Chapter 751 Master Sunless
Amidst the grim confidence of battle-hardened students, the newly Awakened fill a fortified lecture hall at the Awakened Academy. These survivors, fresh from the Dream Realm, possess a palpable energy born from near-death experiences. They gather not for combat training, but for a seemingly obscure course on resource management. The true draw, however, is the lecturer: an Ascended of wide renown, Sunny, now known as Master Sunless. His arrival causes a stir as he casually summons a chair, an act of eccentricity that initially bewilders the students.
A young woman in the front row, mistaking him for a fellow student, offers him a seat beside her, unaware of his true identity. Her friend’s whispered correction, “What are you doing?! This is Master Sunless, you idiot!”, sends ripples of shock through the auditorium. The students buzz with surprise that Sunny, who ascended in less than two years, is so young, a stark contrast to the actor who portrayed him in the “Song of Light and Darkness.” Sunny, maintaining his pleasant demeanor, addresses the hushed crowd, introducing himself as Ascended Sunless, their Master, ready to impart his “tiny amount of experience” in resource management.
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Sunny’s presence as a young Ascended lecturer highlights his rapid ascent and public renown, drawing the attention of these battle-weary students. His nonchalant demeanor and the students’ surprised reactions to his youth and mastery set a tone of awe and perhaps a touch of envy. This unexpected role for Sunny, a stark departure from his previous clandestine operations, signifies a new phase in his public life and the ongoing evolution of his abilities and influence within the human Citadels.
Chapter 752 Solid Foundation
The Ivory Tower undergoes a dramatic transformation, becoming a Citadel after the Seed of Nightmare’s destruction, binding cohort members’ anchors to it. This newfound safety, however, starves the realm of Nightmare Creatures, rendering Sunny’s dives pointless and cutting him off from vital Shadow Fragments and Memories. Initially frustrated by the stalled growth and the vast power gap between himself and Nephis, Sunny reflects on the breakneck pace of his past three years of advancement. He realizes his foundation has become unstable, neglecting the crucial task of assimilating his gains into a coherent whole. More pressingly, Sunny confronts the mental toll of his prolonged exposure to the Dream Realm’s horrors, acknowledging the fragile nature of an Awakened’s psyche and the potential for even his own resilience to crack under such immense strain.
This period of forced stagnation presents an opportunity for Sunny to consolidate his power and heal his mind. He recognizes the need to internalize his vast abilities, a process hindered by constant, rapid advancement. Furthermore, the psychological abuse endured since his sixteenth year, though remarkably withstood, weighs on him. He ponders the long-term consequences of such relentless pressure, questioning if his mental fortitude will eventually buckle. This introspection leads Sunny to accept the temporary halt in active acquisition, focusing instead on internal growth and mental recuperation, a stark departure from his previous relentless pursuit of power.
During these past six months, Sunny dedicates himself to honing his combat skills and Shadow Dance, finally assimilating his learning to a new level of mastery. He relearns and adjusts his techniques to accommodate his Master-level power, finding solutions to lingering challenges. One significant discovery is a simple thought exercise: remembering his True Name effortlessly anchors him when the formlessness of Shadow Dance threatens to consume him. This period, though uneventful by his usual standards, proves exceptionally fruitful in solidifying his capabilities and addressing both his physical and psychological vulnerabilities, preparing him for future challenges and the impending negotiations regarding clan Valor.
Chapter 753 Crux Of The Matter
Sunny, now an instructor at the Academy, eagerly anticipates the instructor’s cafeteria, the promise of its exquisite fare a significant draw to his new role. The tastefully decorated space, featuring furniture crafted from the petrified remains of a slain titan, offers a subtle irony given Clan Valor’s potential threat. Amidst the luxurious surroundings, he encounters Soul Reaper Jet, who appears remarkably different from her usual self—immaculately dressed and exuding a sharp, officer-like aura, a result of attending a special government ceremony. Jet presents Sunny with a belated birthday gift: a much-needed Ascended-rank soul shard, explaining her access as a perk of public service.
Following their meal, which Jet expresses delight in, she playfully chides Sunny for not having a gift for her thirtieth birthday. Sunny readily offers to treat her to dinner, an offer Jet happily accepts. The interaction highlights Jet’s refined appearance and Sunny’s continued journey of assimilation and networking, even as the underlying tensions of his past and the future remain.
The chapter subtly contrasts Sunny’s internal progress with external interactions, hinting at the complex web of relationships and potential dangers he navigates. Jet’s polished demeanor suggests a deeper immersion into governmental structures, while her gift acknowledges Sunny’s growth and current needs, setting the stage for future alliances or conflicts as he continues to prepare for the upcoming Clan Valor negotiations.
Chapter 754 History Lesson
Sunny is blindsided when Master Jet reveals she is being transferred out of the city, and thus will not be present to mediate the upcoming Clan Valor negotiations. This unexpected departure leaves Sunny feeling a sense of discomfort, as he had come to rely on Jet’s presence, even if their interactions were infrequent. Jet, noticing his reaction, explains this is the second piece of bad news she needs to impart, and discreetly activates a dome of silence around them, signaling the gravity of the upcoming revelation.
Jet then reveals the true nature of the map she projects: planet Earth, their home world. She explains that it’s a place vastly different from the Dream Realm, a place Sunny admits he knows little about due to his limited schooling. This moment highlights a disconnect between Sunny’s advanced understanding of the supernatural and his ignorance of his own origins.
Jet elaborates on Earth’s current state, mentioning its vastly different past when billions of people inhabited it, hinting at a significant global catastrophe. This revelation about their home world, coupled with Jet’s imminent departure, adds another layer of complexity and urgency to Sunny’s preparations, particularly as he faces the looming negotiations with Clan Valor and the uncertainties of his own place in both worlds.
Chapter 755 Obel Scale
Jet reveals a grave truth behind the Obel Scale’s malfunction. “The problems we’ve been having with its readings are not as trivial as I implied,” she states, explaining it’s a symptom of a larger, impending disaster. Sunny recalls Shadow Blade Kurt’s similar concerns, linking the Obel Scale’s issues to his madness, though Jet dismisses Kurt as weak. Sunny counters that losing an entire continent, as happened when the Obel Scale previously went awry, isn’t a minor issue, but Jet offers a detached perspective, calling it “not the end of the world.”
The gravity of the situation intensifies as Jet explains the Obel Scale’s growing irregularities led to a dire prediction: not a single massive Gate, but a chain reaction of hundreds of smaller ones. This cascade of invasions from Nightmare Creatures is slated to occur in Antarctica. The chilling realization dawns on Sunny as he connects this to Jet’s earlier comment about Antarctica being the second most populated continent.
This terrifying revelation, delivered with Jet’s signature nonchalance in the seemingly peaceful cafeteria, underscores the stark contrast between the mundane world and the supernatural chaos threatening it. As Sunny grapples with this monumental threat, the weight of their shared home world’s vulnerability presses down, adding an unprecedented urgency to his already complex situation.
Chapter 756 Navigation
Master Jet questions Sunny’s seafaring knowledge, revealing the oceans’ perilous nature due to underwater Gates and the Nightmare Creatures that infest them. “Most of our planet is covered by water, and most of that water is infested with dreadful Nightmare Creatures,” she explains, highlighting humanity’s surrender of the seas. Despite the immense danger, efficient transportation remains vital, forcing a precarious presence in the Indian Ocean, where “unspeakable and uncountable horrors dwelling in the depths” are a constant threat. Sunny’s suggestion of space travel is dismissed due to prohibitive costs and its own unique dangers, reinforcing that, “water is the only way.”
The critical need for ocean transit leads to the introduction of the House of Night, the third Great Clan. Jet reveals their unique expertise in navigating these treacherous waters. “The representatives of the House of Night excel in guiding ships through turbulent waters,” she states, explaining that their navigators, known as Nightwalkers, are essential for convoys. Sunny recalls that House of Night originated from an alliance of clans, residing in the Dream Realm’s Stormsea and controlling a citadel, but notes their lack of a Sovereign, unlike the other Great Clans.
This reliance on the House of Night for essential sea travel underscores the dire state of humanity’s control over its world. With the oceans effectively ceded to Nightmare Creatures, and space travel an unviable alternative, the clan’s specialized skills become indispensable for survival. The fragile nature of their continued existence, dependent on the navigators of House of Night, sets the stage for the next crucial steps in addressing the impending threat of cascading Gate openings.
Chapter 757 Professional Sensibility
Master Jet’s vision of humanity’s desperate reliance on the House of Night for sea travel is challenged by Sunny’s stark pragmatism. He questions why he, a survivor of neglect and hardship from the outskirts, should now risk his life defending strangers in Antarctica when he received no aid himself. Sunny articulates a deep-seated resentment towards a government that he feels abandoned and exploited him, making the call for selfless sacrifice seem like a betrayal of his hard-won survival. His disillusionment with grand notions like glory and duty is palpable, as he views them as foolish indulgences for those who haven’t known true desperation.
Master Jet, though understanding Sunny’s perspective, explains her own motivations. “I might not have a lot of affection for humanity, but maintaining the fragile balance that allows it to exist is something that I chose to make my responsibility. My domain,” she reveals, framing her commitment as a professional choice rather than idealistic fervor. This stance reveals a subtle parallel between her and Sunny: both are survivors, stubborn and resistant to the world’s machinations. However, where Sunny focuses his energy on self-preservation and advancement, Jet dedicates hers to a larger, albeit chosen, responsibility.
Sunny remains unconvinced, highlighting the fundamental difference in their chosen paths: “But I am not in the same profession as you,” he states grimly. This exchange underscores the core conflict – whether to prioritize personal survival and a carefully constructed life, or to embrace a duty to a world that has offered little in return. The looming threat of cascading Gate openings and the precarious survival of humanity, now underscored by the House of Night’s vital role, hangs heavy as Sunny contemplates Jet’s seemingly inexplicable commitment.
Chapter 758 Crossroad
Sunny, a Master citizen, navigates the gleaming Northern Quadrant Siege Capital via public transport, a stark contrast to the neglected outskirts of his past. The city’s dazzling architecture and manufactured nature highlight humanity’s protected existence, a privilege he feels no obligation to defend. He reflects on the impending disaster in Antarctica, where human settlements face destruction by escalating Gate openings, a scale of chaos he struggles to comprehend. Despite the magnitude of the threat, Sunny reaffirms his core belief: “He did not owe these people anything.” His survival, he maintains, was achieved *despite* humanity, not because of it.
Master Jet’s words, however, have planted a seed of doubt. While still dismissing the expedition as a suicidal endeavor, Sunny acknowledges the potential for personal growth and advancement through the immense number of Fallen Nightmare Creatures he could encounter. He considers the possibility of collecting valuable soul shards and Memories, even Echoes, from the coming influx of abominations in Antarctica. Yet, his pragmatism clashes with his distrust of the government’s predictions, particularly their assumption that only lower-category Gates will manifest.
Sunny remains deeply skeptical of the government’s assessment, questioning their certainty about the nature of the cascading Gate openings. He remembers the devastating impact of past major Gate events, where even powerful Awakened perished. He cannot guarantee his own survival against such overwhelming odds, leaving him torn between his deeply ingrained self-preservation and the nascent, unsettling pull of a greater responsibility, however unwillingly considered.
Chapter 759 New Developments
Sunny finds himself disoriented by the impending Antarctic catastrophe, his mind struggling to reconcile the vast, incomprehensible threat with the immediate, delicate negotiations he faces with Valor. The impending meeting looms large, a perilous tightrope walk for Sunny, who harbors a multitude of secrets. He acknowledges his role in Mordret’s journey, his defiance of Welthe and Pierce, and the grim reality of slaying one of Valor’s own Knights. Despite his capacity for deception, Sunny recognizes that the emissary’s demeanor will dictate the outcome. If they are arrogant, he can easily manipulate them; however, a shrewd opponent poses a significant challenge.
The weight of these impending discussions forces Sunny to confront his potential need to seek refuge with the Fire Keepers in their Dream Realm exile, a prospect that ignites a familiar pragmatism. He must prepare, and this preparation involves his formidable Covetous Coffer. Transformed by his Ascension into the Mendacious Coffer, it now boasts an increased capacity, capable of mimicking larger, more intricate forms, though Sunny finds that traditional storage solutions best suit the Memory’s nature.
Now a large, reinforced alloy chest, the Coffer’s new size enhances its terrifying enchantments. The Lurid Trunk is capable of swallowing an intruder whole, a far cry from its previous ability to merely maim. Furthermore, the Capacious Chest’s storage has expanded dramatically, able to contain an entire room’s worth of items. The Locomotive Chiffonnier’s enhanced speed, due to its increased mass, makes this formidable guardian an even more potent deterrent, showcasing Sunny’s growing power and foresight.
Chapter 760 Valuable Lesson
Steel rings against steel in a subterranean dojo as Rain, Sunny’s younger sister, displays a surprising agility and nascent martial prowess. Her training blade, wielded with calculated precision, cuts the air with the promise of a formidable fighter. Sunny, holding a seemingly impenetrable alloy stick, easily deflects her every assault, yet Rain’s unwavering will and focus prevent frustration from derailing her progress. The sparring session highlights her dedication and burgeoning control over her physicality, a testament to her rapid advancement.
Sunny, with a detached amusement, meticulously critiques Rain’s performance, pointing out each precise blow he lands. “Here. You’re dead. Again. Ah… I’m tired of fighting a corpse. Let’s stop!” he declares after a particularly effective strike. Rain, though breathing heavily, maintains her guard, a lesson from Sunny about the peril of complacency. He tests her observational skills, asking her to recall his movements and focus, revealing the depth of her concentration and analytical mind.
A moment of quiet reflection follows their rigorous training. Rain questions her progress, voicing a subtle insecurity: “But not as good as you were, right?” Sunny laughs, reassuring her that her current abilities far surpass his own nascent struggles before his first Nightmare. He imparts a crucial lesson about survival, emphasizing the primacy of a dangerous mind over a weapon itself. The impending opening of Antarctic Gates, coinciding with Rain’s sixteenth birthday, looms as a significant factor, adding a layer of urgency to Sunny’s considerations regarding her safety.
Chapter 761 Burning Candles
The morning finds Sunny at the Academy’s gates, observing a sea of candles flickering in the snow, a testament to the enduring legend of Changing Star, Nephis. For two years, these candles have marked Nephis’s defiance of death in the Dream Realm, a symbol the government amplifies for propaganda, highlighting humanity’s resilient spirit. Sunny knows her survival firsthand. Approaching a solitary figure, he finds Cassie, the blind prodigy, lighting her own candle, her presence radiating an otherworldly aura. Their reunion is brief; Cassie has just returned from the Dream Realm, her tether anchoring her back to the Academy. She mentions their recent efforts in exploring the Ivory Tower and restoring a flying ship, hinting at further developments.
Chapter 762 Negotiations
As the Academy’s drawbridge begins its slow descent, a new player enters the scene: Morgan of Valor. Clad in a sharp, black business suit with silver steel accents and gloved hands, her alabaster skin, raven hair, and striking vermillion eyes present a daunting, almost predatory aura. Sunny immediately recognizes the dire implications of her arrival, as a direct descendant of Anvil of Valor, her presence significantly hinders his plans to deceive. The resemblance to Mordret, her uncanny familial likeness, sends a shiver down Sunny’s spine, a discomfort amplified by a phantom ache in his chest, a stark reminder of a past encounter in the Dreamscape.
Morgan, noticing Sunny and Cassie, offers a polite, yet unsettlingly familiar smile. “Master Sunless,” she rasps, “You look… familiar. Have we met before?” Sunny, his mood soured, dismisses the question with a vague reference to a distant sighting during a Dream Tournament, omitting the far more intimate truth of their past. Morgan, seemingly losing interest in him, turns her attention to Cassie, addressing her with a respectful acknowledgment of her True Name: “Song of the Fallen.”
Cassie, in turn, acknowledges her as “Master Morgan.” Morgan then expresses a wistful longing for the Awakened Academy, lamenting that attendance was never an option for her. When Sunny questions why, she explains that her elite training since childhood rendered the Academy’s offerings redundant and wasteful. The drawbridge continues to lower, signaling entry into the hallowed grounds, leaving Sunny to ponder the enigmatic arrival of the Valor clan’s representative.
Chapter 763 Dangerous Questions
As they tour the Academy’s hospital complex, Sunny explains its dual purpose: a cutting-edge medical facility and the gateway to the Dream Realm, where he himself once ventured. His casual revelation that “this is where many of the Hollow are kept” is met with a pointed question from Morgan about the imprisoned Changing Star of the Immortal Flame clan. Sunny confirms the Star’s presence, admitting, “She is not Hollow.” Morgan, her tone shifting, cuts to the chase, demanding, “Can we cut the crap?” Sunny, unfazed, agrees, stating, “Let’s not waste time.”
Morgan’s directness immediately zeroes in on their recent ordeal at the Night Temple. She interrogates Sunny: “Did you come to the Night Temple with the intent to set its prisoner free?” Sunny, knowing his truthful answers are detectable, vehemently denies it, gritting out, “Of course not! If I knew, I would have stayed as far away from your damned Citadel as possible.” He clarifies his ignorance of it being a prison or having any intention of freeing its inmate.
Turning to Cassie, Morgan inquires about her involvement. Cassie, her face darkening, defends their actions with logic: “If we really wanted to set that monster free, we would have found a way to do so without getting stuck inside the trap with him, don’t you think?” She emphasizes their narrow escape, crediting Saint Tyris for their survival. Morgan, accepting their words, acknowledges the harm they caused clan Valor, signaling the conclusion of this initial confrontational phase and the beginning of a complex bargaining process where their survival and the fate of the Fire Keepers hang precariously in the balance.
Chapter 764 Spirit Of Flame
A catastrophic explosion rocks the Academy’s hospital complex, unleashing a torrent of white flame that consumes the underground level. Amidst the chaos of smoke, fire, and cascading steam, a radiant, inhuman figure emerges from the inferno, wreathed in blinding light. This apparition, with the grace of a woman but utterly alien, proves impervious to the Academy’s automated defenses and skilled Awakened security forces. “None of them managed to wound the fire-wreathed apparition,” as bullets melt and enchanted weapons shatter against its unyielding form. The radiant being’s immense power and killing intent are terrifying, as it effortlessly dispatches the defenders, its fury palpable.
Just as the situation appears hopeless, with the last of the security team on the brink of annihilation, a swift shadow pierces the mayhem. Sunny, arriving via Shadow Step, confronts the terrifying entity. Despite the overwhelming heat and devastation, he summons his Undying Chain and bellows, “Back! Retreat! I’ll handle it!” The beleaguered Awakened, recognizing his authority, withdraw with their wounded. Sunny, his heart pounding, recognizes the sheer destructive force of the entity he now faces.
He sees the white fire and the devastating power of the radiant figure rampaging through the hospital’s defenses. The security forces are clearly outmatched and “are not going to last long.” Sunny charges forward, his resolve firm as he prepares to face this overwhelming adversary, the fate of the Academy’s hospital, and perhaps more, hanging in the balance.
Chapter 765 Turmoil
Shock reverberates through Sunny as he sits shell-shocked in the waiting area, the chaotic aftermath of Nephis’s awakening settling around him. The devastating white flames that engulfed the hospital’s underground levels are now gone, replaced by the methodical work of Academy staff sifting through the wreckage. Fortunately, the timely intervention of Sunny’s Shadow Step prevented further casualties, with the wounded and security teams receiving treatment. He realizes the explosion stemmed from Nephis’s newly awakened Aspect Ability, a devastating manifestation of her Immortal Flame lineage, triggered by disorientation and the hospital’s automated defenses mistaking her for a threat.
Sunny grapples with the sheer power Nephis displayed, a force that overwhelmed fourteen Awakened and even shattered his own Shadow cage. He and Cassie await news on the unconscious Nephis, their hands clasped tightly, her grip a testament to the shared trauma. The waiting area is a tense tableau of Academy personnel, government agents, and administrators, all pale with shock and anticipation. Even Morgan of Valor is present, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a pragmatic recalculation of future negotiations, recognizing that Nephis’s emergence has drastically altered the power dynamics.
The already complex situation is now infinitely more convoluted with Nephis’s powerful return. Sunny acknowledges the ever-present threat from factions like Valor, especially if they were behind Caster’s assassination attempt. The chapter ends with Sunny contemplating the “pure chaos” that has erupted, hinting at escalating conflicts and the uncertain future facing the awakened and their burgeoning powers.
