Chapter 136 Reflection
The Tower of Dusk offers a stark, secluded sanctuary for Sunny and Cassie, its modest furnishings a stark contrast to the harsh realities they’ve endured. Harper’s stern warning against any light escaping the castle underscores the oppressive vigilance of the Bright Castle, though for Sunny and Cassie, who require no light to navigate the darkness, it’s a moot point. Within the confines of his room, Sunny confronts his own reflection. The harsh trials of the Labyrinth have etched themselves onto his features, sharpening his face and darkening the circles beneath his eyes, yet the most profound change lies in his gaze. A chilling, calculated coldness now resides there, a “murder math” that mirrors seasoned fighters and brands him with the eyes of a killer, deeper still laced with the golden threads of Weaver’s legacy. He chillingly addresses his reflection, “…Looking good, Sunless.”
Despite the perceived safety of the castle, the memory of their recent harrowing journey – battling monsters, navigating a soul-devouring tree, and the constant peril of the sea – feels like a distant, feverish dream. Sunny finds a strange, comforting peace in the simple act of lying on a mattress, a stark reminder of their arduous path. He eventually succumbs to a much-needed sleep. The following morning, a refreshed Sunny awaits Cassie in the hallway. Even his armor, the Puppeteer’s Shroud, which bore the brunt of their brutal escapades, appears restored and pristine, a testament to its enduring resilience and Sunny’s fortune in possessing it.
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Cassie emerges from her room, radiating a newfound loveliness and freshness. After months of hardship, both Sunny and Cassie finally feel and look like their former selves, cleansed of the grime and trauma of their wilderness survival. This shared rejuvenation, after their separate experiences, hints at a renewed capacity to face whatever new challenges await them within the Bright Castle’s walls.
Chapter 137 All Eyes On Me
The opulent main hall of the Tower of Dusk, bathed in morning sunlight and adorned with intricate carvings, sets a regal stage. Sunny and Cassie, rejuvenated from their ordeal, find themselves the focus of hundreds of curious Sleepers. Cassie’s newfound loveliness, a stark contrast to their recent hardships, draws all eyes, causing Sunny a flicker of possessive unease. As they settle at a table, enjoying a meal of monster meat stew with an unexpected assortment of vegetables, Sunny remains watchful, his senses keenly attuned to the crowd.
His apprehension proves justified when two rough-looking young men, identifiable as members of Gunlaug’s gang by their ostentatious sheathed weapons, approach with vulgar intent, clearly fixated on Cassie. The surrounding Sleepers, intimidated and fearful, avert their gazes, leaving Sunny to face the confrontation alone. He recalls Harper’s pragmatic advice regarding Gunlaug’s men: “If there is a ‘misunderstanding’ with one of Gunlaug’s people, remember that these guys carry a heavy burden. Treat them with respect.”
Sunny, despite the unwelcome attention and the aggressive posturing of the approaching men, attempts to adhere to the directive. He glances up at them, his expression flat, and when one of them makes a crude remark about Cassie, Sunny’s internal struggle to maintain composure is palpable. He finds himself asking, “Respectful… remember… be respectful…” before speaking, hinting at the precarious balance he must strike in this new, politically charged environment.
Chapter 138 Unexpected Reunion
The tense standoff with Gunlaug’s thugs is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a familiar face: Caster. This esteemed Legacy, renowned for his skill and charisma, effortlessly diffuses the volatile situation. His presence, a stark contrast to the menacing figures, immediately shifts the dynamics, with the intimidated Sleepers visibly relaxing. Caster’s casual greeting, “Don’t mind his rude behavior, guys—that’s just how he is. Rough around the edges, but really nice once you get to know him well,” while intended to de-escalate, irks Sunny with its inaccurate portrayal of their relationship.
Caster’s timely intervention prevents a potentially disastrous escalation for Sunny, who recognizes the danger of antagonizing Gunlaug’s men further. The thugs, chastened by Caster’s presence, retreat with a thinly veiled threat, leaving Sunny to ponder his companion’s unexpected appearance and the implications of their shared past. “That… wasn’t a very smart thing to do, my friend,” Caster remarks to Sunny, his tone shifting to one of mild concern.
Despite Sunny’s terse reply, “Yeah, well… who says that I’m smart?”, Caster extends a seemingly genuine greeting, “It is very nice to see you. Both of you,” before taking a seat. While Sunny acknowledges the understandable desire to reconnect with academy acquaintances, a subtle undercurrent of distrust colors his reception of Caster, hinting at future complexities in their reunion within the Tower of Dusk.
Chapter 139
Caster laughs at Sunny’s sarcastic recounting of his adventures, particularly his deadpan delivery of mundane feats like “slaying dozens of awakened creatures” and “summoning ancient horrors.” Cassie, initially amused, grows startled as Sunny’s “fairy tale” of survival in the Labyrinth unfolds, a testament to their harrowing journey. Caster, in contrast, downplays his own experience, describing a brief escape from monsters and a chance encounter with a hunting party. He inquires about their arrival, prompting Sunny to reveal they reached the Dark City two days prior and entered the castle yesterday, a statement that prompts disbelief from Caster regarding their two-month ordeal in the Labyrinth.
The conversation pivots to the “moment he had been wary of,” as Sunny braces himself for scrutiny regarding his survival in the Labyrinth. He contemplates the strategic advantage of being underestimated and the need to conceal the bestowal of a True Name. Opting for a familiar tactic, Sunny decides to blame any perceived discrepancies on Nephis, feigning a shiver as he laments the Labyrinth’s hellish nature and credits Changing Star with their survival, conveniently omitting his own crucial role in her continued existence.
Caster’s reaction to Sunny’s fabricated tale of the Labyrinth reveals his surprise and a subtle comparison between their respective harrowing experiences. The casual dismissal of his own struggles, juxtaposed with Sunny’s embellished yet truthful account of his exploits, hints at a shifting dynamic between the two. The chapter concludes with Sunny’s deliberate misdirection, establishing Nephis as the sole reason for their survival, thereby concealing the true extent of their strength and shared secrets within the Tower of Dusk, setting the stage for future intrigue.
Chapter 140 True Legacy
Sunny presses Caster about his prolonged presence in the castle and financial survival, suspecting him of joining Gunlaug’s forces. Caster denies this, admitting temptation but asserting his independence, claiming his Aspect Ability aids in escapes, though not combat. He explains his soul shards and Memories were acquired through selling personal items and participating in perilous hunting expeditions with other independents, a risky endeavor that still provided him a meager living.
Sunny realizes the significant advantage Caster possesses as a Legacy, having arrived in the Dream Realm equipped with clan-provided Memories and pre-absorbed soul essence. Unlike ordinary individuals, Legacies like Caster benefit from their clan’s ability to prepare them with resources that transcend the limitations of soul shard transport, granting him years of stability on the Forgotten Shore. This inherent advantage allows him to navigate the Dark City’s complexities or eventually align with Gunlaug.
The conversation shifts to Caster’s unassailable reputation among Gunlaug’s guards, whom Sunny had antagonized. Caster clarifies that these guards occupy the lowest rung, lacking experience and intimidated by his established, blood-earned standing. Sunny, recalling Caster’s past victory over Nephis – a feat of unmatched personal power in Sunny’s estimation – experiences a chilling premonition about their potential future conflict, a testament to Caster’s hidden strength and Legacy prowess.
Chapter 141 Golden Serpent
Sunny retreats to his chambers, his shadow diligently gathering intelligence, revealing the grim realities beneath the castle’s pristine facade. He learns of the Bright Lord Gunlaug’s masterful control, manipulating hope and fear to maintain a fragile ecosystem between the castle’s inhabitants and the outer settlement. This intricate system, a “serpent biting its own tail,” ensures survival through a perpetual cycle of exploitation and abuse, keeping the denizens of the Dark City tethered to their bleak existence. “Fear and hope were created and firmly grasped by the Bright Lord,” Sunny notes, recognizing the strategic brilliance of this closed loop.
Within the castle, a rigid hierarchy dictates the lives of its roughly five hundred Sleepers. Sunny observes the various castes, from the Guards, Hunters, and Pathfinders to the Lieutenants who answer directly to Gunlaug, each overseeing distinct aspects of fortress life. The Castle Guard, numbering around one hundred fifty, represents the bulk of Gunlaug’s enforcers, yet, as Caster had previously implied, they occupy a low rung of power, easily intimidated by established individuals.
Sunny’s silent reconnaissance deepens his understanding of this oppressive society, where even the semblance of order masks a profound corruption. He sees how those inside dread exile, while those outside yearn for entry, a desperate longing that keeps them ensnared in Gunlaug’s web. This cyclical entrapment, a twisted form of sanity and survival, highlights the pervasive influence of the Bright Lord and the bleak future awaiting those who remain within his grasp.
Chapter 142 Behind The Scenes
Sunny’s ongoing investigation into Bright Lord Gunlaug’s domain reveals two more significant groups under his control: the Artisans and the Handmaidens. The Artisans, about a hundred strong and led by the gifted Kido, are crucial for creating and maintaining the castle’s essential items. This group, responsible for everything from clothing to tools, often clashes with the Castle Guard over prestige, with Guards viewing them as non-combatants and Artisans believing their utility warrants higher status. Interestingly, the Hunters, who face the most danger, remain neutral, though their leader, Gemma, subtly supports Kido and the Artisans, curbing the Guards’ assertiveness.
The Handmaidens, another contingent of around a hundred, are tasked with the castle’s upkeep and serving its elite. Under the enigmatic leadership of Seishan, these women are surprisingly revered and even feared. Seishan not only protects her charges but also trains them in self-defense, a fact that makes even the Castle Guard wary of their behavior. Moreover, their implicit belonging to Gunlaug acts as a deterrent, as he is known to be possessive of his possessions. Sunny, having nearly lost a shadow to Seishan’s domain, recognizes the formidable nature of both the Handmaidens and their leader, indicating a hidden power dynamic within the castle.
Chapter 143 Gunlaug
The Bright Lord Gunlaug remains an elusive figure, ruling his domain through five proxies, his true nature a mystery to Sunny. While exploring the castle, Sunny and Cassie witness the grand hall fall silent as numerous Guards enter, clearing the space for an important event. The tension escalates as the five lieutenants – Gemma, Tessai, Seishan, Kido, and the terrifying Harus – emerge from a dark alcove. Sunny feels a visceral dread upon seeing Harus, identified as Gunlaug’s hidden blade and executioner, a pale, hunchbacked figure known for his cold, emotionless demeanor and his capacity for silent, absolute disposal of those who incur his master’s wrath.
The chapter showcases the palpable fear surrounding Harus, described as Gunlaug’s “murderous shadow.” The anticipation builds as the five proxies, representing distinct factions and wielding significant influence within the castle, gather. Sunny notes the solemn expressions of other Sleepers, like Caster, indicating the gravity of the unfolding situation. The silent presence of these powerful individuals, along with the sudden, organized display of the Guards, underscores the hierarchical and potentially dangerous structure of Gunlaug’s dominion, hinting at a crucial announcement or decree from the absent Bright Lord.
The emergence of the proxies, each representing a facet of Gunlaug’s control—from the functional Artisans led by Kido and the fearsome Handmaidens under Seishan, to the neutral yet influential Hunters led by Gemma, and the enigmatic Tessai and the utterly chilling Harus—sets a somber and foreboding tone. Sunny’s own unease, heightened by his prior encounter with Seishan’s power and his apprehension towards Harus, primes the reader for potential conflict or revelation. The assembly signifies Gunlaug’s direct, albeit indirect, presence, and the chapter leaves the reader questioning the purpose of this gathering and the impact it will have on Sunny’s mission.
Chapter 144 Right Of Challenge
The intimidating presence of Bright Lord Gunlaug’s voice continues to pervade the grand hall, instilling a palpable sense of dread in all assembled. Sunny, despite the psychic pressure, observes the arrival of a new figure: Jubei, a defiant outsider from the outer settlement. Dragged before Gunlaug and accused of lodging an accusation against one of his men, Jubei stands tall, his lean frame betraying a powerful, unyielding will. Gunlaug, with his characteristic charisma, invites Jubei to plead his case, framing it as an act of justice and transparency within his domain.
Jubei, undeterred by Gunlaug’s smooth facade, directly points a finger at one of the Hunters, identifying him as a Pathfinder guilty of murder. He recounts how this individual and his cohorts lured an innocent child with promises of riches and a place within the castle, only to sacrifice him to monsters as bait. Jubei’s impassioned accusation, particularly targeting the revered Pathfinders, sends a ripple of shock through the crowd, highlighting the precariousness of challenging Gunlaug’s hierarchy.
The chapter culminates in a heavy silence as the assembled individuals turn their gazes towards the Hunters, their faces etched with disapproval. Gunlaug, ever the arbiter, prompts Jubei to elaborate on his grave charges, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. This direct challenge to the established order, especially from an outsider with nothing to lose, promises to expose the dark underbelly of Gunlaug’s rule and the true nature of his loyalties.
Chapter 145 Justice
Gunlaug, ever the master manipulator, frames Jubei’s accusation as an opportunity for a sacred tradition of challenge, a spectacle Sunny recognizes as a thinly veiled execution. While Jubei, a capable hunter, appears unfazed, Gunlaug dismisses Gemma, the accused Pathfinder’s initial challenger, from representing the prosecution, instead allowing the accused to choose a champion. The Pathfinder, in a chilling move, designates Harus, a disquieting, hunched figure, as his defender, a choice met with a grim satisfaction by Jubei who evidently harbors a personal vendetta against him.
The tension in the grand hall ratchets as Harus, previously a silent observer, slowly descends, drawing varied reactions from Gunlaug’s lieutenants. Gemma displays concern, Tessai anticipates entertainment, Kido recoils in apprehension, and Seishan remains impassive. Cassie, sensing the grave danger, urges Sunny to depart, but he, realizing their visibility would betray their clandestine mission, insists they remain. Sunny acknowledges the precariousness of their situation, caught within the machinations of Bright Lord Gunlaug, but also feels an unsettling premonition of a future, violent confrontation with Harus.
Jubei’s defiant retort, “Bring your worst, cowards,” echoes the dangerous undercurrent of the proceedings. Sunny, though deeply disturbed by the presence of Harus, a figure radiating malevolence, understands the necessity of observing this dangerous element within Gunlaug’s domain. He cannot afford to leave, not only to avoid suspicion but also to gather vital intelligence, especially as a deep, inexplicable connection between him and Harus hints at a future, inevitable clash.
Chapter 146 Power
Jubei, the hunter, is brutally executed by Harus, his broken body a stark testament to Gunlaug’s absolute rule. Sunny, witnessing the gruesome display, realizes the futility of challenging the Golden Serpent, whose power is built upon the monopolization of Soul Essence and Memories within the Dark City. This creates an insurmountable gap in strength, with Gunlaug’s forces possessing power far beyond any other Sleepers in history. Sunny, disturbed by the stark reality of their situation and the overwhelming might of Gunlaug’s army, reflects on Effie’s dire warning that “no Sleeper can defeat Gunlaug, ever. It’s simply impossible.”
As Gunlaug departs, leaving his lieutenants and Harus behind, the grand hall is quickly cleaned, the fallen hunter’s body removed as if nothing occurred. The remaining Sleepers are invited to resume their breakfast, a chillingly swift return to normalcy that underscores the oppressive control Gunlaug wields. Sunny remains consumed by his thoughts of the seemingly impossible task Nephis has set for them, recalling the macabre warning of skulls above the castle gates and questioning what “she is going to pull me into this time.” He desperately wishes he could persuade Nephis to abandon her plan, fearing for his own life.
With Gunlaug and his retinue gone, Harus, the unsettling figure who dispatched Jubei, is the last to leave the hall. The disturbing efficiency with which the scene of Jubei’s demise is erased highlights the pervasive fear and control Gunlaug maintains. Sunny’s internal struggle intensifies as he grapples with the sheer power imbalance, understanding that Nephis’s ambition to eliminate Gunlaug is a near-suicidal undertaking. He knows he must gather more intelligence on this powerful entity, despite the crushing weight of their current predicament.
Chapter 147 Guild Hall
Sunny, still reeling from Jubei’s brutal execution and the chilling demonstration of Gunlaug’s power, finds himself tasked with a daunting mission: locating Nephis. He expresses uncertainty about their approach, admitting to Cassie, “I’m not sure. Follow the sounds of mayhem?” They descend into the impoverished slum, a stark contrast to the opulence of the castle, where the gaunt and listless inhabitants merely exist, their only flicker of hope the distant Bright Castle. Sunny observes the grim reality, noting the inhabitants’ desperate need for sustenance and their pervasive fear, a fear that makes his own predicament seem almost manageable.
Their search leads them to the outer edge of the slum, where Nephis resides in a crudely constructed dwelling perched precariously above a sheer drop. She is found sitting atop her salvaged stone lodge, gazing at the sunrise over the city. Upon noticing Sunny and Cassie’s arrival, Nephis gracefully leaps down. Sunny, ever the optimist despite the grim circumstances, greets her warmly, “Hey, Neph. Long time no see!”
Nephis leads them inside her new residence, a spartan and austere space filled with broken furniture. Sunny, observing the wind whistling through the hall, comments, “Gee. This place surely needs some work.” Nephis, unfazed by her living conditions, simply shrugs, her focus seemingly elsewhere. The chapter leaves Sunny and Cassie in Nephis’s minimalist dwelling, the immense power imbalance with Gunlaug still a heavy burden, and the true nature of Nephis’s intentions shrouded in mystery.
Chapter 148 Last Harvest
Sunny, Cassie, and Nephis share a meal of monster meat, a stark but familiar ritual amidst the ruins. The conversation quickly turns to the castle, with Sunny detailing the intricate social hierarchy he’s observed. Nephis, however, interrupts his account, pointing out a significant discrepancy: the castle’s population, though substantial, pales in comparison to the outer slum. This leads her to question the seemingly impossible numbers of survivors reaching Bright Castle from the Dark City, noting the absence of any Sleeper from their recent cohort in the slums. Sunny reluctantly confirms that Caster of the Han Li clan is also present, now residing within the castle walls, sparking an uncharacteristic animation in Nephis.
Nephis’s astute observation about the city’s population logistics throws Sunny and Cassie into a new puzzle, suggesting a deeper, perhaps more sinister, truth behind the survivors’ journey. The contrast between their grim reality and the supposed success rate of reaching safety highlights a fundamental flaw in the established order. As they digest this unsettling information, the lingering threat of Gunlaug and the opaque nature of Nephis’s plans continue to hang heavy in the air, hinting at a complex web of deception.
The chapter ends with Nephis’s keen intellect dissecting the flawed population data, leaving Sunny and Cassie to grapple with the unsettling implications. The discovery of Caster’s presence adds another layer of intrigue, hinting at his own role in this mysterious system. With the looming shadow of Gunlaug and Nephis’s own inscrutable motivations, the path forward remains fraught with peril and unanswered questions, promising further revelations about the Dark City’s secrets.
Chapter 149 Dark Diver
Nephis’s questioning of the Dark City’s survivor numbers prompts Sunny to reveal a startling truth about Gunlaug, the current “Bright Lord.” He explains that Gunlaug arrived at the Dark City eight years prior as an outcast, his unique Aspect Ability – the capacity to breathe and move with incredible speed underwater – proving useless in the ruins. During the castle’s most brutal period, when strength dictated survival and non-combatants were treated as less than human, Gunlaug, driven by a terrifying madness, began a daily ritual of diving into the dark sea. “He would dive from the city wall into the black water to scavenge the soul shards from the monsters of the Labyrinth that were crushed by the flood,” Sunny recounts, painting a grim picture of his perilous hunts.
Gunlaug’s descent into the treacherous depths wasn’t merely for survival; it was the source of his immense power. Sunny elaborates on how Gunlaug, after being swept away by a current, stumbled upon a dying leviathan. In a desperate act, he began cutting the creature’s flesh as it succumbed to its wounds. “By chance, the leviathan happened to die from its terrible wounds at that exact moment,” Sunny explains, “And since Gunlaug’s blade was the last thing to cut it, the Spell happened to attribute the kill to him.” This pivotal moment granted Gunlaug a Memory, a golden armor described as impervious to any human weapon, elevating him to an untouchable status.
This revelation about Gunlaug’s origins and his near-invincible armor profoundly shakes Sunny and Nephis. The sheer audacity and madness required to survive such daily peril, coupled with the almost accidental acquisition of a Transcendent-tier Memory, highlights the arbitrary yet brutal nature of power within the Dark City. With Gunlaug’s invincibility established, the looming questions surrounding Nephis’s plans and the true nature of the castle’s survival become even more pressing, hinting at a deeper game being played within these desolate ruins.
Chapter 150 Hunting Party
The looming Crimson Spire, a harbinger of dread and the suspected location of the Gateway to freedom, presents an insurmountable obstacle. Sunny, recalling warnings about prominent landmarks housing such portals, acknowledges the spire’s significance. His grim suspicion that they will have to enter the tower solidifies when the Gateway is confirmed not to be within the human castle. This leads to a chilling realization: “So what is inside the Spire? I gather that it’s not something pleasant.”
Nephis reveals the Spire is guarded by a Fallen Terror, a Nightmare Creature of immense power, rendering any attempt at direct confrontation suicidal. “So, going there is suicide,” Sunny laments, the irony of being so close to escape yet utterly trapped sinking in. He further reflects on the city’s despair, noting, “They were really, truly stuck here forever.” The weight of this revelation hangs heavy as Nephis, after a period of grim silence, proposes a new course of action.
“We will create a hunting party,” Nephis declares, shifting their focus from immediate escape to a more long-term strategy for survival and advancement within the hostile environment. Sunny, while acknowledging the inherent danger of venturing into the Dark City “blind,” finds a sliver of hope in this achievable, albeit perilous, path. The question remains: how will they hunt, and how will this new approach prepare them for the daunting challenges ahead?
