Chapter 736 Surrounded
Sunny’s attempt to command his own Reflections, the terrifying shadowkin devils now bearing his image, proves futile. Mordret, unfazed, reveals he has bound them to himself, a testament to his foresight. Sunny, observing the five Ascended beings – two Beasts, two Monsters, and a Demon – acknowledges their power, each reflecting a wielder of a Divine Aspect, but dismisses their effectiveness. He taunts Mordret about the perceived weakness of his reflections, suggesting his northern exploits were “silly,” a statement met with Mordret’s grim assurance that they are still sufficient to kill Sunny.
Sunny, undeterred by the threat of the Ascended Reflections, maintains his conviction that Mordret will not kill him. He reasons that he is more valuable alive, a repository of crucial “Memories” that Mordret cannot extract within the limited time he has. Mordret, however, questions Sunny’s assumption of his reasonableness, introducing a chilling uncertainty into their exchange.
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The confrontation shifts from overt threats to a battle of wills, with Sunny reiterating his underestimation of Mordret and hinting at his own hidden capabilities. Mordret’s smile, usually indicative of amusement, now carries a sinister undertone as he ponders Sunny’s claims, leaving the true extent of Sunny’s power and Mordret’s ultimate intentions shrouded in mystery.
Chapter 737 Self-Reflection
Sunny finds himself facing Mordret, a far greater threat than the defeated Solvane and Sun Prince. While technically allies in this trial, Sunny remains wary of the Prince of Nothing, knowing that even a great clan failed to contain him. He adheres to Master Jet’s wisdom: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Thus, Sunny and Kai devise a plan, each armed with a specialized knife, to tackle their objectives. Sunny’s sole aim is to keep Mordret and his five Ascended Reflections occupied, buying Kai the time needed to strike Sevirax. He engages Mordret in a drawn-out conversation, feigning possession of the Glass Knife and subtly provoking the prince into revealing his powerful Reflections. Sunny, though outmatched in raw power, uses his cunning and wit, even a rock, to outmaneuver Mordret, manipulating him into a position where he becomes the one being played.
As the Reflections, now mirroring Sunny and wielding his Aspect Abilities, prepare to intercept Kai on Ivory Island, Sunny realizes his role is far from over. He must physically intervene, preventing them from reaching his friend and disrupting Kai’s crucial attempt to finish Sevirax. The stakes are impossibly high; if Mordret’s Reflections prevent Kai’s attack, Sevirax will survive, and their carefully laid plans will crumble. Sunny’s objective is clear: stall the Reflections, buy precious seconds, and ensure Kai’s strike lands.
Kai, armed with Sunny’s gifted anvil amulet, is now protected from Mordret’s soul possession, a crucial safeguard against the Prince of Nothing’s direct interference. This leaves only the Reflections as the immediate threat to Kai’s mission. Sunny faces the daunting task of physically intercepting these powerful, mirrored entities, knowing that failure means Sevirax’s survival and the potential collapse of their entire strategy. “I have to stop them at all costs,” he thinks, preparing for a desperate gamble to buy Kai the victory.
Chapter 738 Soul Annihilation
Sunny’s Mantle of the Underworld, now augmented with his shadows, unleashes a devastating soul-annihilation aura, inflicting agonizing pain on him and Mordret’s five Ascended Reflections. While the Reflections, despite their superior souls, are hampered by fewer cores and thus less augmented Mantles, Sunny finds himself in a precarious balance, unsure who will succumb first. Mordret, however, is utterly defenseless against this onslaught, his usual soul-stealing abilities useless against Sunny’s armor. He crumples in pain, his survival hinging on the timely manifestation of his protective Memories, a desperate gamble against the overwhelming soul damage. Sunny, fueled by desperation, urges the Prince of Nothing to perish, his own goal being to buy Kai sufficient time to eliminate the Ivory Dragon, even if it means forcing Mordret to seek a new vessel.
The soul-annihilating power originating from Sunny’s augmented Mantle clashes with the combined might of Mordret’s Reflections. This chaotic symphony of soul damage leaves both Sunny and the Reflections writhing in agony, their very essence being frayed. Sunny, though outmatched in raw power, leverages his cunning and the formidable enhancements of his Mantle, which not only amplifies his own effects but also provides crucial resistance to soul attacks. He endures the punishing onslaught, barely clinging to consciousness, while the Reflections, despite their higher quality souls, suffer from fewer cores, diminishing their Mantles’ augmentations and thus their resilience.
With Mordret exposed and vulnerable to the soul-annihilation aura, Sunny pushes himself further, his inner monologue a torrent of desperate pleas for the Prince of Nothing’s demise. “Die! Die, you bastard! Just hurry up and die!” he silently screams, grasping for any advantage that might secure Kai’s success. Even if he cannot truly destroy Mordret, forcing the Prince of Nothing to abandon his current form and search for a new body would buy precious time for Kai’s critical strike against Sevirax, a contingency Mordret himself seems to recognize.
Chapter 739 Empty Skies
Emerging from the oppressive darkness of the Sky Below, Kai bursts into sunlight, a ghost of his former self. Months after his comrades’ fiery demise on Sacrifice Island, this former Sun Legion officer, gaunt and battered, races towards a desperate mission. He infiltrates Ivory Island under the cover of a shadow dome cast by Sunny, his heart heavy as he approaches his target. The magnificent Ivory Dragon, Sevirax, lies grievously wounded on the emerald grass, a testament to a previous, brutal confrontation. Yet, despite mangled neck and broken wing, the immortal Transcendent still breathes, his very existence a defiant testament to his power. Kai clutches a knife forged of ghostly glass, a weapon imbued with divine judgment, his sole focus to end Sevirax’s reign of terror.
Kai, driven by a singular conviction – that “Sevirax had to die” – ignores the lingering pain from his own months of torment and lunges at the weakened dragon. His surprise attack, however, falters. Sevirax, despite his catastrophic injuries, awakens with a flash of inhuman amber eyes. A torrent of wind, unleashed by the dragon’s healthy wing, sends Kai spinning, his spectral blade scratching fruitlessly against impenetrable scales. A glancing blow from a massive claw rips through Kai’s breastplate, shattering ribs. As Kai struggles to rise, Sevirax fixes him with a gaze that registers a flicker of confusion, a low, tired voice resonating, “You… I know you…”
The devastating soul-annihilation aura from Sunny’s augmented Mantle continues its agonizing assault, leaving both him and Mordret’s Ascended Reflections in searing pain. While the Reflections, despite their superior souls, are hindered by fewer cores and less potent Mantles, Sunny treads a knife’s edge, unsure of who will break first. Mordret, his usual soul-stealing abilities rendered useless, crumbles, his survival dependent on the timely manifestation of his protective Memories. Sunny, driven by Kai’s perilous mission, silently urges Mordret to perish, his own aim to buy Kai the crucial time needed to eliminate the Ivory Dragon.
Chapter 740 Dream Is Collapsing
The death of the Ivory Dragon sends a shockwave through the world, shattering one of the two chains anchoring Ivory Island and causing the vital stone bridge to crumble into dust. Amidst the debris, Sunny and Mordret, both severely weakened by their struggle against the soul-annihilation aura, assess the fallout. Mordret, recovering his composure, expresses a muted concern about the collapsed bridge, while Sunny, feigning extreme weakness, tests Mordret’s reaction. The Prince of Nothing sees through Sunny’s facade, acknowledging his clever use of Reflections against him. He then turns his attention back to the Ivory Tower, bewildered and troubled by an unexpected turn of events, questioning how Sunny could have relinquished one of the divine knives.
Sunny’s defiant grin hints at a profound change, admitting that the decision wasn’t easy. Mordret, unconvinced that people change so readily, grapples with this revelation, his previous certainty shaken. He confronts Sunny, asking for a reason not to kill him. Sunny’s chilling response, “people who try to kill me tend to end up dead instead,” sparks a dangerous verbal exchange, with Mordret ominously stating, “I am sure I can manage.” Sunny then attempts to leverage the Divine Memory Mordret desires, but the Prince of Nothing, weakened and questioning the value of the effort, seems to be wavering in his resolve.
As Sunny cautiously circulates his depleted essence and tends to his damaged Shadows, the direness of his situation becomes apparent. His allies are distant and in worse condition, and his own strength is nearly gone. Mordret, observing Sunny’s precarious state, acknowledges the potential value of the Divine Memory, but his conviction seems to be faltering. The chapter ends with a tense silence, the fate of their strained alliance hanging precariously in the balance.
Chapter 741 Chain Breaker
The world reels from the dual victories: Solvane, the Saint of War, and the Ivory Dragon are dead, the latter’s demise a shattering blow to the island’s structural integrity. Despite his severely damaged soul and body, Sunny, the sole survivor of the bloody ordeal, stands at the precipice of becoming a Master. He makes his way to the last remaining chain anchoring Ivory Island, the arduous journey a testament to his depleted reserves. Upon reaching the familiar, yet scarred, tranquil island, Sunny finds Kai unconscious but alive, his wounds dire but not fatal for an Awakened.
Sunny then turns his attention to the imposing gates of the prison housing Hope. Before he can act, Noctis reappears, surprisingly healed and radiant, the madness that once clouded him now absent. Noctis confirms their victory, yet hints at one final, crucial task remaining. Sunny, a wry smile touching his lips, questions Noctis’s earlier assurance about Hope’s ability to break a single chain, a statement that now carries a heavier, more nuanced implication.
The chapter leaves Sunny and Noctis facing an uncertain future, the immediate conflict resolved but a lingering question about Hope’s true capabilities and their next move hanging in the air. Their hard-won triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds is tinged with the exhaustion of battle and the daunting prospect of what lies ahead, with the fate of Hope, and perhaps the world, still very much in the balance.
Chapter 742 Hope
As all seven chains break, the Ivory Island, bearing the Ivory Tower, begins its ascent, severing itself from the Kingdom of Hope. Sunny witnesses the fiery destruction of the Ivory City below, a devastating inferno consuming everything. He realizes this is the end of his Nightmare, looking out upon a landscape irrevocably changed. The islands, once connected by chains, now lie scattered, remnants of a fallen kingdom.
The sky around the ascending Ivory Island warps as the powerful enchantment holding it aloft shifts, leading to the terrifying “Crushing.” This catastrophic force obliterates countless islands, flattening forests, shattering hills, and annihilating settlements, along with every flying ship in the approaching army. Sunny watches, paralyzed by the sheer scale of the devastation, only to recall Cassie’s foresight. He believes she and Effie are safe, their survival a small comfort amidst the widespread ruin.
Driven by a new purpose, Sunny races back to the Ivory Tower. He approaches the heavily fortified gates, his gaze fixed on the prison holding Hope. Gritting his teeth, he prepares to use the full might of his shadows to force them open, the fate of those within, and perhaps what remains of this broken world, resting squarely on his shoulders.
Chapter 743 Appraisal
Sunny finds himself adrift in the boundless black void, the stars and their silver threads revealing themselves not as mere celestial bodies, but as the very weave of the Spell, the “Strings of Fate” itself. This profound realization, that Weaver, the Demon of Fate, had crafted such an immense enchantment from the fabric of destiny, leaves Sunny reeling, grappling with the unfathomable scale of divine creation. The enigma of Hope’s words, “We are their Flaw,” weighs heavily on him, hinting at a complex, cosmic relationship between gods and daemons that remains tantalizingly out of reach.
The Spell announces, “[Awakened! Your trial is over.]” as it begins the appraisal of Sunny’s journey. It recounts his descent into the Nightmare, his struggle against captivity, and his eventual escape through immense sacrifice, shedding his own soul and heart for freedom. The Spell meticulously lists the countless beings Sunny has slain within the Nightmare, a testament to his brutal five-month ordeal where he has grown from a lost soul to a Master, his path marked by the deaths of immortals and the destruction of a holy city.
With his Nightmare concluded, Sunny’s focus shifts from the cosmic mysteries to his immediate, world-shattering reality. He is now a Master, but the weight of his actions and the implications of the Spell’s appraisal are immense. The chapter leaves him on the precipice of understanding his newfound power and the true nature of the world he inhabits, hinting at a future fraught with both immense potential and terrifying truths, with the broken chains of Hope and the freedom of Desire as his only tangible achievements.
Chapter 744 Ascension
Overwhelmed by the revelations of the Spell and Hope’s true form, Sunny struggles to process the immense implications of his five-month ordeal. He questions the Demon of Fate’s motives, wondering why they would encourage mortals to defy destiny within illusory Nightmares that supposedly have no bearing on reality. This doubt festers as the Spell declares the “Third Seal is broken,” signaling Sunny’s imminent Ascension.
His four Shadow Cores ignite, initiating a familiar yet profoundly different transformation. This time, his body and soul don’t merely fortify; they meld, their resonance amplifying and shattering the limits of his evolution. Sunny experiences an unprecedented control over shadow essence and a deep interconnectedness between his physical and spiritual being. This merging unlocks a fundamental shift in his very existence, hinting at a new relationship with the waking world and the Dream Realm.
The intense heat subsides, leaving Sunny feeling potent and balanced. The Spell announces the acquisition of a new Aspect Ability: “Shadow Manifestation.” However, before he can fully grasp this development, the Spell delivers another shock: his attributes have evolved, and with them, his newfound ability has also advanced, promising even greater power and complexity.
Chapter 745 Freedom Of Choice
Emerging from a silent, lightless sarcophagus, Sunny is reborn into his true, slender human form. The “crack” on the lid signals a dramatic release as radiant light floods the chamber, dispelling the oppressive darkness. He struggles momentarily with his newfound strength, his “pale hand” easily bending the “armored alloy” of the pod. Upon finding his footing, he exclaims, “Wait… I can speak again? I can speak again!” reveling in the return to his own body, the previous hulking demon form now a distant, cumbersome memory.
Sunny delights in his restored agility and lightness, performing “lightning-fast strikes and kicks” with a grin, declaring, “Ah, it is good to be home!” He appreciates the benefits of being a smaller, nimbler target, especially now that his Master-level strength and attunement with shadow essence can be unleashed through his compact physique. The sheer exhilaration of shedding the shadowspawn’s immense weight leaves him feeling potent and revitalized, a stark contrast to the restrictive demon form.
A fleeting concern over accidentally damaging the “expensive machine” with his overpowering grip quickly fades as a profound realization dawns: he no longer needs the sleeping pod. As a true Ascended Master, he can now traverse the Dream Realm physically, leaving his body secure in the waking world. This newfound freedom presents a tantalizing choice – to abandon the Dream Realm entirely and embrace the safety and comforts of reality.
Chapter 746 First Steps
Emerging from his sarcophagus, Sunny, now restored to his true form, readies himself to confront an intruder in his home. He bypasses conventional exits, opting to traverse the shadows, his mind racing with the possibility of devastation in the waking world after his seven-month absence. However, upon arriving, he is met not with a monstrous threat, but with a triumphant, howling Effie, standing unassisted. The sight of her, radiating newfound vitality and strength, having seemingly transcended her former physical limitations, leaves Sunny momentarily stunned.
Effie, having shed her previous frail appearance and disability, is a picture of robust health and power. Her transformation, a testament to the miraculous Ascension process, brings her closer to her dream of becoming a Master. As she joyfully announces her regained mobility, “Doofus! I’m walking!”, Sunny, though delighted by her recovery, is also a bit flustered by her lack of attire.
He urges Effie to cover herself, a request met with a sheepish apology as she retreats to dress. The air crackles with the unspoken implications of Effie’s Ascended state and the potential for what else may have transpired during Sunny’s prolonged absence, setting the stage for further revelations and challenges.
Chapter 747 Invisible Scars
Kai arrives at Sunny’s residence with unprecedented speed, foregoing his usual discretion. Effie, still reveling in her newfound mobility, laments the lack of provisions in the ransacked refrigerator, earning an exasperated sigh from Sunny about their prolonged absence. Their discussion is interrupted by a knock, confirming Sunny’s anticipation of Cassie’s arrival. Cassie enters bearing food, much to Effie’s delight and a veiled jab at Kai. The group observes the striking transformations in both Kai and Cassie, a testament to their Master status, and Sunny reflects on how even his own appearance has dramatically shifted, hinting at the powerful, glowing threads of Weaver’s forbidden legacy now visible to him.
The four Masters share a somber meal. While Effie beams with pure giddiness at her own vibrant health, Sunny, Kai, and Cassie are visibly subdued, the immense toll of their ordeals within the Nightmare now surfacing. The echoes of the Red Colosseum, the nightmares, and the assault on the Ivory City begin to weigh heavily on their souls, manifesting as unseen wounds that now ache with the return to reality.
Despite their shared victory over the Nightmare, a profound sense of hurt, fatigue, and emptiness pervades the others. The sheer resilience and unique charisma of Master Jet remain unmatched by their own ascendance, leaving Sunny to ponder her enigmatic nature. The silent meal underscores the unspoken trauma and the deep emotional scars left by their recent experiences, foreshadowing the internal battles that lie ahead as they navigate the aftermath of their perilous journey.
Chapter 748 Young Masters
The shared meal, though nourishing, underscores the unspoken trauma and fatigue weighing on Sunny, Kai, and Cassie. Sunny finds himself contemplating the stark contrast between their current Master status and their past struggles, especially the unparalleled resilience of Master Jet. He acknowledges their newfound power, noting how the trio, alongside Effie, are now exceptional Masters, having conquered the Second Nightmare at a remarkably young age. Effie’s most striking new ability significantly bolsters allies within her line of sight, a power Sunny himself experienced, recognizing its immense potential to revolutionize how forces are built and augmented.
Stepping onto the porch alone, Sunny grapples with the profound transformations and the overwhelming future. Though now a Master, a title that once seemed ethereal, he struggles to fully internalize the inhuman power coursing through him. The immediate future demands action: contacting Aiko for an update on Rain, utilizing Cassie to investigate the White Feather clan and the aftermath of the Night Temple’s destruction, and reaching out to Master Jet, his de facto handler and conduit to governmental protection amidst the growing influence of the great clans. He postpones these crucial calls, needing to first gather his thoughts amidst the familiar peace of the terrace district.
The survivors of the Forgotten Shore’s victory in the Second Nightmare is set to cause a significant stir, both publicly and privately. Sunny realizes he can no longer remain entirely unseen, especially with each of them acquiring incredibly powerful, unique Abilities. Effie’s new power, in particular, is poised to make her highly sought after, capable of enhancing any number of allies simply by being in their sight, a boon that could drastically alter military and organizational structures.
Chapter 749 Shadow Manifestation
Sunny delves into the intricacies of his newly evolved Shadow Manifestation, a deceptively simple yet profoundly deep ability. He learns that he can now turn shadows tangible, with the effectiveness tied to their age and depth. While he commands “wild” shadows from inanimate objects, those belonging to living beings remain connected, refusing to betray their source despite his authority. His control now extends nearly ten kilometers, though his human mind can only process sensing shadows within a smaller radius, unless they are his own. Manifesting these shadows requires essence, but in return, they gain the resilience and durability of Ascended Rank Memories, allowing him to craft weapons, barriers, or even entire structures limited only by his imagination and essence reserves.
The true potential of Shadow Manifestation becomes apparent as Sunny realizes the tangible shadows he creates are infused with his essence, making them as formidable as Ascended Memories. This ability grants him unparalleled utility, enabling him to form any shape imaginable, from blades capable of cutting through enemies to defensive barriers or even simple conveniences like a saddle for Nightmare. However, the more complex and condensed the manifestation, the greater the essence cost, a crucial consideration as he experiments with these newfound powers.
Sunny’s exploration of his powers is punctuated by the dawning realization of his new public standing. With Effie’s allies-boosting Ability and his own potent shadow manipulation, remaining unseen is no longer an option. The survivors of the Second Nightmare are now forces to be reckoned with, and the weight of his new authority settles upon him as he prepares to navigate the complex political landscape and the demands of their unprecedented advancements.
Chapter 750 Home
Sunny, now a Master, is confronted by a surprisingly emotional Rain, who, despite feigned indifference, admits to missing his company. She laments her new tutor’s lack of charisma compared to Sunny. His casual revelation of his advancement to Master status leaves her stunned. Sunny playfully teases her about the increased cost of his future lessons, before softening with a shared admission of mutual longing. This reunion highlights the passage of time and the shifting dynamics of their relationships in the wake of Sunny’s burgeoning power and new public standing.
Amidst his personal reflections on his powers and the survivors’ new status, Sunny grapples with the lingering mysteries of the past, particularly the true events surrounding the liberation of Hope. He muses on the fate of Noctis and whether he managed to broker a deal with Weaver, questioning the sorcerer’s survival and the price he might have paid. These unanswered questions underscore the fractured nature of truth and memory, hinting at a deeper narrative yet to be fully unearthed.
The chapter then shifts to a surreal and atmospheric depiction of a journey through a dark, fog-choked cavern. A lone gondola, illuminated by a spectral white flame, navigates the oppressive gloom. A slumbering young woman, frail and pale, lies within the vessel, while a skeletal figure, clad in tattered rags, steers the boat and hums an ominous prophecy about the fall of gods and the awakening of a devouring entity. This stark imagery suggests a new, perilous journey or a symbolic representation of a significant transition.
