Chapter 166 Light And Shadows
Changing Star questions Sunny’s intentions, prompting him to reflect on a deeply personal past. He recounts the hardship of his youth, orphaned and left to fend for himself on the streets. His singular focus became finding his sister, a quest fueled by a desperate need to protect and reunite with her, an image he’d clung to since childhood. This obsession drove him to save every meager credit, enduring hunger and engaging in “horrid crap” for years until he could afford a private investigator.
The investigator eventually provides an address, leading Sunny to his sister’s new home. He observes her through a brightly lit window, a stark contrast to his own shadowed existence. He sees her family’s warmth, her comfortable life, and the genuine happiness they share. This idyllic scene shatters Sunny’s long-held fantasy of being her savior, revealing the painful reality that she likely no longer remembers him and, more importantly, doesn’t need his intervention.
Unlock Global Stories with Noyaku!
Tired of waiting? Instantly translate web novels, manhwa, and manhua from their original sources! Noyaku provides Smart AI and Basic translation engines, plus a custom Glossary for consistent terms.
Sunny’s realization leaves him with a profound sense of displacement and the bitter understanding that his presence would only disrupt her happiness. The chapter ends with Sunny grappling with this devastating truth, the weight of his past and the realization of his sister’s uncompromised well-being crushing his long-held aspirations.
Chapter 167 Unforgivable
Nephis’s startling admission of deceit leaves Sunny reeling, his own sheltered past starkly contrasted with her self-professed mastery of manipulation. She reveals her deliberate observation of him and Cassie, honing her skills in deception by studying their every move, particularly Sunny’s talent for hidden agendas. “You can even easily turn truths into lies,” she praises, acknowledging his unwitting role as her “teacher” in the art of using people, a bitter irony given his own recent disillusionment.
Her accusation hangs heavy in the air: “So where do you get the audacity to blame me for doing the same thing you do to everyone you ever meet?” Nephis argues that her methods, while deceptive, are more honest than Sunny’s, as she hasn’t directly lied, only “gave them just enough truth to make them deceive themselves.” Sunny grapples with the horrifying possibility that he, a flawed figure from her past, is the source of her “vicious” nature.
Unflinching, Nephis lays bare her brutal plan: to ignite civil war within the Bright Castle by killing Gunlaug, then systematically eliminating the vying lieutenants. “I am going to kill them, too,” she declares, her ambition chillingly clear as she aims to be the last one standing, a stark testament to the harsh lessons learned in the unforgiving Dream Realm.
Chapter 168 Outside
Sunny recoils from Nephis’s chilling confession, the setting sun a stark reminder of his dwindling time. He questions her extreme measures, suspecting motivations as grand as familial legacy or world-saving. However, Nephis dismisses these notions with a dangerous glint in her eyes, a familiar madness that surfaces when certain words are spoken. Her true, terrifying goal is revealed: not conquest, but utter annihilation.
“I’m going to destroy it,” she declares, the words echoing with an chilling conviction that instills a primal dread in Sunny. She elaborates on her vision of dismantling the entire Dream Realm, systemically conquering every Nightmare, and eradicating the Nightmare Spell itself from existence. Her resolve is absolute, dismissing any potential opposition, from Gunlaug to even Fallen Terrors, as ultimately futile.
When pressed about the source of this extreme hatred, Nephis offers a disarmingly simple answer: “Because I hate it.” Sunny, grappling with her profound insanity in a world already broken, can only concede that in such a “hell,” sanity itself might be the true madness. As the last vestiges of daylight fade, Nephis impatiently prompts him for any remaining questions, her time and patience clearly running out.
Chapter 169 Back To The Future
Three months have passed since Nephis revealed her terrifying ambition to annihilate the Dream Realm. Sunny finds himself back at the castle, a place he’d previously visited for supplies but now faces a reunion he’d dreaded. He encounters Nephis, “Changing Star,” whose radiant appearance contrasts starkly with his own disheveled state, a state he desperately wishes to hide from her. His internal thoughts of “Why did she have to be here?!” escape his lips, earning him a pointed observation from Nephis about his impoliteness.
Their reunion is fraught with unspoken tension and veiled barbs. Nephis acknowledges his survival with a backhanded compliment, calling him “a cockroach like you is not easy to kill,” which Sunny initially takes offense to before she amends it as a compliment. Despite his outward bravado and claims of self-improvement, Sunny admits to himself that he missed Nephis’s presence, a dependence he hadn’t realized had formed. The encounter highlights their changed appearances—Nephis appearing stronger, and Sunny admitting to becoming a “fearsome creature” himself, albeit “a little bit insane.”
The inevitable future foretold by Cassie still looms, and the intensity of their past quarrel has only lessened, not vanished. As Sunny observes Nephis, he acknowledges her increased power and commanding presence, but simultaneously recognizes his own transformation through the harsh trials of the Dark City. His time spent hunting powerful Nightmare Creatures in the absolute darkness has forged him into a deadlier individual, leaving him to remind himself to stay focused amidst the overwhelming emotions of their reunion.
Chapter 170 Star-Crossed
Sunny remains disoriented as Nephis, “Changing Star,” exhibits an uncharacteristic and profound terror, her fear directed not at the charming newcomer Kai, but seemingly at Kai’s presence itself. Sunny’s attempt to defend against a perceived threat is met with Kai’s confused inquiry, “Uh, Sunny? Who is your friend?” Despite his own keen senses and witnessing others greet Kai warmly, Sunny is baffled by Nephis’s panicked reaction, especially when she whispers, “Sunny… what is Night doing here?”
The conversation devolves into a confusing exchange as Sunny explains he saved Kai and the archer is repaying the favor. Nephis, however, presses further, emphasizing Kai’s location, “No, I mean what is Night doing here, on the Forgotten Shore!” A new layer of mystery unfurls as Nephis questions if they knew each other in the real world and, upon Sunny’s denial, exclaims, “You… you don’t know who he is?” Kai, observing this peculiar interaction, gleefully remarks, “He really doesn’t. Isn’t it wonderful?”
The revelation arrives with Nephis’s stunned, hushed exclamation: “That’s Night, you idiot! Night from Nightingale! The Night!” This bombastic declaration leaves Sunny reeling, the pieces of Nephis’s terror and Kai’s identity clicking into place with devastating implications, hinting at a history far more intricate and dangerous than Sunny could have imagined.
Chapter 171 Tether
Nephis’s cryptic declaration that “Night” is present, and the realization that Kai is the infamous “Night from Nightingale,” leaves Sunny grappling with profound implications. Despite seeing Nephis’s true, ruthless nature – a conviction that burns away all softer emotions – Sunny finds himself unable to refuse her plea for help, even if their bond is irrevocably strained. He acknowledges Nephis as one of the few people he cares about, a feeling that has taken root deep within his soul, pulling him back into the messy world he tried to escape. “No. No, he didn’t think he was,” Sunny admits to himself, unable to abandon her despite his desire for solitude.
Sunny, prioritizing his immediate goal of acquiring Memories for the Stone Saint, informs Nephis that they can talk later. He requests her patience while he conducts his own business. Nephis, with her characteristic indifference, agrees. Sunny then makes a surprising announcement, “Oh, and if you don’t mind, I’ll bring Night with me,” a statement that elicits doubtful expressions from both Nephis and Kai.
Sunny feigns surprise at Kai’s hesitant question about bringing him, retorting, “Don’t you want to meet my other friends? They’ll be able to answer all your stupid questions, for sure!” This exchange sets the stage for a complex reunion, hinting at future interactions where Kai might finally confront the reality of his past and Sunny navigates the delicate balance between his solitary desires and his undeniable connection to Nephis and, now, Kai.
Chapter 172 Memory Market
Sunny, Kai, and Nephis enter a hidden Memory Market, a hall filled with countless valuable relics and enchanted items, each a potent Memory. Sunny is overwhelmed by the sheer wealth contained within, his greed momentarily overriding his caution. His stupor is broken by Kai, who introduces Sunny to Stev, the market’s proprietor. Stev, a portly man with a jovial yet suspicious demeanor, immediately questions Sunny’s presence and ability to afford anything in his establishment, referring to Sunny as a “dirty vagrant.” Sunny retaliates with a sharp retort, which Stev finds amusing, setting a tense but comedic tone for their interaction.
Stev, undeterred, queries Sunny’s financial capacity, directly asking, “How many shards can a slum rat like you have?” Sunny, aiming to mislead Kai about his true reserves, falsely claims to have never absorbed a soul shard, presenting himself as utterly penniless. This revelation puzzles Kai, who is aware Sunny has been exploring ruins and implies a certain level of capability. Sunny’s deliberate deception is a calculated move to prevent Kai from questioning the significant expenditure of soul shards he plans to make, hoping Kai will attribute his spending to an insatiable desire for wealth rather than a strategic accumulation of power.
The chapter establishes the Memory Market as a crucial location for Sunny’s immediate goals, hinting at the potential acquisition of powerful artifacts. The introduction of Stev provides a new character with a distinct personality, and the dynamic between him, Sunny, and Kai is immediately charged with underlying tension and dark humor. Sunny’s cunning manipulation of Kai’s perception of his resources sets the stage for future strategic plays, as he navigates the treacherous social landscape of the Dark City while pursuing his own clandestine objectives.
Chapter 173 Black Armor
Sunny, feigning disinterest, circles the Memory Market, his eyes drawn to a neglected suit of black armor. He recognizes its intricate design and solemnity, suspecting it’s a treasure far exceeding anything else in the market. The armor, crafted from pure black onyx, radiates a dark grace, reminiscent of the Stone Saint’s armor but appearing even more impressive. He probes the dormant armor, discovering an ethereal diamond string weave of unparalleled complexity, powered by six large, glowing embers – an Ascended Memory of the sixth tier, a relic of a Fallen Terror. He realizes the immense value of this find, exclaiming, “Jackpot.”
His elation quickly sours as Sunny detects damage within the armor’s weave. Thousands of strings are torn, leaving the pattern broken and disharmonious. The untethered strings float aimlessly, devoid of purpose or cohesion. This defies the universal rule of Memories repairing themselves within the Soul Sea unless completely destroyed. The implication is chilling: this ancient, powerful Memory is damaged beyond repair, a mystery that perplexes Sunny and hints at a deeper, unsettling truth about the nature of these relics.
The discovery of the damaged, yet incredibly powerful, onyx armor shifts Sunny’s focus within the Memory Market. His initial greed for wealth is tempered by the revelation of this extraordinary artifact and the confounding riddle of its ruin. The chapter leaves Sunny questioning the cause of the armor’s damage and its presence in such a neglected state, setting the stage for further investigation and potentially uncovering dangerous secrets about the Dark City’s history and the true nature of Memories.
Chapter 174 Shopping Spree
Sunny, still reeling from his discovery of the damaged onyx armor, learns that its unique spellweave, akin to the Stone Saint’s living armament, requires Soul Essence to repair and activate. This is a crucial distinction, as Awakened can channel Soul Essence, unlike Sleepers, making higher-ranked Memories incredibly potent in their hands. The paradox rendering the armor unusable on the Forgotten Shore is precisely this lack of Soul Essence, leaving it broken and functionally inert. Sunny, however, sees past its current state; for him, the true prize lies in its six Ascended embers, destined to fuel his Shadow. He muses, “What a shame… that I’ll be able to buy it for a measly sum of soul shards from these fools and feed it to my Shadow, ha!”
Feigning disinterest in the armor’s broken state, Sunny instructs Kai to purchase it along with ten other Memories. Kai, initially incredulous at Sunny’s extravagant shopping list, is stunned when Sunny reveals the contents of a rucksack filled with around seventy soul shards. “S—Sunny! Where did you get all these shards?!” Kai exclaims, recognizing the immense wealth and the potential for conflict such a hoard represents. Sunny casually dismisses the question, claiming the shards were “just gathering dust in my bedroom,” further baffling Kai.
Kai’s shock deepens when Sunny mentions his “bedroom,” causing a flicker of unease as he recalls Sunny’s earlier boasts of wealth and attempts to bribe him with a paltry ten shards. The chapter ends with Kai’s growing suspicion and a sense of dread as he connects Sunny’s casual disregard for such vast wealth with the concept of his “bedroom,” leaving the reader to ponder the true source of Sunny’s power and possessions.
Chapter 175 Reunion
Sunny, accompanied by a wary Kai, navigates his return to Nephis’s lodge, grappling with the unsettling memories of his past association there. He resolves to leverage the situation, expecting significant compensation for his assistance, particularly eyeing Nephis’s resources to achieve a goal beyond his current capabilities. As they approach, Kai voices his suspicion about Sunny’s true motives for bringing him along, questioning his distrust of Nephis. Sunny admits, “She’s the kind of friend you don’t really want to lower your guard around,” and expresses particular unease about a “perfect” individual named Caster, whom he distrusts because “He just gives me the creeps.”
Upon entering, Sunny is struck by the lodge’s transformation; it has expanded into a fortified complex, bustling with a newfound energy and purpose among its inhabitants. This vibrant atmosphere starkly contrasts with the despair Sunny remembers, prompting him to question Nephis’s defiance against potential threats like Gunlaug and the source of her organization’s success. His contemplation is interrupted by a welcoming attendant, whom Sunny doesn’t recognize, and he simply states, “Neph is expecting me.”
The chapter leaves Sunny on the cusp of his reunion with Nephis, his suspicion towards Caster palpable, and his observation of the lodge’s impressive growth fueling his strategic calculations. The stark transformation of the lodge and the apparent resurgence of hope among its members raise questions about Nephis’s leadership and her hidden agenda, setting the stage for a complex negotiation and potential conflict.
Chapter 176 Coming Clean
Sunny re-enters Nephis’s lodge, finding it transformed into a fortified complex and meeting Nephis, Caster, Effie, and Cassie. While Nephis displays subtle tension, Caster offers a chillingly amiable greeting, and Effie expresses disbelief at Sunny’s survival, teasing him about his “feral” appearance with witty banter. Sunny, in turn, retorts, “Yeah? Well… you look like you’ve gained a little weight,” to which Effie playfully threatens him. Cassie, however, greets him with a newfound maturity and a quiet, almost cold demeanor, leaving Sunny unsettled and attributing her reservedness to a vision.
The group gathers to discuss important matters, with Caster ensuring privacy by activating a “cone of silence” Memory, signaling a discussion concerning the Bright Lord. Sunny, feeling a sense of dread, comments, “So… the Bright Lord is finally ready to obliterate you all? Can’t say that I’m surprised.” This ominous revelation sets a tense atmosphere, hinting at an imminent confrontation that will test Nephis’s resilience and Sunny’s strategic involvement.
Sunny observes the significant shifts in those around him, particularly Cassie’s transformation, and senses the weight of unspoken events. The activation of the Memory confirms the gravity of the impending discussion, which appears to involve direct threats from powerful figures like the Bright Lord. This chapter leaves Sunny poised on the brink of crucial negotiations, his own motivations intertwined with the fate of Nephis’s growing organization.
Chapter 177 Cloak And Dagger
Nephis explains to Sunny that the Bright Lord, Gunlaug, has tolerated their growing influence for four months, not due to a lack of power, but likely a calculation of political maneuvering or an underestimation of their capabilities. While they have successfully navigated provocations and solidified their position, the uneasy truce is shattered by news that Gunlaug intends to strike. This impending threat is not a general assault, but a targeted one, aiming for Effie, a decision seemingly triggered by her recent, “vulgar” argument with a group of castle Guards who subsequently vanished.
Sunny grapples with the revelation, questioning the specific targeting of Effie, prompting Caster to elaborate on the huntress’s recent actions. Despite Caster’s warnings, Effie engaged in a public altercation with guards who were in the outer settlement for amusement. The disappearance of these guards the following night provides a clear pretext for Gunlaug’s retaliation, placing Effie directly in the crosshairs of a calculated and imminent attack.
The group understands that Gunlaug’s move is a decisive escalation, forcing them to confront the fragile peace they have maintained. With the Bright Lord preparing to unleash a significant blow, the focus shifts to protecting Effie and understanding the full scope of Gunlaug’s intentions. The veiled threats and calculated actions hint at a deeper game being played, and Sunny finds himself caught in the middle of a dangerous power struggle where even the seemingly minor actions of his companions can have dire consequences.
Chapter 178 Lost Expedition
Nephis unfurls a second, cruder map, this one detailing the vast, alien landscape of the Forgotten Shore. Sunny is stunned by the sheer scale of the region, a continent-sized expanse dwarfed only by the Dream Realm itself. The map features the Crimson Spire, the Labyrinth, and the Dark City, but also reveals the locations of several of the seven forgotten hero statues marked by red crosses. This includes the knight and the woman Sunny recognizes, hinting at their previous encounters with these remnants of history.
Nephis reveals their audacious plan: to venture back into the Labyrinth, traverse the Forgotten Shore, and then return, a prospect Sunny finds baffling given their imminent struggle. Nephis clarifies their true objective: to locate the lost cohort of Sleepers who conquered their castle fifteen years prior, seeking an item they took. “If we find it… we’ll have a chance in the fight against Gunlaug,” she explains, though Sunny senses she’s withholding further details.
Despite Sunny’s skepticism, Nephis assures him that reaching the mountains where the cohort vanished can be done relatively safely, but it is there they will require his unique skills. “Having you with us will make a lot of things easier,” she states, leaving Sunny to ponder the source of her uncanny knowledge and her true motivations for this perilous expedition into the unknown.
Chapter 179 New Generation
Sunny seeks out Effie and Kai, finding them discussing matters in the lodge’s dining area. He notes Caster observing him from the stairs, fueling his suspicion that the youth is avoiding him. Engaging the locals, Sunny probes their past interactions and learns Kai is open about his unique Flaw, a revelation Sunny finds both baffling and irritating, contrasting it with his own more restrictive abilities. He presses them about the honesty of those present in a previous room, and Kai confirms, “No, no one said a single lie. Your friends are all extremely honest people, Sunny.” This statement, however, leaves Sunny questioning his own judgment regarding Caster’s character.
Before departing, Sunny informs Effie that he will be protecting her for the next week, as agreed with Nephis. Effie, amused, jokes, “Wow. That makes me feel real safe. Thanks, shorty.” Sunny hints at his formidable roommate’s strength, causing Kai to visibly react, recalling something unsettling. Sunny thanks Kai for his assistance, their deal concluded, and notes Kai’s awkward farewell, “Yeah, it was nice to make your acquaintance, Sunny. I can honestly say that spending time with you is… uh… an unforgettable experience,” a sentiment Sunny reciprocates with relief.
With his immediate inquiries settled, Sunny turns his attention back to the impending grand expedition across the Forgotten Shore. The objective remains clear: recover an item from the cohort who conquered their castle years ago, an item Nephis believes is crucial for facing Gunlaug. Despite Sunny’s lingering doubts and Nephis’s unspoken reservations, the plan to venture into the Labyrinth and across the vast, uncharted territory is set in motion, with Sunny’s unique talents deemed indispensable for the perilous journey ahead.
Chapter 180 Break Point
Sunny, driven by the allure of a faint golden glow emanating from a ruined cathedral – a divine light he’d previously witnessed with Nephis and Changing Star – ventures inside, hoping to discover another treasure. However, his curiosity is met with swift, brutal violence. The Black Knight, a colossal, silent predator, ambushes Sunny, impaling him with a massive greatsword. Though his reflexes save him from a clean kill, the devastating wound leaves Sunny disemboweled. In a desperate bid for survival, Sunny employs an ordinary rock, amplified by his shadow to mimic the howl of a Nightmare Creature, creating a diversion that allows him to stagger away, mortally wounded, as the Black Knight indifferently returns to the darkness.
Later, found crawling into a ditch within the Dark City, Sunny is consumed by pain, fear, and a disbelieving, hysterical laughter at the prospect of dying ignobly. The agony of his wound is immense, each movement a fresh torment. He’s left to ponder his impending demise, a solitary and pathetic end for someone who felt he was just beginning to gain confidence in the treacherous darkness.
This encounter marks a turning point for Sunny, a stark reminder of his vulnerability despite his growing power. The memory of the Black Knight’s overwhelming strength and his own desperate flight serves as a chilling prelude to the grand expedition ahead. The objective—retrieving an artifact from those who conquered their castle—gains renewed urgency, as Sunny’s crucial role in facing Gunlaug becomes ever more apparent, juxtaposed against the harsh lesson learned in the depths of the Dark City.
