Shadow Slave Chapter Summary 16-30

Chapter 16 Rebirth

A profound internal shift awakens within Sunny, a sensation unlike anything he has experienced. His soul stirs, infused with an inexplicable energy originating from within himself. This newfound power radiates from a nascent star at his core, rebuilding and revitalizing his very being. He feels a euphoric rebirth, his former vulnerability shed like a skin. No longer a frail street kid, Sunny now possesses a tempered will and awakened powers, becoming a formidable presence.

Emerging from the intense transformation, Sunny’s vision changes. He perceives the void of the Nightmare Spell, but also a new, internal landscape: his Sea of Soul. Strangely dark and quiet, it is illuminated by a solitary, transparent black sun. Despite the unnerving emptiness, he senses unseen presences lurking just beyond his perception. Orbiting his soul core, he discovers his acquired Memories, “Silver Bell” and “Puppeteer’s Shroud,” orbiting like celestial bodies.

The Spell announces the awakening of his Aspect Ability. With bated breath, Sunny anticipates the first ability that will define his role in the Dream Realm. The moment of truth arrives as he acquires “Shadow Control,” a testament to his terrifying journey and a promising step towards wielding unimaginable power.

Chapter 17 Three Simple Words

The newly awakened Sunny finds his transformation incomplete, revealing a cryptic “Flaw: [Clear Conscience]. Flaw Description: [You cannot lie.]” This revelation terrifies him, as his survival hinges on deception, and hiding his True Name becomes an impossible feat. His internal struggle is abruptly halted as the Spell jolts him awake, returning him to the familiar, if stark, reality of a police station vault. The respite is short-lived, however, as he discovers an astonishingly beautiful woman with raven hair and icy blue eyes, an Ascended based on her insignia, watching him.

Sunny’s initial awe at his return to the real world and the miraculous absence of pain is quickly overshadowed by his encounter with the Ascended. His attempt to formulate a polite response to her query is thwarted by his new inability to lie, resulting in the mortally dangerous confession, “Your breasts.” This blunders, orchestrated by his flaw, earns him a stinging slap from the Ascended, who, with a dangerous glint in her eye, demands, “Are you awake now?”

This newfound inability to deceive and the immediate, violent consequence of his first honest utterance plunge Sunny into a perilous new phase. The Ascended, seemingly amused by his predicament, poses a stark challenge, hinting at a future where his every word carries dire weight. The stark contrast between his newfound powers and this crippling limitation sets the stage for a brutal struggle for survival, leaving readers to ponder how Sunny can possibly navigate a world of threats when stripped of his most potent weapon: deceit.

Chapter 18 Absence Of Light

Sunny, recovering from the Spell’s unnatural slumber, finds himself in the police station showers, attempting to wash away the lingering scent of Nightmare. His reflection reveals subtle, yet noticeable, physical improvements, leaving him lean and healthier, though still diminutive. A peculiar incident occurs as he observes his shadow moving independently, a stark contrast to its usual obedient mimicry. Despite his attempts to interact with it, the shadow remains unresponsive, prompting Sunny to turn his focus inward, exploring his own newfound abilities.

A new, instinctual sense blossoms within Sunny, revealing a world of “shadows” that he can perceive and interact with. He discovers his own shadow is intrinsically linked to his soul, a part of him that can be controlled through sheer will. He experiments, commanding the shadow to move, change shape, and even interact with objects, only to find its capabilities limited to passing harmlessly through them. The revelation crushes his grander expectations, leaving him disappointed with his seemingly mundane Aspect Ability.

Donning a clean police tracksuit, Sunny heads to the cafeteria, where Master Jet awaits with food. The previous encounter with the Ascended, the stinging slap, and the perilous inability to lie still weigh heavily on his mind. As he grapples with his limitations, the chapter hints at the formidable challenges ahead, leaving the reader to question how Sunny will possibly survive in a dangerous world stripped of his most potent weapon: deceit, and the true potential of his newly understood shadow.

Chapter 19 Crossing The Bridge

Sunny stands before the formidable gates of the Awakened Academy, a fortress city designed to repel the most fearsome Nightmare Creatures. This legendary institution, the setting for countless heroic tales, now awaits him, a stark contrast to his grim reality. With only four weeks before his unavoidable venture into the Dream Realm, Sunny’s focus remains solely on survival, dismissing any thoughts of romantic entanglements. Beside him waits another new Sleeper, a slender girl with striking silver hair and an air of detached self-sufficiency, her gaze fixed on her headphones. Sunny observes her, a flicker of curiosity about her potential “Flaw” tempered by his own precarious condition.

As the colossal gates part, revealing a descending bridge, Sunny steels himself, Master Jet’s parting advice echoing in his mind. The journey to the Academy in Jet’s personal transport vehicle offers a glimpse into a world beyond his previous reach. Jet, sensing his unfamiliarity with such luxuries, offers three crucial pieces of advice. “First: once you’re registered in the Academy, they’ll offer you psychological counseling again. There will also be a valuable reward for sharing your experiences in the Nightmare and the details of your Appraisal,” she states. Sunny, suspecting a ploy to extract information, questions her intentions.

Jet clarifies her warning: “You’re too green to understand, but out there in the Dream Realm, Nightmare Creatures are not the only danger. Once you grow powerful enough, humans will become an equal threat.” She emphasizes the danger of revealing his Aspect, explaining that “The easiest way to defeat a powerful Awakened is to use their Flaw.” This shrewd counsel, born from hard experience, solidifies Sunny’s resolve to guard his secrets closely as he prepares to cross the bridge into a new, perilous chapter.

Chapter 20 Outcast Once Again

Sunny enters the Sleeper compound, a utilitarian, partially subterranean building designed for newcomers to the Awakened Academy. He finds himself in a large hall with around a hundred other Sleepers, all appearing prepared and eager to discuss their experiences and futures. In stark contrast, Sunny and the silver-haired girl are conspicuously out of place, arriving empty-handed and in simple clothing. He observes the striking appearances of the other Sleepers, noting a stark difference from his own grimy reality and realizing Master Jet’s self-deprecation was accurate. Yet, he feels a unique magnetism from the silver-haired girl, a subtle presence that sets her apart.

The sheer volume of eager chatter amongst the other Sleepers overwhelms Sunny, who views it as a “nightmare” and fears his inability to blend in. His premonitions are quickly validated as his attempts at conversation, driven by a desire to postpone inevitable interactions, lead to him acquiring a reputation as an “obnoxious, foul-mouthed pervert.” This reputation escalates rapidly, resulting in physical rebuffs, including slaps and a punch. He’s forced to confront aspects of himself he hadn’t acknowledged, with his blunt and provocative remarks like “Actually, I would prefer to see you without a robe…” and casual confessions such as “I once killed a man and took his boots. They were nice boots,” alienating him from his peers.

This initial reception immediately casts Sunny as an outcast, even before the formal induction ceremony begins. The chapter highlights the social isolation he faces, a familiar feeling from his past life, amplified by the judgmental attitudes of his fellow Sleepers. His survival instincts, honed in the Nightmare, now need to adapt to a different kind of battlefield – the social arena of the Academy, where his inability to lie and his blunt nature prove to be significant liabilities. The stark contrast between his past struggles and the social pressures he now faces sets a grim tone for his continued journey.

Chapter 21 First Performance

Sunny’s blunt honesty continues to alienate him. When a young man with “humorous eyes,” identified as a Legacy and possibly similar to Hero Auro of the Nine, boasts of an “Ascended Aspect,” Sunny dismisses it. He claims his own “glorious” Divine rank Aspect, acquired after killing an “awakened tyrant” by simply spitting, is far superior. This audacious lie, though met with disbelief and ridicule, sparks a predictable backlash from the Sleepers, particularly the Legacy’s companions who demand proof of Sunny’s “achievements.”

The Sleepers, increasingly hostile, press Sunny to elaborate on his supposed victory. He doubles down, insisting he “didn’t even have to lift a finger” to slay the tyrant, a statement met with outright laughter. One sleeper scoffs, “Who would believe such a lie?” Sunny, seething, retorts, “I can’t answer that, because it’s not a lie!” His inability to fabricate further solidifies his reputation as an unhinged outcast, setting the stage for a volatile confrontation as his absurd claims challenge the established order and his own precarious social standing.

Sunny’s confrontation escalates as he stubbornly defends his fabricated “Divine” rank and his fabricated feat. The Sleepers’ bewilderment curdles into outright hostility as they demand he prove his outrageous claims, with one dismissively asking, “Are you really insisting that you had killed an awakened tyrant — a tyrant! — and with a bit of spit no less?” Sunny’s defiant, “That’s the truth!” cements his outsider status, highlighting the vast chasm between his reality and the expectations of his peers, and leaving the reader to wonder if his lies will lead to his downfall or an unexpected rise.

Chapter 22 Corpse Corner

Retreating to a deserted corner of the hall, Sunny endures the palpable mockery and pity of the other Sleepers, confirming his ostracized status. He finds the corner occupied by a delicate, porcelain-doll-like girl with pale blond hair and blue eyes. Sunny’s unease stems from her vacant, expressionless stare, which reminds him of the Mountain King. He soon realizes she is blind, having lost her sight due to the Spell’s Appraisal, a Flaw far worse than his own. Her blindness renders her an effective “walking corpse,” with virtually no chance of survival in the Dream Realm. The palpable aura of death surrounding her explains why this corner is avoided.

Sunny observes the hall’s social stratification, noting how Sleepers instinctively cluster with those of similar circumstances. At the front are the Legacies, exuding confidence, with Caster being particularly prominent. Next to them are the expensively dressed children of wealthy families, lively and only slightly nervous. The largest group comprises middle-class youth, who, while adequately educated by the government, face a harder struggle, their tension and nervousness evident.

In stark contrast, Sunny and the blind girl are relegated to the “corpses” of the hall, their survival chances viewed as nil by everyone else. Sunny’s outlandish claims, met with disbelief and ridicule, have solidified his position as an unhinged outcast, mirroring the perceived helplessness of the blind girl.

Chapter 23 Dreams And Nightmares

Awakened Rock begins to illuminate the true nature of the Spell, a stark contrast to popular myths. He explains that while the First Nightmare is unique, subsequent Nightmares are born in the Dream Realm, and failing to conquer them before they mature results in Gates opening in the real world, unleashing countless monsters. This grim reality underscores the Awakened’s crucial role: protecting humanity by venturing into the Dream Realm and closing these nascent threats. Sunny, ever the pragmatist, absorbs this vital information, eager to differentiate truth from the pervasive myths surrounding their world.

The Dream Realm itself is revealed as a vast, desolate world, once home to primitive civilizations hinted at by ancient ruins. Its nature remains a mystery, whether it’s an illusion on an immense scale or a separate reality accessed by the Spell. However, it’s clear that the illusions within Nightmares are echoes of this realm’s history. Rock elaborates on the Dream Realm’s distinction from Nightmares: it lacks a “story” or predetermined conflict, offering freedom to explore, though survival remains a constant challenge.

Sunny, however, remains skeptical about this perceived freedom, his own [Fated] attribute suggesting he’s bound to encounter trouble regardless. He reflects on the nameless temple slave from his own Nightmare, pondering their true significance and the possibility of escape, hinting at deeper mysteries yet to be uncovered within the Dream Realm’s forgotten past.

Chapter 24 Moving Up In The World

Sunny finds himself allocated a private dormitory within the Sleeper complex, a stark contrast to his past, a comfortable space filled with amenities that genuinely impress him. “I guess we’re moving up in the world, huh?” he muses to his shadow, a sentiment born from the sheer extravagance of his new lodgings, which he acknowledges as a significant improvement from his nomadic upbringing. He then dedicates time to examining a newfound Memory, the Puppeteer’s Shroud, described as crafted from silk left by a fearsome Puppeteer Worm. The armor’s understated design and silent movement prove ideal for his clandestine style, offering enhanced protection, possibly even against mental attacks, a boon for confronting lesser creatures.

Following his examination of the Shroud, Sunny ventures to the cafeteria, where he’s greeted by a similarly opulent spread. His long-held desire for real meat is finally satisfied, with an abundance of food available without restriction. “Extravagant!” he exclaims internally, indulging in a plate piled high, savoring the flavors and textures. The sheer richness of the meal is almost overwhelming, a testament to the rewards gained from his recent trials.

The chapter leaves Sunny contemplating his improved circumstances, a tangible reward for his trials, yet his inherent pragmatism likely anticipates further challenges lurking beyond this newfound comfort.

Chapter 25 Wilderness Survival

The revelation that Nephis, the silver-haired girl, also possesses a True Name shocks the Sleepers in the cafeteria, who stare with a mixture of astonishment and awe. Sunny notes Caster’s unusual fixation on Nephis’s name, wondering if they share a past, an oddity given Nephis’s apparent status and Caster’s humble introduction as being from the Han Li clan. When prompted by others, Caster approaches Nephis with a deferential “Lady Nephis,” receiving a polite but distant acknowledgment. Sunny finds their interaction perplexing, a subtle hint of deeper complexities within this new world, but his thoughts quickly return to the simple pleasure of breakfast.

The scene then shifts to Sunny’s arrival at the Wilderness Survival classroom. He finds it unexpectedly empty save for a single, rather eccentric instructor, Awakened Julius, who greets him warmly. Julius, a lively old man with messy grey hair and bushy eyebrows, introduces himself and expresses approval of Sunny’s “ominous” name, “Sunless,” deeming it fitting for their dangerous endeavors. Sunny’s initial impression of arriving too early is dispelled by Julius’s assurance that he is precisely on time, hinting at the peculiar nature of their future lessons.

Sunny’s impressive achievement of acquiring a True Name, especially under such challenging circumstances, garners significant attention from his peers. This development, however, only adds to the mystery surrounding Nephis, whose own True Name acquisition is equally, if not more, remarkable. The contrast between Sunny’s newfound comfort and the underlying tensions and unspoken histories present amongst the Sleepers suggests that the trials are far from over, and the true challenges of this world are only just beginning to unfold.

Chapter 26 Changing Star

Sunny begins to explore the true capabilities of his Shadow Control Aspect, discovering that his shadow is more than just a silent follower. Through a process that feels both instinctual and learned, he learns to separate his perception from his physical body, effectively seeing through his shadow’s eyes. He tests this newfound ability by sending his shadow out of his room, allowing him to observe the hallway and even eavesdrop on conversations, realizing the immense potential for stealth and information gathering. The thought of using this to peek into the girls’ dormitory crosses his mind, but he quickly dismisses it, focusing on the more practical applications of becoming a perfect spy, capable of striking from the shadows with precision, though he shies away from the role of assassin due to his Aspect’s limitations.

Later, hidden within a dojo, Sunny’s shadow observes the introductory combat class. Instructor Rock guides the Sleepers as they undergo physical strength tests, each individual taking turns delivering their strongest punches to a specialized measuring machine. This process, designed to assess general competency, will ultimately determine how the Sleepers are grouped and paired for future training, highlighting the structured approach to developing their awakened abilities. Sunny notes the marvel of engineering required to create a machine durable enough to withstand the enhanced might of many Sleepers.

The chapter ends with Sunny’s shadow observing the ongoing strength tests, a silent testament to the rigorous and systematic training regimen the Sleepers endure. His own burgeoning ability to perceive the world through his shadow offers a stark contrast to the overt displays of power happening in the dojo, hinting at the subtle yet potent advantages he possesses as he navigates this dangerous new world. The foundation for Sunny’s future as a spy and strategist is clearly laid, promising intrigue and hidden maneuvers.

Chapter 27 Measure Of Power

Sunny, observing through his Shadow Sight, witnesses a bewildering display of speed as Caster, a Legacy Sleeper, engages Nephis. Caster moves so fast he appears to vanish, but Nephis, with remarkable reflexes, manages to deflect his initial blow, though still taking a hit to her shoulder. Caster’s strategy involves a lightning-fast flanking maneuver, aiming to finish Nephis from behind. Yet, Nephis anticipates this, executing a feint and a powerful counter with her elbow that Caster narrowly evades due to his superior speed. In a final, surprising move, Caster trips Nephis but catches her before she hits the ground, demonstrating a controlled takedown that leaves her unharmed. Sunny is stunned by Caster’s speed, deeming it “cheating,” while Nephis, unrecognized by the others, has yet to reveal her own Aspect.

Back in his room, Sunny marvels at the combat, noting Nephis’s unusual restraint in not using her Aspect. The chapter shifts focus to the aftermath as Sleepers head for showers, and Sunny’s shadow probes the locker room for insights into Caster. Surrounded by awestruck peers, Caster remains somber, his mood darkening with each congratulatory remark about his overwhelming victory. He rebuffs a Legacy sleeper’s dismissive comments about Nephis, calling her a “peasant girl,” and grows visibly agitated when this sleeper proves ignorant of her true identity, leaving both Sunny and the other Sleeper in suspense.

Caster’s reaction to the insult highlights a significant, unspoken truth about Nephis that the majority of Sleepers, including the other Legacy, fail to grasp. His frustration stems from the casual disregard for someone of her apparent importance, a detail that Sunny, ever the observer, swiftly picks up on. The confrontation hints at deeper rivalries and hidden identities within the Academy, suggesting Nephis is far more than the unassuming Sleeper she appears to be, and her undisclosed Aspect is a critical factor in the power dynamics of their batch.

Chapter 28 Training Montage

Days blur into a relentless training montage as Sunny races against time, with only four weeks remaining before his descent into the Dream Realm. Under Teacher Julius’s tutelage, his days are consumed by survival skills, ranging from rudimentary fire-making to the complexities of celestial navigation, a discipline made challenging by the Dream Realm’s inconsistent star geography. These lessons, far more in-depth than any textbook could offer, grant Sunny a crucial understanding of the “why” behind the Dream Realm’s environments, preparing him for the unknown. Even seemingly useless studies, like dead languages, reveal their profound importance, particularly when Sunny discovers how the precise meaning of Nephis’s True Name, “Star of Change,” carries connotations of “Ruinous Star” or “Star of Misfortune” depending on the specific runes used.

The immersion in knowledge, though numbing and exhausting, also sparks an exhilarating realization for Sunny: he is now one of the privileged, enjoying access to unlimited learning and basic needs met by the government, allowing him to dedicate himself entirely to becoming a stronger Awakened. This transformation, normally a catalyst for philosophical reflection, is overshadowed by the equally demanding practical lessons, often conducted through full immersion virtual reality simulations with enhanced physical feedback, leaving Sunny bone-tired and utterly spent.

Despite the grueling schedule, Sunny’s mind often drifts back to the initial encounter with Caster. The lingering tension surrounding Nephis, particularly Caster’s fierce defense against a Legacy Sleeper’s dismissive remarks calling her a “peasant girl,” continues to fuel Sunny’s curiosity. Caster’s agitated response to the ignorance surrounding Nephis’s true identity hints at a hidden significance that eludes most, suggesting Nephis is far more than she appears, and her undisclosed Aspect is a critical element in the intricate power dynamics of their batch.

Chapter 29 The Last Day On Earth

The weight of impending departure presses down on Sunny, the winter solstice marking his final day on Earth before venturing into the Dream Realm. A familiar lethargy, reminiscent of his First Nightmare and near-death experiences, settles over him, a stark reminder of the perilous journey ahead. Despite the gnawing uncertainty about what awaits him, Sunny clings to the knowledge that he has done all he can—training, studying, and safeguarding his secret. He embraces the simple comforts, like a hot shower and a meal, even as his appetite wanes, a quiet anticipation mingling with apprehension.

The cafeteria hums with a somber introspection among the Sleepers, a stark contrast to their usual boisterous nature, while the Legacies maintain a stoic distance. Sunny, seeking solace in routine, prepares his coffee, a new habit acquired during his Academy tenure. He settles near Cassia, the blind girl with whom he shares a silent proximity, but today, the silence breaks. “Happy Birthday,” she whispers, her unexpected revelation momentarily jarring Sunny as he recalls his seventeenth birthday, a milestone he never truly expected to reach.

Cassia’s quiet acknowledgment of his birthday, a fact he had forgotten, leaves Sunny with a peculiar unease, a feeling of being seen beyond the surface. He accepts her cryptic gesture and returns to his coffee, the enhanced taste a small victory. The unpredictable nature of life, from his humble origins to his current privileged position, hits him anew. He resolves to survive, to see another year, another birthday, and to continue this new tradition as an Awakened, leaving the cafeteria with a renewed, albeit fragile, determination.

Chapter 30 Starless Void

The disorientation is immediate as Sunny finds himself plunged into a starless void, blind and drowning in the chilling embrace of seawater. His specialized shadow perception, a gift from his affinity, is his only guide in the absolute darkness, allowing him to orient himself and begin the desperate swim towards the surface. Breaking through the water, he is met by an unnerving expanse of black waves under an equally black sky, a boundless emptiness that sparks a chilling dread. A distant triangular fin, impossibly large and rapidly approaching, confirms his terrifying suspicions—he is not alone in this oppressive sea.

A fleeting glimpse of a dark mass, a jagged island of rock, offers a desperate hope, and Sunny propels himself towards it, his speed amplified by a command to his own shadow. Just as a colossal, monstrous maw lined with teeth as tall as himself emerges from the water, lunging for him, a massive tentacle erupts, ensnaring the creature and dragging it back into the depths. Pulled from the water onto the precarious rock, Sunny collapses, trembling, the immense power of this world leaving him exposed and vulnerable.

He realizes with dawning horror that the leviathan wasn’t hunting him, but fleeing. “It was trying to run away,” he breathes, the understanding a chilling revelation. The calm that returns to the water is a mockery of the terror he has just experienced, leaving him alone in the suffocating darkness, grappling with the true nature of the Dream Realm and the unimaginable forces that inhabit it.