Chapter 1174 Lacquered Box Gift
Sunny converges his shadows on the courtyard, observing a bizarre scene: a perfect replica of Morgan, armored and with crimson eyes, surrounded by armed Valor soldiers. The real Morgan arrives with Madoc and Cassie, her contempt palpable as she confronts the imposter, a construct created by Mordret from his own soul. Unlike his Mirror Beast, this reflection holds a black lacquered box, its demeanor unsettlingly calm amidst the tension. Nephis appears, her expression reserved, while Sunny scans the crowd, wondering if Mordret himself lurks among them, reveling in the spectacle.
The reflection breaks the silence, placing the box on the ground, its voice an echo of Morgan’s. “A… present… for my dear sister,” it offers, its smile widening as it adds, “Come… soon. I missed… you a lot.” The real Morgan explodes into action, a blur of red and black too fast for most to follow. Sunny, intimately familiar with the dangers Mordret’s creations pose, anticipates a destructive battle.
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Instead of engaging in combat, Morgan’s speed is geared to swiftly retrieve the box. The room fills with a foreboding silence. She returns to her allies’ side, the box securely in her grasp. The reflections smile grows wide and then shatters like glass as the mirror beast crumbles into nothing.
Chapter 1175 Demon Of Chaos
The crumbling of Mordret’s reflection leaves Sunny contemplating the true repercussions of the macabre gift. Initially, he assumes Knight Shtad’s death is merely a clan Song victory, a minor skirmish in the ongoing conflict. However, a terse message from Jet shatters this assumption: “Our colleagues from Ravenheart are mobilizing their forces. They seem pretty angry.” This revelation sparks unease, prompting Sunny to question Clan Song’s potential involvement and suggesting that Mordret’s actions weren’t sanctioned.
Fueled by an ominous premonition, Sunny moves towards the main keep, his shadows preceding him, eavesdropping on the emergency meeting between Morgan, Madoc, Nephis, and Sir Gilead. He learns that Valor scouts uncovered a working Gateway, the Black Skull Citadel, in the Nightmare Desert. Morgan and Madoc concealed this information and even kept reinforcements to a minimum in order to maintain the secrecy of Knight Shtad’s location. Mordret somehow intercepted and slaughtered Knight Shtad’s force tasked with capturing the Citadel, including the Master in charge of it.
If Clan Song was mobilizing their forces, then the Black Skull Citadel has likely fallen into neither Valor nor Song’s hands, but Mordret’s. This suggests the Black Skull Citadel is currently empty. What’s Mordret’s endgame and what chaos will he unleash next?
Chapter 1176 Bitter Feeling
Sunny grapples with the ramifications of a full-blown war between Valor and Song, triggered by Mordret’s actions. He realizes that such a conflict, while distasteful due to the clans’ odious nature, would jeopardize the evacuation of millions of civilians by weakening defenses against Nightmare Creatures. “So what the hell do I do?” he wonders, caught between his disdain for the clans and the necessity of their strength for maintaining order.
He understands that preventing the battle seems impossible. Therefore, Sunny’s mind races, considering the least catastrophic outcome. He reasons that one side achieving a swift, decisive victory is preferable to a pyrrhic one, as it would preserve enough fighting force to continue protecting the remaining refugees. The thought process leaves him feeling compromised, unclean.
Suddenly, an unsettling yet exhilarating smile spreads across Sunny’s face as a plan begins to take shape. Through a shadow lurking in the strategy room, he observes Nephis, the young woman with silver hair and cold grey eyes, silently listening to Morgan’s plan. A mad glint lights his eyes. “I think you should take a look at…”
Chapter 1177 Drums Of War
Across Antarctica, signs of Clan Valor’s mobilization subtly contrast the Evacuation Army’s victory celebrations. Sunny, having discreetly monitored the Valor administrative staff, discovers their destination: the wilderness of East Antarctica, a location inferred from their logistical preparations. He finds solace in knowing the Nightmare Gate is not located in a siege capital.
The Bone Singer cloaks Sunny in silence as his communicator lights up. Saint Cor’s stern face and Soul Reaper Jet’s pleasant visage appear, demanding answers. “I’ll assume that both of you are already familiar with the situation. What I want to know is what caused this mess.” Sunny carefully explains the discovery of a Citadel in the Nightmare Desert and the ensuing clash for control: “It appears that a Citadel was discovered in the Nightmare Desert. Clan Valor was the first to find it, but their attempt at capture failed… They are going all out.” Saint Cor’s grimace reflects the government’s predicament, and Wake of Ruin seems dejected.
Despite the grim situation, Saint Cor suggests an honor duel to avert a full-scale war. “Valor and Song might be arrogant, but they are not unreasonable. This bloodshed can still be prevented… maybe.” Sunny doubts the clans would agree to such a quaint solution, but the seed of an alternative resolution has been planted, one that might unexpectedly play into his manipulative plan.
Chapter 1178 Long Drive
As Clan Valor moves its military force across the monster-infested East Antarctica towards the mysterious Nightmare Gate, progress is hampered by constant skirmishes. Saint Tyris, deemed insufficient to contain Whispering Blade alone, is recalled from a siege capital, highlighting the urgency. Sunny finds himself in an awkward position, a forgotten government envoy among the war-bound clan. Officially, he is the government’s envoy whose duties concerned the cooperation between Clan Valor and the Evacuation Army, but the great clan had more or less abandoned the pretense of being in the Southern Quadrant to help, and was acting against the government’s interests.
He’s left alone, essentially ignored by everyone including Morgan, and occupies an empty APC assigned to departed Fire Keepers. Nephis and Cassie occasionally join him for rest, but for the most part he is alone, allowing him time to contemplate his journey. The Dream Realm-esque landscape of Antarctica mirrors his internal shift, and he realizes his initial selfish pursuit of personal goals has transformed into a concern for the Evacuation Army’s mission.
Driving the APC, Sunny somberly considers the past. He used to mock selfless people, but now, he was ready to do something selfless at a great cost to himself. He muses on his evolving desires and understands his current goal: to shape the world according to his will using his strength, hinting at a complex ambition beyond mere survival and power.
Chapter 1179 Measure Of Growth
Amidst the war party’s encampment, Sunny calmly prepares supper, finding solace in the mundane act of cooking, even as history looms. Reflecting on his journey, he mentally catalogs the power he has gained in Antarctica, realizing he had grown to be a Tyrant. His Shadow Manifestation has vastly improved, he has developed abilities like Shadow Shell and Shadow Incarnation, and his practical knowledge of sorcery had broadened. He notes powerful new Memories in his arsenal, including the Mirror of Truth, and wonders when he will have to use it.
His Shadows too have flourished, with Imp, now the Ravenous Fiend, ready for battle and Nightmare nearing Ascension. Saint’s transformation into a Transcendent Devil and the Marble Shell Attribute further amplify his capabilities. “Considering all that, it was hard to deny that the present Sunny was incomparably more powerful than his past self from before Antarctica.” He acknowledges the irony of seeking strength in Antarctica, only to find it unintentionally.
Yet, Sunny realizes the most valuable things he gained were beyond power, his experiences and lessons making him truly stronger. As he prepares utensils for three, he muses that he’ll be turning twenty-one soon. “I… don’t really feel young anymore.” The battles, defeats, and victories have aged him beyond his years, stealing his youth and leaving him forever changed by the harrowing journey through the South.
Chapter 1180 Cold Logic
During a quiet meal, Sunny, ever the pragmatist, broaches the subject of a potential duel between Clan Valor and Clan Song with Nephis, inquiring if it’s truly possible amidst the escalating conflict. Nephis explains that duels are a tradition to avert bloodshed but the current tensions make it uncertain, leaving Sunny to ponder who would be sent as champions. “I was told that there might be some kind of duel instead of a battle. Do you think it’s possible?” he asks her, his mind racing with possibilities.
Sunny shifts the conversation to a potential battle, questioning Valor’s chances of victory. Nephis answers with unflinching confidence, “Yes.” Her conviction stems from Valor’s lineage, the blood of the War God flowing through their veins. They are paragons of warfare, masters of Memories, and wield immense influence. Sunny acknowledges Valor’s strengths, but raises concerns about Mordret, the Prodigal Son, who also shares the War God’s blood and fights for Song.
Nephis, having not faced Mordret firsthand, initially dismisses his importance, claiming that victory for either clan doesn’t matter to her, only survival. Sunny challenges her apathy, highlighting the potential impact. In a weary tone, Nephis explains her brutal calculus: “What do I care if Valor wins or loses? I just need to survive.” Her focus is on her own power, revealing a cutthroat pragmatism that chills Sunny and hints at a ruthless path ahead.
Chapter 1181 Three Armies
Sunny surveys the desolate landscape of East Antarctica from atop the APC, a scene painted in shades of gray, punctuated by a chilling silence and the ominous presence of a Nightmare Gate. He observes an abandoned outpost, and a lone figure sits near the Gate, surrounded by the looming forces of Clan Valor, Clan Song, and a smaller government contingent. Sunny, still aligned with Valor, witnesses the meticulous assembly of their warriors, led by Morgan, Madoc, Nephis, Saint Tyris, and the Summer Knight. Opposite them, Song’s forces, under Beastmaster, Silent Stalker, Dire Fang, and Seishan, present a disturbing spectacle: a sea of obedient, enthralled Nightmare Creatures.
The government force radiates unease, and the threat of a Corrupted Titan lurking nearby amplifies the tension. Sunny feels a complex blend of hatred and resignation towards the impending clash between the great clans. He steels himself, recognizing the need to act decisively despite his contempt. Neither army moves, and the lone figure seems to beckon them forward. Finally, representatives from the government force step forward, prompting Morgan and the Valor leaders to advance. Sunny, abandoning his observation post, follows, leaving behind a visibly nervous Cassie.
As Sunny joins the negotiating party, the princess acknowledges his presence with a sly “Master Sunless… how nice of you to join us.” He returns a dark glance and shrugs, aware of the potential danger that lies ahead as he enters the tense parley.
Chapter 1182 Good Show
Mordret stands before the assembled groups, each reacting differently to his presence. Morgan and Madoc remain stoic, Nephis displays a flicker of curiosity, while Sky Tide and Summer Knight appear grim. From Clan Song, Beastmaster bristles with barely contained anger, mirroring the savage contempt in Dire Fang and Silent Stalker’s expressions. Seishan calmly observes the champions of Valor, Jet a quiet shadow behind her. Sunny shifts, surprised to see Kai and Effie among the government emissaries, flanking Saint Cor with dark expressions. Echoes of Mordret’s actions resonate with them, both before and within the Nightmare. Uneasily, Sunny separates from Valor and joins them, Jet following suit.
A tense silence settles as Mordret’s words hang in the air. He turns to Morgan, addressing her as “Sister.” Morgan, instead of reacting with her usual rage, offers a cold smile. “I have to say, I am impressed. I never imagined that you would dare to face me with your actual body… I’ve always regretted that I wasn’t there to cut it, the last time.” Mordret retorts, “Oh… this thing? Yes, it is a bit reckless of me to use it, isn’t it? But then again, it’s not every day that I get to meet my family. I thought that if I was going to kill you, I should do it with my own two hands.” Sunny’s mind races, questioning how Mordret acquired his original body, presumed destroyed by Clan Valor.
Suddenly chilled by an unsettling thought, Sunny imagines Mordret harboring a collection of human bodies, stored away like a macabre wardrobe. The chilling idea is interrupted by Beastmaster, who’s overly friendly tone sounds even more threatening. “I am very sorry to interrupt this touching family reunion, but… ah… at the risk of sounding petty, could I maybe receive some explanations? Prince Mordret, if I may… why couldn’t you just follow the damned plan? Don’t tell me that you’ve been secretly working for your father this whole time. That would be… such a disappointment.” The question hangs in the air, hinting at a deeper betrayal and an uncertain alliance.
Chapter 1183 One Short Word
Mordret’s unsettling display of power freezes everyone; six Reflections, each mimicking a Saint from the great clans, smile back at them. Even Morgan’s composure cracks momentarily at the sight of the simulacrums, shaking Saint Cor to his core. “Am I supposed to be impressed? What a neat trick. Bravo,” Morgan spits, masking her unease. Wake of Ruin, sensing the precarious situation, steps forward, his voice ringing out, “Enough! What madness is this?” The Reflections mirror Mordret’s gaze, adding to the deeply disturbing spectacle.
Wake of Ruin urges restraint upon the gathered Saints, reminding them of the foresight that has allowed their clans to endure. He acknowledges the benefits they seek from the coming battle but argues that the losses will far outweigh any gains. Despite his influence and position as an elder, Whispering Blade remains defiant. “…This conflict won’t be decided with words, Wake of Ruin. Too much is at stake,” he retorts, dismissing Wake of Ruin’s appeal for peace.
Saint Cor proposes an honorable duel, a tradition to resolve conflicts through champions. “Why waste the lives of your kin and soldiers when the quarrel can be resolved by two champions?” he challenges, directing a dark glare at Madoc and Beastmaster, implying a lack of confidence in their strength. The stage is set for a clash of champions, a ritualistic battle to determine the fate of the clans, leaving the reader to question who will rise to the challenge and what the true stakes of this conflict are.
Chapter 1184 The Final Argument
The last chance for peace evaporates, leaving the armies poised for a devastating battle. Though Saint Cor attempted to salvage the situation, the soldiers’ bloodlust is insatiable. Mordret observes Morgan and Madoc, flashing Sunny a cryptic smile before departing with Seishan and his spectral Reflections. Wake of Ruin, visibly aged, laments the rapidly changing world and orders a retreat.
Defying Wake of Ruin’s command, Sunny declares his commitment to evacuating civilians, challenging Saint Cor’s devotion to neutrality. “What am I doing? I’m doing my best to make sure that as many people as possible are evacuated safely… What are you doing?” Sunny retorts, igniting Saint Cor’s anger. Sunny unleashes his pent-up rage, questioning the value of neutrality in the face of immense suffering, “Tell that to the millions of people who died in Falcon Scott… I’m still going to fight.”
Despite Wake of Ruin’s warning against short-term thinking, Jet sides with Sunny, abandoning the government Ascended and joining him. “Calm down, old man. Sunny is right… the world is changing. Old tactics won’t work,” she says, acknowledging the need for a new approach, and cementing the departure of both from the safety of neutrality, plunging them directly into the heart of the escalating conflict.
Chapter 1185 Before The Battle Starts
Sunny and Jet return to Clan Valor’s army, observing ranks of Squires and Knights preparing for battle under a dull sky. Despite the relative small size of the force compared to the armies Sunny saw during the Antarctica campaign, he feels an immense sense of dread emanating from the two thousand Awakened gathered on the gloomy plain, supported by Echoes and Beastmaster’s Nightmare Creatures. He thinks, “This… is going to be a massacre.”
Unsure of his place, Sunny approaches Nephis and Cassie, followed by Jet who summons a glaive. They find themselves near Morgan, who greets them with feigned surprise. “Master Sunless, Master Jet… what a nice surprise to see you here. Have you decided to keep us company today?” Sunny shrugs, admitting, “Yes. We have our reasons.” Jet, more blunt, says, “Indeed. Someone has to keep you bastards alive, so that you could keep everyone else alive.”
Morgan, amused by Jet’s audacity, laughs heartily, appreciating the sentiment. The Saints and Mordret’s Reflections loom large as a palpable tension hangs in the air, hinting at a battle far more significant than its scale suggests. The arrival of Sunny and Jet hints at an unexpected shift in alliances, while hinting at their dedication to the civilian population they hope to save.
Chapter 1186 Final Preparations
Morgan studies the Song army, explaining to Sunny and Jet that war is about power and its application. She reveals her calculated strategy, confessing she manipulated events to lure Clan Song into a battle on her terms, even admitting, “…I have them exactly where I wanted them.” Sunny realizes Morgan never intended a duel, marveling at her deviousness, while pondering how far he’s willing to go to secure Valor’s victory. He concludes he must fully commit, even if it means revealing his hidden abilities.
Morgan addresses her army, declaring, “Warriors of Valor! Today, we sanctify this field with blood. Have no fear! Have no mercy! Have no doubt!” She signals the knights, and a swift execution of traitors ensues, shocking the ranks. Morgan’s contempt is evident as she states, “Did she really think that I wouldn’t find her thralls…” She then unsheathes her unique sword, urging her soldiers to, “Be strong! Be sharp! Be my sword!”
The battlefield erupts in scarlet sparks, creating a hurricane of Memories around Morgan, forming hundreds of hovering swords. Each blade is unique, but bears the symbol of an anvil pierced by a sword, identifying them as forged Memories. The swords scatter, empowering Valor’s warriors, leaving Sunny stunned as he finally grasps the origins of these weapons: the Anvil of Valor, the King of Swords.
Chapter 1187 Battle Of The Black Skull (1)
Sunny draws stares as he reveals his Transcendent Devils and a Terror, an unexpected display for a government envoy amidst Valor’s ranks. Despite his slender frame and light clothing contrasting with the armored warriors around him, Sunny exudes a dark and frightening presence, convincing onlookers of his immense power. Morgan, surprised by Sunny’s display, acknowledges his potential value, stating, “You are a man who is full of surprises, Master Sunless. This is a good thing… we might need to pull off a miracle or two today, in order to survive.”
The battle commences with Song unleashing a wave of Nightmare Creatures and shielded Awakened, while Valor answers with a thundering cavalry charge and a phalanx of synchronized warriors. Whispering Blade vanishes, Sky Tide transforms into a steel-winged thunderbird, and Summer Knight leads the charge, his lance gleaming. Sunny, drawn forward alongside Nephis and Morgan, witnesses the chaotic scene unfold. Jet and Cassie wear grim expressions, while Imp scurries ahead with a wicked grin.
As Sunny thinks, “We are really doing it, aren’t we?”, the clash intensifies. A cloud of arrows and winged abominations target Sky Tide, while the cavalry collides with the sea of Nightmare Creatures. Silent Stalker, in the form of a monstrous panther, attacks Sir Gilead’s Echo mount. The world erupts in chaos, marking the true beginning of the devastating battle.
Chapter 1188 Battle Of The Black Skull (2)
Clan Valor’s polished tactics are disrupted by Sunny, who sees an opportunity to break the momentum of the approaching horde of Beastmaster’s thralls. A tide of darkness erupts from Sunny’s feet, consuming the attacking monsters. Countless inky-black hands rise, tearing flesh with obsidian claws. A cacophony of piercing shrieks fills the air as Sunny thinks, “Kill!”. He maintains this devastation for mere seconds, unwilling to burn too much essence, but it’s enough to utterly break the horde. A blinding flash to his left illuminates the world, another chunk of the thralls engulfed in furious white flames.
As the darkness dissipates and flames subside, Sunny, Nephis, Morgan, and Jet plunge into the weakened horde. Nephis, clad in black armor, slashes through Nightmare Creatures with her incinerating starlight sword. Jet, less refined but equally deadly, dispatches enemies with brutal efficiency. Morgan becomes a hurricane of steel, leaving misty crimson clouds in her wake. Sunny, conserving essence, moves elusively, delivering small, lethal strikes.
The battle formation of Clan Valor finally connects with the enemy. Swords rise and fall, arrows fly, and Aspect Abilities activate in harmony. As blood spills, Sunny is startled, exclaiming in his head, “What… what the hell is this…”
