Chapter 556 About Those Potatoes
Kai, Effie, and Cassie are settled in the living area, their conversation a comfortable backdrop as Sunny returns to his kitchen duties. He observes the reunion, a brief flicker of darkness crossing his face before he assumes his carefree persona. Rain, also watching, focuses intently on Kai, then Cassie, before her gaze lands on Effie with a growing, complicated expression. Suddenly, Rain’s eyes widen, her pallor intensifying as she turns to Sunny, whispering, “Effie… she is… she’s…” Sunny plays along, asking what she’s mumbling about, and upon glancing into the living room, offers to call Effie over. Rain frantically stops him, her words tumbling out: “Effie, is she… Awakened Athena, also known as Raised by Wolves? What, you didn’t know?” Rain stumbles, a comically mortified expression on her face, realizing she had been speaking freely to a renowned hero without recognition, even admitting to having said things to Effie that now fill her with dread.
Rain’s shock escalates as she confronts Sunny, her voice laced with disbelief and anger. “Damn it! Sunny… why are you friends with Raised by Wolves, Nightingale, and Song of the Fallen?! They are famous people!” Sunny, unfazed, simply states, “So what? We used to be members of the same cohort.” This revelation only deepens Rain’s dismay as she connects them to Lady Changing Star’s cohort, and Sunny’s nonchalant confirmation of knowing “Neph” leaves Rain utterly speechless, collapsing onto a nearby chair, her world seemingly turned upside down by the unexpected revelation of Sunny’s connections.
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Chapter 557 Night Temple
Cassie reveals a hidden layer to the Chained Isles, explaining Clan Valor’s continued interest in the Death Zone of Hollow Mountains, which likely underpins the existence of Night Temple and the presence of a Saint there. Sunny, Kai, and Effie are surprised to learn of a second Saint, Cormac, who oversees the Citadel and occasionally ventures into the mist, seemingly searching for something. Cassie was granted permission to anchor her cohort at Night Temple in exchange for aiding his explorations with her Aspect, though her efforts proved fruitless.
The Citadel, however, harbors greater mysteries. Cassie describes an unusual concentration of Awakened, approximately a hundred, far exceeding what’s needed for a single Saint. The disquieting truth is that, barring two Masters, all are ‘Lost’. Sunny’s interest is piqued, specifically inquiring about one named Mordret, though Cassie clarifies they had limited interaction with the Lost and the Citadel is divided into three zones. The outward ring served as their base, the temple proper houses the Lost and the Gateway, and an Inner Sanctum, forbidden even to the Lost, is guarded by what Cassie witnessed as “human Echoes.”
Despite the unsettling revelations about Clan Valor’s activities, Sunny’s primary concern remains the ivory knife on the altar. Cassie, though unable to confirm its presence directly, describes the Gateway’s altar as a black stone slab with a statue of a veiled woman holding a star and lightning. Disappointed by the lack of direct confirmation but confident of its existence, Sunny faces the challenge of either convincing Clan Valor representatives to grant him access or finding an opportunity to sneak to the altar.
Chapter 558 One Last Lesson
As dawn breaks, Sunny, despite profound mental fatigue from a lengthy planning session, finds himself unable to rest. He brews coffee and sits on the porch, contemplating the multitude of tasks ahead, from bidding farewell to Teacher Julius to ensuring the stability of Aiko’s Emporium, all while acknowledging the grim possibility that he might not return from the imminent danger of the Second Nightmare. The precariousness of his existence is a stark reality he faces, even as he prepares for the inevitable.
A soft sound interrupts his somber reflections. Rain approaches, appearing hesitant, and asks if his guests are still present, a question that subtly reveals her desire for a private conversation. Her initial awkwardness gives way to an indignant curiosity as she asks, “Why didn’t you tell me that you are a big deal?” Sunny, with a hint of amusement, reminds her of a previous conversation on the very same spot where he claimed to be “the strongest Awakened in the world, the best of best.”
Rain, seeking clarity on his assertion, questions how his perceived strength would endanger him. Sunny, his smile fading, offers a cryptic response: “Who said anything about the Nightmare Creatures?” This enigmatic statement shifts the focus from external threats to a more personal and potentially sinister danger, leaving the reader to ponder the true nature of the enemies Sunny faces and the secrets he guards.
Chapter 559 No One Path
Sunny finds himself in a familiar cafe, observing the bustling street outside, a street still bearing faint scars from a past Gate incident, now remarkably mended. This resilience, he muses, is a testament to humanity’s enduring spirit, a spirit even the Nightmare Spells struggle to truly break. His quiet contemplation is interrupted by the arrival of Master Jet, her appearance disheveled but her presence radiating familiar, fierce energy. She joins him, accepting the pastry and coffee he’d set aside, and their conversation quickly turns to the impending Second Nightmare. Sunny, seeking guidance on confronting a Seed, has requested this meeting with Jet, the only Ascended he trusts.
Jet, after a moment of comfortable silence with her treat, acknowledges the gravity of his situation: “So… Second Nightmare, huh?” Sunny, seeking her wisdom as an experienced Seed conqueror, prompts her for advice. Their playful banter about age quickly dissolves into a shared understanding as Sunny explains his resolve: “Now is as good a time as any. I thought things through before deciding to challenge a Seed. This is for the best.” Jet, recognizing his determination, offers a glimpse into the nature of the Second Nightmare.
Jet elaborates that the Second Nightmare mirrors the First but with a crucial difference: it plunges participants into an illusionary past centered on a core conflict. To succeed, Sunny and his cohort must resolve this conflict, regardless of the method. “You just have to end it somehow,” she advises, emphasizing the lack of a prescribed “right” way. Sunny, with a characteristic grin, asks if she, as a “venerated elder,” has any further wisdom to impart, setting the stage for the perilous journey ahead.
Chapter 560 Pawns Of Fate
Sunny visits Aiko, then bids farewell to an emotional Teacher Julius, who, despite his worry, encourages Sunny not to tarnish his reputation in the upcoming Second Nightmare. Leaving the Sleeper compound, Sunny heads back into the Academy complex. He finds Nephis in her sleep chamber, tending to the flowers and silently wrestling with a tempest of emotions: resentment, longing, guilt, affection, fear, and hope. He confesses his past ambivalence about her survival but now cherishes her continued existence, musing on the nature of freedom and chosen chains, his anger fueling a fierce resolve to break free from fate itself.
He tells the sleeping Nephis that he and Cassie will soon enter the Second Nightmare and may not be able to visit for a long time, urging her to stay alive to keep him striving. After this poignant farewell, Sunny prepares for the challenge ahead. He moves Effie’s sleeping pod into the underground dojo, securing the house for their prolonged absence in the Nightmare. Effie is entrusted with vital security passwords and procedures, including contingency plans should Sunny’s return from the Night Temple go awry.
The stage is set for Sunny and Cassie’s perilous undertaking into the Second Nightmare, a trial that mirrors the first but forces participants to confront and resolve a core conflict within an illusory past. Jet’s earlier advice echoes: “You just have to end it somehow.” Sunny’s determination, forged in a crucible of loss and a burning desire to shatter destiny’s grip, propels him toward this dangerous confrontation, a fight not just against the Nightmare, but against the very fabric of fate.
Chapter 561 Journey To The North
As summer’s warmth recedes, Sunny and Cassie embark on their perilous journey toward the Night Temple, a two to three-week expedition through the treacherous Chained Isles. Their plan involves retrieving an ivory knife from a mysterious Citadel by mid-October, then rendezvousing with Effie, Kai, and the Fire Keepers at Shipwreck Island in early November before tackling the Ebony Tower and the Seed before winter’s harsh grip. Sunny, despite his growing confidence in the southeastern region, acknowledges the escalating dangers as they venture west and north, particularly near the vast emptiness at the Chained Isles’ heart. Fortunately, Cassie’s knowledge of the northern reaches and the detailed map from Mordret offer vital intel, bolstering Sunny’s decision to undertake this mission with just the two of them.
The journey, against expectations, unfolds surprisingly smoothly. Cassie’s adeptness at traversing between islands, aided by her second Aspect Ability and the quiet dancer augmented by an Ascended charm, proves invaluable. Though the charm drains her soul essence rapidly, it grants her the ability to leap short distances, facilitating their movement. However, as they push deeper into the Chained Isles, more Nightmare Creatures catch their scent, posing a significant threat. Sunny, with the formidable support of Saint and the Soul Serpent, expertly handles these encounters, his Shadows proving swift, cunning, and overwhelmingly deadly, leaving little for Cassie to do but observe their terrifying combined power.
“It’s just… I was so scared,” Cassie admits, her voice barely a whisper, a hint of vulnerability beneath her stoic facade. Sunny offers a grim nod, understanding the unspoken fears that haunt them both. Despite the relative ease of their initial travel, the encroaching darkness and the increasing number of abominations serve as stark reminders of the true peril that awaits them. Their path is fraught with unseen dangers, pushing them closer to the heart of the Nightmare and the confrontation that will test the very limits of their resolve and their intertwined destinies.
Chapter 562 Lnto The Night
Sunny and Cassie traverse a swaying chain to a tranquil, violet-hued island. The blossoms here, Cassie reveals, will bloom at night, casting an ethereal glow. Sunny’s gaze, however, is drawn to the formidable, mist-shrouded Hollow Mountains looming beyond, a majestic yet terrifying sight that sparks a thought about Nephis’s whereabouts. They ascend to the island and, guided by Cassie’s innate sense, make their way through the silent beauty towards ancient fortress ruins, reminiscent of a past encounter.
Within the ruins, the colossal chain anchoring the Isles to the Hollow Mountains draws Sunny’s attention, its connection to the dark stone obscured by swirling mist. A shiver runs through him as he turns away from the unnerving sight. A nearly hidden, narrow set of rock-cut stairs leads down the island’s edge, a path Cassie begins to descend with caution, Sunny following closely, his expression grim.
The descent into the island’s shadowed side feels heavy with unspoken anticipation. Cassie’s careful steps and Sunny’s watchful presence suggest they are approaching a significant, perhaps dangerous, waypoint on their quest, with the looming presence of the Hollow Mountains a constant reminder of the greater, more perilous world they are navigating.
Chapter 563 Lost Sentinels
Approaching the Citadel gates, Sunny inquires about their next move, to which Cassie admits uncertainty, hinging on Saint Cormac’s presence within the Hollow Mountains. She outlines strict rules for their entry, including prohibitions on summoning Memories or Echoes and limitations on movement without an escort, rules Sunny grudgingly accepts, mindful of Sky Tide’s warning. As they reach the ornate entrance, two sentinel figures, identified as the Lost, stand guard. Sunny, encountering their kind for the first time, is struck by their imposing aura and warrior prowess, noting their perfectly crafted armors and weapons. The sheer pressure emanating from them reminds him of the most seasoned hunters from the Dark City, making the Awakened at the Sanctuary of Noctis seem like mere children in comparison.
One sentinel stops them, recognizing Cassie as “Lady Song of the Fallen” and inquiring about her cohort. Cassie confirms her companions are well at the Sanctuary of Noctis. The second sentinel, observing Sunny’s presence, questions Cassie’s journey without her usual allies. Cassie smoothly introduces Sunny as “Awakened Sunless,” a dear friend and former companion of Lady Changing Star, a deception that impresses Sunny. She then states their desire for an audience with Lord Cormac. The sentinels confirm Cormac is away on a mission for several weeks, prompting Cassie to immediately request an audience with either Sir Pierce or Lady Welthe.
The chapter reveals the imposing strength of Clan Valor’s forces stationed near the Hollow Mountains, with the Citadel concealing a hidden army of the Lost. The sentinels’ formidable presence underscores the dangerous nature of their mission and the powerful entities they face. Cassie’s adept social maneuvering and Sunny’s cautious observation set the stage for a potential confrontation or alliance within the Citadel’s walls. The chapter leaves the reader anticipating how their interaction with the remaining Masters will unfold and what secrets the Citadel holds.
Chapter 564 Lnspection
Inside the Citadel, Sunny witnesses the unsettling architecture of the Night Temple, where floors serve as ceilings and vice-versa, a bizarre labyrinth that hints at the power wielded within. Even the common Lost, tasked with mundane upkeep, radiate an aura of seasoned lethality, their crude attire a stark contrast to their evident battle-hardened prowess, reinforcing the perilous nature of their endeavor.
Summoned to present their belongings, Cassie places her scabbard on a central table, while Sunny, after a moment’s hesitation, reveals the contents of his Covetous Coffer. The sentinel’s incredulity grows as Sunny unloads a bewildering assortment of mundane items, “almost finished!” he exclaims before presenting the last few. Sir Pierce, a powerful and imposing figure, then enters, his steely gaze and relaxed confidence marking him as a seasoned warrior, immediately making Sunny realize their precarious position.
Sir Pierce addresses Cassie as “Awakened Cassia,” welcoming her back, while Sunny, feeling largely invisible, observes the subtle dynamics, understanding that “this conversation” is crucial for his plans. As Cassie and Sir Pierce begin to discuss their purpose, a faint sigh from behind distracts Sunny, leaving the reader to wonder about the unseen presences within this enigmatic stronghold.
Chapter 565 Unleashed
The serenity of the Night Temple shatters with the sound of breaking mirrors, a phenomenon only Sunny seems to register. As Master Pierce’s held glass explodes, his confident demeanor evaporates, replaced by terror. “Seal the temple! Destroy the Gateway!” he commands a sentinel, his voice strained with panic. Sunny, bewildered, can only question what Gateway Pierce refers to and what ‘thing’ is threatening to escape. Pierce, his face a mask of grim resolve and fear, turns his fury on Sunny, grabbing him by the shoulder with crushing force. “You!” he sputters, before forcibly escorting Sunny and a yelping Cassie from the room, leaving Sunny’s carefully curated belongings abandoned.
Dragged through the now chaotic Citadel, Sunny realizes he’s been manipulated. The prince, Mordret, has clearly orchestrated something dire, pushing the entire stronghold into a state of emergency and angering its masters. The destruction of a vital Gateway is a grave sign. Sunny ponders whether Mordret himself is the unleashed terror or if he’s merely a pawn in a larger game. He understands that fighting his way out against two Masters and a hundred elites is suicide, especially with their current compromised status. Survival dictates caution; he must gather more information before making any move.
The Citadel is no longer somber but a hive of disciplined military activity. Lost, now clad in armor and armed, move with swift, orderly precision, their movements betraying an underlying tension. An army prepares for war, but beneath their calm facade, Sunny senses a palpable nervousness. His own fear deepens as he considers the implications of Mordret’s actions and the ominous presence that now grips the Night Temple, leaving the reader in suspense about the true nature of the threat and Sunny’s next desperate action.
Chapter 566 Lmprisoned
Sunny finds himself imprisoned within a cage, its runes draining his shadow essence and rendering him powerless. His reserves plummet, limiting his shadow essence to the confines of his prison, and even his potent Cruel Sight disintegrates before it can form, leaving him helpless. He realizes this cell is specifically designed to contain Awakened, preventing his escape through Shadow Step and making it impossible to summon his Memories, Echoes, or even his Shadows, leaving him weak and vulnerable. The humiliation is palpable; he knows he has no one to blame but himself for falling into this trap.
Cassie, also imprisoned, confirms the Citadel’s chaos by noting the destruction of the Gateway. Sunny, trapped in his despair, grapples with the lingering questions about the ivory knife and Mordret’s true motives, his mind replaying the prince’s cunning manipulation. He acknowledges Mordret’s deviousness, recognizing how the prince expertly played on his paranoia, offering aid and information without ever overtly demanding anything, thus earning his reluctant trust.
Trapped and stripped of his powers, Sunny sits with the blind Cassie, who laments her renewed blindness, a consequence of her own abilities being tied to soul essence. He acknowledges the cruel irony of his situation, admitting to himself that he was outmaneuvered by Mordret, who, through a subtle, patient approach, had orchestrated his downfall. The chapter ends with Sunny consumed by fear, fury, and humiliation, a prisoner in a cage that perfectly neutralizes his abilities, leaving him vulnerable to whatever terrible fate awaits him.
Chapter 567 No Escape
Trapped and observing the limited options for his confinement, Sunny reflects on the scant information he possesses about Mordret, the “Prince of Nothing.” He acknowledges Mordret’s likely humanity, his remarkable knowledge of the waking world, and his alleged conquest of the First Nightmare at a young age. The scraps of lore about Mordret’s past, including being gifted to a Dreamspawn and later creating the Mirror Beast and Saint, offer little solace in understanding his true nature or motives. The restrictive, concave design of their cage forces Sunny and Cassie into close proximity, a constant reminder of their shared vulnerability as they await an unknown fate.
Cassie’s somber assessment that their release hinges on their captors’ ability to contain Mordret weighs heavily on Sunny. His earlier confidence in the Citadel’s defenses wavers when he recalls Sir Pierce’s palpable terror and the unease of the Lost warriors. The possibility of Mordret’s continued success sparks a chilling dread, raising the question of whether their current safety would evaporate if he were to prevail. While the passage of time becomes a blur within the dim, shadow-filled chamber, Sunny attempts to assess the cage’s impenetrable strength, confirming that even his full power would be insufficient to break free through brute force.
As Sunny grapples with the grim reality of their situation, a sudden shift signals the arrival of visitors. The door bangs open to reveal four bloodied Lost warriors and the same sentinel who imprisoned them, his face pale and injured. Accompanying them is Master Welthe, her red hair stark against her black tunic, an anvil amulet adorning her neck and murder in her eyes. She immediately confronts Sunny, her voice sharp and accusatory: “You! You brought that piece of mirror into the Citadel, correct?”
Chapter 568 Full Circle
Cassie reveals her newfound ability to read the Attributes and Aspects of their captors, including Master Welthe and the Lost warriors, a revelation that both impresses and slightly irritates Sunny, given the implications for his own secrets. He recognizes the crucial nature of this information for their survival, acknowledging the infuriating irony that Cassie, now privy to his hidden depths, possesses such a valuable gift. The silence is broken again as the Lost warriors return, not with answers, but with a tray of meager rations – tubes of synthetic paste. Sunny, adopting his researcher persona, attempts to elicit information, but the sentinel, his face cold and filled with animosity, simply dismisses them with a curt “Silence!” before leaving, reinforcing their isolation.
Sunny’s laughter, triggered by the sight of the familiar, vile synthpaste, speaks volumes about his past struggles and the cruel irony of their current predicament. As they consume the nutrient-rich but tasteless sludge, a stark reminder of his life on the outskirts, fatigue sets in. Forced to sleep back-to-back within the confines of their cage, their bodies pressed close, a fragile warmth momentarily dispels the chill. The quiet intimacy is shattered when Cassie hesitantly asks, “How… how is she doing? Do you know?”
The question hangs in the air, a poignant inquiry into the well-being of someone significant to Sunny, hinting at a deeper emotional connection amidst their dire circumstances. The chapter ends with this unanswered question, leaving the reader to ponder the identity of “she” and the emotional weight this carries for Sunny as they face an uncertain future, their captors’ motives and Mordret’s escalating threat still shrouded in mystery.
Chapter 569 On The Seventh Day
The Lost warriors return, appearing more worn despite their cleaned armor and tended wounds. Their pallor and taut movements betray an underlying tension, a stark contrast to the sentinel’s unwavering, hostile resolve. He wordlessly tosses synthpaste tubes and a waterskin into their cage, ignoring Sunny’s attempts to glean information. “Don’t speak unless spoken to,” the sentinel curtly replies to Sunny’s inquiry about their missing comrade, leaving them once again in oppressive silence, their imprisonment officially begun.
Days bleed into an indistinguishable blur within their windowless stone cell. The trio of Lost, their sole connection to the outside, deliver sustenance daily, their appearances subtly shifting: two grow increasingly fearful, while the sentinel’s grimness deepens, his glare filled with “ire.” The other two now stand guard at the door, weapons drawn, their hands occasionally trembling. Trapped in this quiet stasis, Sunny shares all he knows of Mordret with Cassie, and she reciprocates with her knowledge of the Night Temple, a futile exchange of information that yields no new clues, only a frustrating dead end.
On the seventh day, as the sentinel delivers their meager rations, a horrifying, agonizing scream rips through the corridor, a sound of “torment and indescribable agony” that freezes the Lost in place and hints at the dire events unfolding beyond their confines.
Chapter 570 Thirst
The chilling scream from the previous day is followed by an eerie silence, broken only by the unsettling approach of blood seeping closer to their cage. Sunny and Cassie remain trapped, the threat of violence palpable but unseen. After the blood stream halts, the silence persists, punctuated by their shared realization of a potent, metallic scent: “Blood.” With their limited resources becoming a grave concern, Sunny grimly declares, “We are going to need to start rationing water,” highlighting their perilous isolation and dwindling hope.
Days turn into an agonizing blur of thirst and hunger as no one returns with sustenance. The water supply dwindles to nothing, plunging Sunny and Cassie into a new level of torment. The gnawing thirst becomes a maddening delirium, his throat burning, lips cracking, and a relentless headache pounding. The primal fear of a forgotten, desolate death in the iron cage fuels his despair. He attempts to escape, but each effort only worsens his depleted state, leaving him trapped in the suffocating grip of his suffering.
Shivering in the perpetual dimness, their isolation complete, Sunny and Cassie face the stark reality of their situation. The chapter leaves them teetering on the edge of madness, their bodies ravaged by dehydration, their minds consumed by the desperate longing for water. The chilling silence outside their cell, once a respite, now amplifies their terror, leaving them to question if rescue will ever come or if this is their grim, final resting place.
