Chapter 181 Rules Of Hospitality
Effie expresses concern about Sunny’s chosen residence, a ruined cathedral, relaying her knowledge that “nothing comes out alive from that temple.” Sunny, weary but unconcerned, reveals his unusual “roommate”: the Black Knight, a powerful entity that patrols the ground floor. He devises a plan: entering through the roof to bypass the guardian and reach his hidden living quarters, a strategy Effie likens to having “a devil for a butler.” Their entry proves challenging as Effie’s considerable strength is revealed when she effortlessly moves a heavy marble slab blocking their path, leaving Sunny to marvel at her power, even questioning if she surpasses the Stone Saint.
The pair descends into the cathedral’s shadowed interior, with Sunny guiding Effie across precarious beams in near-absolute darkness, a testament to the Black Knight’s pervasive influence. Sunny’s awkwardness is palpable as their proximity heightens, especially after Effie teases him about “strange ideas.” They finally reach Sunny’s hidden chamber, a surprisingly well-appointed sanctuary bathed in the light of Effie’s summoned Memory. Effie expresses her admiration for Sunny’s comfortable, yet stylish, living arrangements, prompting a playful exchange that hints at future adventures.
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.
Chapter 182 Dinner Time
Sunny, finding himself sharing his hidden sanctuary with Effie, realizes their nocturnal lifestyles minimize potential friction. Effie’s ample provisions further alleviate his concerns about hosting. After a tour and more teasing, Sunny retreats to his Soul Sea, summoning the Stone Saint. He observes her current stats: Awakened rank with attributes like Battle Master and Stalwart, and notes her six Shadow Fragments. He then begins feeding her Memories, including a bejeweled sword, which she destroys, absorbing the resulting sparks. Each consumed Memory strengthens the Stone Saint, increasing her fragments. “Hey there, darling. Guess what? I brought dinner…” Effie’s voice echoes as Sunny continues the process, his satisfaction growing with each fragment gained.
The Stone Saint’s fragments climb steadily, reaching twenty after the ninth Memory, leaving Sunny impressed with the tangible improvement. He anticipates further gains, particularly from the onyx armor, which he calculates will grant her a significant twelve fragments. This steady strengthening of his Shadow, coupled with the inherent amplification from his own Shadow Core, fills Sunny with a burgeoning sense of power and excitement for what is to come.
The chapter highlights Sunny’s pragmatic approach to his unusual living situation and his focus on cultivating the strength of his Shadows. The interaction with Effie, though brief, hints at a developing dynamic between them. The core of the chapter, however, lies in Sunny’s deliberate and methodical enhancement of the Stone Saint, a process he views as a crucial prelude to more significant challenges and a testament to his growing power.
Chapter 183 Learning New Tricks
The Stone Saint’s new trick, a dramatic sword flourish that flings away all blood, catches Sunny’s eye, making him wish he could learn it too. He efficiently dispatches another Nightmare Creature with the Stone Saint’s assistance, finding their partnership makes hunts significantly easier. Sunny reflects on his meticulous hunting style, honed over three months, which pairs the Stone Saint’s defense with his own swift strikes. However, their recent success has left him facing an unexpected predicament: a severe lack of prey in the Dark City.
His growing strength and the efficiency gained from the Stone Saint’s presence make him consider abandoning his usual caution, but he quickly dismisses the dangerous thought. Sunny recognizes that despite his advancements, he remains far from the apex predator in the ruins, emphasizing his weakness among the stronger entities. The idea of hunting Fallen Ones or higher-class beings is a fatal fantasy he must actively avoid.
Despite his current abundance of caution, a forgotten thought resurfaces. Sunny recalls the Stone Saint’s blood-shaking maneuver and feels a nascent inspiration, a “seed of an idea” that he believes he needs to explore. He concludes the chapter with a renewed focus on this potential new skill, hinting at further personal development and the constant pursuit of arcane knowledge.
Chapter 184 Value Of Humility
Effie, a mighty huntress, stares in disbelief as Sunny casually introduces his Echo, the Stone Saint, to her. Effie’s hazel eyes betray a mix of tension and dark anticipation as she processes Sunny’s acquisition. “Gee, relax. Haven’t you seen an Echo before?” Sunny quips, finding humor in her reaction. Effie, however, is outraged, lamenting her own three-year struggle to even glimpse an Echo, calling Sunny a “lucky bastard.” Sunny casually reveals this is his second Echo, his first having perished in the Labyrinth, leaving Effie in utter dejection as she examines the taciturn creature.
Effie then probes about the Stone Saint’s capabilities, questioning how Sunny managed to kill such a creature and survive. Sunny explains that a group of Fallen Ones eliminated the creatures, and he merely arrived in time to finish one off, highlighting their successful hunts. He praises the Stone Saint’s awakened monster status, deeming her an elite capable of felling Fallen Beasts. Effie, impressed and perhaps a little envious, questions Sunny’s decision to reveal such a valuable asset, given his usual paranoia.
Sunny reveals his intent to showcase the Stone Saint is a necessity for his future plans. Effie, misinterpreting his intentions with a mischievous smile, clarifies her boundaries, stating, “Nightmare Creatures is where I draw the line,” a comment that leaves Sunny momentarily confused before his eyes widen in realization.
Chapter 185 Battle Master
Effie’s playful misconception about Sunny’s intentions is quickly shattered as the reality of his training regimen unfolds. Sunny finds himself in brutal, repeated combat with his Echo, the Stone Saint, a sentient Shadow that wields a blade and shield with monstrous power. Despite Sunny’s desperate attempts to deflect and evade, the Saint’s relentless assault leaves him battered and bruised, his body a symphony of pain. A weak “Yeah,” escapes him after a particularly harsh impact, prompting Effie to check in, her primary concern being his utility, “Good! Don’t die yet, alright? It’s going to be really inconvenient for me to get out of here without your help.”
Driven by a grim determination, Sunny pushes himself through the grueling sessions, spitting out a defiant “Again” after each defeat. He spends his days in a cycle of confronting Effie, enduring the Stone Saint’s brutal attacks, and exploring cursed ruins, finding a strange solace in the relative safety of the latter compared to his Echo’s relentless onslaught. Each painful blow, each spilled drop of blood, however, contributes to his growing strength and a noticeable improvement in his technique, a welcome resurgence after a long period of stagnation.
This brutal yet rewarding training, amidst the exploration of dangerous, ancient ruins, solidifies Sunny’s path forward. The raw power of the Stone Saint, once a point of contention, is now a tool he wields for his own advancement. The cycle of pain and progress fuels his resolve, hinting at greater challenges and a significant growth in his combat prowess as he continues to push his limits against his formidable Echo.
Chapter 186 Eureka
Sunny’s relentless training with the Stone Saint pushes him to new heights, his body a canvas of bruises as he repeatedly attempts to master the Saint’s devastating techniques. He finds a grim solace in the dangerous ruins, the relative calm a stark contrast to the Saint’s brutal assaults. This cycle of pain and progress, however, is not without its discoveries.
During a particularly intense spar, where Sunny enters a rare state of flow, his focus sharpened to an almost supernatural degree, he perceives an anomaly. The presence of Effie’s light source in the hidden lair finally makes his own shadow visible, revealing a subtle, almost imperceptible difference in its movements compared to his own. This tiny divergence, he senses, harbors something vast and profound.
Stunned by this revelation, Sunny falters for a moment, a mistake that earns him a punishing blow from the Stone Saint’s shield, sending him crashing against the wall. Despite the pain, his mind races, the implications of what he just witnessed overriding any physical discomfort. The discovery promises to change the very nature of his training and perhaps, his understanding of his own shadow.
Chapter 187 Trial Of Strength
Sunny’s arduous training with the Stone Saint continues, the agonizing process of deciphering his shadow’s hidden battle style proving to be a grueling, slow endeavor. He catches fleeting glimpses, the shadow’s innate fluidity and grace a stark contrast to his own, suggesting a “shadow dance” he’s yet to fully grasp. Every misstep in this delicate balancing act between combat and observation results in more pain, pushing his already strained body to its absolute limits, a precarious state considering his upcoming expedition with Nephis.
Unbeknownst to him, Sunny’s ability to even perceive these fundamental traits of the art sets him leagues apart from ordinary warriors, who typically follow combat styles rigidly. His self-taught journey, with Nephis as his only reference point, blinds him to the truly exceptional nature of his progress. He laments his perceived slowness, attributing his lack of breakthroughs to his own perceived inadequacy, unaware of the awe his insights would inspire in seasoned masters.
As training concludes for the day, Effie, bored by the constant pummeling, inquires about Sunny’s sense of time, to which he cryptically replies, “The shadow of the Crimson Spire. I can feel it.” Effie then playfully asks to spar with the Stone Saint, a request Sunny firmly denies, citing the immense danger and the potential wrath of Nephis should anything befall her.
Chapter 188 Of Heaven And Hell
A week has passed since Sunny’s intense training began, a period during which he miraculously survived and, even more surprisingly, managed not to harm Effie, their cohabitation evolving into a comfortable camaraderie. His combat prowess, and particularly his grasp of combat styles, has sharpened considerably, leaving him feeling more deadly than before, a crucial advantage as he faces an approaching grim future. He and Effie observe the Black Knight from a high vantage point within the cathedral, Effie questioning how Sunny managed to survive a past encounter with the formidable foe. Sunny admits to barely escaping after being “gutted,” emphasizing his two months of observation and the creature’s confinement to the cathedral.
Despite the grave situation and the potential for the Black Knight to hear them, Effie’s playful nature surfaces, drawing a reprimand from Sunny to maintain a lower profile within the sacred space. As dawn approaches, signaling their departure, Sunny reflects on Nephis’s request and the potential consequences of his decision. He then broaches a peculiar conversation with Effie, questioning her unyielding cheerfulness. She explains her perspective, revealing that her perceived paradise within the Dream Realm stems from the real world being a far greater hell for her, an explanation that hints at a depth of experience Sunny cannot fully comprehend.
Chapter 189 Sunny’s Brilliant Emporium
Sunny reveals a bold plan to confront the Black Knight, much to the shock of Casper and Kai, though Nephis pragmatically accepts it, acknowledging the necessity of facing such threats. He emphasizes his extensive study of the creature, having mapped its abilities and weaknesses, and stresses the importance of the cohort’s growth during the upcoming expedition to Gunalug. Sunny believes that by the end of their Labyrinth journey, their increased soul essence, new Memories, and honed teamwork will prepare them to face a formidable foe like the Black Knight. Nephis supports this strategy, noting that even Gemma and Tessai have previously defeated Fallen creatures, highlighting that preparation and a bit of luck are key.
“This is acceptable,” Nephis states, her agreement bolstering Sunny’s confidence. To facilitate their preparation, Sunny unveils “Sunny’s Brilliant Emporium,” offering fifty Awakened-rank soul shards in exchange for their Memories. He frames this as a necessary investment for their mutual survival, aiming to empower the group before they delve into the Labyrinth. The transaction is simple: Memories for shards, with a preference for “useless junk” or future promises if no Memories are currently available.
Kai, bewildered by Sunny’s apparent generosity, questions the underlying motive, asking, “Sunny… buddy… please forgive my bluntness, but why do you need all these Memories?” Sunny’s cryptic grin suggests his usual complex reasoning is at play, hinting that his motives extend beyond mere altruism and that the true value of these exchanges is yet to be fully understood.
Chapter 190 Point Of No Return
Sunny walks with the cohort, his shadow scouting ahead, leaving him feeling exposed without his usual companion. He contemplates summoning the Stone Saint, an odd oversight he wishes to rectify. He finds comfort in the presence of Nephis, Caster, and Effie, and also observes Kai, recognizing the archer’s hidden strength despite his gentle appearance. Kai, it turns out, possesses an Aspect Ability that forces him to confront terrifying airborne abominations. Sunny catches up to Kai, intrigued by his decision to join their perilous Labyrinth expedition when he seemingly had a comfortable life.
Kai reveals his reasons for venturing into the unknown: he’s in trouble. The deaths of guards who imprisoned him are being used to frame Effie, and he fears being implicated if his connection to their disappearance is discovered. Sunny acknowledges the logic but questions if the Labyrinth’s dangers are truly less than those he’s fleeing. Kai, however, hints at a deeper, more nuanced motivation, a realization that transcends mere self-preservation.
“It certainly will,” Kai admits, “But, Sunny… there is something else that you failed to consider.” He then probes Sunny’s intentions, dismissing the idea of being Nephis’s convert but implying a shared understanding of a larger truth. Kai shares a somber reflection on their arrival on the Forgotten Shore, hinting at a grim attrition rate that resonates with Sunny’s own journey.
Chapter 191 Pursuer
Sunny senses an unseen threat, a feeling of being followed that unsettles him and prompts him to recall his shadow scout. He discreetly informs Nephis, who also confirms the unease. The cohort falls into a tense, silent readiness, their muscles coiled despite the outward calm. Sunny, positioned at the rear and thus the most vulnerable, struggles with the vulnerability of being without his shadow’s constant vigil.
The shadow, sent back to investigate, eventually spots movement. A solitary figure, cloaked and strangely hunched, emerges from the ruins. Sunny’s blood runs cold as he recognizes the distinctive, terrifying features and “glassy, lifeless eyes” of Harus, Gunlaug’s brutal executioner.
Harus casually walks in their wake, “with the same bored expression that he had in the grand hall of the Bright Castle on the day of Jubei’s execution.” The realization that this infamous butcher is their pursuer escalates the danger, raising the stakes for the entire cohort, especially with Sunny’s awareness of the grim attrition rate on the Forgotten Shore.
Chapter 192 Lighthouse
The cohort grapples with the terrifying realization that Harus, Gunlaug’s infamous executioner, now relentlessly pursues them. Effie, a huntress, reveals Harus’s chilling ability to bypass any defense, leaving victims utterly defenseless and seemingly abandoned by fate itself. Caster questions their chances against such an insurmountable foe, and Effie suggests their only recourse is to flee. Sunny, however, voices his concern about escaping Harus at all.
Effie proposes a perilous, yet potentially effective, plan to evade their pursuer, leaving the decision to Nephis. The princess, prioritizing their mission to reach the resting place of the first cohort, agrees to detour rather than confront Harus directly. Effie, seemingly relieved, guides the group towards the eastern border of the ancient city, a part of the ruins unfamiliar to Sunny.
As they navigate the eastern ruins, Sunny remains hyper-vigilant, his gaze fixed on Harus, who trails them with unnerving ease. Despite the presence of dangerous creatures, Harus moves through the ruins with practiced skill, effortlessly dispatching a Blood Fiend with a single, dismissive blow, demonstrating his terrifying prowess and unwavering pursuit.
Chapter 193 The Catacombs
The cohort plunges into the catacombs, Nephis leading the way into a dark crevice. Sunny follows, only to find Caster blocking his path before the proud Legacy disappears into the abyss. Kai gracefully descends with Cassie in his arms, while Effie brings up the rear. Sunny, left alone, shivers before wrapping himself in shadow and jumping down. He lands in a narrow stone tunnel, where the others are already preparing for battle, their unique Memories manifested: Nephis’s silver longsword, Caster’s glowing jian, Effie’s formidable shield, and Kai’s elegant falcata.
Cassie then reveals her own companion, a slender rapier called “Quiet Dancer,” an Echo that hovers and points menacingly at Sunny, much to his bewilderment. Cassie explains, “Dancer is an Echo and a partner of mine. We work well together.” Effie interrupts their exchange, turning to Sunny with a directive: “Hey, Sunny. Now would be the perfect time to invite your girlfriend to join us.”
The others stare, confused, and Sunny’s exasperated denial, “How many times do I have to tell you, she’s not my girlfriend!” hangs in the air. He urges Effie to clarify, but the chapter ends on this note of unresolved tension and the impending threat within the ancient catacombs.
Chapter 194 Aching Bones
Effie’s shield slams into an impossibly fast skeleton, shattering its form. Sunny, momentarily stunned by the creature’s resilience, is jolted back into action by Effie’s sharp command: “Don’t stop, move!” As the cohort presses onward, Sunny witnesses a chilling sight: the mangled bones of the skeleton begin to reassemble themselves, a horrifying testament to an unseen, regenerative force. A skeletal hand clutches at Sunny’s leg, forcing him to cleave it with his Midnight Shard, only for the dismembered limb to crawl back towards the reconstituting corpse. The terrifying realization dawns on Sunny: the Nightmare Creatures here are not merely dangerous, they are undying, rendering direct combat a futile endeavor.
A distant, chilling cacophony of scraping bone echoes through the tunnels, signaling an imminent onslaught. Sunny’s fear momentarily spikes, thinking the Cursed Sea has followed them, but the sound is identified as something far worse – countless skeletal feet advancing. The terrifying implication of this constant regeneration, coupled with the sheer numbers of approaching undead, paints a grim picture for their expedition.
The cohort’s pursuit of the catacombs’ secrets quickly transforms into a desperate struggle for survival. The revelation of the skeletons’ undying nature forces a tactical shift, and the overwhelming numbers of approaching undead promise a harrowing descent into an ancient, deathless battleground, leaving the cohort facing an enemy that simply refuses to stay dead.
Chapter 195 Rolling Battle
Surrounded and outnumbered, the cohort finds itself in a desperate running battle against the relentless, regenerating skeletons. Sunny, tasked with defending the rear, witnesses his companions fighting with grim determination. His Shadow, a paragon of cold efficiency, deflects attacks from the sides with sword and shield, while the Quiet Dancer fluidly supports her, plugging any gaps. Kai, holding Cassie’s hand and guiding the blind girl, expertly wields his falcata, dispatching monsters with brutal precision. Sunny, noting Kai and Cassie’s striking appearance amidst the chaos, feels a pang of melancholy but is quickly forced back to the fight.
Sunny’s role is crucial; he must prevent the skeletal onslaught from overwhelming their rear guard. Initially, facing single adversaries, the skeletons are formidable due to their speed and strength, yet their predictable attacks are no match for Sunny’s honed skills. Months of hardship have transformed him into a formidable warrior, capable of matching the creatures’ ferocity. He remarks, “Let me show you what I’m capable of…” as he unleashes his full combat prowess.
Wielding his Midnight Shard, infused with shadow for enhanced lethality, Sunny seamlessly blends the Stone Saint’s unyielding defense with Nephis’s fluid offense. He carves a path through the undead, each strike shattering bone and pushing back the encroaching tide. Despite the overwhelming numbers and the chilling realization that these enemies simply refuse to stay dead, Sunny’s resolve hardens, his grim determination fueling his every move as he battles on, determined to survive the unending onslaught.
