Chapter 376 Broken Oath
Sunny’s limited arsenal of twelve Memories, a consequence of feeding his shadows, stands in stark contrast to his potential wealth. He contemplates selling off useful but less essential items like Prowling Thorn and Dark Wing, to afford more significant acquisitions. The Silver Bell, his first Memory, holds sentimental value, preventing him from parting with it. His focus shifts to a new, potent acquisition: the Awakened-tier Charm, [Broken Oath]. This Memory promises a rare soul attack, a devastating ability even more formidable than that of Soul Reaper Jet.
The description of [Broken Oath], tied to the birth of the carapace legion, hints at a dark, consuming power. Sunny quickly discovers its double-edged nature as the Memory’s “Oathbreaker” enchantment erodes the souls of all who approach it. This poses a significant problem: will it affect him, the wielder? Upon summoning the crimson coral gem, he experiences a debilitating drain, a sickening sensation that weakens him and causes his shadows to react with distress.
Unlock Global Stories with Noyaku!
Tired of waiting? Instantly translate web novels, manhwa, and manhua from their original sources! Noyaku provides Smart AI and Basic translation engines, plus a custom Glossary for consistent terms.
Gritting his teeth against the debilitating effect, Sunny dismisses the [Broken Oath]. The realization of its personal danger, similar to the aura of the coral golem, leaves him frustrated. He muses, “Crap…” as the oppressive feeling finally lifts, leaving him to reconsider how to harness this powerful but perilous new asset.
Chapter 377 Mantle of the Underworld
Sunny experiments with the newly acquired onyx armor, the [Mantle of the Underworld]. By channeling shadow essence through his Soul Serpent, he establishes a stable circulation, transforming the stone into a metallic substance and awakening its inherent self-repairing capabilities. The armor’s complex, damaged spellweave, reminiscent of the Weaver’s Mask, begins to mend itself under the influx of energy, filling Sunny with a profound sense of satisfaction as the ancient armament returns to its intended, whole state.
Upon summoning the fully repaired [Mantle of the Underworld], Sunny discovers its Memory name. The “Underworld” descriptor, echoing past encounters with Saint’s abilities and the origin of the stone warriors, hints at a deeper connection to a dark, enigmatic domain and its inhabitants. This revelation adds another layer of mystery to the armor and its potential, leaving Sunny eager to explore its true capabilities.
The chapter concludes with Sunny’s contemplative “This feels right…” as the armor is restored. He dismisses the Memory, only to immediately summon it again, eager to scrutinize the revealed runes and understand the full implications of its name. The potential power tied to the “Underworld” looms, promising further exploration into the nature of this formidable new asset and its place within his growing collection of Memories.
Chapter 378 A New Beginning
The potent stimulant’s effects begin to wane, leaving Sunny exhausted but keenly observant of his newly repaired [Mantle of the Underworld]. He notes its shared enchantments with Saint’s armor, [Stalwart] and [Underworld Armament], yet recognizes crucial differences. While the Mantle offers superior physical and elemental defense, its resistance to mental and soul attacks is moderate, a trade-off Sunny deems beneficial given most threats. The true marvel lies in [Underworld Armament]’s ability to not just inherit, but *enhance* other Charm Memories, a subtle distinction promising significant strategic advantages.
Sunny delves deeper, finding [Living Stone] and [Feather of Truth] to be active enchantments requiring constant essence, with the former being essential for the armor’s basic function. He then ponders the most intriguing enchantment, [Prince of the Underworld], speculating on its connection to the Mantle’s original master, the First Lord of the Bright Castle. This leads him to question how an Ascended Sixth Tier Memory ended up in human hands, considering possibilities beyond simply destroying a Fallen Terror, and briefly contemplates the “Goddess of the Black Skies” and the Storm God’s domain.
Before dismissing the runes entirely, Sunny recalls Kai’s and Effie’s True Names, revealed as “Nightingale” and “Born from Being Eaten Alive,” respectively, noting the creative and morbid interpretations. He briefly considers activating the Weaver’s Mask’s mysterious, eye-related enchantment, but a sense of dread prevents him, fearing the potential for madness or worse. “Some other day… when I am much, much stronger,” he mutters, opting for a stimulant patch instead, postponing the exploration of this dangerous, yet potentially revolutionary, power.
Chapter 379 Chained lsles
Emerging from the darkness, Sunny finds himself on a floating island, a stark contrast to the void. This chained isle, adrift between two skies, is the latest challenge in his arduous two-month journey. He is locked in a desperate struggle, his strength failing against a colossal wolf-like Nightmare Creature attempting to devour him. “Saint! A little help here, dammit!” he cries out, but the taciturn demon remains distant. Sunny questions his decision to come here, regretting not seeking refuge in Bastion.
Just as the beast’s jaws are about to crush him, two black arrows pierce its eyes, forcing it to release him. The arrows reveal Saint’s intervention, saving Sunny from certain death. This violent encounter highlights the ever-present danger of his current location and the unreliability of his companions when he needs them most, pushing him to his limits.
The chapter immerses Sunny in a brutal fight for survival on a mysterious, airborne landmass. The gravity of his situation and the isolation he faces are palpable, as he endures the raw power of a monstrous foe. With his essence depleting, the arrival of Saint’s arrows offers a desperate reprieve, hinting at the volatile alliances and the perilous path ahead.
Chapter 380 Above and Below
Sunny acknowledges the harsh reality of his power progression; as an Awakened, he now garners fewer Shadow Fragments from defeating Nightmare Creatures. This makes his pursuit of strength significantly more challenging than anticipated. “It turned out to be much more difficult than he had anticipated,” he muses, reflecting on the disappointing lack of fragments from weaker Dormant creatures, a stark contrast to his previous life where “punching down” was a welcome change. Despite the slower fragment gain, Sunny recognizes his own enhanced capabilities, noting he can now contend with Fallen Beasts and Monsters, especially with Saint’s aid, preventing him from falling further behind Nephis.
His thoughts drift to “Changing Star,” a somber expression crossing his face, before he deliberately shifts focus. The only silver lining in this grind is that Dormant creatures, while not yielding fragments, provide Memories that can be fed to Saint, whose own fragment counter is steadily increasing. An unsettling, scraping sound of colossal iron chains interrupts his contemplation, signaling the ascending phase of the current island, and thus, the impending end of his stay. Sunny rises, preparing to collect soul shards from the slain Dread Wolf, acknowledging the brevity of his time.
Sunny finds himself in the Chained Isles, a treacherous region bordering the Hollow Mountains. This “hellish land,” as Master Jet described it, consists of islands suspended by immense iron chains, largely unexplored and sparsely populated by high-ranking Awakened. It is a veritable hunting ground teeming with Nightmare Creatures of all calibers. Sunny chose this dangerous locale for its anonymity, hoping to hone his skills away from the watchful eyes of the Sovereigns. However, he increasingly suspects it’s a place where one can perish unseen, with no hope of aid, a sentiment amplified by the island’s unnerving celestial mechanics.
Chapter 381 Roan of white Feather
Master Roan of the White Feather clan descends from his griffin, a formidable figure clad in monster scale armor, to meet Sunny. Roan, one of the three Masters on the Chained Isles, confirms Sunny’s identity as “Sunless from the Forgotten Shore,” recognizing the Fallen wolf carcass. Sunny, despite his desire for anonymity, finds himself acknowledged by a Legacy, a prospect that unnerves him. The Chained Isles, a perilous realm bordering the Hollow Mountains, is governed by two Citadels, with Roan and Sunny residing in the Sanctuary of Noctis, ruled by the White Feather clan, a vassal to Valor.
Roan’s amicable demeanor, however, doesn’t fully allay Sunny’s apprehension regarding his newfound notoriety. He notes that Roan is married to the sole Saint on the Isles, hinting at the Master’s significant influence and connections. Sunny’s brief encounter with Roan, though seemingly innocuous, forces him to confront the reality that his anonymity is already compromised, even in this remote hunting ground. The chapter subtly underscores the intricate power dynamics and the interconnectedness of even the most secluded corners of the Dream Realm.
Chapter 382 The Crushing
Sunny finds himself trapped on a rising island, the immense pressure of the forbidden sky growing with each passing moment. The landscape contorts around him, ancient trees bending and breaking under the strain. Despite the torturous ascent, he can still breathe, a testament to the chains anchoring the island, though he fears a higher reach could prove fatal. He gazes upward, a stark reminder of his predicament, at the Ivory Tower, a magnificent pagoda that alone withstands the crushing embrace of the heavens, a structure of mystery and awe.
The island finally reaches its apex, the chains drawing taut, and the crushing pressure becomes torturous, yet survivable. Sunny laments his situation, regretting not taking shelter on Roan’s griffin, especially as the Master himself inquires about his well-being with strained concern. “Hey, Sunless. Can you breathe alright?” Roan asks, his voice tinged with the effort of enduring the ascent. Sunny manages a strained affirmative grunt, silently acknowledging Roan’s observation that the current height, while difficult, is not the absolute worst the Chained Isles has to offer.
His apprehension about appearing too powerful to Roan prevents Sunny from fully utilizing his abilities, a strategic decision in this perilous realm teeming with formidable Nightmare Creatures. The islands themselves are a battleground, and the very sky above is a deadly adversary. As the island stabilizes, precariously suspended, the encounter with Roan and the sheer hostile environment of the Chained Isles underscore Sunny’s precarious position and the immense challenges that lie ahead.
Chapter 383 Cowardly Researcher
Sunny recovers from the harrowing ascent, his body battered but his spirit intact, while Master Roan appears largely unfazed. The island itself seems to exhale, its broken trees reaching towards the sun once more. After drinking from the Endless Spring, Sunny questions Roan about the griffin flight, expressing his astonishment that anyone would brave such heights. Roan explains that he avoids extreme altitudes unless necessary, having developed a tolerance for the pressure and a keen sense of his limits. He acknowledges Sunny’s impressive resilience, admitting he expected to retrieve a severely injured “Sunless.”
Master Roan playfully shares the common perception of “Forgotten Shore kids” as being tough, indifferent to pain and fear, and unsettlingly strong. Sunny, however, rejects this notion, proudly proclaiming his cowardice as a survival instinct, emphasizing that fear keeps one alive while bravery leads to demise. He details his extensive and gruesome experiences with pain, leaving Roan looking at him with a bewildered expression, questioning why such a self-proclaimed coward would venture to the dangerous Chained Isles instead of a safe haven like Bastion.
Caught off guard, Sunny fabricates a story about being a contracted researcher paid by the government to document the unexplored Chained Isles, a lucrative endeavor that justifies his presence amidst the perilous ruins and extreme environments. He presents this outlandish explanation with a grin, observing Roan’s incredulous reaction, subtly deflecting from his true capabilities and the deeper reasons behind his perilous journey into the heart of the Chained Isles.
Chapter 384 Traversing the lslands
Sunny, now adept at aerial maneuvers, utilizes his Dark Wing to traverse the colossal chains linking the islands. He gracefully leaps between the gargantuan links, the vast expanse of sky giving way to the eternal darkness of the Below as he moves away from the twilight of the island’s edge. Here, within the impenetrable veil of shadows coating the chains, he truly thrives. “Here in the Sky Below, he was in his natural element, after all,” he thinks, his incorporeal form a ghost slipping through the darkness, a stark contrast to the treacherous open sky. This shadow-filled passage allows him to outrun the perils of the Chained Isles, reaching the next island in mere minutes, a starkly different landscape of jagged rocks and ancient ruins.
He lands on this new isle, its surface a treacherous terrain he’s already familiar with, but offers no renewed interest. Sunny’s objective is clear: to continue his journey across these islands. He navigates the terrain by “jumping from one shadow to another,” a practiced evasion of the Nightmare Creatures that inhabit the island, demonstrating his growing proficiency in this perilous environment. His quick, decisive movements and reliance on shadow highlight his adaptation to the Chained Isles, a testament to his unspoken mission and the inherent dangers he faces.
Sunny’s fabricated story to Master Roan about being a contracted researcher, while amusingly received, masks the true nature of his presence. His current flight across the islands, delving into the shadowed depths of the chains and deftly avoiding lurking horrors, paints a picture of a survivor, a master of his grim domain. This clandestine movement, far from any documented research, hints at a deeper purpose, leaving the reader to question what truly drives Sunny into the heart of these dangerous lands.
Chapter 385 lron Hand lsland
Sunny continues his aerial journey, a shadow in the sky, seeking the next chain link to traverse. He arrives at a remarkably peaceful island, identified by the colossal, rusty metal hand at its center – Iron Hand Island. This haven, known for its scarcity of Nightmare Creatures, becomes an unexpected point of interest when Sunny discovers the freshly slain carcass of a monstrous, winged beast. Drawn by the promise of soul shards and a glinting object, Sunny delves into the shadows cast by the iconic metal hand.
Emerging atop the giant limb, Sunny surveys the scene, confirming nothing has been missed. He descends to examine the formidable, snake-bodied creature, its form battered and broken from a recent “Crushing.” While acknowledging that such beasts often fall prey to their own kind, Sunny’s attention is captivated by a small, golden coin found near the monster’s hand. The impracticality of a coin in the Dream Realm, where transactions occur through barter or future credit, immediately raises Sunny’s suspicions.
He scrutinizes the coin, noting the depiction of an ancient ship entwined with a tree on one side and an alluring, androgynous face with a crescent moon on its forehead on the other. “That thing is definitely cursed, right?” Sunny muses, the mysterious artifact a stark contrast to the brutal reality of his surroundings, hinting at a new, inexplicable enigma to unravel on his perilous path.
Chapter 386 Sanctuary of Noctis
Sunny’s journey culminates as he reaches the Sanctuary of Noctis, a haven unlike any other. The night sky, a breathtaking spectacle of stars and a solitary crescent moon, mirrors the ethereal Ivory Tower that floats above. This peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to the chaos of the Dream Realm, offers a moment of respite. As he approaches, the gentle murmur of water signals his arrival at the Citadel, a circular structure built on a stable island. Within its walls lies a tranquil park centered around a pool, and at its heart, an altar of white marble bearing an unmovable obsidian knife. This altar is revealed as the Gateway, the means to return to the real world, and the source of a perpetual, life-giving stream.
Upon landing, Sunny approaches a stone post and rings a bronze bell, a necessary ritual to announce his presence to the sanctuary’s guardians. The Citadel itself is a marvel of design, with massive menhirs forming its outer and inner walls, encircling a serene park. At the center of this park, a pool fed by waterfalls cascading from the altar creates a constant mist, often forming rainbows in the daylight. The altar, a focal point of this sacred space, is more than just a monument; it is the anchor for those who wish to return to their waking lives.
The presence of the unmovable obsidian knife on the altar sparks Sunny’s curiosity, hinting at a deeper significance to this place. The Gateway’s function—allowing passage back to reality and anchoring Awakened to appear near it upon sleep—underscores the Sanctuary’s purpose as a sanctuary indeed. The unceasing flow of water from the altar, its origin a mystery, further adds to the enigmatic nature of Noctis, promising a respite that might also hold its own subtle, unexplored depths.
Chapter 387 Withered Flowers
Emerging from the Sanctuary’s restorative embrace, Sunny finds himself back in the familiar, if slightly jarring, reality of his Academy dormitory. The transition from the Dream Realm feels almost too seamless, a stark contrast to the harrowing journeys he’s undertaken. His personal sleeping pod, a far cry from the advanced technology afforded to Sleepers, struggles to accommodate his extended stays in the other world, leaving him physically weary from his recent three-day immersion. As he showers, the water washing over the spectral serpent coiling around him, Sunny reflects on the routine nature of his return, noting the mental fatigue that still lingers, a subtle reminder of the Dream Realm’s persistent influence.
Back in the waking world, Sunny’s immediate actions involve compiling a report on his recent explorations and checking his communicator. A few messages from Effie, filled with tantalizing descriptions of her meals and dubious jokes, and a brief update from Kai about his own experiences in Bastion, fill the quiet. The lack of urgent messages, the general peace of his surroundings, and the quiet solitude of the cafeteria where he settles for breakfast all contribute to a sense of contentment. “Ah. Life is good…” he murmurs, a rare smile gracing his lips as he awaits an important call, the relative safety of his current existence a welcome, albeit perhaps temporary, reprieve.
Chapter 388 Vigil
Sunny visits Nephis, finding himself alone with her silent form in the sleeping pod. He mentally recounts his recent activities: three days in the Dream Realm, battling Nightmare Creatures, and a notable encounter with a Master from the White Feather clan. He confesses his lingering anger, guilt, and profound loneliness, admitting his dependence on Nephis during their time on the Forgotten Shore. The absence of their former camaraderie with Cassie weighs heavily on him, contrasting with a nostalgic remembrance of their simpler days in the Labyrinth.
He updates Nephis on the mundane realities of their shared world, mentioning his new house, Kai and Effie’s busy lives, and Cassie’s leadership of the independent awakened, now known as the “Fire Keepers.” Sunny also shares that he visited Nephis’s mother and the amusing detail of acquiring a Memory to change his hair color, a whimsical nod to a past conversation. Despite his attempts to connect, Nephis remains unresponsive, prompting Sunny to question her current state and express his desperate hope for her return.
With no response forthcoming, Sunny maintains a vigil by Nephis’s side, his quiet despair palpable. He finally stands, bidding a resigned farewell, his lingering questions and unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the air. The chapter leaves Sunny grappling with his grief and uncertainty, hinting at a significant undertaking he is preparing for.
Chapter 389 A Place to Call His Own
Sunny finds himself navigating the bustling public transit system of the city, a stark contrast to his recent solitary vigil. He notes the subtle shift in public perception, with passersby, particularly young women, casting curious glances his way, a change he attributes to his new, “understated” civilian attire. The journey through the city reveals a new district, a serene, garden-like expanse of low-rise homes, a deliberate escape from the dense, crowded urban landscape he usually inhabits. This tranquil environment, far from the elite districts and the constant presence of other Awakened, appeals to Sunny’s desire for a semblance of normalcy and privacy.
Arriving at his destination, Sunny surveys his new abode – a two-story dwelling with grey walls, a synthwood porch, and a lawn, a scene he likens to a fairy tale. This house represents a personal sanctuary, a tangible step towards establishing a life outside the constant shadows of battle and the lingering weight of his past. As he absorbs the reality of his new home, a polite but persistent voice breaks his contemplation, identifying him as “Awakened Sunless?”
The interruption forces Sunny to acknowledge the reality of his status and the world that continues to spin around him, even as he seeks a quiet corner within it. The chapter ends with this interjection, hinting at the ongoing obligations and interactions that await him, despite his yearning for a place to simply call his own.
Chapter 390 My Castle
Sunny’s new dwelling, though tasteful and minimalist, feels somewhat empty despite its extensive furnishings and high-end amenities. Lanard proudly details the house’s impressive security features, a blend of advanced technology and spelltech, emphasizing the lengths to which ordinary citizens go to fortify their homes against potential threats. From armored siding and titanium shutters to sophisticated air and water filtration, the house is designed as a personal fortress. Lanard’s particular enthusiasm for the designer lighting fixtures prompts Sunny to reflect that these modern conveniences are largely irrelevant to his innate abilities, particularly his ability to see in the dark.
The tour continues upstairs, revealing bedrooms, bathrooms, and a home office. Lanard’s repeated mention of the master bedroom’s soundproofing elicits a bemused reaction from Sunny, who recognizes the irony given his unique sleep cycle. The true purpose of such extreme security, however, becomes apparent in the basement. This subterranean space, reinforced with heavy armored ceramic alloy, is designed for rigorous Awakened training, equipped to withstand even Sunny’s powerful spars.
At the heart of the basement lies an incredibly expensive, state-of-the-art sleeping pod. Sunny approaches the luxurious cradle, a soft illumination highlighting its comfort, a smile finally gracing his lips. “No more sore muscles…” he murmurs, a stark contrast to his previous struggles. This sanctuary, fortified and equipped for his specific needs, represents a significant step toward finding peace and stability amidst the chaos of his life.
