Chapter 796 Real Deal
Rain reveals a startling truth about Nephis’s influence, explaining how her public image, crafted by external forces, translates into tangible power. “As long as people believe it, she has influence over them. Her image might be an illusion, but that influence is real. Which means that her power is also real,” Rain explains, leaving Sunny bewildered by the concept that belief itself can forge reality. This revelation sparks a philosophical internal debate for Sunny, questioning the nature of reality and the power of conviction, as he grapples with being schooled by his own student on such profound matters.
The discussion takes an unexpected turn when Nephis herself interjects, cutting short both Sunny’s internal musings and Rain’s extensive explanation. With eyes closed, she admonishes them, “You talk too much. Keep swinging that sword, Rain,” a statement that leaves Sunny questioning his own role as the teacher. Nephis then offers her own wisdom, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of gifted power and the importance of self-cultivation. “Nothing that has been handed to you is as valuable as what you have nurtured and cultivated yourself,” she imparts, subtly encouraging Rain’s dedication.
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Nephis’s words, delivered with a rare softening of her demeanor and a slight smile, underscore the delicate balance between external perception and inner strength. While acknowledging Rain’s progress, “You are doing very well already. Just continue practicing with the same determination,” she reinforces the critical need for continued effort. This interaction highlights the complex dynamics within the group and leaves Sunny contemplating the true sources of power and the enduring value of hard-won skill.
Chapter 797 Different Side
Nephis and Sunny find themselves navigating the bleak, slush-covered outskirts of the Northern Quadrant Siege Capital. Nephis recoils from the grime and stench, questioning their presence, but Sunny explains it’s a mandated immersion into the lives of mundane humans, a stark reminder of the post-collapse world. The once-familiar outskirts trigger a wave of memories for Sunny, a stark contrast to his recent life in the more refined Dream Realm. He reflects on how humanity, after widespread devastation and inhospitable environments, congregates in shielded cities, leaving the sprawling, decaying outskirts to generations living with compromised air and failing infrastructure, a situation exacerbated by the city’s growth outpacing its protective barriers.
The chapter paints a grim picture of survival outside the city’s protective embrace. Buildings crumble, resources are scarce, and the air itself is a constant threat, a far cry from the sanitized existence within the city walls. Sunny, despite his accustomedness to the outskirts’ harsh realities, finds the pervasive filth and stench amplified after his time in more pristine environments. He observes the skeletal frames of unfinished barrier walls, symbols of stalled progress and an uncertain future for those dwelling in this forgotten zone.
As they tread through the desolation, Nephis’s discomfort serves as a poignant counterpoint to Sunny’s own resurfacing memories. Their excursion into the outskirts underscores the vast chasm between different strata of human existence in this shattered world, hinting at deeper explorations into the societal impacts of the collapse and the resilience of those left behind, while Nephis’s implicit disgust subtly reiterates the value of the cultivated life she champions.
Chapter 798 Lonely Tree
The street gives way to a small, unexpectedly verdant lot, a park carved out of the chaotic sprawl of the outskirts. Despite the dirty snow, patches of grass, bushes, a frozen pond, and a solitary, bare tree hint at its spring potential. Surrounded by towering buildings, the park feels like a hidden oasis, its thin sunlight filtering down onto the few inhabitants seeking a quiet respite on benches. Nephis, dressed in white, questions Sunny’s apparent lack of concern in such an environment, noting their conspicuous wealth. Sunny, however, is unfazed, confident that their demeanor, perceived as that of killers, deters any potential trouble from the “outskirt rats.”
As they observe the scene, Nephis presses Sunny for the true reason behind their presence here. He reveals his desire for her to meet his mother, a declaration that surprises Nephis given his mother’s presumed death. Sunny acknowledges this, confirming his mother is indeed deceased, as they begin to approach the central tree. The stark contrast between Nephis’s refined sensibilities and the harsh realities of the outskirts remains a palpable undercurrent, yet Sunny’s calm acceptance and unexpected familial revelations hint at a deeper, more personal purpose to this grim pilgrimage.
Sunny’s invitation to his deceased mother’s resting place marks a significant turn, grounding their journey in a personal history amidst the widespread desolation. While Nephis’s discomfort with the environment highlights the enduring class divisions and the lingering effects of the collapse, Sunny’s quiet resolve and his willingness to share this intimate, somber location with Nephis suggest a burgeoning trust and a shared exploration of their pasts. The chapter leaves the reader with a sense of melancholy anticipation for what memories and truths will be unearthed beneath the lonely tree.
Chapter 799 Outskirt Rat
Under the solitary tree, Nephis acknowledges Sunny’s efforts, prompting him to reflect on his mother’s wishes. Sunny articulates his achievements – health, security, a student – as markers of success that would have pleased his deceased mother. He then muses on his mother’s youth when she died, contrasting his childhood perception of her omniscience with his adult realization of her own struggles. The conversation drifts to the nature of adulthood and the early burdens placed upon individuals like themselves. Sunny expresses a premonition of future embarrassment regarding his current actions, a sentiment Nephis playfully dismisses.
Sunny admits his initial expectation of a profound emotional reaction at his mother’s resting place was unmet, finding the reality of grief more nuanced. When Nephis gently prompts him to speak to his mother, Sunny declines, stating the futility of addressing the departed and his preference to focus on the future. He acknowledges the paradox of his current comforts – house, food, wealth – being juxtaposed with the dire realities of the world, including Sovereigns, the Obel Scale, and his complex bond with Nephis, signaling the imminent end of a brief period of peace.
The idyllic respite is drawing to a close. In mere days, Nephis will depart to confront the Fire Keepers, followed by Clan Valor’s invitation to their ball. These events mark a turning point, poised to irrevocably alter their destinies. The chapter leaves an unsettling anticipation, as the calm before the storm hints at the monumental changes that await Sunny and Nephis, whose futures hang precariously in the balance.
Chapter 800 Facing The Music
The tranquility of their shared respite fractures as Nephis departs for the Immortal Flame manor, leaving Sunny alone with a newfound sense of emptiness in his once-solitary home. He opts not to join the cohort, anticipating the impending ball will drastically alter their lives and requiring him to prepare contingencies. His academy lectures commence, but Sunny recognizes his academic career may be cut short. Meanwhile, the Brilliant Emporium faces a critical inventory shortage, prompting Sunny to strategize. He pivots the Memory store’s focus towards luxury items, enabling him to recoup the cost of soul shards. He instructs Aiko to prioritize Memories offering warmth or cold resistance and sources of light, while also liquidating their remaining soul shards. “Stock up on as many Memories that provide either warmth or resistance against cold as possible,” he tells her, anticipating the needs of those heading to Antarctica. His final concern rests with Rain, his sister, as her sixteenth birthday approaches, presenting the looming possibility of her First Nightmare and his limited ability to further prepare her.
Chapter 801 Distinguished Guests
The group, clad in resplendent attire, travels in a PTV towards the Valor clan’s stronghold. Sunny, Kai, Cassie, Effie, and Nephis are all dressed to impress for an upcoming ball, each displaying their unique style, from Kai’s flamboyant elegance to Cassie’s understated grace and Effie’s goddess-like aura. Nephis, ever practical, sports a more functional yet splendid knightly suit. As they journey, Sunny broaches the subject of readiness, to which Nephis nonchalantly replies, “…It’s just a ball.” The stronghold itself is a formidable testament to the Valor clan’s power, a sprawling fortress blending an embassy’s grandeur with a military base’s preparedness, hinting at the immense scale of Legacy clans and the heightened security measures they employ.
Upon arrival, the Valor clan’s estate reveals itself to be a meticulously crafted landscape of greenery and elegant architecture, designed to mask its underlying utilitarian and militaristic nature. Sunny notes the abundance of sentries, both mundane and gifted, a clear indicator of the clan’s readiness to defend against any threat, be it from the supernatural or rival factions. This extensive security, while ensuring safety, also presents a significant challenge should escape become necessary, a thought Sunny privately acknowledges with a hope that such a contingency won’t arise.
The sheer scale and hidden depths of the Valor clan’s property, with its numerous buildings and underground facilities, emphasize the immense organizational power behind a Legacy clan. This vast network supports thousands of individuals, from clan members to retainers, and encompasses specialized centers for research, training, and storage, including vaults for the slumbering Awakened. The stark contrast between the estate’s tranquil appearance and its underlying strategic preparedness underscores the dangerous realities of the world they inhabit, and the weight of the approaching ball weighs on Sunny’s mind.
Chapter 802 Feast Of Deceit
Nephis strides into the Valor clan’s grand hall with an almost unnerving calm, unfazed by the opulent surroundings, the assembled honor guard, or the scrutinizing gazes of the elite guests. Sunny, trailing behind, feels a familiar unease, frustrated by his inability to decipher Nephis’s inscrutable expression and half-expecting her to instigate trouble. Their arrival draws significant attention, particularly to Nephis, the “Lady Changing Star,” whose presence alone silences the room. Sunny, however, remains acutely aware of his surroundings, his senses extended through his shadow, a stark contrast to the formal ambiance that oddly reminds him of the Red Colosseum.
The cohort is formally announced into a vast chamber teeming with elegantly dressed individuals, the sheer concentration of power from numerous Masters and Saints creating a palpable pressure that even Nephis, seemingly unaffected, must endure. Whispers ripple through the crowd, recognizing Nephis and the other four—Kai, Cassie, Effie, and Sunny—as prominent figures of the younger generation, their rapid Ascension and SS designations making them noteworthy. Despite the intense scrutiny, Nephis calmly proceeds towards refreshments, her composure a stark contrast to Sunny’s internal awkwardness as another guest’s announcement shifts the focus.
Kai offers reassuring advice, suggesting they simply “enjoy yourself, smile, and answer politely if someone addresses you,” as their elevated status means others will seek them out. This casual instruction highlights the cohort’s position as focal points within this powerful gathering. The chapter leaves them in a state of poised anticipation, the weight of expectation heavy as they await the official commencement of the ball, their every move and interaction under the watchful eyes of the world’s most formidable powers.
Chapter 803 Friendly Reminder
Seishan, former lieutenant to the Bright Lord Gunlaug and commander of the Dreamer Army’s defense, unexpectedly appears before the cohort. Sunny, despite his recent Master status, finds himself as susceptible as ever to Seishan’s striking beauty and enigmatic aura, amplified by the chilling knowledge of her true nature. Her presence is particularly significant as an adopted daughter of Ki Song, one of the three Sovereigns, prompting Sunny to question her attendance. Seishan addresses the cohort, acknowledging their well-being and expressing gratitude for their current success. She then elaborates on her own situation, explaining how her clan welcomed her and her handmaidens, and how her unique experiences from the Forgotten Shore, including nearly a decade in the Dark City, have proven invaluable to the Song family. This successful reintegration and proven worth likely explain Valor’s strong desire for the allegiance of the Fire Keepers, who are formidable battle-hardened Awakened.
Seishan expresses her respect for the cohort’s rapid Ascension, noting their achievements are remarkable. However, her smile falters as she reveals her imminent departure to challenge her own Second Nightmare, making the current ball her last opportunity to experience the waking world beforehand. This revelation suggests a shared urgency within the group to achieve Master status, a race against time driven by their own formidable ambitions. The implication hangs heavy: Seishan’s imminent challenge and the cohort’s own meteoric rise suggest a looming shift in power dynamics, with the Song clan potentially gaining significant strength through Seishan’s return and the loyalty of those who followed her.
The encounter with Seishan underscores the deep connections forged during the harrowing escape from the Forgotten Shore, highlighting the diverse paths taken by the survivors of the Dreamer Army. While many followed Cassie to form the Fire Keepers or chose independence, Seishan’s group found refuge and purpose within the Song clan, bringing with them valuable experience and a dozen promising recruits. This reunion, marked by a blend of lingering unease and mutual respect, sets the stage for future interactions and hints at the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define this powerful gathering, hinting at a world where personal ambition and clan loyalty are inextricably intertwined.
Chapter 804 Whispering Blade
The grand hall’s atmosphere shifts as Saint Madoc, the ‘Whispering Blade’ and nominal leader of Clan Valor, makes a commanding entrance. Radiating an undeniable aura of Saintly power, his stern, silver-touched appearance and sharp eyes command immediate attention. Sunny notes a familial likeness to Mordret and Morgan, though recognizing this is not Anvil of Valor himself. Madoc, brother to Anvil, carries the weight of leadership with a formidable presence, his voice easily filling the hall as he welcomes guests to Valor’s annual ball. He acknowledges the past year’s losses, noting, “Some of our brothers and sisters… are not with us anymore,” a somber reminder of the dangers faced by the Awakened.
Despite the somber undertones, Saint Madoc’s demeanor quickly brightens, banishing the melancholy. He expresses joy at the new faces, declaring, “Humanity has grown stronger yet again! New heroes rose to carry the torch for those who had fallen in battle.” He credits the rise of new champions for humanity’s resilience and continued ascent. Admitting his own lack of eloquence, he humorously attributes his prepared speech to his “beloved wife, who is far more eloquent and wise than me.” With a definitive pronouncement, “Today is not a day for sorrow. Today is a day for joy. And so… let the ball commence!”, the ball officially begins, Madoc himself leading the first dance with a breathtakingly elegant woman.
Chapter 805 Conversation With A Mirror
Sunny recoils in shock as his reflection suddenly speaks, revealing Mordret, the Prince of Nothing, inhabiting his mirrored image. Cursing his own habit of talking to mirrors, Sunny is exasperated by Mordret’s presence, especially within Clan Valor’s stronghold. Mordret, unperturbed and clearly possessing a means to elude detection, claims he’s merely observing the festivities. He chides Sunny for his continued proximity to the great clans, to which Sunny angrily retorts that it’s Mordret’s fault for dragging him into his troubles. This leads to a confusing déjà vu for Sunny, as the conversation mirrors one he seemingly just had with someone else, prompting him to question if Mordret has somehow impersonated another individual.
Mordret, oblivious to Sunny’s suspicion and the implications of his presence, dismisses Sunny’s concerns with a wave. He remarks on Sunny’s frequent brushes with powerful clans, despite Sunny’s denials of being associated with them. Sunny, infuriated, blames Mordret for his predicament, lamenting that he would be living a peaceful life elsewhere if not for Mordret’s interference. Mordret offers a half-hearted apology and advises Sunny to be more discerning with his acquaintances. Sunny’s outrage intensifies as the conversation echoes a recent one, leading him to suspect Mordret might have taken over someone else’s body, though he quickly dismisses the idea, reasoning that Mordret would gain nothing from such an action.
The unnerving encounter leaves Sunny deeply troubled by the Prince of Nothing’s audacity and the potential consequences of his presence. The fact that Clan Valor, despite its power, has failed to detect Mordret hints at his considerable skill in remaining hidden. Sunny realizes that his chance observation was the only thing that alerted him to the transient reflection. Mordret’s nonchalant attitude, however, suggests a confidence rooted in possessing potent anti-divination tools, making him an even more dangerous and elusive threat.
Chapter 806 A Dance Of Light And Shadow
Sunny’s perception warps in the aftermath of his disturbing encounter with Mordret. The opulent hall now appears a breeding ground for threats, every guest a potential enemy, each lurking with unknown intentions. The banished Prince of Nothing’s presence, though seemingly nonchalant, casts a long shadow of paranoia over Sunny, who grapples with the terrifying possibility of Mordret hiding within anyone, even a Saint. The dual threat of Mordret and the presence of two Divine Aspect carriers within Clan Valor’s walls fuels Sunny’s apprehension, making the festive atmosphere unbearable.
Seeking a moment of clarity and perhaps a distraction from the escalating danger, Sunny approaches Nephis. “Shall we dance?” he asks, offering a hand. Together, they join the revelers, Sunny’s innate proficiency in Shadow Dance making him surprisingly adept. The closeness is unsettling, but Sunny seizes the opportunity to probe Nephis about her intentions. “What, exactly, are you planning to do today?” he questions, his voice barely audible above the din. He presses on, “Valor won’t take no for an answer… which one of us is going to become a retainer of the great clan Valor?”
Nephis, maintaining her composure as Sunny leads her through the dance, raises an eyebrow. After a few moments, she turns the question back on him, her tone laced with knowing amusement. “You don’t really understand, do you?” Sunny’s eyes darken as he demands an explanation, his earlier apprehension solidifying into a desperate need for answers. The unspoken tension between them, amplified by the perceived threats surrounding them, leaves the reader questioning Nephis’s true agenda and Sunny’s precarious position.
Chapter 807 From Within
Sunny, reeling from Nephis’s cryptic response, is nearly thrown off balance during their dance. He forcibly pulls Nephis away from the ballroom and into a deserted kitchen, his urgency palpable. With a menacing gesture, he banishes the startled kitchen staff, creating a private, soundproofed space using a strange emerald bone flute and the amplified darkness of his shadows. Confronting her, Sunny demands, “You? Join Valor? What… what the hell?!”
Nephis, unfazed, calmly inquires, “Why are you so surprised?” Sunny, incredulous, questions her ambition, recalling her past pronouncements about bringing the Sovereigns to their knees. “What about your great goals?” he presses, highlighting the apparent contradiction of her joining the very powers she vowed to destroy. Nephis, however, maintains her resolve, stating, “My plans did not change, Sunny.”
Her gaze intensifies as she leans against the wall, explaining, “There is no contradiction. On the contrary, this is the only way I can advance my goals.” She asserts that while the Sovereigns are formidable, they will ultimately fall to her. “Did you hope that two years of being lost in the Dream Realm would have dulled my resolve?” she asks Sunny, a determined glint in her eyes, leaving him stunned and questioning her true, intricate strategy.
Chapter 808 A Long-Awaited Conversation
Sunny struggles to reconcile Nephis’s plan with her past. He confronts her, questioning her decision to join Clan Valor, the very power structure she once vowed to dismantle. Nephis, unyielding, explains her intricate strategy: using the Sovereigns’ own strength against them to advance her ultimate goal of destroying the Nightmare Spell and avenging her clan. She believes this is the only path to challenging the formidable powers that hold sway.
Sunny, however, is unconvinced, pointing out the multitude of flaws and potential betrayals in her scheme. He argues that her decision to embrace such overwhelming danger is a choice, not a necessity. “Who says that Valor will win this war? Who says that Anvil will ever treat you as anything but a latent threat?” he demands. Nephis retorts, asserting her agency, “I say who wins. I say whether he trusts me or not. It all depends on me, does it not?”
Their tense exchange culminates with Sunny reminding Nephis that he is not merely a bystander, declaring, “Me! You are forgetting me! I have a say in this too, goddammit!” Nephis initially states he is free to choose his own path, but Sunny, sensing her hidden influence, hints at their intertwined fate. Nephis, realizing his underlying concern, sighs, recognizing the unspoken bond that binds them.
Chapter 809 True Strength
Sunny, fueled by anger, makes a calculated decision to distance himself from Nephis’s plan to join the embattled Great Clan Valor. He views Valor’s impending war with the formidable Clan Song as a suicidal gambit, especially given Nephis’s ulterior motive to betray them. Sunny believes Nephis’s inclusion resolves the initial necessity for his own involvement, leaving him free to pursue his desire for isolation. He sees no compelling reason to follow her into such peril, especially with Valor already agreeing to recruit only one of them.
Despite Sunny’s attempt to sever ties, the undeniable intertwining of their fates weighs heavily. Their shared history, complementary Aspects, and the uncanny coincidences that have repeatedly thrown them together suggest a destiny he cannot easily escape. Sunny suspects his own Attribute, [Fated], has orchestrated their connection, and he is not yet prepared to defy such powerful currents, acknowledging that escaping the notice of the Great Clans is impossible for either of them.
The true crux of the chapter, however, lies in Nephis’s revelation regarding her intentions toward Sunny. She plainly states, “I have no intention of ever issuing another order to him,” not out of mercy, but because such commands are now “beneath her.” This assertion shifts the power dynamic, forcing Sunny to confront the nature of their future relationship and how he can shape it to align with his own desires, rather than being a passive participant in her grand, dangerous schemes.
Chapter 810 Secret Gift
Sunny, ever the pragmatist, prepares for a solitary expedition to Antarctica, a decision driven by his need to gather resources and hone his skills as a Master, far from the political machinations of the Great Clans. He’s already packed and finalized his plans, a testament to his meticulous nature. This impending journey, however, is overshadowed by the unfolding events involving Nephis. News breaks that she is to be adopted by Clan Valor, with Cassie and the Fire Keepers set to follow. Effie and Kai, caught in the whirlwind of these developments, confess their uncertainty about their own futures. Effie is torn between the allure of Valor’s resources and her discomfort with their arrogance, while Kai struggles to define his purpose now that he has achieved his Masterhood.
Sunny subtly urges his friends to delay any decisions, hinting at a significant event approaching by April—the gradual collapse of Antarctica and the government’s call for voluntary mobilization. He withholds details, respecting Master Jet’s insistence on confidentiality, but his cryptic advice and sudden departure clearly stem from this foreknowledge. The conversation between Sunny, Effie, and Kai highlights the diverging paths they are now forced to consider, with Nephis’s alliance with Clan Valor serving as a major catalyst, leaving Effie and Kai to ponder their loyalties and ambitions in the shadow of these colossal shifts.
The stark contrast between Sunny’s chosen isolation and the unfolding drama of his companions’ lives is palpable. While Sunny seeks strength in the harsh Antarctic landscape, his friends grapple with loyalty and purpose amidst the grander schemes of the awakened world. The chapter leaves the reader questioning what exactly awaits in April and whether Sunny’s deliberate detachment will ultimately shield him or leave him vulnerable as the world teeters on the brink of monumental change, all while Nephis solidifies her position among the powerful.
