Chapter 406 Educated Guess
Sunny, observing Rain’s schooling through his shadows, finds the elite academy a surprisingly cutthroat environment. Far from a sanctuary of learning, it’s a “battlefield” of student politics and cliques, driven by prestige and vanity. He notes the immense pressure these children face, fostering resentment and insecurity, a system designed to “destroy the very same softness” he once possessed. Despite the toxic atmosphere, Rain remains focused, diligently absorbing her lessons, a stark contrast to her classmates’ drama.
His discreet observation allows Sunny to glean valuable information. He finds the curriculum surprisingly engaging, particularly a wilderness survival course and a lecture on the Dream Realm’s early exploration. He also witnesses a session detailing Nightmare Creatures, their biology, and weaknesses, a treasure trove of knowledge he wishes he’d had. This exposure sparks a touch of wistfulness, a brief reflection on how different his own past might have been if he’d had access to such resources.
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.
Boredom eventually sets in as Sunny listens to a spelltech lecture, his attention drifting to the café filling up with lunching students and nearby office workers. He overhears fragments of conversation, with one student exclaiming, “No way! When is it coming out?” to which another replies, “In a couple of months, I think.” Sunny realizes he still needs to witness Rain in a combat lesson to truly gauge her preparedness for the dangers that await.
Chapter 407 Dreamscape Qualifications
Satisfied with his reconnaissance, Sunny withdraws his shadow, reflecting on Rain’s seemingly exceptional education. While she appears bright and well-adjusted, he questions if this privileged training truly prepares her for the brutal realities of the Spell, recalling his own difficult transformation in the Forgotten Shore. He understands that true resilience is forged only in the crucible of unimaginable hardship, a mirror reflecting one’s core essence. This realization leaves him pondering how to best bolster his sister’s chances against the encroaching darkness.
Returning home, Sunny seeks respite in the familiar confines of the Dreamscape. He activates his pod, intending to escape his anxieties by engaging in combat, aiming to secure victories in elite arenas and face more skilled opponents. He’s eager to hone his abilities against those who can teach him polished styles, having lost interest in dueling amateurs.
Upon entering the Colosseum, however, Sunny is met with an unusual surge of challengers. A crowd of Awakened has assembled, their gazes intense and their questions overly familiar. When a young woman asks his name, he curtly replies, “Mongrel.” To her next question about his style, he states, “I practice no style,” before abruptly initiating the challenge, his internal irritation growing with the crowd’s unsettling attention.
Chapter 408 Oh, No
The aftermath of his intense Dreamscape duels leaves Sunny disoriented, questioning the sanity of the arena’s designers and its patrons. He retreats to his quarters for sustenance, finding solace in a simple meal and a warm cup of tea. His brief respite is shattered when Effie forwards him a video—a high-quality recording of his recent bout, captioned “Mongrel Victorious” and boasting an astronomical view count. The realization dawns with sickening speed: his attempts at anonymity have backfired spectacularly.
A frantic search reveals thousands of results for “Mongrel, Dreamscape,” all featuring the Weaver’s Mask. The online fervor surrounding his “teachings” and victories, including claims of defeating legendary figures in mere “three strikes,” escalates his panic. He discovers entire discussion boards dedicated to dissecting his every word, convincing themselves he is a profound sage. Sunny groans, connecting the dots from overheard conversations and realizing Rain might have seen this “garbage.”
The situation deteriorates as new notifications flood the feed: “Mongrel returns!”, “Mongrel decimates the Colosseum!”, and even a fabricated “CONFIRMED” parentage linking him to a Saint. He stares in horror as a zealous fan exclaims, “I was there, guys! It was incredible! He was like a natural disaster! So awesome…” Sunny feels a growing dread as his carefully constructed anonymity crumbles, replaced by the burgeoning legend of “Mongrel.”
Chapter 409 Treasure Hunt
The world’s escalating obsession with the “Mongrel” continues to spiral, forcing Sunny to confront the collateral damage of his anonymity’s collapse. He reads a news bulletin stating, “Night&Gale representative agency publishes an official statement: popular idol and fashion icon, Night, is NOT the controversial Dreamscape sensation, nor has he ever participated in any scandalous activities under the alias Mongrel…” This news, far from relieving him, sparks anxiety about Kai’s potential recognition of his altered Mantle of the Underworld. Sunny’s internal turmoil deepens as he considers Rain’s situation, wrestling with the best way to offer aid without interference, before ultimately deciding to postpone these complex personal matters.
Driven by a greater urgency, Sunny shifts his focus to a lucrative opportunity: a treasure hunt on Shipwreck Island within the Dream Realm. He has diligently gathered information from the Academy database, leveraging his position as a research assistant to gain a comprehensive, if not entirely sufficient, understanding of the perilous expedition. He plans to supplement this knowledge with insights from experienced individuals in the Sanctuary, and crucially, with Cassie’s expertise.
With his immediate problems temporarily set aside, Sunny prepares for his journey, securing his home and entering his sleeping pod with a weary hope that the “Mongrel” mania will dissipate within a week. The chapter concludes as he resigns himself to the Dream Realm, determined to secure the awaited treasure, hinting at the challenges and discoveries that lie ahead in his quest.
Chapter 410 Reckoning
Sunny navigates the treacherous Chained Isles, a perilous journey requiring constant vigilance against Nightmare Creatures and unnatural hazards. His Shadow Step ability allows for swift movement across the gargantuan chains, but its heavy essence cost necessitates frequent replenishment, forcing him to hide or teleport away from threats. He reflects on his own resilience, recognizing that while difficult to hunt, truly formidable abominations like Corrupted fiends and those dwelling in the dark still pose a significant danger, a lesson etched from past encounters. Despite the beauty of the star-filled night sky and the allure of unexplored islands, he suppresses his curiosity, understanding that such attractions often mask inescapable traps. He finds a desolate, crater-ridden island, a former neighbor to a chain-broken, sky-high remnant, to rest and prepare before continuing his quest, summoning Saint to stand watch while he attempts a brief sleep.
The following day, Sunny arrives at the dreaded island known as the Reckoning. This massive landmass, supported by only two chains diametrically opposed, demands a lengthy traverse. Though outwardly appearing idyllic with its grass, forests, and waterfalls, Sunny’s unnerving perception through his shadow reveals an unsettling emptiness. The island is devoid of all life – no beasts, insects, or even the usual wandering Nightmare Creatures, presenting a deceptive, unnerving tranquility.
He spends a day on a desolate, crater-scarred island, a remnant from a celestial fall, allowing himself a brief respite and replenishment. After a meager meal and a drink from the Endless Spring, Sunny consults his map before summoning his Shadow, Saint. With a weary sigh, he instructs, “I am going to sleep. You stand watch, please.” Saint, indifferent, nocks an arrow, signifying her silent compliance. Sunny acknowledges the wisdom of maintaining peak condition, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the Dream Realm and the potential for unforeseen dangers ahead.
Chapter 411 Reflection
Sunny, recuperating on a cratered island, prepares for the treacherous journey ahead. Summoning Saint to stand guard, he seeks a brief rest, acknowledging the perpetual danger of the Dream Realm. The following day, he arrives at the unsettling Reckoning, an island that unnervingly lacks all signs of life, a deceptive tranquility that raises his suspicion.
Upon landing, Sunny finds himself ambushed by a hostile shadow creature. Instinct and quick thinking allow him to escape its initial assault, realizing that while physical attacks are useless against shadows, shadows themselves cannot harm living beings. He deduces that his survival hinges on maintaining his human form, a crucial insight gained from a deep wound inflicted by the creature’s pursuit.
Just as Sunny begins to comprehend the shadow’s nature, a human figure emerges from it, revealing a chilling doppelganger of himself. This terrifying apparition, armed with a curved blade, mirrors Sunny’s own appearance, its cold eyes betraying a disturbing madness. “What the hell are you?” Sunny demands, fear gripping him as he confronts this uncanny reflection.
Chapter 412 Perfect Adversary
The devil of the Reckoning reveals its true, terrifying nature: it can perfectly mimic any enemy, wielding their power as if it were its own, a feat that explains the island’s deadly reputation. Sunny quickly learns that running is futile when the creature transforms into Saint, wielding a bow, presenting him with an impossible choice. As the doppelganger launches a relentless assault, mimicking Saint’s archery and even transforming the environment against him, Sunny is forced to utilize his own essence and shadows to their limits, managing to deflect a falling tree and a lethal arrow.
The real Saint intervenes, her presence a welcome sight, but the confrontation is brutal. After deflecting a second arrow aimed at Sunny, Saint charges the impostor, only to be met with a devastating shoulder bash that shatters her armor. The creature, however, reveals its chilling ability to Shadow Step, instantly disappearing and reappearing to strike Saint. Sunny observes, horrified, realizing the creature’s unsettling madness and a hint of an unidentifiable, boundless emotion lurking beneath its malicious facade.
“What the hell are you?” Sunny demands, as the uncanny reflection mockingly tilts its head, the weight of this ‘perfect adversary’ pressing down on him. The mimicry isn’t just physical; it’s a perversion of will, a terrifying display of power that leaves Sunny questioning the true extent of the danger he faces. The island’s silence was a ruse, its emptiness a testament to this entity’s deadly prowess.
Chapter 413 Mirror Beast
The uncanny resemblance of the devil, now frozen by Sunny’s command, chills him as he realizes he has enslaved it. By stealing Sunny’s face and powers, the creature inherited his Innate Ability, Shadow Bond, a link Sunny exploits to gain control. Though the wound on his thigh and the deeper cut to his shadow form demand attention, Sunny’s immediate concern is the fate of this former “ruler of Reckoning.” He considers the immense utility of such a powerful, obedient servant, especially one that mirrors him, offering the potential for him to be in two places at once.
However, Sunny understands the precariousness of his dominion. The creature’s enslavement is tied to its current form, his own likeness. Once it shapeshifts, it will shed Aspect Abilities, including Shadow Bond, regaining its freedom and likely its malice. Dismissing the real Saint was crucial for this subjugation, as he needed the mimic to remain solely his reflection. While complex orders could potentially limit its shapeshifting, Sunny, an expert in escaping such control, doubts the feasibility of a truly foolproof system.
Despite the creature’s terrifying power and the potential benefits of its servitude, Sunny ultimately makes a difficult decision. The prospect of being a slaver weighs heavily on him, and he admits, with a grimace, that he simply doesn’t wish to own another living being. Facing his perfect, frozen copy, Sunny’s resolve solidifies, leading him to a choice far simpler than the intricate chains of control he considered.
Chapter 414 Mystery of the Dark Mirror
Sunny grapples with the implications of defeating the entity that had mirrored him, an “Ascended Reflection” that the Spell described with cryptic terminology. He’s bewildered that the creature, despite its apparent sentience and mastery over the domain of Reckoning, yielded no shadow fragments upon its demise, suggesting it wasn’t a typical Nightmare Creature. Puzzled by its nature, Sunny examines the shard of a mirror left behind by the defeated entity. This shard, mundane yet unnerving, reflects only darkness and bears a single, childishly scrawled word in English: “Beastie.”
The mystery deepens as Sunny considers the possibility that the entity was an “Echo,” a shadow of something lost, though its independence and sentience contradict this. He theorizes that it might be a unique creation tied to someone’s Aspect, a powerful being’s semblance left to wander. The lack of definitive answers gnaws at him, especially regarding the entity’s supposed rulership and its current feral state, leaving Sunny with more questions than answers about the true nature of the being he faced.
He ponders the nature of the creature and the cryptic inscription, wrestling with the potential for advanced cultivation or a unique phenomenon within the Dream Realm. The shard, reflecting only impenetrable darkness, serves as a tangible reminder of an encounter that defies his established understanding of the world, hinting at deeper, more complex mysteries yet to be uncovered in the Chained Isles.
Chapter 415 Cruel Sight
Sunny’s focus shifts from the enigmatic shard to a newfound treasure: an Ascended Memory named “Cruel Sight.” He has long felt his current weapon, the Midnight Shard, inadequate for the escalating threats of the Chained Isles, particularly against the formidable hides of Fallen rank creatures. The Midnight Shard’s most potent enchantment, “[Unbroken],” tragically activates only when he’s near death, making it a tool of last resort that punishes his failures rather than rewards his successes. He craves a weapon that complements his skill and empowers him through his victories, and this new Memory, a fourth-tier Ascended acquisition, offers that promise.
The Memory’s description, however, presents a perplexing narrative: a noble knight’s deal with a “Dreamspawn,” the subsequent disappearance of his son, and the prince’s chilling return to a kingdom consumed by fear. Sunny frowns, finding the mention of a “Dreamspawn” particularly strange, as he associates the term with Nephis’s unique Attribute, hinting at a deeper connection to the Dream Realm itself. “Huh… what the hell does that mean?” he mutters, questioning how a native of this realm could possess such an Attribute, speculating that the name might be coincidental.
Despite the cryptic tale, the allure of the Memory’s four powerful enchantments – “[Shapeshifter],” “[Light Eater],” “[Ghost Blade],” and “[Dark Mirror]” – fills him with anticipation. These abilities suggest a weapon capable of adapting to his needs and enhancing his combat prowess, offering a welcome departure from the reactive nature of the Midnight Shard. The prospect of wielding such versatile power ignites a burning curiosity and a renewed sense of purpose as he delves deeper into the nature of his latest acquisition.
Chapter 416 Hanged Man
The formidable Cruel Sight, a fourth-tier Ascended weapon, now rests in Sunny’s grasp, promising to eclipse the limitations of his old Midnight Shard. Its adamantine construction and dual spear-sword forms grant him superior reach and agility, capable of cleaving through Fallen creatures. More critically, the Cruel Sight’s ability to augment attacks with elemental damage, allowing Sunny to exploit enemy vulnerabilities by first suffering a wound from that very element, marks a significant leap in his combat potential, even if the process itself is painful.
This newfound power requires a direct and brutal understanding of its capabilities. Sunny endures the soul-eroding field of Saint’s armor, a necessary evil to test the Cruel Sight’s “[Dark Mirror]” enchantment. He pours essence into its blade, the polished surface reflecting his strained visage as a cold, sharp aura envelops the weapon, signifying the “[Dark Mirror]” is now charged with soul damage, the most insidious form of harm. “Ouch…” he mutters, enduring the pain, a stark reminder that “Everything that is worth it had to hurt a little.”
Having successfully charged the Cruel Sight with soul damage, Sunny escapes the armor’s oppressive aura, his weapon now primed to inflict devastating, unresisted harm. The sword’s element can be shifted, offering unparalleled tactical adaptability. A grim satisfaction settles upon him; with the Cruel Sight, his lethality has dramatically increased, and he muses, “I guess I am the true harbinger of reckoning now…” This potent acquisition shifts his perspective on his role in the Chained Isles, preparing him for the escalating horrors ahead.
Chapter 417 Shipwreck
Sunny navigates the perilous journey to Shipwreck Island, a chain connecting it to the Sky Below, now a treacherous ascent on foot due to its taut, exposed state. The ground behind him trembles, hinting at imminent danger as he leaps from his hiding spot, landing on the iron surface of the heavenly chain. This celestial pathway leads not to earth, but to an imposing stone gate, its pillars reaching skyward, draped in ancient vines. The massive gate itself is broken, a hollow frame through which the wind whispers. Further on, the colossal form of the iron giant sways, its single hand a macabre pointer towards the Sky Below.
Summoning the Cruel Sight, Sunny transforms it into a spear, his cautious advance guided by the slowly descending island. The chain gradually becomes horizontal, its links offering a precarious bridge across the void. Upon reaching the monumental stone structure, Sunny realizes the pillars were never meant to support a gate, but served an unknown, awe-inspiring purpose, complete with weathered steps scaling their immense height. He wonders at the sanity of anyone attempting such a climb, considering the oppressive Crushing at such altitudes.
Using his Dark Wing, Sunny ascends to a wide stone platform, where an ancient road beckons inland. This path leads him to a low hill, granting a view of the island’s namesake: a colossal, broken wooden ship at its heart. Despite the ravages of time, the ship’s elegant hull remains intact, though its bow is shattered and vines crawl across its surface. The presence of a seafaring vessel in this landlocked realm remains a mystery, but Sunny’s gaze fixates on the ship’s mast. A withered tree, its bare branches like skeletal fingers, is coiled around it – a familiar sight, recognizable from the mysterious coins. “I guess I am in luck today!” he exclaims, a triumphant spark igniting in his eyes.
Chapter 418 Remnant Crew
The colossal wooden ship, an enigma on this celestial island, lies ahead as Sunny faces a new threat. Numerous wood wraiths surge from the ground, their forms lumbering and menacing. Saint, Sunny’s shadow-augmented companion, proves her mettle, expertly dispatching one wraith with the Midnight Shard. “You have slain a Fallen Beast, Sailor Doll,” the Spell announces, as Saint’s shadow grows stronger. However, the respite is brief; a tide of more wraiths emerges, overwhelming.
Sunny, assessing the dire situation, realizes a direct confrontation with the horde is suicidal. He must reach the ship. Considering his options, he decides to leave Saint to engage the lesser wraiths, trusting her to hold them off for a short duration while he uses his shadow abilities to infiltrate the wreck. “Have fun, you three!” he calls back, a hint of apprehension in his voice. His haste is underscored by Saint’s immediate engagement, a thunderous crash signaling another defeat of a wraith behind him.
His dash towards the ship is perilous, dodging the lunges of the wood wraiths. Without hesitation, Sunny transforms the Cruel Sight into a spear, piercing the chest of a massive creature that lunges at him. He expertly evades another attack, demonstrating his agility and resourcefulness as he continues his desperate journey towards the heart of the island and its silent, broken vessel.
Chapter 419 Eureka
Navigating the tilted interior of the colossal wooden ship, Sunny finds himself within what feels like the belly of a colossal beast. Thick vines twist through a reddish moss that carpets the ship’s warped surfaces, the air heavy with a cloyingly sweet scent that intensifies as he moves deeper. He suspects these vines are part of a larger, sentient organism that has claimed the wreck, a terrifying realization as a warm breeze, like the slow breath of a slumbering leviathan, emanates from further within. Sunny wisely keeps his shadows close, sensing imminent danger.
His caution is warranted when a substance inhaled from the moss begins to poison him. While not as aggressive as the Blood Blossom, the toxin spreads through his bloodstream, threatening to incapacitate him. Thankfully, his Blood Weave, fiercely territorial, wages a painful battle against the alien invader, allowing Sunny to endure the agony and regain his senses. Weakened but resolute, he presses on, finding more peculiar coins, each bearing the image of a smiling, crescent-mooned individual, seemingly laid as a trail.
The unsettling discovery of these deliberately placed tokens hints at a deliberate, perhaps sinister, guidance. Sunny picks up another coin, its inscription a smiling face that sparks his frustration, questioning the individual’s joy in the face of such peril. The trail of coins continues, a silent, enigmatic invitation deeper into the ship’s embrace, promising further revelations or a more cunning trap.
Chapter 420 Amazing Chest Ahead
Sunny’s exploration of the derelict ship leads him to a heavily reinforced door, where his careful probing reveals no immediate threat. The air within is surprisingly fresh, the floorboards clean, painting an almost inviting picture of the treasury beyond. Doubts linger, however, prompting Sunny to send a shadow companion under the door to scout. A moment of self-reproach follows as he realizes the obvious: the treasury’s back wall is breached, a gaping hole suggesting the Chain Worm’s passage. No longer hesitant, Sunny steps through the shadows, eager to discover what awaits.
Inside, the sunlight streams through the massive breach, illuminating three chests. Two are empty, but the third, a long, adamantine chest reinforced with metal, is overflowing with gold coins. Sunny’s eyes widen in disbelief as he realizes the sheer quantity, exclaiming, “Thousands… there are thousands of them!” This treasure, he understands, could be a pivotal moment in his journey, potentially allowing him to close the gap with Nephis, even surpass her.
The revelation is overwhelming, nearly causing him to falter. The prospect of such immense wealth, represented by these ancient coins, is almost too much to comprehend. He recognizes this find as a “trophy to put all other trophies to shame,” a discovery of a lifetime that promises to redefine his power and position.
