Chapter 976 Ubiquitous Law
Sunny finds himself utterly captivated by the potential of his new Marble Shell attribute, recognizing its profound power and complexity. He muses on the immense effort required to achieve such a feat, contemplating that the *Prince of the Underworld* challenge likely comprised multiple stages, with his own completion of the final one. This revelation solidifies his understanding of the attribute’s formidable nature, especially given its connection to a powerful daemon. The previous owner of the Mantle of the Underworld, whoever they were, clearly owed a significant debt to Sunny. The Marble Shell promises to drastically and passively bolster his defensive capabilities, transforming him into a walking, living fortress.
He realizes the Marble Shell, even in its dormant “Shell” state, offers a significant boost, turning his very skin into controllable stone. This advancement allows him to challenge a fundamental law of the Nightmare Spell: the axiom that offense almost always triumphs over defense. Sunny, through his Aspect and now augmented by the Marble Shell, envisions a future where his enhanced defenses, potentially bolstered by his shadows, could defy even ascended-tier blades. “Someone else would have found the Marble Shell a powerful aid in battle, but in Sunny’s hands, it could be so much more,” he thinks, the implications of this new synergy stirring a dangerous excitement.
Unlock Global Stories with Noyaku!
Tired of waiting? Instantly translate web novels, manhwa, and manhua from their original sources! Noyaku provides Smart AI and Basic translation engines, plus a custom Glossary for consistent terms.
The sheer scale of Nether’s creations, capable of challenging gods, continues to unnerve Sunny as he reflects on the “Stalwart” trait. He acknowledges that the previous owner of the Mantle, a potential companion of the First Lord of the Bright Castle, wore a lesser version, hinting at the vast hierarchy within the Underworld. The number of enemies required to ascend the Mantle from its initial Tier to its current state is staggering, underscoring the immense power he now wields. Sunny understands that the Marble Shell has become an integral part of his being, allowing him to push the boundaries of what is possible within the world of Nightmares.
Chapter 977 Through The Blizzard
Sunny emerges from his rest to resume command of the caravan, pushing deeper into the snow-swept mountains towards their ultimate objective. The blizzard’s fury blankets the world in white, making navigation a treacherous task. Amidst the pressing need for reconnaissance and logistical management, Sunny finds himself contemplating the Puppeteer’s Shroud, a stark reminder of his past reliance on it. Beth observes him with a curious expression, mistaking his altered appearance for makeup, prompting Sunny to boast about his natural “marble statue” complexion, a veiled nod to his evolving defensive capabilities. “Are you… uh… are you wearing makeup?” she inquires, a question that belies his growing power.
Sunny dismisses Beth’s observation with a characteristic grin and disappears into the shadows, reappearing atop the caravan’s lead Rhino. The biting wind, which would have previously been unbearable, now barely registers, a testament to his enhanced passive resistance. He reinforces his defenses further, drawing on the Memory of Ice and wrapping himself in shadow, the combined effects rendering him remarkably comfortable and impervious to the gale’s force. “Huh. I can get used to this…” he muses, embracing the newfound resilience that allows him to face the harsh elements with newfound ease.
As Sunny settles in to prepare for the journey ahead, the lingering effects of his burgeoning power are evident, transforming his physical presence and his interaction with the environment. The chapter subtly underscores how Sunny’s new abilities, honed through challenges like the *Prince of the Underworld*, are not just about combat but also about his fundamental resilience, turning him into a more formidable and self-sufficient entity even in the mundane aspects of survival.
Chapter 978 Back Again
The Rhino, the vanguard of the battered caravan, groans to a halt, its once-mighty frame now a testament to the brutal journey. Sunny surveys the deep gouges and makeshift patches marring its hull, the deformed ram and destroyed thrusters a grim tableau of its suffering. The internal systems, desperately tended by Kim and Samara, are failing, pushing the Irregulars’ flagship to the brink of collapse. A bitter sigh escapes Sunny’s lips, echoing the lamentable state of the entire column stretching kilometers behind him.
Stepping between the imposing Abomination and the fearsome Blackie, Sunny moves to survey the vast, snow-covered valley below. The Crow lands on his shoulder as he gazes upon a landscape scarred by a past cataclysm. Crumbling earth, craters, and a mountain of charred bones mark the site of a fierce battle, a graveyard of broken war machines strewn across the terrain. Thousands of Nightmare Creatures roam the snow, and thirteen active Gates tear at the fabric of reality, a stark warning of the dangers ahead.
Naeve joins Sunny, his broken arm a visible reminder of recent conflict, his face soured by the grim sight. Sunny offers a rueful smile, recognizing the valley as the site of his first true battle in the Southern Quadrant. “It was even more terrible when seven new Gates opened right when we tried to deal with the six that had already manifested, encircling the whole division,” he recalls, a flicker of memory in his eyes. Despite the desolate landscape, the valley represents a crucial milestone, lying only a day’s travel from Falcon Scott.
Chapter 979 Full Circle
A powerful griffin descends, depositing a familiar figure before Sunny and Naeve. Master Roan, the husband of Sky Tide, appears rugged yet unchanged, his piercing blue eyes taking in the caravan. Sunny, momentarily embarrassed by Roan’s recognition of his “Devil of Antarctica” moniker, confirms his identity. Roan, recalling Sunny’s knack for deals and soul shards, laughs, his presence in this desolate region explained by the banishment of the White Feather clan. Sunny then introduces Naeve of the House of Night, and the two Ascended acknowledge each other with a subtle, politically charged tension, given the war between Valor and Song, to which Night remains neutral.
The exchange quickly shifts to business as Roan surveys the battered caravan. Sunny outlines the caravan’s composition: four thousand soldiers, thirty thousand civilian refugees, thousands of shipwrecked sailors, one hundred Awakened, twenty Sleepers, his Irregulars, and a dozen Echoes, including Fallen ones. The sheer number of people is evident, even as Roan’s griffin and Sunny’s Abomination engage in a silent, imposing standoff.
Roan’s arrival marks a significant development, offering a potential alliance or at least a point of negotiation in this treacherous valley. The presence of the White Feather clan, known for their strength, could provide much-needed assistance. As the two leaders prepare to discuss terms, the precarious situation of the caravan, burdened by its immense population and the looming threat of the valley’s corrupted landscape, hangs heavy in the air, hinting at further complications and the potential for uneasy alliances.
Chapter 980 Siege Capital
With preparations finalized, Sunny, Naeve, and Master Roan convene to strategize the perilous push through the valley. The plan hinges on decoys drawing the bulk of the Nightmare Creatures away, allowing Sunny’s Irregulars to clear the mountain path. Roan observes Sunny, noting, “…You’ve look different, Sunless.” Sunny, initially perplexed, clarifies his status as an Awakened, but Roan elaborates, stating Sunny seems “older.” As Roan prepares to signal, he summons a Memory, drawing a jagged line to initiate the diversion. Following a missile barrage and the appearance of Awakened forces, the caravan begins its descent.
Sunny and Naeve, along with their formidable Abomination and Blackie, move out as the enemy horde shifts focus to the diversion. The battered Rhino leads the charge, its APC followed by the caravan’s vehicles. A fierce barrage of projectiles decimates the initial wave of Nightmare Creatures. Those attempting to pursue are met with a sudden, deadly lightning barrier erected by Roan. While Roan’s essence is tested, Sunny’s Irregulars, including Crow, and Sunny himself, expertly eliminate threats, Sunny’s archery skills honed to deadly precision.
As Roan’s barrier falters, the caravan reaches the mountain slope, with Naeve’s improvised minefield deterring any pursuers. The mountain road ahead is eerily clear, a fact soon explained by the appearance of Ascended Dale, Winter’s former partner and an Irregular captain, who lands on the Rhino’s roof, acknowledging Sunny with a curt nod and a grin.
Chapter 981 All Quiet
Ascended Dale’s arrival marks the caravan’s safe passage through the treacherous mountain pass, a stark contrast to the growing unease in the city. Rain, newly sixteen, finds her world subtly altered by an impending vulnerability to the Spell and the impending evacuation of the Southern Quadrant. While the public is fed propaganda about glorious victories in Antarctica, Rain’s father’s stress and Sunny’s prolonged, unnerving silence hint at a grimmer reality.
Rain, unable to focus, desperately checks her communicator, her barrage of unanswered messages reflecting a mounting concern. “Why aren’t you answering?” she repeats, the silence stretching over two months. Aiko’s reassurances do little to quell Rain’s unease, her worry for Sunny eclipsing her own impending fate. She questions his presence on the front lines of a war, knowing his talents lie in scouting and tactics, not open combat, especially given his Aspect.
The nation mobilizes for the Second Evacuation Army, with recruitment posters plastered across the city, urging enlistment in the war effort. Yet, Rain suspects a disconnect between the optimistic news reports and the true state of affairs, her father’s stressed demeanor a quiet testament to this. The world around Rain feels shifted, the carefree atmosphere replaced by an undercurrent of fear and unspoken dread, all amplified by Sunny’s inexplicable absence from her life.
Chapter 982 Dark, Empty, And Silent
Cassie awakens from a disorienting dream, experiencing fragmented sensory input from various lives, a stark contrast to the familiar, albeit difficult, darkness of her own reality. Her ability grants her access to myriad perspectives, yet her own world remains devoid of color and shape. Returning to her senses in her room, Cassie navigates the familiar space with practiced ease, a testament to her resilience after the onset of her Flaw. The stark order of her home is a comfort, but the ever-present fear of the unknown outside her personal space creates a palpable tension.
The impending solstice prompts Cassie to cautiously activate her Awakened Ability, a delicate act of balancing her essence. The world warps, her physical presence fragmenting across multiple points in time and space as she descends the stairs, her senses overlapping. A sudden collision and shattering glass herald an anomaly, a vase that wasn’t there before. This jarring disruption is quickly superseded by the scent of her mother, who enters the house, her arrival coinciding with the resolution of the temporal distortion.
Cassie’s mother greets her joyously, and Cassie, abandoning her own fractured perceptions, momentarily borrows her mother’s sight to fully grasp the scene: her mother, the room, and herself. The chapter ends with Cassie’s mother’s exclamation, “Ah! My baby is awake!” leaving the reader to wonder what new realities and challenges Cassie will face as she steps into her day, especially given the unsettling presence of the vase and the subtle hints of disruption within her own home.
Chapter 983 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (1)
Falcon Scott, a vital port city nestled precariously on cliffs overlooking the ocean, now functions as a desperate staging ground for mass evacuations. The city, designed for a fraction of its current inhabitants, is crammed with nearly two hundred million refugees fleeing the Antarctic Center’s besieged siege capitals. Massive battleships, reduced in number by the Chain of Nightmares, ferry survivors to Eastern Antarctica, a process that will take considerable time. Sunny observes this scene of disarray from a government complex, the weight of his recent ordeals seemingly lifted after rest and sustenance. He finds himself awaiting a meeting with Army Command, a consequence of his unique abilities.
Master Jet, also known as Soul Reaper, enters, her demeanor largely unaffected by the brutal Antarctic campaign. She greets Sunny with a familiar, albeit teasing, tone, remarking, “Well, if it’s not young Master Sunless, valiant slayer of abominations and savior of men.” Sunny, still clad in his Puppeteer’s Shroud, returns the greeting, a forced smile betraying his lingering weariness and contrasting his own “rough” experience with her apparent resilience. He inquiries about her last two months, subtly alluding to his own harrowing journey.
The conversation shifts, with Sunny observing the bleak reality of Falcon Scott projected onto a false window, a testament to the underground nature of the government complex. The city glitters in the polar night, a beacon for the lost and defeated, while above, the aurora swirls ominously. The pressing concern remains the evacuation, a race against time as the city grapples with an overwhelming influx of desperate souls, a stark backdrop for Sunny’s reappearance and his reunion with Jet.
Chapter 984 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (2)
The grim reality of the Antarctic campaign solidifies as Army Command announces a strategic withdrawal from the besieged Antarctic Center. The initial plan to fortify siege capitals for gradual evacuation is abandoned in favor of a swift, unified relocation to Eastern Antarctica. This shift is driven by Eastern Antarctica’s greater resources and manpower, boasting significantly larger field armies and the presence of two of the three Saints involved in the conflict, while Sky Tide shoulders the immense burden of the Center alone. The devastating impact of the Chain of Nightmares on the central region, coupled with the uncontrollable power of the Winter Beast, has forced this drastic consolidation, leaving the battered defenders of the Antarctic Center to survive a perilous relocation amidst an escalating onslaught of Nightmare Creatures.
The sheer scale of the evacuation from Falcon Scott presents an immense challenge, with close to two hundred million refugees needing passage to Eastern Antarctica. This massive undertaking is projected to take at least three weeks, a stark contrast to the rapid ferrying of survivors across the strait that will tenfold the speed. Sunny, still grappling with the recent losses of fellow Irregular captains like Randall and Jesse, witnesses the mounting desperation. Master Jet, ever pragmatic, details the relentless nature of the assaults, stating, “We resisted three large-scale assaults yesterday, and there are probably going to be four or five today.”
The immediate concern for the remaining forces in Falcon Scott is to hold the line against the ceaseless wave of abominations, a daunting task given the increasing presence of particularly powerful threats that have nowhere else to flee. As Master Jet notes, “It’s not the number of Nightmare Creatures that worries me. It’s the particularly powerful bastards that have nowhere to go but here, now.” The upcoming meeting with Army Command is poised to devise strategies to confront these dire circumstances, a critical juncture in their desperate struggle for survival.
Chapter 985 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (3)
The strategic shift to Eastern Antarctica necessitates a monumental evacuation from Falcon Scott, a task made more perilous by the concentrated influx of potent Nightmare Creatures. Within the relative safety of a large conference room, Sunny observes the arrival of the First Army’s elite, a mix of mundane commanders and Ascended, including twenty-one Masters. He exchanges greetings with Naeve and Roan, prompting a curious remark from Master Jet about Sunny’s connections. Winter joins the banter, teasing Sunny about refusing an offer from Valor. The arrival of Saint Tyris and Bloodwave, the Transcendent of the House of Night, signals the gravity of the impending discussions, with Bloodwave’s presence confirming his role in safeguarding the vital naval convoy for the refugee relocation.
Amidst the tension, Sunny indulges in sweetened snacks, mindful of his dietary restrictions. Master Jet’s observation about Sunny’s companions sparks a playful exchange regarding social climbing and past allegiances, highlighting Sunny’s independent spirit. Winter’s teasing question about Valor’s proposed marriage arrangement for Sunny adds a touch of dark humor to the grim circumstances. The entrance of Saint Tyris and Bloodwave shifts the room’s atmosphere, a stark reminder of the formidable powers involved in their desperate fight for survival.
The chapter sets the stage for critical strategic planning, bringing together key players to confront the overwhelming threat of the encroaching Nightmare Creatures and the arduous relocation of two hundred million refugees. The presence of Saint Tyris and the formidable Bloodwave, a Transcendent tasked with naval security, underscores the immense resources being marshaled. The imminent meeting promises crucial decisions that will shape the remaining forces’ chances against the escalating onslaught, leaving readers to anticipate the strategies devised in this dire hour.
Chapter 986 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (4)
Saint Tyris addresses the gathered elite, highlighting Sunny’s remarkable survival against multiple potent Nightmare Creatures, which elicits a mixture of awe and disbelief. Sunny, ever the pragmatist, jokes about his “collection” of encounters, earning a wry acknowledgment from Sky Tide, who preemptively marks him as a volunteer. The strategic discussion commences with the Devouring Cloud, a swarm entity, to be countered by Winter’s area-of-effect prowess. The second target, the Heart of Darkness, a swarm of insectoid drones, is attributed to Sunny’s cohort’s prior intelligence, with its potential evolution to titan status suggesting a narrowly averted catastrophe.
The Terror of LO49, responsible for the battleship Ariadne’s destruction and the LO49 installation’s massacre, is next. Sunny, the sole survivor, informs the assembly that the creature lurks underwater, employing potent mind manipulation and hexes to isolate and kill its victims. He notes its lone emergence and lack of supporting creatures as potential weaknesses. Consequently, Saint Bloodwave and Master Naeve are tasked with hunting this aquatic threat, a mission Sunny hopes they are adequately prepared for with mind-protection Memories.
The chilling presence of the Winter Beast, now confirmed as a Corrupted Titan, looms, with Saint Tyris vowing to contain it. The formidable Fallen Titan Goliath, responsible for Erebus Field’s obliteration and whose powers remain largely unknown, presents the ultimate challenge. In the ensuing silence, a calm voice declares, “I’ll kill Goliath,” hinting at a desperate gamble to confront overwhelming odds.
Chapter 987 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (5)
Sunny observes the city from the battlements, a colossal horde of Nightmare Creatures relentlessly advancing. Flare rockets pierce the darkness, illuminating the apocalyptic scene, while fires on the ground consume fallen abominations. As the horde crosses an invisible threshold, the city’s mass drivers unleash devastating tungsten rounds, carving bloody swathes through the enemy. The relentless tide of creatures, however, quickly fills the breaches, met by a cacophony of heavy-caliber turrets firing with immense force. Amidst the deafening din of war, Sunny, unconcerned by the artillery, focuses on weaving intricate shadow strings with his four hands, a practice his cohort has grown accustomed to.
When Samara prepares to fire her rifle, Sunny intervenes, placing his shadow-made hand on her shoulder and shaking his head. “There’s no need,” he explains, his voice calm amidst the chaos. “The garrison has the situation under control, for now, so don’t get involved unless the Nightmare Creatures scale the wall. Conserve your essence.” His pragmatic instruction underscores the immense scale of the threat and the need for calculated resource management, hinting at further challenges to come.
The sheer number of advancing creatures is overwhelming, a moving, churning mass that dwarfs the city’s defenses. The initial volleys from the mass drivers and turrets inflict heavy casualties but do little to halt the inexorable advance. Sunny’s instruction to conserve essence suggests a deeper understanding of the impending conflict and a need for his cohort to be prepared for whatever lies beyond the initial onslaught, leaving the reader to wonder what truly awaits the defenders.
Chapter 988 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (6)
The endless assault continues, blurring into days of relentless combat. Sunny and his cohort, having completed their arduous shift, descend from the ravaged walls into the chaotic staging area below. Amidst the frantic activity of resupply, wounded being tended to, and damaged war machines being repaired, Sunny opts out of joining his comrades for the night. Kim hesitantly asks if he’s coming with them, to which Sunny politely declines, “Not today. I have a couple of errands to run, so just take the Rhino to the barracks and then park it in the usual spot. Oh… and rest well. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.” He remains behind, choosing the familiar confines of the APC he’s learned to pilot, leaving his cohort to depart in the battered vehicle.
Sunny, alone, circulates his essence to accelerate his recovery before embarking on his errands. He takes a moment to observe the city, a landscape scarred by war. The journey, aided by a moving transport, reveals a population struggling to cope. Refugees are crammed into buildings, the air thick with fear, tension, and sorrow. The rampant Spell within the refugee population leads to the birth of new Nightmare Creatures, overwhelming the available soldiers. Despite the pervasive despair, Sunny witnesses surprising resilience; smiles and laughter break through the gloom, demonstrating the people’s enduring hope and adaptability in their dire circumstances.
“They still have hope…” Sunny reflects as he moves through the war-torn city. His observations underscore the devastating impact of the ongoing Nightmare Creature incursions, not just on the battlefield but also on the civilian population. The proliferation of creatures born from infected refugees highlights the pervasive nature of the threat and the desperate measures required to contain it. This chapter sets a somber yet hopeful tone, hinting at the complex challenges Sunny and his cohort will face as they navigate this war-torn world, both on the front lines and within the very fabric of society.
Chapter 989 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (7)
Carrying the massive Devil’s Needle, Sunny makes his way through the war-torn city, the weight of the artifact a strain even for him. His status as an Awakened, and now a Master, grants him a certain aura that deters most mundane folk from bothering him, though some still regard him with curious glances. While walking, he checks his Shadow Fragments, noting the substantial increase gained from the recent intense combat. This progress fuels his ambition, bringing the fifth core within reach and hinting at a temporary chance to match Nephis’s power, a thought that spurs him to muse, “In the end, both of us will either be titans, or dead.”
Sunny observes the city’s population, a mix of despair and surprising resilience, as he approaches a dormitory tower, a stark reminder of the ongoing refugee crisis. The sheer number of people seeking shelter underscores the immense scale of the disaster. He secures the Devil’s Needle by driving it into the frozen ground outside the tower, a practical solution to the hassle of bringing it inside. As he nears the entrance, a civilian shoveling snow flinches at his approach, prompting Sunny to question his own intimidating presence.
The civilian, however, recognizes him, exclaiming, “Captain? Captain Sunless, is that you?” Sunny, momentarily surprised and correcting him with “Uh… yes? Technically, it’s Major now,” prepares to engage, wondering if he knows the man. This brief interaction hints at a deeper connection or a past encounter within the city’s scarred landscape, suggesting that Sunny’s solitary errands might lead to unexpected reunions or revelations amidst the ongoing struggle.
Chapter 990 The Fall Of Falcon Scott (8)
Following his brief reunion with the civilian who recognized him as “Captain Sunless,” Sunny, now a Major, continues his solitary journey. His destination is a dormitory tower, where he intends to check on Professor Obel. The apartment assigned to the esteemed scientist is stark and surprisingly small, accommodating other refugees alongside the professor and Beth. Sunny observes Beth, noting her weariness and the dark circles under her eyes, a stark contrast to her previous composure. She immediately presses him for a straight answer: “Tell me straight… is the wall going to hold?” Sunny’s own detached, almost fatalistic, response, “Sure, it is going to hold… until it doesn’t,” unnerves Beth, who questions his apparent calm, prompting him to reflect on his heightened tolerance for fear and pain due to his grim experiences.
Professor Obel eventually emerges, greeting Sunny with a polite nod. The trio settles for tea, with Sunny relaying information about the city’s defenses and issuing a warning of an impending “big assault tomorrow,” urging them to remain indoors. Beth, however, appears troubled by her mentor’s presence, and Sunny, noticing this, voices his own bewilderment: “I am sorry to ask, Professor… but why are you still here? I would think that you would be put on the priority list for the evacuation.” This question hangs in the air, hinting at the complex and potentially unfair evacuation protocols governing the city’s desperate population, where societal value and other factors influence survival chances.
