Chapter 541 Battle Of Two Demons
The roar of the crowd echoes as Sunny, now known as “Mongrel,” secures a brutal victory. Commentators Syclus and Dimi dissect the fight, with Dimi, a seasoned Dreamscape veteran, expressing admiration for Mongrel’s wisdom in recognizing his opponent’s foolishness and quickly dispatching him. Dimi recalls the opponent’s ridiculous alias, “What? No, Wait!”, a name Sunny himself almost acquired, sparking a lively discussion among viewers about Mongrel’s masked persona and perceived nobility. Sunny, preparing for his next duel, briefly reflects on the bizarre world of the Awakened, his thoughts drifting to the close call with his opponent’s self-destructive finale and the constant need to evolve.
His subsequent duels prove no less challenging, forcing Sunny to adapt to wildly different combat styles. He faces Lowph, a young prodigy whose devastating speed, honed through pure skill and precise essence control, nearly overwhelms him. Lowph masterfully conceals his movements, leaving Sunny struggling to anticipate his attacks, a stark contrast to his previous opponent’s predictable rage. In a moment of intense fascination with Lowph’s unique essence manipulation, Sunny becomes engrossed, allowing himself to be wounded.
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Lowph’s spear pierces Sunny’s armpit, drawing blood and eliciting a triumphant, albeit grim, acknowledgment of Sunny’s humanity. This unexpected injury serves as a stark reminder that even in his current form, Sunny is not invincible. The encounter with Lowph, a testament to the power of skill and meticulous training, pushes Sunny’s understanding of combat further, hinting at the diverse and formidable challenges that still lie ahead.
Chapter 542 Polite, Reasonable OnlineDiscussion
Sunny secures two valuable Ascended Memories, an arrow and a shield, deeming them too potent to be wasted on Saint, but a third reward of a hundred soul shards proves disappointing as he cannot claim it. This minor setback is eclipsed by the true prize: Memories from Clan Valor’s prestigious armory, reserved for the tournament’s top contenders. Sunny has already guaranteed his place in the final duel, having significantly advanced his mastery of Shadow Dance, bringing him tantalizingly close to its second step. The chapter ends with Sunny contemplating the convoluted nature of his participation as “Mongrel” and anticipating his next challenge.
After the brutal encounter with Dynisor, Sunny departs the Dreamscape, mentally and physically exhausted but with hours to rest before the final. While enjoying dinner, he researches his upcoming opponent, known only as “Queen Bee.” This enigmatic duelist is an undefeated champion, operating with a secrecy that mirrors Sunny’s own. Theories about Queen Bee’s identity abound, ranging from a powerful hidden figure to a sophisticated construct designed to challenge top players. Sunny, intrigued by her unknown motivations, acknowledges their shared pursuit of dueling within the illusory game, despite having potentially better options.
The prospect of facing Queen Bee, an undefeated champion, presents a significant, albeit unspoken, challenge for Sunny. His own enigmatic persona, “Mongrel,” is a stark contrast to the traditional flashy duelists, and Queen Bee’s preference for anonymity suggests a similar disinterest in outward validation. The chapter hints that Queen Bee’s reputation is built on pure skill, a testament to rigorous training that Sunny himself embodies. Their final duel promises to be a clash of unrevealed strengths and carefully guarded strategies, a true test of mastery within the Dreamscape’s intricate arena.
Chapter 543 Finale
The final duel commences amidst a spectacle of thunderous cheers and a rain of rose petals, transforming the arena into a grand stage. Sunny, despite his cynical nature, feels a surge of adrenaline as he surveys the packed grandstands and the prominent tribune adorned with the Great Clan Valor’s banners. He briefly notes the flamboyant Saint of Dreamscape and the stern representative of Valor, a young woman in black armor and a red cape, whose presence makes him uncomfortable but also sparks a flicker of ambition for a good Memory.
Sunny’s attention then shifts to his opponent, Queen Bee, an undefeated champion whose calm demeanor and skillful aura are immediately apparent. He recognizes her as a combat master, an enigma whose ethereal eyes, shifting through various colors, are devoid of the killer’s instinct he knows so well. This observation leaves Sunny pondering the nature of Queen Bee’s pursuit of dueling within the Dreamscape, questioning if it is merely a hobby for someone possessing such profound, yet seemingly non-violent, mastery.
The stage is set for a profound clash of wills and skills, a duel that transcends the typical bloody contests. Queen Bee’s serene yet potent presence, contrasted with Sunny’s own shadowy reputation, promises a battle of carefully guarded strategies and unrevealed strengths. Sunny’s contemplation of Queen Bee’s unique brand of “clarity,” similar to Nephis but with a disarming placidity, hints at a depth to his opponent that goes beyond mere combat prowess, leaving the outcome of their ultimate confrontation hanging precariously in the balance.
Chapter 544 Glory To The Victor
The duel between Sunny and Queen Bee takes a disquieting turn, as Sunny realizes something is fundamentally “wrong” with his opponent. Despite appearing to hold his own, Sunny finds himself in a desperate struggle for survival, outmaneuvered by Queen Bee’s uncanny ability to anticipate his every move. He notices a subtle disconnect between her shadow and her physical movements, leading to constant miscalculations in his predictions and attacks. “How is she doing this?!” he questions, the pressure mounting with each near-fatal thrust. Queen Bee’s movements are precise, but it’s her shadow’s almost independent fluidity that truly baffles him.
As Sunny adapts his fighting style, attempting to counter Queen Bee’s skill, she mirrors his changes with astonishing speed, shifting techniques as fluidly as breathing. This constant adaptation, while thrilling the crowd, leaves Sunny at a growing disadvantage. He finds himself constantly reevaluating her strategy, particularly the peculiar behavior of her shadow and the consistent misplacement of his attacks. Amidst the chaos, nearly slipping on the rose petals littering the arena, Sunny has a sudden realization.
His focus sharpens on Queen Bee’s feet, observing how she navigates the treacherous petals with unnatural ease. A dawning suspicion crosses his mind: “Am I seeing things?” He recognizes a “miracle” in her flawless footwork, a complete absence of the same instability that almost felled him. This revelation hints at a deeper, perhaps supernatural, mastery that transcends conventional combat, leaving Sunny to ponder the true nature of Queen Bee’s enigmatic abilities and what this means for their ongoing confrontation.
Chapter 545 Mongrel Victorious
Sunny, utterly spent from his grueling duel with Queen Bee, leans on his Soul Serpent, the remnants of his opponent’s singular strike a stark crimson on his armor. The roar of the crowd washes over him, a cacophony of “Mongrel!” met with his own frustrated replaying of the final moments. Though he glimpsed a breakthrough in his Shadow Dance mastery, an unseen barrier prevented its completion, leaving him with a gnawing sense of incompletion. He knows he has the foundation, the absorbed styles, but lacks the unifying element, a problem that festers as he waits for the promised reward.
His internal turmoil is interrupted by the booming voice of the Saint of the Dreamscape, showering him with praise for his “marvelous” victory and “bravery.” Sunny, impatient for his prize and eager to escape the saint’s verbose accolades, endures the lengthy speech, finding a brief respite to recover. The saint finally signals Valor’s representative, a young woman in black armor, to present the reward.
As she approaches the parapet, Sunny feels a prickle of unease. The woman, Ascended Morgan of clan Valor, possesses a disarming beauty, yet her vibrant red eyes, lips, and cape, set against alabaster skin and raven hair, radiate a chilling intensity. Her gaze, as cold as a blade, locks with Sunny’s, and even from a distance, her presence emanates the pressure of a true Master. “I am Ascended Morgan of clan Valor. Congratulations, warrior… ah, what a splendid duel it was!” she rasps, her voice strangely familiar as Sunny offers a feigned bow of respect.
Chapter 546 Morgan Of Valor
The arena erupts in stunned silence as Sunny, the victor over Queen Bee, audaciously challenges Ascended Morgan of Clan Valor. Morgan, a vision of chilling beauty with her vibrant red accents and piercing gaze, finds his request amusing. Her bright laughter echoes through the courtyard, a stark contrast to the crowd’s disbelief. “Oh, really? You want to fight me?” she rasps, her eyes alight with mirth. Sunny, despite his better judgment and the immense power radiating from the Master, nods. He sees a potential to finally unlock the second step of his Shadow Dance, and perhaps, a chance to secure his reward through an unlikely victory. He gambles that Morgan’s pride will prevent her from unleashing her full strength, a calculated risk born from desperation.
With a casual grace that silences the gasps of the spectators, Morgan leaps from the parapet, landing on the arena floor without a ripple. A whirlwind of rose petals marks her arrival, and she approaches Sunny with that same unsettling smile. His hope of refusal dissolves as she requests the Saint’s permission to formalize the challenge. The bewildered Saint, after a moment’s hesitation, grants her request, announcing, “Challenger Morgan has entered the arena.” Morgan’s satisfied smile deepens as she turns back to Sunny.
Morgan’s acceptance of Sunny’s insane gamble sends a fresh wave of shock through the arena. The saint, compelled by the established rules and Morgan’s own implicit approval, officially declares the new confrontation, albeit with a palpable sense of disbelief. Morgan, her scarlet lips curved in a subtle smile, states, “…That’s better,” a statement that hangs in the air, promising a spectacle far beyond the expected reward ceremony. The air crackles with anticipation as the stage is set for an unprecedented duel between a rising “Mongrel” and a seasoned Master.
Chapter 547 Forged By Battle
Sunny’s initial hope of a strategic advantage dissolves as Morgan of Valor unleashes her full, terrifying prowess. Her swordsmanship is not merely skillful; it’s an extension of her being, pure killing intent honed to a terrifying degree, surpassing even the formidable Nephis in its chilling efficiency. Overwhelmed and rendered utterly powerless, Sunny’s goal shifts from victory to survival. He gambles on a desperate gambit, sacrificing a piece of his soul with a charm to the Mantle of the Underworld, hoping for a sliver of respite. Morgan, her amusement evident, grants him a fleeting moment, noting his “nice trick.”
Emerging from the brief reprieve, Sunny finds himself fundamentally altered. He has commanded two shadows to augment his body, tripling his strength, speed, and resilience. This crucial enhancement allows him to perceive Morgan’s blindingly fast attacks and even deflect some, a feat previously unimaginable. Morgan, sensing the shift, praises his response with genuine enthusiasm, exclaiming, “Yes! Finally! You are supposed to be a genius, aren’t you? Show me! Come on, fight!”
Despite this surge in his own power, Sunny remains hopelessly outmatched. Morgan, a being at the absolute apex of might from one of the Great Clans, is a monster of unimaginable caliber, even when holding back. Yet, with each brutal strike he endures and each near-miss he miraculously evades, Sunny’s foundation of learned styles is forged anew under the immense pressure. He is on the verge of a revelation, his body pushed to the brink, as he realizes that even in defeat, this harrowing experience is invaluable.
Chapter 548 The Road So Far
Sunny retreats from the Dreamscape, the adrenaline of his brutal encounter with Morgan of Valor still coursing through him. He seeks solace in the darkness of his own mind, the silence of his underground dojo a stark contrast to the roaring crowds and dazzling displays of the concluded Dream Tournament. While the world celebrates heroes and legends, Sunny’s focus narrows. He’s more concerned with the rewards from his ordeal, particularly the fragmented insights from Morgan’s battle will, and the burgeoning mastery of “Shadow Dance.” This newfound comprehension, a direct result of facing Morgan’s overwhelming power and the subsequent revelation, allows him to dissect and internalize fighting styles on a fundamental level, elevating his understanding of essence control.
The revelation Sunny gained during his fight with Morgan, a being of unparalleled might, allows him to begin unifying the disparate combat techniques he has accumulated. He’s not merely learning new skills; he’s understanding the underlying principles, enabling him to mirror even the most complex arts. This profound enlightenment transforms a fleeting feeling into an integral part of his being. He reflects on the entire Dream Tournament experience, realizing the invaluable perspective it offered. By facing the elite of the Dreamscape, Sunny sees how far he has surpassed them, a realization born from his ceaseless pursuit of Nephis, leaving him miles ahead of his peers, a fact he’d previously overlooked.
His journey through the Dreamscape, despite his ultimate defeat against Morgan, has been more fruitful than anticipated. Beyond the powerful Memories and the breakthrough in Shadow Dance, Sunny gains a critical understanding of his own growth. He finally recognizes the immense chasm between his capabilities and those of other Awakened. He had been so focused on catching up to Nephis that he’d left everyone else in the dust, a fact now undeniable. Facing champions he could barely use a quarter of his power against, Sunny realizes his constant struggle has forged him into something far greater than he understood.
Chapter 549 Soul Beast
Sunny checks his runes, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. His arduous journey has culminated in unlocking a significant milestone: reaching the second level of mastery over Shadow Dance. This achievement instantly evolves his “Soul Serpent” Shadow, transforming it from a mere weapon into a formidable “Soul Beast.” The serpent, previously confined to his skin as an intricate tattoo, now manifests as a colossal, six-meter-long creature of living darkness, its serpentine eyes radiating an unnerving, alien intelligence. Sunny tests his new companion, the creature’s raw power palpable as it coils and hisses, a stark testament to the combat mastery he has painstakingly cultivated.
This evolution is tied to his accumulated kills, a chilling counter of 2332 vanquished foes, with the majority occurring within the Dreamscape, complemented by a crucial death at a Master’s hand. The “Soul Serpent” now boasts enhanced essence flow and regeneration, a vital improvement for Sunny’s escalating power. He marvels at the “Soul Beast” attribute, a new addition that allows the Shadow to assume a physical, bestial form. The implications are staggering, suggesting a profound shift in his combat capabilities and the potential to command his Shadows in entirely new ways.
Sunny’s focus remains sharp, the fragmented insights from Morgan of Valor and the ongoing mastery of “Shadow Dance” allowing him to dissect and integrate combat styles on a fundamental level. This latest breakthrough, the manifestation of the “Soul Serpent,” underscores his rapid ascent, leaving him miles ahead of his peers. He sees how far he has surpassed the champions of the Dreamscape, a realization born from his relentless pursuit of Nephis, confirming his own incredible, yet previously underestimated, growth.
Chapter 550 Tournament Rewards
The revelation of the “Drop of Ichor” Memory, a pure lineage from the Shadow God, sends a jolt through Sunny. This is no mere fragment, but a complete heritage, akin to Nephis’s inheritance from the Sun God, starkly contrasting with the forbidden bloodline from Weaver. While he possesses the potential to absorb this powerful lineage, Sunny acknowledges he is not yet mentally prepared for the experience, needing time to brace himself for what promises to be a profound transformation.
Seeking a distraction from this weighty prospect, Sunny turns his attention to the remaining Memories acquired during the Tournament, specifically those gained from Morgan of Valor. He first examines the “Strike of Thunder” arrow, an Ascended Tier II weapon imbued with the “Caged Lightning” enchantment, allowing it to strike with lightning speed and chain its damage to nearby foes—a powerful asset for crowd control. Next, he studies the “Patient Avenger” shield, an Ascended Tier III weapon featuring “Tenacious” for durability, “Burning Heart” to store and redirect fire damage, and “Cold Steel” to convert impact into fire or kinetic energy. This shield, he realizes, grows more potent with each blow it endures, promising a devastating retaliation.
These new Memories, particularly the “Morgan’s Warbow” he has yet to fully explore, represent tangible advancements, yet the Shadow God’s lineage looms large, hinting at an even more significant, and potentially perilous, evolution for Sunny’s power. The chapter leaves him poised on the precipice of another monumental change, the true scope of which remains tantalizingly unknown.
Chapter 551 Slave’s Inheritance
The darkness of the underground dojo writhes as Sunny wills the Drop of Ichor into existence, the shadows around him alive with a strange, anticipatory energy. Golden sparks coalesce, feeding a growing radiance until a luminous drop of golden liquid floats before him, illuminating the entire chamber. This divine blood, however, casts even deeper shadows, freezing the dancing darkness in awe and reverence. Sunny confirms its nature with the runes, which reveal a shocking origin: “Before, there was only boundless, eternal void. From that dark abyss, the -unknown- were born.” The text continues, “The gods appeared, and brought with them war. This drop of divine blood was spilled by Shadow on one of the battlefields of that war, before the void was bound.”
This revelation shakes Sunny, hinting at primordial beings predating existence and a cosmic war involving the gods themselves, a conflict that birthed concepts like Death. The chilling implication that the void was merely “bound,” not destroyed, and whether it remains so with the gods gone, sends a shiver through him. The Memory’s description is a cascade of implications, hinting that even time and space might have been forged as weapons in this ancient struggle. As he stares at the radiant, yet dark, drop, the Spell’s voice, uncharacteristically direct, asks, “You have acquired a drop of ichor. Do you wish to consume it?”
Remembering the painful transformations of past divine consumption, Sunny steels himself. “Yes,” he declares, the decision made. The Drop of Ichor, a tangible link to Shadow God’s heritage and a key to understanding the cosmos’s violent genesis, awaits his consumption, promising an evolution that could redefine his understanding of power and reality itself.
Chapter 552 September
Two months after consuming the Drop of Ichor, Sunny finds himself struggling with newfound frustration, his mood in shambles despite his growing strength. He’s been training Rain and diligently practicing archery with the Blackhorn Bow, a relic of Saint’s past. While his aim is improving, it pales in comparison to Kai’s mastery, fueling Sunny’s discontent. He laments his lack of progress, even muttering, “What do you mean, great shot? I was aiming for its leg, you idiot!” after a surprisingly accurate shot kills a Black Ravager.
Sunny’s physical and metaphysical advancements are undeniable. He now possesses an additional Shadow Core and a third shadow, and his combat skills are honed from countless battles. The consumption of divine blood has also evolved three of his Attributes: his [Ember of Divinity] has become [Flame of Divinity], enhancing his divine affinity and the durability of his Undying Chain, while Blood Weave and Bone Weave have become significantly more potent, making him incredibly difficult to kill or break.
Despite these advancements, Sunny remains discontented. His lineage has evolved, and he’s gained power, but the vast cosmic revelations from the Drop of Ichor weigh heavily on him. He’s still grappling with the implications of the void, the gods, and the primordial war that birthed concepts like Death, making his current frustrations feel trivial yet all-consuming.
Chapter 553 Gracious Host
Effie and Kai finally breach the ruins of the shattered gateway, their bodies weary and armor battered from their perilous journey to the edge of the known world. Inside, the carnage is evident; Nightmare Creatures lie dead, some violently torn asunder, others inexplicably broken. As shadows writhe, Kai instinctively draws his bow, only for Effie to calm him. From the darkness emerges Sunny’s Echo, a regal figure clad in obsidian armor, her ruby eyes burning behind her visor, a kite shield and bloodied sword in hand. Kai questions her altered appearance, but Effie, with a knowing grin, greets the taciturn demon. The Echo merely regards them before turning away, a silent invitation to follow.
The trio emerges from the fortress, the scent of roasting meat guiding them. Before them, a miraculously provisioned campsite awaits: seasoned meats, fresh produce, and even the aroma of coffee. Sunny, lounging lazily, greets their arrival with an impish grin and frosty bottles of expensive beer, welcoming them to the Chained Isles. The sheer abundance of rare items in the Dream Realm stuns Effie and Kai, prompting Kai to question Sunny’s apparent connections.
Later, sated and relaxed, Kai inquires about the source of Sunny’s extraordinary provisions. Sunny reveals he personally delivered everything, playfully reminding Kai of his “Brilliant Emporium” and their shared history, recalling the first deal made with Kai’s assistance. Kai smiles, remembering the difficult Memories Sunny had him acquire, solidifying the bond and the mystery of Sunny’s capabilities.
Chapter 554 Coming Clean
As Kai and Effie travel back towards the Sanctuary with Sunny, the demon generously imparts his knowledge of the Chained Isles. Kai struggles with the restriction on his flight, learning about the perilous “Crushing” effect tied to the islands’ chains, and the dangers lurking in the “Sky Below” where creatures “hunt and migrate between islands.” Effie, less concerned with the Crushing due to her own formidable constitution, focuses on cataloging the region’s Nightmare Creatures, eager to saturate her core before their departure. Sunny’s extensive understanding of local abominations, including their behaviors and weaknesses, impresses even Effie, solidifying his reputation as more than just a hunter, but a researcher for the Academy. Effie also probes Sunny about the local Saint, Sky Tide, whom he describes as a recluse with a “really decent guy” for a husband.
Upon reaching the Sanctuary on their third day, Kai, Effie, and Sunny are invited to dine with Saint Tyris. After a pleasant meal, the Saint directly questions their presence in her “remote and unremarkable Citadel,” sensing a hidden agenda. Having pre-arranged their response, Kai politely reveals their true purpose: to challenge a Nightmare Seed that Sunny, or “Awakened Sunless,” recently discovered. He explains that because the Seed is years from blooming and poses no immediate threat, Sunny did not initially inform her, asking for forgiveness for this perceived transgression.
Chapter 555 Dinner With Friends
Days after their discreet audience with Saint Tyris, a delicious aroma wafts through Sunny’s abode as he busies himself in the kitchen, his skilled hands a blur as they prepare a meal. Rain, tasked with peeling potatoes, questions the unconventional nature of her training, accusing Sunny of using her as cheap labor. Sunny, unperturbed, criticizes her technique, admonishing her to “control that knife better!” Effie, observing with eager anticipation, repeatedly inquires if the food is ready, only to be met with Sunny’s exasperated retort, “Forty seconds, damn it.” Just as Effie prepares to retort, the doorbell rings, prompting Sunny to send a reluctant Rain to answer it. The visitor is revealed to be Kai, an encounter that leaves Rain utterly speechless and pale with shock.
Rain’s stunned reaction is palpable as Kai stands at the doorway, his appearance striking and his demeanor charming. He apologizes for potentially coming to the wrong house, his voice described as “charming and velvety.” Rain, regaining a sliver of composure, manages to utter Kai’s name with a panicked squeal. Sunny, after a brief, knowing glance at Rain, offers a smile to Kai.
The chapter culminates with this intriguing arrival, hinting at further developments and unspoken understandings between the characters. The seemingly mundane act of cooking and Rain’s surprising reaction to Kai’s presence build anticipation, suggesting that the quiet respite is about to be interrupted by the very challenges they came to address.
