Chapter 481 First Meeting
Sunny’s meticulously crafted anonymity faces an unexpected challenge when a young girl named Rain confronts him, accusing him of staring. His practiced composure falters internally as Rain dismisses him as a “brat” and questions his solitary life, unaware of his true capabilities or the precarious balance he maintains. “What is she doing here?! Why is she talking to me?!” he internally panics, struggling to hide his reaction.
The confrontation takes a turn when Effie’s call from inside reveals Sunny’s living situation, forcing him to hastily dismiss Rain as a guest. He deflects her probing questions about skipping school and delinquency by presenting a government-issued citizenship chip, a clever maneuver that momentarily silences her. The brief, awkward exchange leaves Sunny relieved that his past, and the notorious Mongrel persona, remain undiscovered, though a subtle flicker of disappointment hints at a more complex emotional response to Rain’s presence.
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This encounter with Rain, while seemingly innocuous, underscores the growing fragility of Sunny’s carefully constructed facade. The fervent public anticipation for Mongrel’s return looms large, threatening to shatter the secrecy he relies upon. The introduction of Rain, and her potential to inadvertently expose him, adds another layer of danger to his already perilous quest for power in the Chained Isles.
Chapter 482 Peace Offering
Shaken by his earlier encounter, Sunny retreats into the Dream Realm, finding solace in the safety of his Sanctuary’s small room. He sleeps through the night, a stark contrast to his usual perilous activities, reflecting on how many Awakened prioritize safety over danger. Returning to the real world, he feels refreshed, downplaying the significance of Rain knowing his face and name, believing his anonymity is still secure if he simply avoids contact. However, his strategy proves futile as he spots Rain approaching his home again, his shadow lookout confirming her presence. Sunny attempts to feign disinterest, but Rain, undeterred, directly approaches him, backpack in hand.
Rain presents Sunny with a large food container, explaining that her mother made it, and apologizes for yesterday’s intrusion. Sunny, internally grumbling about Effie’s interference, accepts the offering, expressing gratitude to Rain’s mother. Rain lingers, her curiosity piqued, and formally introduces herself, recalling his name, Sunny. He accepts the introduction, his smile softening as he glances at the container, recognizing the rarity of such natural food in their impoverished sector.
Rain’s persistent questioning reveals her lingering disbelief about Sunny being eighteen and living alone, even mentioning his “nice friend.” Sunny offers a non-committal shrug, his carefully constructed detachment tested by her innocent inquiries. The chapter ends with Rain’s continued presence and questioning, hinting at the growing difficulty Sunny faces in maintaining his secret identity as the world, and specifically Rain, seems determined to pry closer.
Chapter 483 Two Hundred Seconds
Sunny grapples with the daunting task of training Rain for the Nightmare Spell, questioning his qualifications as his strengths lie in combat and survival, not mental fortitude. He recognizes that Rain’s elite schooling covers the former, but her psychological resilience in the unforgiving Dream Realm is his responsibility, a delicate undertaking where missteps could cause more harm than good. Observing Rain for a single day is insufficient for such a crucial decision; he needs weeks of study to understand her nuances, a prospect that chafes at his limited time for essential training and fragment hunting, particularly his growing proficiency with Cruel Sight in its spear form.
He decides to observe Rain at her school, utilizing his shadows to discreetly monitor her arrival and movements. This prolonged observation, expected to last weeks, will allow him to refine his assessment of her strengths and weaknesses, impacting his training strategy. Sunny laments the significant time commitment this requires, as it directly interferes with his progress with the Cruel Sight, a weapon he’s come to appreciate for its versatility and deceptive capabilities, especially its ability to extend reach and offer varied attacks.
Despite his reservations about the time drain and the inherent difficulty of the task, Sunny understands the necessity of gaining a deeper understanding of Rain. His prior familiarity with swords, like the Midnight Shard, still holds a certain comfort, yet the extended reach of Cruel Sight has proven its worth. The challenge of molding Rain’s mind for the brutal realities of the Dream Realm weighs heavily, demanding a careful, observational approach rather than brute force tactics.
Chapter 484 The Gate
Sunny, continuing his careful observation of Rain at her prestigious school, is jolted by a jarring, primal alarm: a Gate is opening. The communicator’s urgent, uncharacteristic warning—mere seconds before the breach—instills a visceral terror that Sunny, despite his hardened nature, cannot entirely suppress. Unlike before, when such warnings allowed for evacuation or defensive preparations, this two-hundred-second notice signifies an impending massacre, particularly for Rain’s school, situated directly in the Gate’s path. The government’s failure to provide adequate warning leaves Sunny with a grim realization: the school’s elite hazard protocols, designed for more opportune threats, will likely trap Rain and her classmates in a desperate, possibly futile, defense.
The critical situation intensifies as Sunny notices a unique, two-starred insignia on his communicator, indicating his Awakened status and access to more detailed information. This new layer of data reveals the Gate’s precise location and evacuation routes, confirming the impossibility of a timely escape for the thousands of students. The proximity of the Gate to Rain’s school renders any conventional defense measures likely insufficient, even with Awakened instructors. Sunny, torn between his current tactical observations of Rain and the immediate, devastating threat, must decide his next move. The chapter offers a glimpse into the classroom, where children and their teacher stare blankly at the notification, their comprehension lagging behind the unfolding catastrophe.
The stark reality of the approaching disaster forces Sunny to abandon his planned, protracted observation. The imminent danger to Rain outweighs any lingering reservations about his assessment strategy. While his shadows have been meticulously gathering intel, the abrupt appearance of the Gate and the minuscule warning time have shifted the priority from nuanced understanding to urgent action. The sheer proximity of the threat and the inadequacy of the given timeframe leave no room for hesitation. The ticking clock, and the chilling knowledge of what lies beyond an opening Gate, propel Sunny towards a confrontation that will test his capabilities far beyond mere observation.
Chapter 485 Lesser Evil
The immediate threat to Rain’s school forces Sunny to abandon his detached observation and confront the looming Gate. He grapples with a critical decision: directly intervening to save Rain, a path fraught with peril and the risk of exposing his carefully guarded secrets, or fulfilling his duty as an Awakened by confronting the Gate itself. He dismisses the idea of simply Shadow Stepping to retrieve Rain, knowing the resulting exposure would endanger her in the future by linking him directly to her. “This evidence was going to come to light and lead them to her,” he reflects, a future danger he refuses to accept.
Sunny accepts the grim necessity of acting, his options limited by the scant seconds he has. His resolve solidifies: he will face the Gate, choosing to protect the wider populace rather than risk Rain’s safety through a premature, revealing rescue. He recognizes the government’s reliance on voluntary participation from Awakened, a delicate balance that encourages rather than coerces aid. “Many, maybe even most, did not, and chose to run instead,” he acknowledges, understanding the inherent risk and personal cost of such a commitment.
The central dilemma for Sunny now lies in how he will confront the approaching threat. He must decide whether to face the Gate as himself, revealing his identity and potentially drawing unwanted attention, or to operate as Mongrel, a masked persona that offers protection but carries its own risks of leaving behind subtle clues. Each choice presents a unique set of consequences, pushing Sunny towards a desperate gambit where his true strength and strategic brilliance will be tested against an overwhelming tide.
Chapter 486 Call Of A Nightmare
Sunny approaches the nascent Nightmare Gate, a rippling tear in reality that warps light and emanates unsettling sounds. He observes the scant few other Awakened who have arrived, acknowledging their courage in facing certain danger. Despite their shared commitment to duty, Sunny sees himself as a “cowardly fool,” possessing means of escape that others lack. He steps forward, positioning himself at the forefront of the small defensive force, his masked presence projecting an unnerving calm that contrasts sharply with their fear.
The other Awakened, a mere handful, are awestruck by Sunny’s imposing presence and superior gear. Their hope is palpable when one of them recognizes him, exclaiming, “Wait… isn’t that M—mongrel?!” This revelation sparks recognition and awe among the group. When questioned about his identity, Sunny denies being an Awakened and claims no renown, a blatant falsehood that immediately raises suspicions.
This deception marks a critical moment as Sunny, under the guise of Mongrel, navigates the immediate threat. His calculated lies and unshakeable demeanor, even when confronted directly, set him apart from the other defenders, hinting at the deeper layers of his plan and the secrets he desperately guards. The arrival of these few, dedicated individuals, and Sunny’s immediate dominance within their ranks, sets the stage for a desperate battle against the encroaching darkness.
Chapter 487 First Wave
Sunny readies himself, brandishing the Soul Serpent, its dark radiance amplified as the gloomy shadow wraps around the blade. The Saint’s grounded battle style imbues him, and the Serpent’s kinship with shadow grants it power beyond his own, making the Dormant-ranked odachi as lethal as an Awakened blade. He activates his onyx armor’s enchantments, [Living Stone] for healing and [Feather of Truth] for lightness, then integrates the Blood Blossom charm, enhancing his Mantle’s [Underworld Armament] enchantment. He deliberately allows blood to flow, maximizing the power of his gear for the impending onslaught.
The Nightmare Gate now gapes open, a terrifying rift in reality that seems to beckon Sunny forward. His focus, however, remains on the indistinct shapes stirring within the darkness. As the first Nightmare Creature bursts forth, its black claws gouging the asphalt, Sunny acknowledges the opportunity to accumulate shadow fragments and raise his [Prince of the Underworld] enchantment’s counter. He anticipates hundreds of abominations, a grim fulfillment of his desires.
The initial waves of creatures, primarily Dormant with some Awakened abominations, are merely precursors. Sunny understands that as the Second Category Gate’s power escalates, stronger Awakened, Fallen, and even Demon-ranked creatures will emerge. Should he survive the ensuing chaos, the Gate could escalate to the Third Category, unleashing hundreds of Fallen horrors, or the Guardian, a creature of even greater power, will manifest.
Chapter 488 A Beast More Terrible
Despite his month-long mastery of shadow essence and the formidable power of his Soul Serpent, augmented by the Saint’s grounded style, Sunny finds himself stretched thin. Even with his enhanced onyx armor and the Blood Blossom charm boosting his Mantle, he cannot be everywhere at once. While he can effortlessly dispatch a few Dormant-ranked infernal hounds, a dozen overwhelm his ability to avoid every blow. He allows strategic grazing from the beasts, relying on his armor’s impenetrable enchantments and the Saint’s solid footing to remain upright, manipulating his armor’s weight with [Feather of Truth] to maintain balance.
Sunny engages in a brutal, bloody dance, his Soul Serpent a blur of lethal motion, impaling and deflecting the lunging abominations. He utilizes the corpses of fallen foes as makeshift barriers, his superior speed and positioning allowing him to carve through the horde without being fully surrounded. He deliberately leaves many creatures maimed but alive, needing their blood to fuel the Blood Blossom’s potent magic. His primary concern is preventing any of the horrors from escaping into the surrounding city.
He notes, “Any of these beasts, even though they were only Dormant, could massacre countless mundane humans, or kill a less skillful Awakened in one fell lunge.” Yet, these creatures face a far more terrifying foe. The battle is far from easy, but Sunny manages, his focus unwavering as he accumulates the precious shadow fragments needed to advance his own enchantments, ever the monstrous Awakened fighter orchestrating his own grim symphony of carnage.
Chapter 489 Second Wave
Ancient Barrow Wraiths, reanimated corpses imbued with vengeful spirits, now confront Sunny. These Awakened Monsters, possessing the same rank as formidable foes from his past, prove a significant challenge, their crude stone weapons wielded with deadly precision. Despite their desiccated flesh offering resistance, Sunny’s Soul Serpent cleaves through bone and sinew. When one Wraith gruesomely impales itself on his blade, only severing its fingers and tearing through its ribcage, neck, and skull finally claims it. Sunny curses, realizing these revenants, though not fully sentient, coordinate their attacks, attempting to corner him.
The Wraiths execute a chilling tactic: archers retreat behind melee combatants, forcing Sunny into a deadly pincer. An arrow to the shoulder sends him staggering, an arrow shattering the asphalt nearby. Trapped, surrounded by spears, axes, and hidden archers, Sunny realizes the gravity of his predicament. “Damn it. I didn’t want to do this…” he mutters as a dozen arrows fly toward him. He vanishes, reappearing to decapitate an archer, then blinks across the battlefield to dispatch another. His movements are a blur, the onyx-clad warrior leaving behind crumbling piles of limbs and shattered skulls, the Soul Serpent a dark, radiant reaper.
Sliding back amidst the carnage, a low growl escapes Sunny. The Blood Blossom charm, under the influence of the spilled blood, begins to affect him, stirring a morbid thirst for more. “Blood… blood… more!” The exhilarating, yet terrifying, bloodlust threatens to overwhelm his focus. He forces himself to recede from the intoxicating ecstasy, recognizing the need to maintain clarity to control the battle and survive.
Chapter 490 Break Point
Six minutes into the relentless assault, Sunny finds his defenses pushed to their breaking point. The ground before the Gate is a charnel house of slain monsters, but the cost to him is immense. His muscles scream in protest, his lungs burn with each ragged breath, and his Mantle of the Underworld bears fresh dents, not from the lesser hunters, but from the true terror emerging from the Gate. These are the masters of the Barrow, taller, stronger demons wielding masterfully crafted flint weapons and armors of bone and leather, their empty eyes burning with hungry red flames, their fighting style an insidious, efficient savagery unlike anything Sunny has faced.
Sunny is forced to adapt to the primeval demons’ lethal tactics, learning from their devastating effectiveness as they drive him back. He laments their brutal efficiency, acknowledging their prowess as apex predators akin to ancient humanity’s own devastating expansion. Despite being battered and his shadow essence dwindling, Sunny manages to absorb and reflect their ferocity, elevating his own dance of death to a new, chilling level. He even finds himself missing the comparatively predictable carapace legion.
Just as a flicker of hope arises that he might survive longer, a furious bellow erupts. A colossal beast, a grotesque bison twice Sunny’s height and twenty times his weight, bursts from the Gate, shattering his corpse barrier in a storm of blood and bone. With scarlet bone spikes along its spine and jagged bloodred horns crowning its head, this monstrous entity stares with empty sockets burning with ghostly red flame, signaling an even greater threat has arrived.
Chapter 491 Desperate Measures
As the relentless tide of Nightmare Creatures surges, six Awakened defenders engage the onslaught with surprising efficacy. One conjures a ring of fire, immolating hounds, while another unleashes a blade of pure air, severing limbs. Sunny, observing their coordinated efforts, notes their bravery and skill, even as the memory of his recent, brutal encounter with the Barrow masters lingers. Despite their efforts, he recognizes it’s not enough to hold the line or prevent the monstrosities from pouring into the city.
A surge of new power floods Sunny as his shadow envelops him and the Soul Serpent reappears on his skin. Empowered, he uses an abandoned PTV as an improvised projectile, crashing it into the oncoming horde and creating a vital opening. Amidst the chaos, a new Memory—a weapon—appears in his hands. Without hesitation, he summons it, an obsidian-tipped spear, and disappears into the fray with Shadow Step, cutting down wraiths and hounds with brutal efficiency.
Meanwhile, in the relative safety of the school’s combat training hall, the headmaster’s calm voice tries to quell the growing fear among the children as the news of the breached defense line spreads. The children, sensing the adults’ apprehension, begin to feel fear themselves, a chilling premonition of the escalating danger. Sunny, driven by a desperate mantra of “Die, die, die,” continues his fight, acutely aware that more creatures are emerging, and more are slipping past his desperate defense.
Chapter 492 Gate Guardian
The air crackles with dread as Sunny faces the Gate, a chilling premonition of the colossal Guardian emerging from its depths. This monstrosity, a hulking figure exceeding four meters, is a Fallen Tyrant, its desiccated body clad in intricate leather armor and adorned with bone and iron bracelets. Its menacing obsidian spear, stained with ancient blood, and a beastial mask with three glowing red eyes speak of immense power and a disturbing connection to something Sunny instinctively fears. He acknowledges his exhaustion and dwindling shadow essence, knowing he stands no chance against such a formidable foe, yet he refuses to flee, driven by the primal battle style of the ancient wraiths that now seeps into his very bones.
Meanwhile, the supposed safety of the school’s gymnasium shatters. The defensive walls are breached, and Nightmare Creatures surge inside, their terrifying eyes burning with madness. The Awakened fight valiantly, but they are outnumbered. A monstrous, infernal wolf-like beast breaks free and lunges towards the defenseless children, impervious to arrows and easily overpowering the headmaster. The teachers’ mundane weapons are useless against the creature’s horrifying might, leaving the children vulnerable and the situation dire.
As the infernal wolf closes in, Rain watches, paralyzed by the creature’s unstoppable nature. The teachers’ desperate attempts to protect the children are futile, their weapons failing and their efforts thwarted. With no one left between the beast and the terrified students, the scene escalates into pure chaos and impending doom, mirroring the desperate struggle outside.
Chapter 493 Advent Of Death
Sunny strains against the crushing grip of a Barrow Wraith chieftain, his body pinned and his every effort to free himself proving futile. The sheer power of the tyrant’s hold leaves him at its mercy, the ancient strength of the wraiths a formidable, suffocating force. The overwhelming dread of his predicament is mirrored within the gymnasium, where the monstrous infernal wolf-like beast lunges towards the defenseless children, its jaws wide and its eyes burning with hellish flames. Rain, paralyzed by terror, faces imminent death, her training sword a useless symbol against the creature’s unstoppable advance.
As the beast closes in, Rain’s desperate plea of “Unfair! This is unfair…” echoes her burgeoning refusal to be merely prey. In that critical moment, two magenta lights ignite, and a dark, stonelike blade flashes from the shadows, effortlessly severing the infernal wolf’s head. A matching shield deflects the headless body, preventing a single drop of blood from staining Rain. A regal woman clad in menacing black armor emerges from the darkness, her helmet concealing her face but her actions speaking volumes as she swiftly dispatches two more Nightmare Creatures with terrifying ease, her movements fluid and devastating.
Rain, awestruck and trembling, whispers, “Who are you?” The mysterious knight offers no reply, instead positioning herself as an unyielding bulwark between the children and the encroaching horde, her presence a beacon of grim, silent protection against the encroaching madness. Her ability to fell multiple abominations in mere seconds, with such casual mastery, hints at a power far beyond anything the terrified students or teachers have witnessed, leaving Rain and the reader alike wondering at her identity and the scope of her capabilities.
Chapter 494 The Cavalry
Sunny experiences immense relief as Master Jet arrives, effortlessly severing a Fallen Tyrant’s arm with a single, decisive strike. This incredible feat, even for an Ascended, underscores the sheer danger posed by such formidable beings. While masters rarely collaborate, facing a tyrant is an exception, a testament to their power and the risks involved. Jet’s spectacular entrance, however, is met with Sunny’s unspoken concern about her ability to face the wounded but still immensely powerful chieftain without the advantage of surprise.
Jet, seemingly aware of Sunny’s thoughts, briefly exchanges a glance with him, a rare smile gracing her features as she compliments his mask. With astonishing speed, she transforms into a blue blur, her glaive a deadly arc through the encroaching abominations. She then reappears behind the tyrant, lunging with her weapon, which unnervingly phases through the creature’s armor to pierce its chest, aimed at a soul core.
However, the tyrant proves resilient, its spear igniting with blinding light as it shrugs off Jet’s attack. Recognizing the overwhelming power and the potential for devastating collateral damage, Sunny decides to withdraw, trusting Jet to stall the chieftain until reinforcements arrive. He muses on Jet’s punctuality and dedication, then uses Shadow Step to assist six beleaguered Awakened, cutting down a hunter threatening a young woman with a bow, before a crimson explosion erupts in the distance, a grim indicator of Jet’s ongoing battle.
Chapter 495 Masked Hero
The city hums with an unsettling normalcy following the Gate’s appearance in a prominent district, a stark contrast to the recent battle. Sunny limps home, finding his neighborhood untouched by the chaos, a testament to the populace’s ability to compartmentalize disaster. He reflects on how quickly life resumes, how even the most terrifying events become footnotes, leaving only unseen scars on those who faced them. This detachment fuels Sunny’s internal musings on the human psyche’s capacity for adaptation, a thought cut short as he enters his home.
Effie greets him with a jibe about his appearance, noticing his state. Sunny, with a weary sigh, brushes off her concern, claiming a near-encounter with the Gate near a favorite cafe, humorously prioritizing a pastry. Effie expresses shock at his proximity to the incident, noting the swift evacuation. Her subsequent questions about his “contribution points” and eagerness to discuss upgrades with him highlight a more mundane, yet equally persistent, facet of their world, revealing a stark juxtaposition with the life-or-death struggles Sunny faces.
Frustrated by Effie’s focus on rewards and his own lack of them, Sunny admits he gained nothing from the encounter. Effie, in turn, offers a surprisingly understanding, albeit slightly disappointed, perspective, stating there’s “no shame in avoiding such fights.” Sunny, accepting the sentiment with a dejected wave, retreats to prepare an ice bath, leaving Effie to her own devices. The chapter concludes with Sunny seeking solace and recovery, the mundane concerns of his companion a sharp counterpoint to the recent existential threat.
