Chapter 31 Low Tide
The starless void gives way to an unnerving reality as the black water, once a source of existential dread, begins a monstrous ebb. Sunny witnesses a breathtaking transformation as the sea recedes, revealing a vast, crimson labyrinth of colossal coral structures. The circular stone he occupied is now the peak of a towering, irregularly shaped cliff, the immense scale of this revealed seabed leaving him awestruck and unnerved. As morning finally breaks, painting the alien landscape in stark reds and blacks, Sunny remains cautious, the memory of the fleeing leviathan a potent reminder of the world’s hidden dangers.
Hesitant to descend into the newly exposed coral maze, Sunny instead sends his shadow, his silent companion, to explore. He jokes with his shadow, contemplating names for the entity, a brief moment of levity in the overwhelming strangeness. The shadow, a weightless extension of himself, navigates the disorienting, multi-layered labyrinth of twisting paths and dark tunnels. The complex layout proves a challenge, forcing the shadow to ascend and traverse the sharp coral blades, an impossible feat for Sunny himself.
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As the shadow completes its reconnaissance, it circles back to the cliff Sunny occupies, freezing at a terrifying sight discovered in the structures’ shadow. The scale of the coral forest and the secrets it holds are only beginning to unfold, hinting at even greater, perhaps more perilous, discoveries yet to be made in this alien expanse.
Chapter 32 Making A Choice
A gnawing hunger and thirst awaken Sunny in the dead of night, his apprehension amplified by a distant, shimmering orange light. He questions his shadow about its origin, wondering if it signals other “Sleepers,” a natural phenomenon, or a deadly trap. The light vanishes, leaving Sunny restless and aware of his dwindling supplies. As dawn breaks, the grotesque pincer monsters resume their feast on a colossal carcass, a stark reminder of the perils and sustenance this alien seabed offers.
Sunny contemplates the distant hill and the massive coral pillar that hosted the mysterious orange glow. He faces a critical decision: risk navigating the treacherous coral labyrinth during the day to investigate the light, or remain on the relative safety of the statue, slowly succumbing to starvation and thirst. His shadow is dispatched to chart a path, a desperate attempt to gather information. While remaining put offers a semblance of safety, it promises only survival, not hope, a prospect Sunny finds unbearable.
The yearning for progress, for a chance at something more than mere existence, weighs heavily on Sunny. He dismisses the safer option, realizing that a life spent in constant fear and meager survival is a fate worse than death. His mind solidifies on the necessity of reaching the source of the orange light, a gamble that represents his only viable path toward growth and the potential for a future beyond this terrifying, revealed world.
Chapter 33 Carapace Scavenger
Sunny’s bold decision to investigate the mysterious orange light is immediately met with peril. He narrowly avoids a deadly pincer attack, stumbling and realizing his vulnerability. The massive creature, revealed to be a crippled pincer monster missing a limb and sporting cracked carapace, emerges from the mud, its tiny eyes burning with malice. Sunny recognizes it as one of the larger monsters, now forced to ambush due to its injuries. He curses his reliance on his shadow’s scouting, lamenting that it couldn’t alert him to the trap. “Why aren’t you devouring the giant carcass with the rest of your buddies, you crab bastard?!” he yells, though the monster’s pathetic state offers an answer.
Despite its wounded condition, the creature proves surprisingly agile, its scythe-like legs churning the mud as it pursues Sunny. He narrowly dodges another devastating pincer strike and grabs a sharp, bone-like shard from the mud, turning it into a makeshift spear. The bone, almost a meter and a half long, offers a meager advantage, its range still shorter than the monster’s and its ability to pierce the thick carapace uncertain. Sunny’s hope for survival now hinges on his ability to outmaneuver and exploit the wounded monster’s limitations.
Chapter 34 Only Steel Remembers
Sprawled in the mud, Sunny gasps for breath, the Spell’s subtle voice a constant hum: “Your shadow grows stronger.” He immediately feels a change – a subtle boost to his physical prowess and senses. This, he realizes, is how he acquires Shadow Fragments, the mysterious currency of his power. With fourteen fragments now, he understands the mechanics: killing dormant beasts like the Mountain King’s Larva grants one, while awakened ones, like the Mountain King itself, yield two per core. Crucially, only enemies he personally defeats, or those dispatched with his Shadow’s aid, grant fragments. “No peaceful life for me, I guess,” he mutters, accepting his fate as a warrior, the only path to growth.
This realization fuels his determination. Unlike other Awakened who can hoard soul shards for progression, Sunny’s shadow fragments are absorbed instantly, untradeable and un-storable. This means every kill is a direct investment in his power, a double-edged sword that offers no respite but ensures efficient growth. Furthermore, strengthening his Shadow Core will boost both himself and his shadow’s abilities, a twin enhancement that promises a significant advantage. “Not bad. Not bad at all!” he exclaims, a flicker of optimism igniting as he contemplates the potential benefits.
As he rises, Sunny’s gaze falls upon a new cluster of runes, hinting at a significant development: [Azure Blade]. He has finally acquired a weapon. The memory description, “[On this forgotten shore, only steel remembers],” hangs in the air, a promise of sharpened steel and the trials ahead.
Chapter 35 A Shadow, A Star And An Oracle
Two figures, strikingly beautiful against the desolation, traverse the labyrinthine landscape: the delicate, fair-haired Cassia, her cerulean eyes lost in a dream, and the tall, silver-haired Nephis, clad in revealing seaweed, her grey eyes sharp and alert. Bound by a golden rope, they move with purpose, drawing Sunny’s immediate attention. His mind races, recognizing them and inferring their knowledge of a path to the towering hill, a lifeline in his desperate situation. Yet, his apprehension about approaching them, especially after his deliberate alienation of everyone at the Academy, weighs heavily. He decides on a cautious strategy, sending his shadow ahead to signal his presence, a move met with Nephis’s immediate, swift defensive reaction.
Nephis’s keen senses detect the shadow, and her sword, the Azure Blade, materializes instantly, piercing the approaching form. Cassia, startled, inquires about the intrusion, and Nephis identifies it as a “human shadow.” The revelation that it’s “waving at us” leaves Cassia bewildered, prompting Nephis to suspect a trap. Sunny, realizing the dire need for communication, breaks his silence, explaining his shadow’s action as a precaution to avoid being attacked before his humanity is recognized.
His candid admission, however, only elicits suspicion from Nephis, who questions his clandestine approach. Sunny, compelled by his Flaw to answer truthfully, admits to a degree of fear in the face of Nephis’s formidable reputation as “Changing Star.” This interaction sets the stage for their tentative reconnection, a fragile bridge built over a chasm of past grievances and present dangers, as Sunny seeks not only survival but also guidance from these newfound allies in this treacherous world.
Chapter 36 Bonfire
Nephis expertly navigates the labyrinth, leading Cassia towards their destination on the tall hill. Despite Cassia’s blindness making travel slow and requiring careful guidance with a golden rope, they press onward, seemingly unhindered by scavengers. Sunny observes this unusual pair, initially questioning Nephis’s apparent kindness towards Cassia, deeming her a potential liability in their harsh reality. However, his perception shifts as he witnesses Nephis’s efficient use of the golden rope, which she reveals to be a Memory, to ascend the coral pillar, signaling Sunny to follow.
Hesitant but trusting Nephis’s implied lack of immediate malice, Sunny climbs to join her. He watches as Nephis effortlessly lifts Cassia using the rope, a testament to her strength and resourcefulness. Reaching a makeshift camp atop the coral mound, Sunny inquires about a distant light he’d seen, revealing the danger of open flames. Cassia recounts a terrifying encounter with scavengers, and implicitly, a colossal tentacle attracted by their first attempt at a bonfire, highlighting the perilous nature of even simple survival acts.
As the sun begins to set, Nephis prepares to relight the fire, while Cassia offers Sunny water from a magical glass bottle, another Memory that perpetually refills. Sunny notes his envy, contrasting it with his own noisy warning bell, realizing the immense value of their shared Memories and the precarious nature of their alliance in this unforgiving world.
Chapter 37 Getting To Know Each Other
In the oppressive darkness, Sunny finds himself surprisingly at ease, the quiet intimacy of shared vulnerability mirroring cherished childhood memories. Proposing a mutual exchange of abilities and Memories for their mutual reliance, he initiates by revealing his affinity for shadows and divinity, and a penchant for unlikely situations. Cassia, with a soft admission, reveals her own gift: the ability to perceive people’s attributes and occasionally receive visions, a power that causes Sunny a flicker of unease regarding his own secrets.
Sunny then divulges the practical application of his shadow, a stealthy scout capable of independent exploration and shared senses, capable of seeing in the dark. This revelation, however, elicits a peculiar reaction from Nephis and Cassia; Nephis questions its use at the Academy, while Cassia visibly pales. Sunny, fearing their assumptions, quickly clarifies he’s never misused his ability, emphasizing his focus on survival, a statement met with skepticism from Nephis, who points out his absence from classes.
Nephis’s incredulity at Sunny’s claim of studying “Wilderness Survival” exposes a stark contrast in their past experiences at the Academy, highlighting how differently their paths have unfolded. As the group grapples with this newfound understanding of each other’s capabilities and past, the precariousness of their alliance deepens, hinting at the complex dynamics that will shape their future in this perilous world.
Chapter 38 Questions In The Dark
Sunny struggles with sleep, the quiet night amplifying his thoughts about the recent revelations. He notices Cassia has fallen asleep, while Nephis stands vigilant, an alabaster statue in the darkness. Sunny initiates a conversation, venturing to ask Nephis about her limited Memories, only two directly inherited, the third a rope from Cassia. Nephis reveals that her clan’s downfall forced them to sell most of their inherited arsenal, with her sword and armor originating from her First Nightmare. When Sunny questions the clan’s inability to find other financial avenues, Nephis cryptically states, “There were other reasons,” before inquiring how Sunny identified her as a Legacy, to which he attributes it to overhearing a conversation.
Later, Sunny, ensuring Cassia is asleep, asks Nephis why she burdens herself with the blind girl. Nephis, with a slight smile, counters, “Wouldn’t you?” Sunny admits he cannot, acknowledging his inability to save himself, let alone carry another, a truth that disappoints him. However, Nephis simply states she helps Cassia “Because I want to,” a response that deeply unsettles Sunny. He grapples with this, contrasting his own existence dictated by necessity with Nephis’s apparent freedom to act on desire, suggesting this unique mentality might be the true advantage separating Legacies.
Before Sunny can fully process this, Nephis declares, “My turn,” and after a pause, asks her own question, leaving Sunny to wonder what it will be. The exchange highlights the vast differences in their pasts and motivations, with Nephis’s willingness to help Cassia for a reason as simple as “want” challenging Sunny’s pragmatic worldview. This introspection into Nephis’s character and the potential implications of her desires promises further complexities in their alliance as the darkness continues to hold its secrets.
Chapter 39 Journey To The West
Cassia’s joyful vision of a safe haven, a castle filled with Awakened, prompts the group to consider heading west, a direction Sunny knows is rife with scavengers. Despite Sunny’s hesitation, Nephis, ever the pragmatist, focuses on the details of Cassia’s dream, particularly the castle itself. Cassia, radiating hope, recounts seeing Sunny leading her through the castle gates, a detail that subtly unnerves Sunny as he realizes he wasn’t included in her vision of the journey.
The group begins preparations to move, and during this time, Sunny has a profound realization about Nephis. He contrasts his initial impression of her as distant, aloof, and unnerving, a stark difference from her simple declaration of helping Cassia “Because I want to,” which had previously unsettled him. He recognizes a quiet confidence and an almost oppressive indifference in her demeanor, a trait that makes others reveal more than they intend.
As they plan their westward journey, the contrast between Sunny’s survival-driven existence and Nephis’s seemingly desire-fueled actions becomes more pronounced. The implications of Nephis’s enigmatic nature and her willingness to act on her own volition, even in the face of danger, promise further complexities in their uneasy alliance.
Chapter 40 Weak Point
Navigating the treacherous crimson labyrinth, Sunny, Nephis, and Cassia find their westward progress constantly thwarted by scavengers. Sunny’s cautious whispers of “Halt!” are met with Nephis’s immediate readiness to draw her blade, while Cassia freezes, staff raised. Their attempts to bypass patrols prove futile, forcing a constant stream of evasive maneuvers that leave them no closer to safety. As daylight wanes, Sunny voices his concern, “We can’t go on like that. At this rate, we’ll never make it to safety before sunset.” Cassia’s hesitant suggestion to retreat is quickly dismissed by Nephis, who argues, “It will only get harder tomorrow.”
Facing an overwhelming number of monsters, Nephis proposes a radical shift: instead of pure evasion, they must selectively engage. Sunny balks, reminding her, “I know that you are skilled with the sword, but have you forgotten that each of those things is a whole rank above us?” Nephis remains firm, advocating a strategy to “avoid large groups. Cut down smaller ones.” This tactical pivot sets the stage for a desperate gamble.
The chapter culminates with Nephis probing Sunny’s knowledge of their slain foe. When he admits he hasn’t studied the corpse, she reveals vital information about scavengers’ vulnerabilities. “Scavengers have three weak points on their bodies,” she explains, detailing how to exploit their joints, the connection between torso and carapace, and a critical cavity on their back. This new knowledge, shared with an almost unsettling confidence by Nephis, promises to equip them for the deadly encounters ahead.
Chapter 41 Strength In Numbers
Sunny finds himself unexpectedly victorious after a swift, ten-second encounter with a scavenger, a feat that leaves him contemplating Master Jet’s words about the necessity of companionship. He realizes the truth in her advice, as his combined efforts with Nephis, who targeted the monster’s weak points he couldn’t reach, allowed them to triumph where individual strength would have failed. This newfound appreciation for teamwork solidifies his understanding that dependence isn’t weakness, but a crucial element of survival in the perilous Dream Realm.
Upon returning to Cassie, Sunny reassures her of their safety, a stark contrast to his own earlier anxieties. He leads the blind girl back to Nephis, whose focus remains on dissecting their fallen foe for its soul shard. Sunny, still processing his team’s success, is surprised when Nephis hands him the shard, her practical explanation of lacking pockets doing little to quell his curiosity about why she didn’t absorb it herself.
Nephis’s pragmatic demeanor and Sunny’s growing understanding of the value of their burgeoning alliance set a clear path forward. As they prepare to divide their spoils, the shared victory over the scavenger leaves them with not only a tangible reward but a deeper, unspoken bond, hinting at greater challenges and further revelations to come.
Chapter 42 Essence Of Combat
Nephis scrutinizes Sunny’s performance, her prolonged silence instilling a degree of nervousness as he suspects she’s assessing his current and future potential. When she finally nods and accepts the soul shards, Sunny feels a quiet triumph, pleased with the favorable impression he’s made. He eagerly asks when their training will begin, only to be met with Nephis’s simple, “Now.” As the sun dips below the horizon, Nephis proposes they start with words, a foundational lecture for Sunny and the blind Cassie.
Nephis, recognized for her unparalleled martial prowess, begins to dissect the mastery of combat into two core aspects: body and mind. She emphasizes that physical proficiency is forged through relentless repetition and, more crucially, real battle experience, stating, “There is no other way. A thousand hours of training won’t be as impactful as one real fight.” This assertion sparks contemplation in Sunny, questioning the practical training of those with Legacies compared to Nephis’s own seemingly vast combat history.
Shifting focus, Nephis delves into the more complex aspect of mental mastery, asserting that true combat often unfolds within the mind before physical action. She then poses a pivotal question to her audience: “What do you think that essence is?” Sunny, aware of Nephis’s pragmatic nature, shies away from typical heroic ideals, pondering the true nature of combat’s core as the chapter leaves him and Cassie poised to uncover this profound truth.
Chapter 43 Repetition
The dawn’s first light barely pierces the gloom as Sunny is yanked into wakefulness, his blade already in hand and his shadow coiled for defense. Nephis stands ready, her sword raised, but his immediate concern shifts to Cassie, who stumbles at the platform’s edge, a silent scream contorting her face as she reaches into empty space. Without a second thought, Sunny dashes to her, catching her just before she falls into the dark, churning sea below. He reassures the trembling girl, but the cause of her terror remains elusive, with Nephis confirming no immediate threat.
Cassie, after a moment, whispers of seeing a “head” before succumbing to shock, leaving Sunny and Nephis baffled. Nephis admits this is an unprecedented reaction, and after attempts to soothe her fail, they decide to let the blind girl rest. As the sun ascends, Nephis subtly moves Sunny away from the distressed Cassie, a decision Sunny questions. Nephis, however, offers a curt assurance, stating, “Cassie is strong,” leaving the true nature of Cassie’s experience and Nephis’s strategy shrouded in mystery.
Chapter 44 Cassie’s Dream
Cassie, still visibly shaken, slowly communicates her experience after Sunny offers her water, a simple act of kindness that elicits a moment of confusion before she complies. Sunny, feeling out of his depth in comforting her, exchanges a glance with Nephis, internally noting his own surprising role as the more sociable one. He gently prompts Cassie to share, and she tentatively recounts a disjointed dream filled with fragmented, terrifying imagery: seven seals breaking to unleash a churning darkness, a burning castle under a lone star, a corpse in golden armor, a woman drowning, and an archer facing a falling sky.
The visions culminate in the chilling image of a crimson spire guarded by severed heads, a dying angel consumed by shadows, and Cassie’s profound sense of loss upon witnessing the angel bleed. Nephis and Sunny are left to grapple with the cryptic symbolism, a stark contrast to Cassie’s previously direct visions, leaving Sunny utterly lost. He speculates if it was merely a nightmare, a “side effect” of her abilities in the Dream Realm, a suggestion that offers Cassie a sliver of relief, though Sunny remains unsettled by the ominous prophecies.
The trio eventually shifts their focus to the present, perched on the platform’s edge, observing scavengers below. Sunny’s shadow actively scouts for their next move, a silent testament to their ongoing struggle for survival and the looming, unknown dangers hinted at by Cassie’s disturbing premonitions.
Chapter 45 Sound Of Laughter
Sunny’s growing Shadow Control, though still limited, reveals the direction of two massive monsters moving west, offering a faint navigational clue. With little else to do before the inevitable dangers ahead, Sunny rests, observing the subdued Nephis meditating and Cassie lost in her own thoughts. Cassie’s quiet question about returning home prompts Sunny to offer a dose of reassuring bravado. He credits Nephis’s presence and their own resilience, stating, “If anyone can survive this, it’s us. So, yeah. I think that our chances of making it back are pretty high.”
Cassie’s surprised giggle and playful jab about his low ranking—“Aren’t you a little too full of yourself? You were in the second to last place!”—breaks the tension. Sunny shrugs, retorting with a grin, “Much higher! Third to last, at least!” Her uninhibited laughter, a sound Sunny hasn’t heard since arriving in the Dream Realm, lifts his spirits, marking the first time he’s witnessed her mirth.
The moment of levity fades as Cassie wistfully asks what he misses most. Sunny admits he misses nothing tangible, revealing he has no family, save for a distant sister. This confession leads Cassie to quietly reveal her greatest longing: her own family. Their shared vulnerability, born from the harsh realities of the Dream Realm, hangs in the air, hinting at the emotional stakes accompanying their perilous journey.
