatically agrees, stating, “I sort of agree. If anyone can make it out alive from there, it’s Princess. It sounds impossible, but… I mean, it’s her.” Kai, after a moment of reflection, echoes this sentiment, “That’s what I believe, too. Or… or at least try to believe.” His gaze then drifts, heavy with worry, towards Cassie, prompting Sunny’s grim confirmation of her distress. The fate of Nephis, a beacon of unwavering strength, hangs precariously in the balance, igniting a fervent hope that she, Changing Star of the Immortal Flame, will defy the odds and return from the Dream Realm.
Chapter 375 Separate Paths
Sunny, Effie, and Kai engage in a tense conversation, their friendship poised on the brink of a forced separation as the need to choose their next steps becomes unavoidable. Kai reveals his second Ability: enhanced far-sight, even in darkness, with the power to perceive through illusions and objects. Sunny and Effie react with a mixture of surprise and amusement to Kai’s ability to see through walls and even clothes, a power he vows never to misuse. Effie then proudly unveils her own formidable second Ability, rendering her entire body comparably invulnerable, a “skin of steel.”
Sunny, in turn, describes his new Ability as a precise, short-distance teleportation, a stark contrast to Effie’s brute force approach to obstacles. Their newfound powers underscore their individual growth, yet the imminent choices ahead cast a somber shadow. The discussion of their future assignments to different Citadels brings a quiet melancholy, as the bonds forged on the Forgotten Shore now face the challenge of distance and diverging paths.
Effie voices her reluctance to join established clans like Valor or Song, citing their abandonment during her times of need and their sudden interest now that she’s a valuable asset. The unspoken truth hangs heavy: their paths are set to diverge, with the potential for their strong connection to either fracture or endure the tests of separation and uncertain futures.
