Chapter 1159
Strips of meat sizzle over the fire as Sunny recounts a harrowing tale from the Antarctic Center. He describes detonating explosives beneath a city, protected only by his shadows. His cohort, especially Nephis, hangs onto every word as Sunny details his brutal encounter with the Scavenger, a Ravenous Fiend. He explains, grinning and baring his teeth, how he pummeled and even bit the creature before unleashing dark beetles to devour it, a fitting end for a “corpse eater.” This earns him a new Shadow.
Effie breaks the silence, questioning the Fiend’s unusual intelligence. Kai, however, is more impressed by Sunny’s casual mention of killing a titan. Sunny simply laughs, brushing it off as a typical event during the operation. Cassie, her voice filled with genuine worry, asks about the fate of Sunny’s soldiers.
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Sunny’s smile fades as he somberly reveals the consequences of war. He speaks of Luster losing his legs, and Kimmy joining Army Command. His eyes grow distant as he remembers those they lost, including Quentin, still officially missing, and Belle, Dorn, and Samara, who perished fighting the Winter Beast. “Everyone died that day, except me and Jet,” he concludes, leaving a palpable silence and a shadow of grief amongst the group.
Chapter 1160: Idle Days
Sunny and his cohort find respite on Shipwreck Island, recently cleansed of Sailor Dolls. Imp voraciously consumes the steel colossus, while the Masters relax, enjoying a rare, worry-free vacation in the Dream Realm. Effie’s appetite returns, albeit she remains discerning, sharing her snacks, a welcome shock for the others. They laze around, alternating between idle chatter and sleep. Sunny recounts his Antarctic Center experiences – the desperate battles, encounters with terrifying creatures, and the loss of comrades. He finds that sharing these memories, despite the bitterness, offers a strange solace.
The conversations evolve into discussions about Nightmare Creatures and combat strategies. The cohort share experiences from their separate journeys, trading knowledge and insights. Effie admits struggling with leadership, finding Kai’s advice and Sun Legion experience invaluable. “She was having trouble being in charge of hundreds of people,” Sunny recalls, understanding her reluctance. Nephis and Cassie reveal their awkward position within Valor, respected yet kept at arm’s length.
Kai expresses confusion when they mention Anvil, revealing his ignorance about the Sovereigns. Learning there are Supremes among humans startles him. Nephis shares forbidden knowledge about the Domains, revealing secrets she once guarded fiercely. However, she keeps silent about her suspicions regarding her father’s death and her vendetta against the great clans. They have earned the right to know secrets, as it makes “putting a leash on them easier.” Despite the unspoken truths, the bond between them remains strong.
Chapter 1161: Blessed Steel
Sunny recalls Imp from consuming the steel colossus, noticing the creature’s marked evolution. Effie observes, “Huh? Wait… the little rascal looks different!” Imp has grown, his body now covered in dark, metallic armor. The small fiend throws a furtive glance at Nephis, face twisted in a grotesque grin. Sunny teases him, congratulating him for going from “an unseemly gremlin to an unsightly goblin.” Nephis surprisingly declares, “…I don’t know. I think he is a little cute,” causing Imp to swell with smugness.
Examining Imp’s runes, Sunny confirms the Shadow’s rank and class remain unchanged, but his attributes have significantly improved. The “Lesser Iron Body” has transformed into a “Greater Steel Body.” This leap excites Sunny, as he dives deeper into the description of the new attribute, learning Imp’s body is now essentially made of blessed steel.
Thrilled with Imp’s increased resilience, Sunny decides to test the limits of his Shadow’s newfound durability. As Imp puffs out his chest, Sunny smiles and delivers a kick. In the next moment, there is a dull metallic ring and a piercing shriek. “Ah! Goddammit! What the hell?! That hurts so bad!” the fiend cries, confirming the experiment, albeit painful.
Chapter 1162: Old Haunts
Sunny, now satisfied with Imp’s enhanced state, deems their stay on Shipwreck Island complete, and the *Forgotten Shore* sets course eastward toward the Temple of the Chalice. Upon arrival, the once-sacred ruin stands desolate, a stark reminder of the past. Sunny observes the shattered chalice and scattered bones, reflecting on the events of the Nightmare and questioning the true cause of the maiden priestesses’ demise. Effie, wandering the ruins, voice filled with melancholy, laments, “All that cruelty was pointless, in the end. What… what a waste.” They then depart, heading toward the island of white flowers.
Entering the flower-covered island, Sunny swiftly succumbs to a dream where he is attacked by a shapeless wraith, a malignant echo of the real Nightmare. With the aid of his Shadow, Nightmare, he vanquishes the creature, adding to his collection of dreams and raising the Dream Curse counter. Waking up, Sunny discovers the skeletal remains of an enormous horse at the island’s center, covered in the same white flowers. He contemplates the steed’s fate, wondering if it had succumbed to Corruption or remained steadfast until the end.
Nightmare the Shadow, seemingly affected by the sight of the ancient bones, gives a loud snort and turns away solemnly. They gain little from this particular stop, but the dark steed seems to have grown more powerful, as a result of slaying the dream wraith. Their journey continues, and they set their sights on their final destination: the island where Cassie received the Ruby Knife.
Chapter 1163: Broken Land
Sunny, curious about Nephis’s perspective as an outsider to the Chained Isles, initiates a conversation. He wonders if she feels a connection to the land, considering her lineage to the Sun God, the one who destroyed the Kingdom of Hope. Nephis surprises him by stating she feels more connected to Hope herself, the “Hope who had everything that belonged to her destroyed by an impossible foe.” Sunny, amused, reveals he encountered a version of Hope in the Nightmare and shares her cryptic words: “the daemons were the Flaw of the gods.”
This revelation prompts Nephis to ponder the gods’ suffering and the potential price Sun God paid for his power, revealing her cold resentment. “I hope he suffered a lot,” she admits, staring at the night sky. The scene then shifts to a tranquil moment on the Ivory Island where the cohort enjoys their last meal by a bonfire before returning to the waking world.
Sunny savors Nephis’s cooking and observes the relaxed faces of his companions, appreciating the peace before the inevitable return to reality. Shadows dance around the fire, painting them in shades of orange and grey, signaling an end to the short respite and the beginning of what lies ahead.
Chapter 1164: Nice Summer Day
In the Northern Quadrant Siege Capital, a young man, seemingly affluent, observes children playing in a park. He finds their innocence both fascinating and disturbingly fragile. “Are all human children like that?” he muses, grappling with his own disconnection from humanity, shaped by a childhood spent largely in the Dream Realm after being claimed and later discarded by an “old man.”
A slight disturbance interrupts his thoughts as a child accidentally kicks a ball toward him. The boy, about five years old, apologizes, explaining he attends classes and knows the alphabet. The young man inquires about the boy’s mother and then reveals he is alone. The boy, looking at him with pity, says, “Oh. I’m sorry. Don’t be sad…”
The young man’s smile widens at this suggestion. “I’m never sad. I can’t be sad.” The child awkwardly requests his ball back. The young man leans forward, his expression hinting at something unsettling beneath the surface, a prelude to the next encounter, leaving the boy and readers alike in suspense.
Chapter 1165 Warmth Of Affection
The boy retrieves his ball, leaving Mordret to contemplate the sheer complexity of human existence, comparing it to a dead god consumed by carrion worms. He sees the world through the child’s eyes, experiencing the mundane, yet intricate details of a human home. He is present as the child is called to eat, and he tastes nothing when the boy consumes his vegetables. Observing the mother’s affection, Mordret wonders what it would feel like to love someone, even considering taking her body to care for the child.
His thoughts are interrupted by a news report mentioning Saint Tyris of the White Feather clan, who is helping with refugee relocation, sparking a reaction in Mordret. “Sky Tide was still alive, it seemed,” and he reflects on her role in both his capture and escape, contemplating whether he will even kill her. For the next few days, Mordret immerses himself in the child’s life, experiencing the warmth of a loving mother and the joy of learning.
This new existence quickly becomes tedious. Mordret dismisses the thought of how “the other would have loved it,” suppressing dangerous emotions. While claiming he never feels sad, Mordret acknowledges a range of emotions within himself: satisfaction, pleasure, but also anger, resentment, contempt, and especially hatred.
Chapter 1166 Homecoming
Mordret, concealed within the woman, effortlessly passes through Clan Valor’s security. This marks his return to his birthplace, a place he remembers from his time after returning from the Dream Realm as a young Awakened. Flashes of memory stir a dark emotion, but Mordret suppresses it, reminding himself that these people are just servants. His calculated infiltration hinges on exploiting the vulnerability of the woman and child, the wife and son of an Awakened retainer who spends much time in the Dream Realm.
Navigating the stronghold, the woman seems at ease within the compound’s well-maintained facade, unaware of the “explosive tension” brewing as Clan Valor prepares for war. She hurries, preoccupied only with her husband. Mordret, observing her affection, finds himself touched. Eventually, she arrives at a building housing rows of sleeping pods and living quarters, where her husband awaits.
The man’s face lights up upon seeing her. “You’re here!” he says, embracing her. He seems earnest and kind, an Awakened burdened by duties that require him to spend months in the Dream Realm defending Bastion, where survival is never guaranteed, even for the strongest of warriors.
Chapter 1167 Prince’s New Clothes
The man embraces his wife, seemingly oblivious to the passenger she carries. Inside her, Mordret reflects on the perilous nature of his soul invasions, a skill born from his initial weakness compared to his family, who excelled in direct combat. Unlike them, his Aspect offered no immediate advantage. He remembers his first creation, the Mirror Beast, born from his loneliness, now a painful memory his family will pay for.
After Awakening, Mordret gained the power to enter souls through the eyes, a dangerous ability requiring him to defeat the soul from within. This internal battle relies solely on his skills and reflections of the host’s power. He vividly recalls the near-fatal experience of trying to seize Sunless’s body, emphasizing the disparity between his own lack of experience with foreign Aspects and the expertise of his targets. Yet, “it was also fun.”
Mordret’s survival hinges on his superior intellect, skill, and understanding of combat. He wins not through tricks, but through dismantling his opponents, turning their strengths against them. There is no trick to it, just will. He concludes that he wins “By being better. By being smarter, by having greater skill, by possessing a deeper understanding of combat.”
Chapter 1168 Familiar Faces
Amidst a furious battle where Saints and Titans clash and a horde of Nightmare Creatures assaults human soldiers, Mordret, inhabiting the body of Squire Warren, fights with remarkable skill. Limited to an Awakened’s power, he protects his cohort, earning their gratitude. “Warren! Gods… I almost lost my arm. If it wasn’t for you…” Mordret, however, dismisses their praise, reminding them to act with decorum.
He later ascends the massive tortoise Echo to deliver news to his commanders, encountering his sister, Morgan, and his uncle, Saint Madoc. He feigns awe at Morgan knowing his name while imagining her slow dismemberment. Mordret delivers news from Knight Shtad, sparking relief. Madoc then tasks “Warren” with reinforcing Shtad, relying on his cohort to secure victory, a mission Morgan readily supports, praising their sharp blades. “You honor me, Lady Morgan! Sir Madoc… we won’t let you down!” Mordret thinks, struggling to suppress his urge to tear them apart.
In the days that follow, Mordret maintains his Squire Warren façade. He communicates with Seishan through mirrors, but otherwise commits to his role as a loyal Valor warrior in both Antarctica and Bastion. However, inhabiting an Awakened body presents its own challenges. Being trapped within his father’s Domain in the Dream Realm proves exceptionally dangerous, demanding utmost caution. Restrained by Warren’s meager powers, Mordret finds himself vulnerable, a sacrifice for his long-term goals.
Chapter 1169 Battlefield Of The Gods
As Mordret navigates the perpetual daylight and surreal landscape of Antarctica, he finds the line between reality and the Dream Realm blurring, an unsettling feeling given the vast hordes of Nightmare Creatures. Accompanied by Saint Madoc and a cohort of Valor warriors, Mordret journeys toward a hidden Nightmare Gate. He muses on the ease, or lack thereof, of assassinating his uncle, acknowledging Madoc’s strength makes such thoughts futile, at least for now. “There’ll come a day…” he thinks.
The Gate, hidden near an abandoned fortress, pulses with the maddening whispers of the Call. It is the same Gate Knight Shtad ventured through, guarding a valuable treasure within the Dream Realm. Saint Madoc intends for “Warren” and his three cohorts to be the first wave of reinforcements. He plans to personally escort them across the threshold, a risky undertaking given the gate’s proximity to the Corrupted Titan.
Madoc assesses the eerie rift before turning to Mordret, who pretends to be unwavering. “Are you ready, Squire?” he asks. Mordret forces himself to reply, “Always, my lord.” Madoc, seemingly pleased, offers his hand. The world blurs, and for a moment, Mordret finds himself suspended in a lightless void, caught between dream and reality.
Chapter 1170 Day And Night
Mordret and his cohorts endure the white desert, a realm of excruciating heat during the day and deadly cold at night, haunted by the restless spirits of ancient armies. The map provided by the great clan proves invaluable, guiding them through a landscape that would be fatal to unprepared souls. Even the experienced Valor warriors struggle against the elements and the constant attacks from Nightmare Creatures that stalk the shadows, making the journey a relentless battle for survival.
As Mordret cleaves through another abomination, the heat is almost unbearable, even with the aid of enchanted charms. One of the warriors, Crass, collapses from exhaustion, but Mordret swiftly defends him, ensuring his survival. Varo’s usually jovial voice is strained when he asks, “Warren, can we rest?” Mordret denies the request. “There’s no time. We’ll all be dead if we don’t reach the destination before sunfall.” He pushes them onward.
Mordret assures Agathe that today is the last day, revealing they are nearing the rendezvous point with Knight Shtad’s forces. Relying on the Ascended’s map, they navigate from shelter to shelter, enduring the harsh days and treacherous nights. With renewed determination, Mordret wipes the blood from his sword and urges his weary companions forward. “Come on, men! We have already been held back by these vermin long enough. Quicken your steps!”
Chapter 1171 His Own Designs
Mordret leads his team towards the Citadel, the gargantuan black skull that looms above the desert. Knight Shtad’s discovery of a Citadel could drastically shift the power balance between Valor and Song, making its capture paramount. But a flood of revolting Nightmare Creatures pours out of the skull’s vast eye sockets. “Hold fast!” Mordret roars, plunging into the mass of abominations, mimicking the skills of the long-dead Warren, a restriction more frustrating than the battle itself.
Mordret finds himself protecting his soldiers, embodying Warren’s heroic nature. “Stay strong, Varo! Agathe, back! Lean on me, Crass!” His companions seem empowered by his side, fighting with valiant resolve. He wonders if leading the brave warriors of Valor was the fate stolen from him. The irony isn’t lost on him as he tirelessly deflects the enemies.
After an eternity of blood and heat, the battle ends. The Nightmare Creatures are dead, their Tyrant slain by Knight Shtad. The victorious Awakened, led by Mordret, clean their blades and enter the cool darkness of the skull. In a vast chamber of black bone, the Gateway awaits activation, promising to solidify Valor’s hold on this crucial territory, but what will Mordret do once inside?
Chapter 1172 Fine Facade
Sunny watches a battleship depart, the Antarctic evacuation continuing despite the escalating Chain of Nightmare. Though the number of Nightmare Gates and abominations increase, humanity adapts, learning and growing stronger. Tactics improve, knowledge of enemy types deepens, and soldiers evolve into hardened veterans. “The greatest strength of humans was their adaptability,” Sunny realizes.
Soul shard abundance empowers Awakened soldiers, saturating their soul cores and elevating their power. Countless Memories and Echoes surface. A surge of Sleepers surviving their First Nightmares hints at an imminent turning point. Wake of Ruin leads government forces, holding against relentless assaults. Effie and Kai, as “the hammer and anvil,” gain renown, though victories are tainted by heavy casualties. Clan Song, under Seishan’s management, achieves miracle after miracle. Jet keeps Sunny informed, the situation in Song’s territory remaining under control.
In Valor’s defensive section, Morgan and Nephis become revered figures among refugees, their fame surpassing even the Saints’. Morgan commands wisely from the rear, while Nephis fights on the frontlines. Changing Star and her dwindling Fire Keepers consistently secure crucial victories, solidifying their legendary status. Several Fire Keeper cohorts venture into the Seeds, seeking to become Ascended.
Chapter 1173 Red Herring
Sunny observes the chaotic port fortress through his shadows, each one a window into a different facet of the war. One watches Knights fighting alongside Saint Gilead against the besieging Nightmare Creatures. Another monitors refugees, gauging their fears and hopes amid the deafening battle. A third witnesses Nephis, radiating a healing light, tending to a wounded soldier in the field hospital, her pale face reflecting the toll of her gift.
His fifth shadow, venturing near Morgan’s private chamber, reveals the core of the day’s events. Saint Madoc has returned from his covert mission in Clan Song’s territory, bringing unsettling news. The assembled Clan Valor forces are not simply battling a migrating horde; they’re addressing the mystery of Ascended Bast, the possible vessel for Mordret. Sunny hopes Whispering Blade will dispel the lingering doubts about Bast’s true nature.
However, peering through a service duct, Sunny sees Madoc’s disaffected expression. “It was a trap from the very beginning,” Madoc states flatly, shattering their hopes. “Which would not have been too inconvenient if Ascended Bast was, indeed, the abomination. However, he was not. I confirmed it.” Morgan sighs, acknowledging the necessity of eliminating the possibility despite the outcome. The question remains: what does this failed mission mean for Valor, and who is the real threat?
