Chapter 301 Heirs to the Throne
Panting and wounded, Sunny tends to his injuries in a dimly lit corridor while the castle reverberates from a distant, violent conflict. His exchange with the unfeeling Harus over the meager Shadow Fragment gained from their brutal confrontation highlights the Aspect’s peculiar logic, which views Harus as mere “dormant beast” rather than a worthy foe. Sunny laments the “unlucrative business” of fighting humans, his thoughts then turning to the cataclysm unfolding in the throne room.
He imagines the carnage unleashed by hundreds of insane Sleepers, their Aspect Abilities amplified by the maddening fervor, and the addition of Echoes creates a grim picture of widespread slaughter. Blood flows like a river, fulfilling Cassie’s prophecy and Sunny’s own dire predictions. He questions Nephis’s strategy, recognizing that her true objective is not the Dark City, but the Crimson Spire and the dwelling of the Terror of the Forgotten Shore.
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Sunny realizes this massacre isn’t a waste but a grim consolidation. Nephis requires not cannon fodder, but “a few hundred powerful, battle-tested fighters” forged in the fires of this conflict, a necessary prelude to her true ambition. The desperate struggle for survival now serves as a brutal crucible, forging the very warriors she will need to ascend and claim her ultimate prize.
Chapter 302 Status Quo
The Bright Castle has devolved into a war-torn ruin, transformed into a fractured territory where three factions – the Guards, the Hunters, and the followers of Changing Star – have established fortified strongholds. Outside these bastions lies a deadly no-man’s-land, where lawlessness reigns and stray individuals face execution or worse. The chilling return of Nightmare Creatures adds another layer of terror, with persistent rumors of a creature known only as the “Blood Lord” preying on the inhabitants. Sunny himself witnesses the grim reality of these tales when he discovers a bloodless corpse, his mind recalling the horrifying nature of Blood Flowers and the perplexing possibility of Gunlaug’s continued existence.
The outer settlement, once a refuge, is now abandoned after Nephis’s attempt to create a safe haven proved too vulnerable. Her followers, like many others, have been consolidated into the southern part of the Castle to bolster her fighting force. Despite weeks of brutal conflict, a grim stalemate persists, the three factions locked in a bloody struggle that has achieved little beyond mutual attrition. Sunny, partaking in a meager ration within the Changing Star stronghold, overhears a conversation between two of Nephis’s followers discussing the latest grisly discovery and voicing their fear of Harus, a chilling testament to the pervasive dread within the Castle.
The conversation takes a turn as one follower asks, “Harus. That creepy bastard. Where is he now? Damn, if I were able to dream, I sure I would be having nightmares about that butcher every night.” The casual fear expressed for Harus underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the current situation, hinting at a deep-seated unease about the powerful and enigmatic individuals who shape the brutal landscape of the Bright Castle. The chapter leaves the reader wondering about Harus’s current whereabouts and the true cost of Nephis’s gambit.
Chapter 303 Helpful Shadow
Sunny encounters two of Nephis’s followers, who express their frustrations about the faction’s dire situation. They lament their lack of proper Memories, relying on makeshift weapons like “Black Claws” crafted from monster talons. One follower states, “Damn! Those bastards wouldn’t be picking us off one by one anymore, that’s for sure,” highlighting the disadvantage Nephis’s forces face against the well-equipped Guards and Hunters. Sunny, observing their struggle, offers a grim smile and the thought, “…It’s not going to save your lives, though. All of you are just walking corpses.”
He leaves them, continuing his clandestine journey through the sprawling Bright Castle’s labyrinthine corridors, a place teeming with danger from both desperate humans and monstrous entities. Sunny navigates the treacherous pathways, narrowly avoiding patrols and stumbling upon fresh casualties, a stark reminder of the constant violence. His internal monologue reveals a growing despair for Nephis’s followers, seeing them as already doomed despite their current fight.
Reaching a dark corridor beneath the main keep, Sunny hears sounds of a struggle. He turns a corner to witness a scene all too common in the citadel: one human attempting to kill another, a brutal testament to the ongoing conflict and the pervasive lawlessness within the Castle’s ruins.
Chapter 304 Hunting for a Big One
Sunny, observing the dire straits of Nephis’s followers, finds himself amidst the grim reality of Bright Castle. He encounters Aiko, a slight figure whose attempts to flee are futile. Despite her protests, “Honestly, do I look like a hunter? How am I supposed to help you hunt?”, Sunny reveals his intention to use her knowledge to locate a formidable target. He confesses he’s been observing her, hinting at a deeper motive than mere chance.
Sunny confronts Aiko directly, revealing his quarry is none other than Stev, a man she is actively concealing. Aiko’s initial denial and confusion are met with Sunny’s chilling demonstration: his shadow, a sentient entity, confirms Aiko’s complicity by waving to her. “This here is my shadow,” Sunny explains, “it can walk around on its own and report back to me the things it saw.”
The true objective becomes clear as Sunny demands Aiko reveal Stev’s location, stating, “That guy is walking around with a hundred Memories in his soul core. Guess.” Aiko, though initially defiant in protecting her friend, faces Sunny’s veiled threats and the undeniable power of his shadow, leaving her in a precarious position, forced to comply or face unknown consequences.
Chapter 305 Trail of Blood
Sunny signals Aiko and Stev to stay quiet as his shadow investigates, discovering three dead Guards just around a corner. Two were killed by blunt force trauma, their armor disintegrated, while the third had its throat savagely torn, leaving the body unnaturally pale. Sunny realizes the formidable “Blood Lord” was responsible and, despite his outward calm, feels a prickle of unease at the creature’s stealth. He informs Aiko and Stev that the threat is gone, though privately acknowledges the terror of an entity that could bypass his shadow and kill so brutally.
Forced to pass the gruesome scene, Sunny, Aiko, and Stev are met with the overpowering stench of blood. The sight of the mangled Guards further unnerves Aiko and Stev, with Aiko pleading to leave, fearing Stev’s distress will alert others. Sunny, examining the scene for any clue about the Blood Lord’s nature, finds nothing out of the ordinary until a glint in the blood catches his eye.
He retrieves a small, intricately crafted silver earring shaped like a flower blossom, a simple piece of jewelry not a Memory. Pondering its presence at the massacre, Sunny, with a perplexed frown, urges them to move on.
Chapter 306 Final Confrontation
The escalating civil war within the Bright Castle consumes the Memory Market, turning halls into rivers of blood as Nephis leads her forces with brutal efficiency. Despite fierce clashes, including a drawn battle against Tessai, the prolonged conflict leaves the human population starving and increasingly vulnerable to encroaching Nightmare Creatures, pushing the citadel towards an irreversible crisis. The ongoing bloodshed, however, hardens the survivors, forging them into formidable fighters.
The precarious balance shatters with the Castle Guard’s covert assault on Gemma and Kido’s stronghold. Artisans are captured, and Kido is slain by Tessai, forcing Gemma and his remaining warriors to flee. The news devastates Nephis’s faction, as the Guard, now bolstered by the captured Artisans, becomes an insurmountable threat. Nephis attempts to rally her disheartened followers with a plea to “Stay strong. We will prevail,” but her words lack their usual conviction.
Later, a defeated Gemma arrives, his former swagger replaced by exhaustion and despair. He offers his remaining men to Nephis, confessing, “I never wanted to be a Lord. It was Kido’s wish. Now that that damn butcher… now that she’s dead, I don’t care about the throne anymore.” His disillusionment quickly transforms into “scathing hatred” as he grapples with Kido’s death and the looming threat of the Guard.
Chapter 307 Throne of Light
The desecrated great hall becomes the arena as Nephis’s dwindling forces face the formidable Castle Guard. Sunny, observing the stark disparity in their numbers and training, understands that their only advantage lies in their sheer desperation and the presence of exceptional individuals. While the Guard boasts Tessai and the chillingly elegant Seishan, Nephis commands not only a larger, albeit less experienced, contingent but also the support of Sunny, Effie, and Caster, along with a disheartened Gemma. The outcome, Sunny foresees, hinges on these few potent Awakened, yet he grimly anticipates a battle to the absolute death, where survival will be etched in blood.
Tessai, radiating a chilling bloodlust, taunts Nephis upon their confrontation, his gaze falling upon a dejected Gemma. “Have you come here to die, Changing Star?” he bellows, to which Nephis defiantly replies, “…No. I came here to kill you.” Tessai, flanked by Seishan, whose grey skin and predatory weapon exude an aura of deadly grace, is unfazed. His cruel amusement surfaces as he recalls their previous encounter, mocking Nephis’s apparent flight.
The tension escalates as Tessai’s taunts about their prior battle and Gemma’s presence ignite Nephis’s resolve. Seishan’s silent summoning of her hammer, its head a cruel beak, mirrors the grim atmosphere. Despite the odds and the Guard’s superior might, Nephis stands firm, a silent challenge to Tessai’s dominance. The stage is set for a brutal clash where individual power and sheer will will decide the fate of the Bright Castle.
Chapter 308 Handmaiden
The bloody aftermath of the Castle Guard’s annihilation leaves Nephis’s cohort victorious, though the spoils of war are grimly processed amidst the lingering stench of death. The former power of the Bright Castle has dissolved, leaving the core members to grapple with the revelation of Nephis’s secret alliance with the Handmaidens. Sunny, ever the pragmatist, directly confronts Nephis, questioning the timing and nature of her partnership with Seishan. Nephis reveals their cooperation began shortly after Sunny’s departure, acknowledging his deduction that a lieutenant was involved, but clarifying their alliance endured past Gunlaug’s demise.
Sunny, piecing together the strategic brilliance, deduces the charade was to prevent a unified opposition from the remaining lieutenants and to maintain a lower profile. Nephis confirms his assessment, a grim acknowledgment of their successful, bloodless dismantling of the Guard. However, Sunny’s unease surfaces as he questions Nephis’s sudden trust in Seishan, recalling her earlier pronouncements of the Handmaiden’s untrustworthiness. His suspicion hangs heavy in the air, a lingering doubt about the true nature of their arrangement.
Suddenly, a “pleasant, velvety voice” answers, “Maybe I can explain myself.” Sunny spins around, startled, to find Seishan standing impossibly close, her striking beauty and peculiar grey skin a stark contrast to the bloody scene. He’s unsettled by her silent, undetected approach, a lapse in his own formidable awareness. Seishan, unfazed by his apprehension, offers a reserved bow, her presence poised to unravel the remaining mysteries of their intricate, treacherous dance.
Chapter 309 Where Dreams May Come
The immediate aftermath of the Castle Guard’s annihilation sees Nephis ascend to leadership with unsettling speed and quiet authority. Sunny observes her, noting Nephis’s deliberate avoidance of the ancient citadel’s throne, a subtle yet potent statement about her connection to the Bright Castle. His initial expectation of an immediate push towards the Crimson Spire is dashed as Nephis declares they will wait for the winter solstice, a mere few days away, to finalize plans. The surviving five hundred inhabitants of the Dark City face the grim reality of their drastically reduced numbers, a stark consequence of the recent turmoil.
Despite the heavy losses and lingering trauma, the survivors work tirelessly to restore order. The citadel is cleansed, remaining Nightmare Creatures are eliminated, and defensive breaches are repaired. Nephis’s watchmen now fill the void left by the Castle Guard, and hunting parties, led by Effie and Gemma, resume their expeditions, ensuring a steady supply of food and security. This return to a semblance of normalcy, however, is underpinned by Nephis’s revolutionary use of the Shard Memory, empowering humans to hunt Nightmare Creatures and even challenge Fallen rulers, a development that dramatically shifts the balance of power in the Dark City.
With the Shard Memory, Nephis’s followers begin accumulating powerful Ascended Rank Memories, equipping the Castle’s inhabitants and fostering individual growth through soul shards. This strategy, where Nephis effectively bestows gifts upon her subjects, only deepens the respect and adoration she commands. As Sunny reflects on the intricate dance of power and alliance, the stage is set for the looming winter solstice, a decision point that will undoubtedly shape their future and the fate of the Forgotten Shore.
Chapter 310 Shadow Demon
Sunny, having received a cryptic “birthday present” from Spell, turns his attention inward. He surveys his Soul Sea, filled with the silent specters of conquered foes, from the Mountain King to the Spire Messenger, alongside fallen allies like Harus and Harper. His own status reveals he is tantalizingly close to a thousand Shadow Fragments, yet he resists the urge to push for completion before the impending journey to the Crimson Spire, opting instead to consolidate his existing power. Among his accumulated Memories, a new, fitting acquisition, “[Marble Saint],” catches his eye.
Upon summoning his Shadow, Sunny is struck by her transformation. The Saint, now taller and clad in gleaming obsidian-like armor, emanates a more potent aura. Her formerly dark interior is now illuminated by three ethereal embers, a significant increase from the previous two. He confirms his suspicion by checking her status: Shadow: Marble Saint, Shadow Rank: Awakened, and most importantly, Shadow Class: Demon.
This advancement of his Shadow to “Demon” class marks a critical evolution, promising new capabilities and a dramatic shift in Sunny’s combat potential. The implication of this ascent, coupled with his own proximity to unlocking a higher tier of power, sets a potent stage as the winter solstice and the confrontation with the Crimson Spire draw ever nearer.
Chapter 311 The Last
Sunny dedicates the days following his Shadow’s ascension to rigorous preparation. He refines his combat technique, a blend of Nephis’s fluidity and the Marble Saint’s grounded adaptability, pushing his skills to match his newfound physical prowess. Simultaneously, he grapples with the elusive Shadow Dance, feeling on the cusp of mastery but lacking a crucial spark. His most challenging endeavor, however, is fortifying his mind and soul into an unyielding fortress, a mental clarity essential for navigating the looming trials. This period of intense self-cultivation tests his resolve, shaping him into a more potent and adaptable warrior.
Six days later, the anticipation culminates with Kai’s return. He arrives ragged and battle-worn, his exhaustion evident, yet a weak smile graces his lips as Sunny approaches. “Hey, Sunny,” Kai greets, his voice hoarse, before accepting Effie’s offered food and drink. The reunion is quiet, a shared understanding of the ordeal Kai has endured. Cassie, Caster, and Seishan soon join them, their greetings of Kai marking his safe return, a brief moment of respite before Nephis enters, signaling the regrouping of their core group.
The presence of the returned adventurers signals a shift in focus. With Kai back, the stage is set for them to consolidate their strength and plan their next moves. Sunny, having pushed his own limits and witnessed his Shadow’s significant transformation, now turns his attention to the immediate future, implied to be tied to the approaching winter solstice and the looming confrontation at the Crimson Spire. The chapter leaves the reader with the promise of collective strategy and the anticipation of whatever challenges lie ahead for this seasoned group.
Chapter 312 lnvisible Chains
The great hall of the ancient castle, scrubbed clean of recent bloodshed, hums with an expectant silence. Five hundred people gather under the sunbeams, their gaze fixed on Nephis, who sits upon the marble steps of the throne. She announces a grim discovery: Nightingale’s seven-day search for newcomers into the Labyrinth has yielded nothing. “This year… no one has come,” she states, her words sending ripples of confusion and fear through the assembled Sleepers. Despite the chilling implications, their hope remains pinned on her.
Nephis elaborates on the true cost of their sanctuary, explaining that the Bright Castle’s protection has always demanded sacrifice. For years, hundreds of lives were traded to maintain it, and now, without fresh souls to sustain it, the end of this shelter is inevitable. “Which means only one thing,” Nephis declares with chilling finality, “We cannot remain in the Bright Castle anymore.” Her pronouncement unleashes a wave of terror and desperation, with pleas for guidance and salvation erupting from the crowd.
The stark reality of their isolation and the castle’s finite lifespan forces a radical reevaluation of their survival. The absence of new recruits signifies a slow, inevitable decline, leaving them exposed to the dangers of the Dark City. The assembled Sleepers, stripped of their perceived security, now face an uncertain future, their reliance on the Bright Castle shattered and their survival dependent on Nephis’s next, perhaps equally daunting, decision.
Chapter 313 Starlight Shard
Nephis, understanding the dire need for resources and facing the inevitable end of the Bright Castle’s protection, leads a select group of her most capable warriors on a final, desperate hunt within the Dark City. Among them are familiar faces like Sunny, Gemma, and Seishan, alongside seasoned hunters, all now united under the banner of Changing Star. As they traverse the desolate cityscape, Gemma, intrigued by Sunny’s solitary survival in the city for months, questions him. “You’re Sunless, right?” he asks, to which Sunny confirms, admitting to “lots of hiding, lots of killing. A modicum of madness, and a little bit of luck.” Their conversation turns to their target, a creature Gemma finds unbelievable. Sunny, with a knowing smile, remarks, “She didn’t tell you? …get used to that feeling.”
The seasoned hunters, including Gemma, remain skeptical, questioning how they are to confront their objective. Sunny, however, hints at deeper knowledge, stating, “If my guess is correct, you know more about it than I do.” This exchange underscores the precariousness of their mission and the enigmatic nature of Nephis’s plans. The group eventually reaches the eastern edge of the city, a imposing wall overlooking a vast crater and a desolate, headless statue. It is beneath this monument that their quarry, the fearsome Lord of the Dead, awaits them, hidden within a sprawling underground lair accessed through a chasm in the ground.
This final expedition is fraught with peril, as the hunters prepare to confront a creature of immense power, the very entity whose existence likely contributed to the collapse of the Bright Castle’s defenses. The chapter sets the stage for a brutal confrontation, where survival hinges not only on skill and strategy but also on the unwavering resolve of Nephis and her cohort, as they venture into the heart of darkness for a chance at a future beyond the crumbling sanctuary of the Bright Castle.
Chapter 314 Leaving the Dark City
Emerging from the catacombs, the surviving hunters find the undead horde mysteriously decimated, the very remnants of their skeletal forms crumbling to dust. The silence that greets them signifies the ultimate demise of the Lord of the Dead, its defeat having extinguished its servants. The group, including Sunny, Nephis, Gemma, and Seishan, makes their way back to the Bright Castle, preparing for their final night within its crumbling walls before departing the Dark City.
Gathered in a dimly lit chamber, the core of Nephis’s cohort—Sunny, Nephis, Cassie, Caster, Effie, Kai, and Seishan—prepare for a pivotal moment. Sunny, ever practical, urges them forward, noting the arduous days ahead. “Shall we get on with this? Tomorrow is going to be a long day,” he remarks, his words setting a somber yet determined tone. Nephis agrees, and they summon their Shard Memories: Sunny’s tachi and stiletto, Seishan’s war hammer, Effie’s spear and shield, Kai’s Zenith, Cassie’s Dawn, and Nephis’s own unique array. Effie, now adorned with the Starlight Shard, a flowing white cloak, asks, “So, uh… what now?”
In response to Nephis’s quiet command to “Come closer,” their Shard Memories flare to life, emanating a spectral light. Seven distinct beams converge in the center of the room, weaving together to form seven ethereal objects that hover in the air, hinting at a new power unlocked and a path forward forged from their shared victory.
Chapter 315 Siege of the Crimson Spire (1)
The dawn reveals the colossal, blood-red Crimson Spire, a terrifying monument rising from the Labyrinth like a monstrous sword. Crimson coral spills from its walls, consuming the Forgotten Shore and encircling the tower in a maelstrom of black, unnatural water where monstrous shapes writhe. Sunny stares, struck by the sheer malevolence and oppressive power emanating from the structure, a stark contrast to its rumored past as a salvation. His cohort, part of the five-hundred-strong Dreamer Army, has reached this point after a perilous journey through the Labyrinth, surviving encounters with countless Nightmare Creatures and narrowly avoiding the deep dwellers.
As the army makes final preparations for the daunting assault, checking armor, building fortifications, and offering prayers, Sunny finds himself idle, awaiting his assigned role from Nephis. He joins the rest of the cohort by the fire, the usual camaraderie tinged with an uncharacteristic solemnity as they discuss the battle plan. Effie, now adorned with the Starlight Shard and a flowing white cloak, had earlier voiced the group’s uncertainty with a simple, “So, uh… what now?” The seven distinct beams of their Shard Memories had converged, weaving into seven ethereal objects, signifying a new power but offering no immediate clarity.
Sunny approaches Nephis, the unchanging yet changed “Changing Star,” and shares his bewilderment at their current circumstances. He reflects on their arduous journey, noting, “We’ve come very far. The three of us,” a sentiment Nephis acknowledges before turning their focus to the immense challenge ahead. “Yes. And now, we just need to make one last step,” she states, the weight of that final, incomparably difficult stride hanging heavy in the air.
