Shadow Slave Chapter Summary 781-795

Chapter 781 The Brightest Light

Sunny recoils, believing himself aflame, yet finds the radiant energy inexplicably benign, bathing him in a soft glow. Nephis, her own abilities still untamed since her Master ascension, is equally bewildered, her touch drawing back from his now-shining skin as she professes ignorance. He feels an unfamiliar empowerment, a doubling of his physical prowess akin to his shadow’s embrace, the augmentation extending even to his soul, making his shadow essence more potent. This inexplicable enhancement leads Sunny to a startling realization: Nephis has inadvertently augmented him with her Aspect Ability, a feat she claims her Dormant Ability never allowed.

Their mutual astonishment is amplified when Sunny, driven by a sudden suspicion, commands his shadow to envelop Nephis. She flinches as her skin turns a film of grey, yet declares, “I feel stronger…” A profound implication dawns upon them: their innate connection through Shadow Bond might allow them to mutually augment each other with their Aspect Abilities, a discovery that sparks a potent curiosity in Sunny, temporarily eclipsing his usual resentment.

Despite Sunny’s concern over Nephis’s discomfort, she insists on continuing. He allows his shadows to re-envelop him while Nephis intensifies her radiant aura. The synergy between their powers, with Nephis’s flame acting as five additional shadows, theoretically amplifies Sunny’s strength tenfold, hinting at a new, formidable path for their combined might.

Chapter 782 Grand Teacher

Rain rushes home, eager to share momentous news with Sunny: “Changing Star,” the legendary hero of the Forgotten Shore, has Ascended and returned to the living world. Convinced Sunny will be overjoyed, given their deep connection hinted at by Effie, Rain bypasses her usual lessons to deliver the update personally. She bursts into Sunny’s home, only to halt in stunned silence. The curtain to the guest room parts, revealing an ethereal, silver-haired woman clad only in Sunny’s shirt, her skin dewy as if from a recent shower. “You’re Changing Star!” Rain finally manages, her voice trembling. The woman calmly confirms her identity, then, regarding Rain, offers a cryptic smile. “Really? Well… I used to be your teacher’s teacher. I guess that makes me your grand teacher.”

Chapter 783 Captive Audience

Rain, witnessing the cinematic portrayal of Changing Star’s past, finds herself deeply embarrassed as an overly dramatic movie unfolds. The film depicts a young boy, inexplicably cast as Sunny, in a bizarre romantic entanglement with a scantily clad sea-nymph. Rain awkwardly attempts to compliment Nephis, who remains stoic, noting the actress’s lack of resemblance and questioning the casting of a child as Sunny, deeming it a foolish mistake. Nephis, however, confirms the film’s accuracy regarding Sunny’s peculiar catchphrase, admitting it “actually happened. A lot!” Rain’s discomfort escalates as the movie progresses, hinting at a love triangle between Nephis, Sunny, and another hero, Han Li Caster.

The film culminates in a passionate speech by Caster, vowing his life for Nephis and humanity’s hope. Rain, feeling the heat rise, finds Nephis’s impassive reaction to the dramatic projection unnerving. Suddenly, the projector sputters and emits smoke, a thin wisp rising from within. Rain frowns, a strange smell filling the air as the cinematic spectacle falters.

The cinematic tribute to Changing Star’s legendary exploits takes an unexpected turn, leaving Rain squirming with secondhand embarrassment. As the film bombards her with a narrative that blurs reality and fiction, she’s forced to confront the uncanny resemblance between Nephis and the film’s lead, all while Nephis herself offers cryptic observations, confirming certain absurdities from her past. The unfolding drama on screen, and the unsettling silence from Nephis, leave Rain on edge, wondering what further revelations—or malfunctions—the night might hold.

Chapter 784 Single Whole

The Academy buzzes with excitement following the return of Changing Star, and Sunny, now Master Sunless, finds himself fielding an onslaught of eager questions from students. His unique Flaw compels him to answer, forcing him to use his wits to steer the conversation away from revealing any crucial information about Nephis’s Ascension. After a demanding lecture, Sunny attends to administrative duties and assists Teacher Julius, who bids him farewell with a knowing smile and a remark about youth. Sunny, pondering the nature of his Shadow Bond with Nephis, rushes home, eager to explore the potential of their linked souls and Aspects, albeit with a lingering concern about the pain it might inflict on her and the cost to his own freedom.

Arriving at his residence, Sunny finds Nephis engrossed in her communicator, her gaze intense and her posture unmoving. She’s so absorbed that she doesn’t initially register his arrival. Sunny’s thoughts drift back to the previous night’s experiments and the implications of their Shadow Bond, a connection that seemingly merges their souls for Aspect utilization. He questions if he can pull Nephis with him through shadows during Shadow Step, or if her charms like Blood Blossom would affect her too, and whether the resulting boost would be shared or halved. The promise of increased power to combat his inherent weakness fuels his anticipation for further experimentation.

Reality, however, presents immediate hurdles. Sunny acknowledges that any such experiments would cause Nephis immense pain. More pressingly, he harbors a deep-seated fear that his newfound power comes at the price of his freedom, a reliance on Nephis’s willingness to use the Shadow Bond to compel him. While Nephis has shown reluctance, Sunny remains uncertain of her true intentions and dreads the conversation required for open communication, postponing it with the excuse that Nephis needs time to recover after Ascending. As he approaches his house, he’s still wrestling with these thoughts, but upon entering, he finds Nephis suddenly speaking, her voice sharp and intense, “Is this really it?”

Chapter 785 Solitude

Sunny laments his ruined entertainment system, a casualty of some mysterious malfunction, while Nephis observes him in silence. She admits to lacking clothes, prompting Sunny to offer his own shirt and readily pay for any necessities, reminiscing about his former wealth before admitting his current focus on “research.” Nephis then reveals Sunny’s young tutee visited, a comment Sunny dismisses with feigned nonchalance, though he notes her pleased reaction to his teaching. He defensively justifies his teaching fees, then shifts to domesticity, offering to cook and boasting of his improved culinary skills, a stark contrast to their past on the Forgotten Shore where Nephis was typically the provider.

Nephis accepts his offer of food but states she has limited time due to a scheduled “consultation with the government psychiatrist.” Sunny finds this revelation incredibly odd, questioning her about the necessity of seeing a psychiatrist and if her situation is truly “that bad.” As he begins preparing a quick meal of ramen, vegetables, meat, and eggs, Nephis sighs and looks down, her earlier intensity replaced with a quiet weariness, leaving Sunny further bewildered by the subtle but significant shift in their dynamic and her unexpected appointment.

“Is this really it?” Nephis’s sudden, sharp question hangs in the air as Sunny struggles with his damaged belongings and the peculiar circumstances surrounding Nephis. The nascent understanding of their Shadow Bond and the immense power it promises is overshadowed by the immediate realities of Nephis’s state. Her casual admission of lacking clothes, his somewhat embarrassed offer of financial support, and her unexpected mention of a government psychiatrist hint at a deeper turmoil beneath her Ascended calm, leaving Sunny to ponder the true cost of their intertwined fates and the uncertain path ahead.

Chapter 786 Lifeline

The steaming bowls of ramen, a testament to Sunny’s improved culinary skills, are shared in comfortable silence, the rich broth a welcome reprieve from past hardships. Nephis, though outwardly reserved, clearly savors the meal. Afterwards, she reveals a profound truth: during her lost wanderings in the Dream Realm, it was Sunny’s runes, a tangible connection to his ongoing exploits, that anchored her, preventing her from succumbing to despair and reminding her that her life was not a mere phantasm. She confesses to often imagining his battles and the acquisition of new Memories, a solitary form of entertainment that sustained her.

With a quiet sincerity, Nephis expresses her gratitude. “I wanted to say… thank you. You helped me a lot, Sunny. You made it easier for me to keep going.” Sunny, caught off guard by her uncharacteristic vulnerability, deflects with a touch of embarrassment, questioning if she’s already received counseling. He then admits, in turn, that her rapid growth fueled his own ambition. “Every time you gained a soul fragment, it urged me to try and get two,” he confesses, acknowledging her role in pushing him forward.

This intimate exchange, a raw display of mutual dependence born from shared trauma and ambition, deepens the enigmatic bond between them. Sunny’s bewildered reaction to Nephis’s revelation about her reliance on his runes, coupled with his own admission of being driven by her progress, hints at the profound impact they have on each other’s survival and evolution. The conversation leaves Sunny grappling with a newfound understanding of their intertwined destinies, as Nephis’s vulnerability starkly contrasts with her usual Ascended poise, leaving the reader to wonder about the true depth of her inner struggles and the future of their complex relationship.

Chapter 787 Training Session

Days later, the stark reality of Nephis’s immense, untamed soul essence becomes palpable as she struggles through rigorous essence control training under Sunny’s tutelage. While Nephis grapples with a torrent of volatile energy, her soul possessing five times the typical Master’s volume and a unique, fiery potency inherited from her mother, Sunny provides guidance, noting, “While crude, your control is already stable. However, there is no precision to it… a Master has to be intricate in how they apply and expend their essence.” This shared endeavor offers Sunny unexpected insights into his own refined techniques, even as he laments the limitations of his corporeal weaves and the unrealized potential of his shadow essence.

The raw power Nephis wields, described as a “furious sea” compared to the “tranquil current” of others, promises terrifying results once mastered, a prospect that both fuels Sunny’s own ambition and deepens his understanding of their intertwined paths. He questions the potential for a “Soul Weave,” a concept born from his growing dissatisfaction with the purely physical nature of his current abilities and the lack of augmentation from his innate Attributes, a stark contrast to Nephis’s elemental advantage.

As Nephis finally manages to calm the storm within her, her eyes open, and without preamble, she declares her readiness by launching a swift, powerful assault. Sunny, drawing his shadows around him, meets her charge, the chapter ending with the unspoken promise of a grueling spar that will undoubtedly test the limits of both their evolving powers and their complex, symbiotic relationship.

Chapter 788 Cordial Invitation

Nephis emerges from her room, hair glistening, a silent signal for Sunny to begin their morning ritual. He fetches coffee, and she readily prepares it, the comforting aroma filling their shared space. Their quiet routine is interrupted by Cassie’s arrival, a PTV signaling her presence. Around the table, over steaming mugs, Cassie presents them with unexpected news: two flat, white squares, later revealed to be traditional paper envelopes. Sunny, bewildered by the archaic form, recognizes the “sword piercing an anvil” insignia as belonging to the Legacies.

Cassie explains these are invitations, a gesture of goodwill from Clan Valor, which is hosting its annual ball in a month. She notes that attendance is a rare honor, granting them a chance to mingle with powerful clan representatives and even Saints. Sunny, his confusion evident, questions the nature of the event, picturing a literal ball game, not understanding the social significance. Nephis, with a touch of exasperation, clarifies, “Sunny… a ball is a social gathering, usually accompanied by a dance. It is not a literal ball!”

This revelation shifts their focus from rigorous training to a sudden immersion in the complex social strata of the awakened world. The prospect of attending a formal ball, a stark contrast to their current harsh realities, presents a new challenge, hinting at a delicate dance of diplomacy and potential intrigue. The chapter leaves them with the weight of this unexpected social obligation, a glimpse into the established hierarchies they must navigate.

Chapter 789 Only Forward

Nephis, her gaze fixed on something unseen, withdraws from Cassie’s surprised questioning, citing a need for more time before facing her followers, the Fire Keepers. She acknowledges their loyalty and their expectation of leadership, a role she feels unprepared to assume without a clear direction. Cassie, understanding Nephis’s hesitation, quietly accepts the delay, though Sunny, observing Nephis’s uncharacteristic indecision, harbors his own suspicions about her true motives. He feels sidelined by their conversation, reminding them that this is his home, and expresses his irritation at Nephis’s extended stay without his explicit consent.

Nephis then turns to Sunny, her expression unreadable, and asks if he minds her staying for a couple more weeks. Sunny, caught off guard, awkwardly agrees, much to his own chagrin, acknowledging that her prolonged presence isn’t really up for debate. Cassie, having relayed the necessary updates about the Fire Keepers and the ongoing renovations at the Immortal Flame manor, departs, leaving Nephis and Sunny to navigate this new phase of their dynamic.

The chapter leaves Nephis wrestling with a leadership dilemma, while Sunny grapples with unspoken doubts about her sincerity and a burgeoning sense of possessiveness over his home. The unexpected social obligation of the Legacy ball looms, overshadowed by these internal conflicts and the subtle shifts in power and perception between Nephis and Sunny, hinting at future complications as Nephis’s extended stay reshapes their immediate future.

Chapter 790 Outing

With the armistice in place, Nephis’s days are no longer confined to the manor. Though training with Sunny continues, its intensity eases. Following an invitation to a Legacy ball, Nephis visits her mother and then approaches Sunny with a peculiar request: to help her understand mundane leisure activities. Unfamiliar with such pursuits himself, Sunny finds himself consulting others, leading to an unexpected outing orchestrated by Effie. Despite his apprehension, Sunny agrees, and a few days later, he finds himself preparing for a dance club, questioning his presence among “drunk mundanes.” He steels himself, recalling his past triumphs, before heading downstairs.

An arriving PTV signals the imminent arrival of Effie and Nephis, but Sunny is stunned when they emerge. Nephis, transformed with black hair courtesy of Sunny’s Autumn Leaf and a striking red dress chosen by Effie, appears utterly different. Her usual silver locks are replaced by cascading black silk, a stark contrast to her piercing grey eyes and glowing ivory skin. The ensemble, coupled with the alluring red dress, leaves Sunny momentarily speechless. He forces himself to look away, admitting, “That… uh… never thought I’d see you in a dress… one day.” Nephis, however, offers a nonchalant shrug, her demeanor unchanged by her stunning new appearance.

This unexpected foray into the world of common entertainment marks a new phase for Nephis, pushing her beyond her familiar boundaries with Sunny’s reluctant guidance. As they navigate this unfamiliar social landscape, the looming Legacy ball and Nephis’s evolving understanding of the world around her promise to further complicate their already complex dynamic.

Chapter 791 Human Rituals

From the VIP lounge overlooking the throbbing mass of bodies, Sunny and Nephis observe a nightclub’s chaotic spectacle. The elite establishment, dripping with wealth and exotic pleasures, hums with a primal energy that baffles them. Sunny dismisses the dancing as a “strange ritual” of “rhythmically gyrating bodies,” a bizarre display of desirability. Nephis, however, sees a subtler, non-verbal language at play, a complex dance of attraction and disinterest communicated through movement and obscure signals. She notes how women use their allure, only to feign indifference, prompting men to pursue harder.

Sunny, ever the pragmatist, criticizes the inefficiency of these unspoken exchanges, lamenting the inability of people to simply state their desires. He believes the “dance” is a public performance of seeking desirable partners, yet everyone pretends otherwise, treating open interest as a sign of inadequacy. His cohort, Kai and Cassie, are more readily engaged with the club’s offerings, while Sunny, Nephis, and Changing Star remain detached observers, analyzing the baffling social dynamics of the “mundane” elite.

Their analytical detachment is met with exasperation by Effie, who leans in to declare, “You are both idiots, you know that?” The pronouncement leaves Sunny and Nephis genuinely surprised, highlighting their continued disconnect from the very world they are attempting to understand, and leaving the reader to wonder what insights they will fail to grasp next.

Chapter 792 Blind Spot

Effie, exasperated by Sunny and Nephis’s detached analysis, clarifies that for many Awakened, life isn’t solely about fighting. She explains the importance of training for survival and the Citadel’s needs, but emphasizes that “there’s plenty of time to live and have fun. It doesn’t have to be all work, without stop.” She suggests that not having other interests is detrimental, questioning how one can be motivated to fight for the world without experiencing its pleasures, and posits that this is why Nephis’s counselor encouraged mundane activities to anchor Awakened to humanity. Sunny, tasting an expensive champagne, considers Effie’s point, acknowledging his own ambivalence toward the waking world due to past hardships, but finding solace in its comforts and Rain’s presence. He ponders what truly compels an Awakened to protect it if they are indifferent to its offerings.

Nephis, meanwhile, returns her focus to the dancing crowd, questioning their preparedness for a flood of Nightmare Creatures. She wonders how many among them possess the courage and competence to make a difference against an opening Gate, referencing Mongrel’s ability to “stand their ground and fight.” Effie, noticing Nephis quoting Mongrel, teases her about having a crush on him. Nephis, unfazed, praises Mongrel’s “beautiful swordsmanship,” his “dedication, versatility, and… domineering attitude,” and particularly his actions “single-handedly stalling several waves of Nightmare Creatures in front of a Gate,” deeming him what a true Awakened should strive to be.

Sunny, visibly uncomfortable, attempts to downplay Mongrel’s heroism, asserting that he “was not really alone at that Gate” and doubting the sincerity of his wisdom. Nephis regards Sunny with surprise, her admiration for Mongrel seemingly unshakeable, leaving Sunny to grapple with his complex feelings and the stark contrast between his perception and Nephis’s ideal.

Chapter 793 Memories Of The Future

Effie slips away to dance, leaving Sunny to ponder Nephis’s earlier praise for Mongrel. Kai, ever observant, inquires about the absent women, prompting Sunny to gently admonish him for his continued formality with Nephis, whom he points out is younger and spent significant time with them. As a waiter delivers a tray of delicacies, Sunny, knowing Effie will claim them, seizes the opportunity. He samples a piece of cheese dipped in honey, initially relishing the sweet, viscous amber liquid. His delight sours when Cassie, the blind girl, explains honey is produced by insects ingesting and regurgitating nectar, a revelation that turns Sunny pale and makes him quickly rinse his mouth with champagne, his limits apparently tested by the origins of the “sugary syrup.”

Nephis returns, her composure intact, but a flicker of confusion clouds her eyes. Kai, sensing her unease, asks if something is wrong. Nephis dismisses his concern, mentioning she overheard a peculiar conversation about a snack in the VIP lounge that “those women would want to taste.” Sunny, disgusted by the honey after Cassie’s explanation, sneers his indifference, stating, “If they want it, they can have it. I have no objections. They are free to gobble it up, as far as I’m concerned.”

The chapter leaves Sunny grappling with his revulsion towards the honey, his discomfort with Nephis’s admiration for Mongrel, and the growing disconnect between his own experiences and the refined tastes of the elite. Nephis’s subtle unease hints at a deeper mystery, leaving the reader to wonder what she overheard and what secrets this opulent celebration might conceal.

Chapter 794 Adulthood

Nephis’s cryptic words about the Spell and its connection to fertile souls, likely those broken by the Dark Times, weigh on Sunny’s mind. He contemplates how Legacies might ensure their children’s ascension, realizing Saints hold immense power in securing the bloodline’s path to power. This contemplation leads him to consider the origins of the great clans’ dominance, a thought that sours his mood. Cassie’s concern about parents subjecting their children to the perilous First Nightmare is met with Nephis’s pragmatic defense of the warrior caste’s values. The discussion about parents and children strikes a nerve with Sunny, who, at twenty, realizes he’s older than his mother was when she had him, prompting him to seek solitude.

While seeking refuge in a bathroom, Sunny’s reflection offers no comfort, and he considers the unsettling possibility of Mordret’s presence. Emerging, he encounters a boisterous group of wealthy youths blocking his path, their outrage palpable as they demand entry to the VIP lounge. The most ostentatious of the group, clearly accustomed to entitlement, argues, “…What do you mean, you can’t let us inside? This is our usual spot!” He further boasts, “I can see from here that there’s plenty of room left in the lounge! The beautiful ladies inside wouldn’t mind some company, I’m sure.” Their entitled disruption hints at the clash of worlds within this opulent setting, and the potential for further conflict.

Chapter 795 Moment Of Peace

The evening unfolds with an unexpected calm, defying Sunny’s anticipation of chaos. Instead of a brawl or a grand intervention, the Masters simply enjoy the opulent surroundings, finding a rare moment of respite and connection. Sunny, accustomed to being an outsider, experiences a profound sense of belonging with Nephis, Kai, Morgan, and the others. He recognizes the fragility of such moments, acknowledging that their paths as Masters will likely diverge, yet cherishes the deep, tempered bond they share, even as wistfulness for their continued togetherness lingers.

The tranquil interlude shifts to a training session in the underground dojo, where Sunny finds himself defending against Rain’s earnest but amateurish attacks. While a welcome change from his usual struggles, Rain’s focus wavers, prompting Sunny to push her to concentrate. He observes her distraction, a rare lapse in her usual diligence, and questions her commitment, demanding, “Concentrate! You are distracted!” and later, “Are you going to take it seriously or not? What is wrong with you today?”

Despite Rain’s evident lack of focus, Sunny’s own skills and the subtle yet potent dynamics within the cohort remain central. The chapter highlights Sunny’s evolving perception of himself and his relationships, contrasting his past isolation with his current sense of acceptance. The unexpected peace of the night and the brief training session serve to underscore the preciousness of these moments, hinting at the uncertain future that awaits them and the potential strength of their enduring, though perhaps separated, connections.