Chapter 391 Dreamscape
The newly acquired, high-tech sleeping pod promises Sunny respite from his physical exhaustion, a stark contrast to the armored fortress Lanard has meticulously designed. This opulent dwelling, a testament to the lengths ordinary citizens go to for security, is largely irrelevant to Sunny’s innate abilities, like his night vision and resistance to sound. Lanard’s pride in the home’s amenities is palpable, yet Sunny’s focus shifts to his true interest: the Dreamscape, a virtual arena for Awakened duels.
Dreamscape, a shared illusion born from advanced technology and an Aspect Ability focused on illusions, functions as a safe combat zone where injuries are unreal and memories preserved. Initially intended for elite training, its simulation of Nightmare Creatures proved lacking. However, it found immense success as an entertainment platform, evolving into a massive industry with professional leagues and widespread broadcasting, even offering a version for non-Awakened.
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Sunny, however, isn’t drawn by fame or fortune. He sees Dreamscape as a tool for anonymity, a vital training ground to hone his Shadow Dance against countless opponents, and a means to rapidly advance the [Prince of the Underworld] enchantment by accumulating victories. With his new home and secure simulation pod, the opportunity to achieve these goals is finally within reach, provided he can first dismiss Lanard.
Chapter 392 Birth of a Legend
Sunny, now in possession of Lanard’s secure dwelling, attempts to acclimate to domestic normalcy, finding himself on the porch sipping water and observing the mundane rhythm of the terrace district. The stark contrast between his extraordinary abilities and the quiet life of ordinary citizens weighs on him, culminating in an impulsive, destructive outburst against the refrigerator, highlighting his internal struggle to reconcile his past with his present. He then retreats to the basement, preparing for his true objective.
He meticulously trains to alter his mannerisms and appearance, recognizing the need for complete anonymity within the Dreamscape, a virtual arena for Awakened duels. Using his Shadow Dance skills, Sunny works to become unrecognizable, a crucial step in protecting his identity from both mundane and magical scrutiny. With his preparations complete, he dons the polished black wood mask, enters the simulation pod, and embraces the virtual world.
Upon entering the boundless void of the Dreamscape, Sunny finds himself naked, his Soul Serpent coiled around him, a testament to the simulation’s detailed realism. He summons the Mantle of the Underworld, and a welcoming voice announces his arrival. “Challenger! Welcome to the Dreamscape.” Sunny then subtly alters his hair color to white using the Autumn Leaf charm, ready to forge his own legend in this digital battlefield, driven by his own unique ambitions.
Chapter 393 Mongrel
Sunny materializes in a vast, sand-covered arena, the air thick with the scent of blood and death. Spectators, a mix of illusionary figures in archaic robes and real individuals in modern attire, populate the towering amphitheater, their cheers a disturbing symphony of cruelty. This low-level Dreamscape simulation, designed as an ancient coliseum, hosts elite amateurs rather than true masters, precisely the kind of fighters Sunny seeks. He summons his Soul Serpent, shaping it into a fearsome odachi, his menacing appearance deterring immediate challengers. A young swordsman, “Paradise in Red,” adorned in blood-red armor, eventually approaches, questioning Sunny’s presence. Sunny, adopting the persona of “Mongrel,” claims, “…I was born in the Coliseum.” The challenge is issued, and as they clash, Sunny strategically restrains his full power, using his shadows and the unwieldy odachi to learn his opponent’s style. Despite Paradise in Red’s decent skill, he proves no match for Sunny, and after a few minutes of combat, his strength wanes.
The duel against Paradise in Red unfolds with a brutal realism that surprises Sunny, despite his own capabilities. He intentionally limits his use of advanced techniques, allowing the Soul Serpent, now a massive odachi, to dictate his movements and force him to adapt. “Any strike it delivered was potentially deadly, but so was every mistake made in the process,” the narrative emphasizes, highlighting Sunny’s calculated risk. He observes his opponent’s strategic flaws, particularly how he expends his soul essence. This methodical approach allows Sunny to gather valuable insights into the fighting styles present in this lower echelon of the Dreamscape, honing his understanding of the arena’s dynamics before he commits to more decisive actions.
The prolonged combat with Paradise in Red eventually exhausts the young swordsman, his speed and strength diminishing significantly. Sunny’s deliberate pacing and strategic restraint in wielding the unwieldy odachi, a weapon demanding immense skill and coordination, contribute to his opponent’s downfall. This initial engagement serves as a crucial learning experience, allowing Sunny to gauge the general competency of the Dreamscape’s duelists and refine his approach for future, more challenging encounters. He continues to gather intelligence, meticulously cataloging the strengths and weaknesses of those he faces, all while maintaining his carefully constructed anonymity as “Mongrel” in this virtual battlefield.
Chapter 394 One Strike
Leo Striker, a celebrated and boisterous duelist, returns to the familiar sands of the Colosseum for his “Public Mondays,” a tradition of engaging with fans and aspiring fighters. His arrival is met with immediate recognition and playful banter from his thousands of viewers, who appreciate his skill and his popular “Roaring Lion Strike” style. Leo approaches a solitary figure drawing attention, a stranger clad in menacing onyx armor, a fearsome black mask obscuring his face, and wielding a massive, lusterless odachi. Identifying this mysterious duelist as “Mongrel” with a perfect undefeated record, Leo, despite the implied skill gap, sees an opportunity for a visually striking duel and a chance to offer pointers.
Approaching the imposing figure, Leo offers a friendly, albeit teasing, greeting. “Hey there, friend,” he remarks, his gaze falling upon the imposing blade. “That’s a big sword you got there. Do you even know how to use it?” The masked figure, referred to as Mongrel, turns to face Leo, the disturbing mask and the unnerving darkness where his eyes should be causing Leo a subtle shiver. The silent response from Mongrel, who simply states, “No,” sets a peculiar and potentially dangerous tone for the upcoming encounter, hinting at a defiance or an unspoken depth to the silent warrior’s presence.
Leo, undeterred and amused by the terse reply, turns to his unseen audience, his booming voice echoing with playful challenge. “What do you say, Strike Force? Should we challenge that dark and handsome guy other there?” The virtual crowd’s approval fuels his excitement. He remains unaware of the calculated restraint Sunny employed in his previous duel, nor of the strategic advantage Sunny cultivates by adopting the persona of “Mongrel.” This new encounter promises to test Leo’s flamboyant style against an opponent who seemingly defies conventional understanding, setting the stage for a confrontation that could shake the foundations of Leo’s public persona.
Chapter 395 Roaring Lion,Hidden Dragon
Leo, still reeling from his unexpected defeat at the hands of “Mongrel,” invites two equally prominent duelists, Daoist Saifer and The Fool, to his Dreamscape broadcast for a crossover episode. Saifer, who wields fire-controlling Aspects, mocks Leo’s loss to a novice, while The Fool remains characteristically taciturn. Leo defends himself, pointing out their past defeats, before revealing the true reason for his shock: Mongrel utilized their shared “Roaring Lion Strike” style. This shared connection and the anomaly of their own technique being used against them ignites their curiosity, compelling the trio to investigate the mysterious masked fighter.
Meanwhile, Sunny, as Mongrel, observes a strange shift in the Colosseum’s atmosphere following his swift victory. The other Awakened and spectators alike stare with confusion and shock, leaving Sunny bewildered and impatient for new challengers. He muses on his controlled performance, questioning why no one is stepping forward. Just as his frustration peaks, a formidable warrior clad in ornate plate armor, identified by his castle and dragon engravings, finally approaches, sword drawn.
This new challenger, Daoist Saifer, immediately confronts Sunny, his disbelief evident. “Leo, my friend. What the hell was that? You got killed by an amateur… in one strike!” Saifer states, pointing at Leo, who had joined him in the Dreamscape. The shared frustration and intrigue surrounding Mongrel’s perfect execution of the “Roaring Lion Strike” style binds the three seasoned duelists, setting the stage for a confrontation that promises to unmask the enigmatic “Mongrel.”
Chapter 396 Viral Sensation
Sunny, having secured his victory, retreats to his sanctuary to restore his essence, a necessity for maintaining his Onyx armor and its enchantments. Though the Dreamscape demands a toll on his real-world energy, Sunny finds it an ideal training ground for efficient essence management. Unbeknownst to him, the clip of his swift defeat of Leo Striker has gone viral, captivating viewers worldwide with its cinematic intensity and the unnerving gaze of Mongrel’s mask. This virality sparks widespread debate among fans and novices alike: how could an unknown defeat a renowned duelist so decisively? The enigma only deepens as further investigation unearths more clips, revealing Mongrel’s equally brutal, one-strike victories over both Daoist Saifer and The Fool, sending shockwaves through the duelist community.
The viral sensation of Mongrel’s duels ignites a frenzy of speculation and analysis. Viewers obsess over the raw footage, dissecting every moment of Sunny’s unnervingly efficient combat. The question of human presence behind the terrifying mask haunts many, while those deeply invested in the Dreamscape leagues grapple with the implications of such decisive, one-strike knockouts. This curiosity drives them to unearth every fragment of Sunny’s prior Dreamscape appearances, leading to the discovery of two more devastating encounters: Mongrel’s instantaneous defeat of Daoist Saifer and an equally swift victory over The Fool.
The revelation of Sunny’s consistent, brutal efficiency against three of the Dreamscape’s most prominent figures shatters the existing hierarchy. The duelist world, already reeling from Leo’s unexpected downfall, is now confronted with the undeniable power of this masked enigma. The precision and sheer speed of Mongrel’s strikes, consistently ending fights within a single, devastating blow, leave seasoned veterans bewildered and hungry for answers. The shared intrigue that initially drew Leo, Saifer, and The Fool together now compels them, alongside a global audience, to demand the unmasking of the mysterious and terrifying Mongrel.
Chapter 397 Mongrel’s Wisdom
The enigma of Mongrel deepens as observers, starved for information, meticulously re-examine every available clip. Sunny’s seemingly offhand remarks, intended as mere diversions, are now dissected and imbued with profound meaning, a testament to the public’s desperate search for understanding. This meticulous analysis inadvertently crafts a “philosophy” around Mongrel’s identity, a development utterly unbeknownst to Sunny himself.
Conversations among captivated viewers reveal the extent of this misinterpretation. Students ponder Mongrel’s cryptic statement, “I was born in the Coliseum,” interpreting it as a profound metaphor for the existential battles faced by all Awakened. Similarly, laborers debate his assertion, “I am not, and have never been, a human,” seeing in it a deep insight into the true meaning of humanity beyond mere physical form. These unearthed dialogues highlight how Sunny’s fabricated wisdom, born from necessity, takes on a life of its own.
The chapter culminates with various factions attempting to decipher Mongrel’s enigmatic wisdom, from the nature of humanity to the essence of battle, all while Sunny remains oblivious to the philosophical movement he has unintentionally spawned. The unyielding curiosity surrounding his identity and the profound implications of his words promises further revelations, drawing audiences deeper into the mystery of the masked warrior.
Chapter 398 Master of his Trade
Sunny, unaware of the philosophical movement he’s inadvertently sparked in the real world, finds himself back on Altar Island within the Sanctuary. His extended time in the Colosseum means he arrives later than usual, greeted by the familiar, yet for him, unsettling, sounds of the Sanctuary. The memory of his first jarring arrival, plunging into the surrounding pool and mistaking it for the Forgotten Shore, still causes him to flinch. “Not today!” he resolves, a smirk crossing his face as he bypasses the water and heads towards the menhirs.
The Sanctuary appears more vibrant during the day, with groups of Awakened engaging in various activities. A mandatory waiting period after Dream Realm excursions prevents immediate reentry into the real world, forcing Awakened to either explore the dangerous wilds or contribute to the upkeep of their enclaves. Sunny, as an advanced scout, enjoys a privileged position, his reports freeing him from most mundane duties, allowing him to focus on his tasks.
He exchanges greetings with acquaintances before making his way to his room, eager to attend to unfinished business. His return to the Sanctuary presents an opportunity to catch up on his own endeavors, a quiet pursuit that stands in stark contrast to the profound, misinterpreted wisdom his previous actions have sown among those dissecting his every word.
Chapter 399 Golden Coin
Sunny concludes his transactions on Altar Island, the scarcity of resources from the Forgotten Shore still a fond memory, despite the Sanctuary’s higher value placed on soul shards. His recent expedition to the Chained Island yields only three, largely unhelpful Memories, which he promptly feeds to Saint, pushing her shadow fragment count to [163/200]. After this, he heads to the kitchens, trading rare fruits, which are now primarily used to create a potent, popular wine on Altar Island. This trade earns him enough credits for what he estimates to be a new refrigerator, a satisfying haul that helps him progress towards his larger goals.
The successful trades take several hours, plunging Altar Island into night. As heavy clouds gather and the wind turns cold, Sunny contemplates his next move. Normally, he’d be charting a course for the untamed wilds, seeking ruins or preparing to face Nightmare Creatures. However, his current obligations in the real world demand his attention. He muses on his unique ability to spend less time in the Dream Realm than others, speculating it’s due to his two cores, his extended pre-Awakened tenure in the dead world, or possibly the [Spark of Divinity].
Despite his usual caution to avoid drawing attention by returning too quickly, the urgency of his real-world affairs compels him. He heads towards the Altar Island, the path shrouded in darkness. As he looks at the moon obscured by clouds, he admits he wouldn’t have ventured out into the rain anyway, accepting that his immediate return is necessary, regardless of potential scrutiny, due to the pressing matters awaiting him.
Chapter 400 Call of Treasure
The storm gathers as Sunny makes his way through the Sanctuary, the memory of his recent trades a comfort against the rising wind. He pauses at an altar, a strange golden coin in his hand. Upon dropping it, the coin illuminates and vanishes, bestowing upon him a much-needed shadow fragment. This unexpected reward, pushing his fragments to [198/2000], ignites a spark of intense curiosity. He recalls leaving more of these peculiar coins behind on Iron Hand Island, swallowed by a monstrous creature. The potential for acquiring more free fragments, and the possibility of a hidden trove of such miraculous items, fuels his immediate departure from Altar Island.
As rain begins to fall and the wind whips around him, Sunny’s resolve solidifies. He admits to himself that he wouldn’t normally venture out in such conditions, but his discoveries compel him. A watchman questions his decision, asking, “Are you really going to go out in that weather?” Sunny, however, reassures him with a casual, “Don’t worry, I will be fine. I’m not going far, anyway. Just want to check something on the Iron Hand Island.” The watchman’s parting advice, “Be careful out there. Night vision or not, this is not the time for humans,” only reinforces Sunny’s conviction.
Sunny’s thoughts turn to the immense potential of tracing the fallen demon’s path, envisioning a hidden treasure trove. He readily dismisses the watchman’s warning with a wry internal thought, “Good thing I am a monster, then…” His unique circumstances, perhaps his dual cores or the [Spark of Divinity], allow him a flexibility others lack in the Dream Realm. The allure of unchecked power and the promise of further incredible discoveries on Iron Hand Island override any caution about attracting unwanted attention, as he purposefully heads into the tempest.
Chapter 401 Clueless
Rain lashes Sunny as he scavenges the remains of the winged demon. Despite the downpour, he manages to recover three more golden coins, identical to the first, each bearing the image of a ship and a stranger. Inspecting the torn fragments of a chest nearby, Sunny deduces that the demon’s demise means a treasure trove of these coins exists, though its location remains a daunting mystery. The approaching ascent of Iron Hand Island forces his hand; he retrieves a fang from the demon’s skull, a potential tool for divination, before dissolving into the shadows, returning to the Sanctuary with a heavy heart and a missing piece of the puzzle.
Back on Altar Island, Sunny places two of the newly acquired coins upon the stone altar, awaiting the moon’s illumination. When it finally breaks through the clouds, the coins begin to glow, their power amplifying his own. The Spell confirms his suspicion: both the altar and the moon are necessary for the coins’ magic to manifest, a crucial piece of world-building. With this knowledge, he places the final coin, and the familiar whisper of the Spell echoes once more, confirming his growing strength and hinting at further, more intricate rituals to come.
Chapter 402 Chain worm
Sunny finds himself at the doorstep of Master Roan’s residence within the Sanctuary, a journey taken of his own volition into the heart of a powerful Legacy clan. Ascending to the upper echelon of the Citadel, a world unfolds atop the monoliths, a serene expanse of grass and moss guarded by siege weapons aimed skyward. Here, nestled amidst this elevated domain, stands a chateau-like structure, a testament to the opulent lifestyle of those attuned to the Dream Realm’s wonders. Beneath its shadow, a mighty griffin rests, while Master Roan himself prepares for breakfast, his domain a stark contrast to the harsh realities Sunny often faces.
Greeted with a mixture of surprise and amusement, Sunny enters the pavilion, addressing Master Roan with a deferential nod. Master Roan, with a knowing grin, questions Sunny’s unexpected visit, teasing him about a potential “business proposal” for “Sunny’s Brilliant Emporium,” a venture whose existence has clearly reached the Master’s ears through the Sanctuary’s grapevine. Sunny, taken aback by this revelation, deflects the inquiry, stating his purpose is not to discuss past events, but rather future possibilities.
“Don’t tell me… wait… are you here with a business proposal? Am I about to become a customer of Sunny’s Brilliant Emporium?” Master Roan banters, his words hinting at the complex network of information that permeates the Sanctuary. Sunny, flustered, denies the assumption, but the interaction underscores the emerging influence and reputation Sunny is cultivating, even as he navigates the delicate terrain of his true intentions, which lie in anticipating future events rather than dwelling on past ones.
Chapter 403 Sky Tide
Sunny’s concern about the heavenly chains is quickly alleviated by Master Roan, but his true anxieties lie elsewhere. Before he can press for more information, a profound shadow engulfs the landscape, stirring the resident griffin. The anomaly vanishes as swiftly as it appeared, replaced by the rustle of myriad wings. A figure materializes at the edge of the stone ring, silhouetted by the rising sun: Saint Tyris, the White Feather clan’s leader and ruler of the Chained Island, her piercing amber eyes and arrow-straight posture exuding an otherworldly aura.
The legendary Saint, Tyris, whose very presence subtly warps the environment, is recognized by Sunny with a shiver; this is his second encounter with the demigod. Master Roan, unfazed, greets his wife with a casual “Good morning, sunshine!”, an endearment that strikes Sunny as jarring given Tyris’s glacial demeanor. Tyris, in turn, offers a curt “Good morning, Ro,” her voice carrying the weight of an approaching storm, and her gaze silently questions Sunny’s presence, her sculpted eyebrow hinting at an unspoken query.
Master Roan then steers the conversation, suggesting Sunny visited to report a Chain Worm encounter on Iron Hand Island and proposing an exploration of nearby territories. However, Tyris dismisses the need for such an expedition, stating, “No need. The only failing chain on the Isles is far away from the Sanctuary, connecting Shipwreck Island to the Twisted Rock. This is where the Chain Worm came from. I just saw it myself,” revealing a vital piece of intelligence that directly addresses Sunny’s unspoken quest.
Chapter 404 Soft Life
Sunny, though driven by the allure of a mysterious treasure located on the perilous Shipwreck Island, prioritizes his immediate return to the real world. Tyris’s revelation that the Chain Worm originated from this distant, treacherous location, far from the Sanctuary, confirms the island’s significance to his current quest. He recognizes the formidable challenges of reaching Shipwreck Island, a place known for its ferocious Nightmare Creatures and bizarre dangers at the heart of the Chained Isles, a void slowly expanding where the Ivory Tower once stood. Despite his rapacious nature, Sunny understands that a successful expedition there requires meticulous preparation, a luxury he currently lacks.
Back in reality, Sunny awakens from his luxurious steel sarcophagus, feeling revitalized. He prepares a lavish breakfast, a stark contrast to the mundane existence of many, and dispatches his shadow to scout the surroundings. The normalcy of his actions belies the burning ambition within him to find the hidden treasure and bridge the gap between himself and Nephis. This comfortable interlude, however, is merely a brief pause before he must confront the daunting reality of the journey ahead.
He acknowledges that the real world demands his attention, even as the call of distant riches beckons. The chilling whisper of the Chain Worm’s origin, however, has ignited a fierce determination within him. He muses, “Calm down. It’s nothing serious, really,” a mantra that attempts to quell his internal anxieties as he contemplates the vast distance and danger separating him from his goal.
Chapter 405 Going Back to School
Sunny, still tethered to reality but driven by the lure of Shipwreck Island and the origin of the Chain Worm, finds himself drawn to his younger sister, Rain. He has deliberately purchased a house adjacent to her neighborhood, a testament to his lingering, albeit distant, connection to her. Despite his newfound status as an Awakened and his considerable power, Sunny remains convinced he has nothing positive to offer Rain, clinging to the belief that his past life has irrevocably twisted him. He maintains his distance, a decision solidified by his awareness of the significant dangers lurking in the world, particularly the Nightmare Spell.
However, Sunny’s internal conflict intensifies as he acknowledges Rain’s vulnerability. He understands that his status as an Awakened increases her statistical chance of falling prey to the Nightmare Spell, especially given her age group’s susceptibility. The thought of her potential fate, coupled with the fact that she is his last tangible link to their lost home, compels him to act, even if indirectly. He cannot simply stand by when he has the means to influence her chances of survival.
To this end, Sunny deploys his shadows to discreetly monitor Rain’s life and assess her preparedness. He admits to himself that this surveillance might seem “a bit creepy,” but it stems from a sense of responsibility and a desire to discreetly offer aid, such as access to better training, without revealing his presence. His ambition and the perilous journey ahead are momentarily overshadowed by this deeply personal, albeit covert, undertaking for his sister.
