Chapter 691 Heresy
The Altar Island offers a moment of eerie tranquility as Sunny probes Noctis for the truth behind Hope’s existence. Dismissing the notion of divine jealousy, Noctis reveals that the gods, while indifferent to mortal worship of lesser beings, harbored a deep-seated aversion to daemons being venerated. He explains the solitary nature of daemons, naming ancient figures like the Weaver and Nether, before focusing on Hope, the Demon of Desire. Her decision to live among mortals and foster their love and worship, a precedent never before set, inexplicably triggered a devastating divine response, with the Lord of Light obliterating a portion of the mortal realm and branding daemon worship as heresy.
Sunny absorbs this shocking revelation, a cold dread seeping into him as he recalls unsettling dreams. He questions the reasoning behind the gods’ extreme reaction, a question Noctis admits only the divine, or perhaps the daemons themselves, can answer. The sorcerer explains how, following Hope’s imprisonment, the very concept of heresy was invented, transforming daemon worshippers into persecuted outcasts. The narrative shifts focus to the chilling transformation of the word “heresy” and its terrifying implications for those who defy the established divine order.
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Noctis’s account paints a grim picture of divine power and intolerance, explaining the origins of the heresy that now permeates the world and leads to the hunting of daemon worshippers. This revelation deepens the mystery surrounding Hope and the gods’ motivations, implicitly raising the stakes for Sunny and his cohort’s promise to aid Noctis. The fragile alliance, forged in the shadow of past betrayals and looming threats, now faces the daunting task of confronting divine wrath and the deeply ingrained societal condemnation of daemons.
Chapter 692 Free Time
Following their enlightening, albeit grim, conversation, Noctis retreats, his abode guarded by silent Sailor Dolls. Sunny and the rest of the cohort are left to heed his advice: prepare for the coming storm. This period of enforced stillness becomes a crucible for honing their newfound skills and knowledge, forged in the crucible of their harrowing experiences over the past three months. Sunny, in particular, delves into the intricacies of his Shadow Dance, a battle style now intertwined with the unsettling realization that his mastery, achieved through embracing formlessness within nightmares, carries a perilous cost: the risk of losing himself to the very essence of his foes. He questions, “What was the point of being able to kill something if I ran the risk of losing myself and becoming that thing forever?”
This internal struggle with his own power forces Sunny to temporarily shift his focus. He dedicates time to practicing archery alongside Kai, acknowledging his friend’s superior innate talent but striving for his own steady improvement. The cohort’s preparations are multifaceted, a crucial step in their nascent alliance against a divinely ordained persecution. The weight of Noctis’s revelations about Hope and the genesis of “heresy” hangs heavy, underscoring the monumental task ahead.
The lingering dread of his own burgeoning abilities, coupled with the terrifying implications of the divine purge detailed by Noctis, propels Sunny and his companions toward a path of rigorous self-improvement. While Noctis remains inaccessible, their shared experience of near-death and the stark understanding of the world’s brutal divine order fuel their determination. The true extent of the divine reprisal against daemons and their followers, a heresy now deeply entrenched, remains a chilling unknown, driving their desperate need to grow stronger.
Chapter 693 Knowledge Of Everything
Sunny grapples with the unnerving cost of his Shadow Dance, each victory potentially leading to his own erasure, a precarious balance intensified by his rivalry with Nephis. He monitors her progress, noting her dramatic leap in Shadow Cores, which reignites their unspoken competition and leaves him feeling perpetually behind. “How… tiresome,” he muses, the relentless push and pull of their strengths leaving him weary of his current path. This internal turmoil leads him to seek a different avenue for growth, a temporary respite from the suffocating weight of his own power and the looming divine threat.
His internal struggle is interrupted when Noctis emerges, appearing disheveled and perhaps hungover. Seizing the opportunity, Sunny confronts the sorcerer, correcting him on the passage of time: “…That was two weeks ago. Fifteen days, technically.” Noctis, caught off guard, feigns ignorance and offers assistance, solidifying Sunny’s resolve. With a determined grip on his amulet, Sunny asks the pivotal question that will shape his future: “…Can you teach me sorcery?”
Noctis readily agrees, his confidence as the “greatest sorcerer in the Kingdom of Hope” undimmed. He assures Sunny of rapid progress, declaring, “Under my guidance, you will become a distinguished sorcerer yourself in no time.” With an optimistic flourish, he proposes an immediate start, estimating their training would conclude in approximately a century. This surprising shift in Sunny’s focus signals a new phase in his preparations, a desperate attempt to gain an edge against the encroaching darkness.
Chapter 694 Key Piece
Sunny delves into the core nature of Memories, seeking to replicate their fundamental enchantments. He identifies three common traits: summonability, self-repair, and soul connection. His diligent study allows him to create a basic pattern enabling an item’s dismissal and summoning from essence. However, he realizes his oversight – a crucial fourth element shared by all Memories: their name. This revelation strikes him profoundly, acknowledging the immense power names hold, especially considering his own True Name’s vulnerability. “I am an idiot… such an idiot…” he laments, the weight of this realization settling upon him.
Turning to the Silver Bell, Sunny meticulously examines its weave. He recognizes the segments corresponding to the universal traits and the bell’s primary function, yet the whole remains incomprehensible, like a puzzle missing a vital piece. He understands that a Memory’s uniqueness, its very existence, is tied to its name. Despite the daunting task of isolating this unnamed element within the complex spellweave, Sunny’s inherited predisposition, a gift from the Demon of Fate, allows him to intuitively sense the purpose of spellweave elements. Hours of intense focus finally yield a breakthrough: he isolates the intricate pattern representing the Silver Bell’s name.
Upon mentally connecting the name “Silver Bell” to its corresponding weave, Sunny experiences a profound shift. The disparate parts of the spellweave suddenly align, revealing an elegant, undeniable logic. The previously chaotic structure transforms, harmonizing into a beautiful, coherent whole. This discovery marks a significant leap in his understanding, hinting at the potential to finally master the secrets of Memory manipulation and perhaps unlock a new tier of power, pushing him closer to confronting the encroaching divine threat.
Chapter 695 Sonorous Silver Bell
Sunlight streams into the room, illuminating a disheveled Sunny, his bestial features alight with dawning triumph. Clutching a shimmering golden needle and the Silver Bell, he focuses on the latter, his breath catching as he shakes it. Instead of the expected resonant chime, a faint, melodic whisper escapes, a sound he’s meticulously crafted. “I’ve… I’ve done it. I really did!” he exclaims, his excitement palpable as he summons the bell’s description: Memory: Silver Bell, Dormant, Tier II. He marvels at the success of transplanting the [Sonorous] enchantment from the jade flute onto the bell, a feat achieved by understanding the integral role of a Memory’s name.
The spellweave of the Silver Bell is now a complex tapestry of ethereal light and shadowed threads, its original single ember replaced by two, anchored by a precious soul shard. This breakthrough, born from months of study and the intuitive grasp granted by the Demon of Fate, signifies his ability to not just comprehend, but to actively alter and enhance his Memories. Though the process is arduous, demanding immense shadow essence and time, Sunny recognizes the limitless potential of this newfound skill, a vital step towards confronting the encroaching divine threat.
The implications of this success ripple through Sunny’s mind; the ability to modify and even add enchantments to his Memories promises to unlock unforeseen power. He understands that mastering this art, copying enchantments faster and more reliably, will be a long journey filled with failures, but each attempt refines his understanding of weaving’s essence. He dreams of the day he can modify enchantments themselves, and perhaps, create entirely new ones, finally earning the right to call himself a true sorcerer.
Chapter 696 Extraordinary Rock
Sunny, still processing the success of enchanting the Silver Bell, grapples with a new, ambitious endeavor: transforming an object into a Memory. His latest breakthrough involved weaving his True Name into the enchantment, a crucial step that allowed a simple wooden chair to become a summonable, self-repairing Memory, capable of feeding his Shadows. This feat proves the immense versatility of his newfound weaving abilities, transforming the mundane into something more, and significantly expanding his arsenal.
He then turns his attention to Noctis’s emerald amulet, hoping to imbue it with his own enchantments. While the amulet successfully becomes a Memory, and its runic enchantment converts to a weave, the process proves unstable. Despite the amulet’s swift self-destruction, Sunny manages to copy its unique enchantment onto an ordinary rock, elevating it to an Extraordinary Rock and solidifying his ability to recreate powerful spells. “I’ve… I’ve done it. I really did!” he exclaims earlier, and now, this latest success confirms his burgeoning power, allowing him to finally “speak his mind… without speaking everything that was on his mind.”
Emerging from his experiments, Sunny joins Kai, Effie, and eventually, Cassie and Noctis, aboard a flying ship. Effie, looking surprisingly vigorous, eagerly guides them, her wild demeanor and gnawing on a bone hinting at her own rapid growth and adaptation within the strange world. The group prepares to meet Noctis, the fate of Sunny’s destroyed amulet hanging in the balance, a silent harbinger of the potentially volatile interactions to come.
Chapter 697 Friendly Visit
Sunny, still reeling from his enchanting successes, finds himself in a tense negotiation with Noctis. The sorcerer, with his unnerving pale smile, agrees to help retrieve the Ruby Knife from his lake-dwelling friend, but only if Sunny can provide a suitable return favor. Sunny presents Noctis with an anvil-shaped amulet, an item Master Welthe used for protection, hoping Noctis can replicate its potent enchantment. However, Noctis confesses his inability, stating the amulet’s magic is beyond his understanding and was crafted by someone “far more powerful.” This revelation deeply unsettles Sunny, as he realizes the potential threat posed by such an individual.
Disappointed but not defeated, Sunny agrees to consider an alternative for protection, his mind already weighing the choices. The group, including Kai and Effie, now traverses a colossal chain suspended between a light-filled sky and an utter void. Effie naps on Sunny’s shoulders, drooling, a testament to her strange adaptation, while Kai levitates beside them. Sunny, however, remains preoccupied with the anvil amulet and the daunting task of choosing who among his companions will be left vulnerable to the “Prince of Nothing.”
The weight of this decision presses heavily on Sunny. With Noctis unable to replicate the protection, he must now select one of his friends – Kai or Effie – to remain undefended against a terrifying foe. This agonizing choice, coupled with the mystery of the anvil’s creator and the looming confrontation for the Ruby Knife, sets the stage for further peril and difficult decisions ahead.
Chapter 698 Creature Of The Lake
Upon arriving at the tranquil, lake-dotted island, Sunny senses an immediate, inexplicable danger, a feeling that unsettles his companions as well. Despite the serene beauty, Sunny’s past visits, limited to its fringes, recall a chilling discovery of massive bones along the shore, hinting at a formidable, unseen occupant. Kai expresses reservations about drawing weapons, deeming it a sign of distrust, while Effie, ever optimistic, dismisses the potential threat, believing their group can escape any trouble. Sunny, however, remains wary, haunted by the memory of the bones and the unspoken dread they represent.
Sunny, despite his unease, defers to Cassie’s intuition, her uncanny ability to sense danger seemingly absent, leading him to agree to approach the lake unarmed, a decision that gnaws at him. He calls out to the lake’s unseen inhabitant, requesting the Ruby Knife, but receives no response. Effie lightheartedly teases him about his lack of purity, suggesting it might be the reason for the silence. She then bravely attempts her own plea, calling the entity “Aunty from the lake,” but her efforts also prove fruitless, leaving the group to ponder the silence.
The stark contrast between the island’s idyllic appearance and the palpable tension experienced by Sunny creates a foreboding atmosphere. The silence from the lake, coupled with the mystery surrounding the Ruby Knife’s owner and Sunny’s prior fragmented glimpses of the future, intensifies the precariousness of their situation. The chapter leaves the reader questioning the true nature of the lake’s guardian and the reason behind its refusal to yield the artifact, hinting at trials and revelations yet to come.
Chapter 699 Reverse Scale
The return journey is uneventful, devoid of the Nightmare Creatures Sunny hoped for, likely due to the proximity of the Sanctuary and the presence of more formidable beings. Upon their arrival at dawn, the group finds Noctis absent from his residence, eventually locating him on the far side of the island, engrossed in creating a statue from marble slabs with self-operating chisels. The sorcerer proudly presents his work, a lumpy monument to himself, explaining, “I have decided to grace the generations to come with a vision of my matchless beauty. They deserve the privilege of witnessing it, as well!” Sunny, observing the gargoyle-like creation, cautiously inquires about its subject, to which Noctis, unfazed by the lack of resemblance, declares it a testament to his own “matchless beauty.”
With the Ruby Knife retrieved, Sunny presses Noctis for the next step. The sorcerer, casting aside his sculpting endeavors, calls for a break to eat and drink, hinting that “the future will surely be upon us soon enough.” Later, during breakfast, Noctis reveals that the other Chain Lords are aware of his collection of knives. While the demise of the One in the North has momentarily diverted their attention, it has also cast suspicion upon Noctis, prompting him to believe they will convene a council to determine their next move.
Noctis anticipates the Chain Lords’ reaction, noting, “They will hold a council and decide how to act.” He seems unconcerned, even amused, by the impending developments, implying that the possession of the knives marks a significant turning point. The chapter leaves Sunny and his companions anticipating the fallout from their success, with the sorcerer’s casual confidence suggesting that the true conflict is only just beginning.
Chapter 700 Blood Of The Moon
Effie’s innocent query about Noctis being a “grandpa” throws the sorcerer into an indignant uproar, his vanity wounded by the unintended insult. Sunny’s practical observation about Noctis’s age only fuels the sorcerer’s offense, before he regains his composure to reveal the critical weaknesses of their next target, Sevras, the Ivory Lord. Noctis discloses that Sevras possesses three profound vulnerabilities: his power wanes drastically at night, his brother still holds a significant, albeit twisted, affection for him, and his profound love for his people is also a source of deep-seated hatred and burden.
Noctis elaborates on the precarious state of Sevras’s mind, hinting that a calculated push could shatter his sanity. He then outlines their plan: to attack at night when Sevras is weakest, and to kill his brother before dawn, thereby pushing the Ivory Lord into madness. Sunny, unnerved, questions the wisdom of driving a dragon insane, to which Noctis laughingly retorts, comparing the dragon Sevirax to a mindless beast and reminding them of his own lineage as the “God of Hunters.”
Despite his newfound confidence, Sunny presses Noctis about his own “Flaw,” a question the sorcerer readily answers. He reveals that, much like Sevras, his power is tied to the moon, leaving him strong under its glow but weak in the sun, deeming it a minor inconvenience amongst friends. The sorcerer’s jovial demeanor returns as he playfully laments the ghastly nature of the wilderness, leaving Sunny and the others to ponder the precarious balance of their audacious plan.
Chapter 701 Four Hunters
Following the departure of his Shadows, Sunny experiences a profound sense of disconnection and vulnerability. The ability to perceive the world through Nightmare and the Soul Serpent vanishes as they move beyond his Shadow Control, leaving him feeling crippled. He worries for their safety, knowing Shadows are not meant to be separated from their master, but the looming threat from the Chain Lords necessitates his own growth. “I have to become a Devil,” he resolves, unwilling to be outpaced by Neph.
The intervening days are filled with rigorous training. Sunny hones his archery with Kai, swordplay with Cassie, and spear mastery with Effie. The group also ventures out, testing their teamwork and allowing Sunny to acquire new shadow fragments. He dedicates his nights to mastering the intricate art of weaving, painstakingly learning to transplant enchantments onto Memories. “It was not as easy as he had thought,” he realizes, discovering the complex interplay of weave capacity, anchor strength, and the fundamental nature of each Memory.
Sunny’s dedication bears fruit as his shadow fragments begin to increase, offering hope for forming a new core. He learns that even the most powerful enchantments require meticulous anchoring with soul shards and that certain enchantments are simply incompatible with specific Memories. After successfully transplanting enchantments onto the Silver Bell and the Ordinary Rock, enhancing their existing qualities, he attempts a more radical weave, only to witness the entire construct unravel. “He could not add an enchantment meant to destroy to a Memory that was meant to protect,” he discovers, highlighting the delicate balance he must maintain.
Chapter 702 The Devil You Know
Sunny endures excruciating pain as he attempts to forge a new core, admitting it’s among the worst torments he’s known, second only to glimpsing fate and his lineage as a daemon. The Spell confirms his shadow is taking shape, a process that rips through his very being, pushing him to his physical and spiritual limits. Despite his past trauma, Sunny grits his teeth, accepting the torment as his body undergoes an unexpected, agonizing transformation alongside his soul, screaming as his bones seemingly break and muscles tear.
As the inferno within him finally cools, Sunny discovers the process has not only solidified his new core but also dramatically altered his physical form. Towering at nearly three meters, his skin darkens to a grim grey, his claws sharpen, and his horns multiply, now four in total. His once black eyes become pools of eerie darkness, making him a terrifying figure even to himself. Effie comments on his new imposing stature, remarking, “My neck hurts from staring at you. Is this how everyone feels when they’re talking to me?”
This profound transformation signifies a dangerous leap in Sunny’s power, a necessary evolution as he pushes to become a Devil to rival the looming threats. With his new core and enhanced physique, Sunny is a step closer to his goal, yet the sheer agony and the terrifying, monstrous form he now inhabits hint at the immense cost and dark path he is forging, leaving the reader to ponder the implications of such a radical change.
Chapter 703 Way Back
The newly transformed Sunny finds his shadows are slow to return after his awakening, a novel experience that highlights his altered state. He reflects on the inherent sense of direction his shadows possess, a crucial piece of knowledge gained from past experiments that ensures their eventual return. The haughty Shadow, indifferent to its master’s commands, reluctantly envelops him, a testament to its arrogant nature. As the group journeys back to the Sanctuary, Sunny grapples with mastering his imposing new form, the sheer physicality of his transformed body requiring a complete relearning of movement and combat.
Upon reaching his room, Sunny collapses onto a bed now comically small, wrestling with the immense power he now wields—the fourth Shadow Core, Devil status, and a growing understanding of sorcery. He acknowledges his unprecedented strength, rivaled only by Mordret, and questions its sufficiency against impending threats and the watchful eyes of Sovereigns. The morning brings a sense of completeness, as his delayed Shadows finally return, albeit wounded. Nightmare and the Soul Serpent are badly injured, resting within the comforting embrace of his cores, while Saint, though battered, fares much better due to her inherent resilience.
Chapter 704 A Cup Of Tea
Sunny finds himself in the presence of Noctis, a sorcerer who, with an almost casual indifference to Sunny’s dramatic transformation, questions him about a broken horn. Sunny clutches an Extraordinary Rock, the immensity of his new power, the fourth Shadow Core and Devil status, a stark contrast to Noctis’s polite inquiry. The sorcerer, unfazed by the trembling chamber and the ominous runes beneath, invites Sunny deeper into his residence, cautioning him to “just don’t move at all!” This cryptic warning, coupled with the undeniable evidence of dark magic at play, suggests a deeper, more dangerous secret hidden within Noctis’s home.
They ascend to the top of giant menhirs, overlooking the Kingdom of Hope, where Noctis confirms that the other Chain Lords are preparing to make their move, and their heralds will arrive soon. He advises Sunny to “relax for a bit. Enjoy the tea. This will probably be the last moment of peace you will have for a while.” Despite the looming threat, a fragile peace descends as they share tea, the tranquil beauty of the flying islands a stark counterpoint to the impending conflict.
Noctis then turns the conversation to Sunny’s motivations, questioning what compels a shadow to seek the freedom of Hope, given the immense risks involved. Sunny, now accepting his formidable strength and the world’s precarious balance, pours himself tea, ready to face whatever trials lie ahead.
Chapter 705 Herald Of The Sun
Noctis, having finished his tea and delivered his cryptic warnings, rises to meet an approaching visitor, prompting Sunny to ask about the nature of metaphors. Noctis dismisses the academic query, eager to greet the herald before they reach his sanctuary. He explains the need to meet the visitor on the flying ship rather than their current location to prevent potential damage to his home, alluding to the shaking island as something they will soon understand.
They board the flying ship, where Sunny finds Cassie, Kai, and Effie already present. Noctis assumes his role as kybernetes, the ship’s helmsman, by stepping into a runic circle and placing his hands on the steering oars. He explains that while a magnificent tree provides the essence for propulsion, the pilot, an Awakened or Transcendent, must control this flow and act as its nexus.
As the ancient vessel begins to move, propelled by sails and Noctis’s soul essence, he turns to Cassie, boasting of his skill as a helmsman before realizing his oversight in speaking to the blind girl. Cassie, however, reassures him, stating she is accustomed to such slips.
