Chapter 811 Train Ride
Sunny embarks on his journey, a stark departure from his accustomed life on the city’s outskirts. The oppressive familiarity of the wilderness, once synonymous with death for those like him, now feels distant as he boards a colossal, armored transcontinental train. This mobile fortress, bristling with weaponry and equipped with a fabrication unit, underscores the perilous nature of travel beyond the city’s walls, especially with government attention focused elsewhere. He settles into a surprisingly opulent private cabin, a perk of his Master status, noting with a wry observation, “Well… as far as wars go, this one is weirdly opulent so far.” The train’s departure marks a profound shift, as the fading cityscape signifies his true step into the unknown, a desolation of mud, snow, and dying flora that he finds utterly uninspiring.
His solitary expedition, born from a need for personal growth and resource acquisition away from the Great Clans, now seems a world apart from his friends’ turbulent circumstances. Nephis’s impending adoption by Clan Valor, a move that will also draw Cassie and the Fire Keepers under its wing, leaves Effie and Kai adrift. Effie grapples with Valor’s potent resources versus their inherent arrogance, while Kai questions his purpose post-Masterhood. Sunny, privy to the impending, catastrophic collapse of Antarctica and the government’s call for mobilization in April, offers only cryptic advice to delay their decisions, a secret he guards under Master Jet’s directive, leaving them to ponder their loyalties amidst this monumental upheaval.
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As the train cuts through the desolate Northern Quadrant, leaving behind the last vestiges of human civilization, Sunny’s thoughts inevitably drift to the precarious situations of those he left behind. His calculated withdrawal into the harsh Antarctic wilderness is a deliberate act of self-preservation and preparation, a stark contrast to the shifting alliances and uncertain futures his companions face. The looming crisis in April, hinted at through Sunny’s veiled warnings, promises a world irrevocably altered, and his departure, while seemingly an act of isolation, might prove to be the most prescient move of all, especially as Nephis solidifies her formidable standing.
Chapter 812 Naval Convoy
Sunny’s journey aboard the transcontinental train brings him to a massive, heavily fortified port. He observes the enduring human reliance on water travel, now a dangerous necessity due to Nightmare Creatures. The port itself is a formidable fortress, but it’s the fleet of forty kilometer-long, heavily armored warships that truly captivate him. These “metal leviathans,” bristling with devastating weaponry like massive railguns, stand as a testament to humanity’s technological might, capable of unleashing unimaginable destruction. However, Sunny acknowledges their limitations against higher-ranked abominations, noting that even these behemoths require Awakened support and a Nightwalker’s guidance to brave the treacherous oceans.
The sheer scale and weathered resilience of the fleet evoke a sense of awe, forcing Sunny to reconsider the train’s impressive design as a mere fraction of true power. As he stands contemplating these slumbering giants, a familiar voice cuts through his thoughts, hailing his arrival. The chapter hints at the vast, hidden strengths of human civilization, contrasting it with the reliance on Awakened power, and sets the stage for future encounters and revelations about the true nature of the world’s conflicts.
The unexpected greeting suggests an imminent interaction with an ally, or perhaps someone with knowledge of his presence, adding a layer of intrigue to his solitary mission. This encounter, arising from his contemplation of humanity’s technological prowess against the encroaching darkness, promises to reveal more about the immediate context of his journey and the broader geopolitical landscape he is navigating.
Chapter 813 First Evacuation Army
Master Jet escorts Sunny to an imposing military PTV, a stark contrast to civilian models with its robust, angular design and layered armor. As they board, towering humanoid loader robots, piloted by servicemen, efficiently unload cargo from the train, their crude exoskeletons a functional, if unrefined, marvel of engineering. The PTV’s raw power and aggressive acceleration soon propel them towards the naval fortress, revealing a hive of frantic activity. The port has transformed into a massive staging ground for an impending deployment, with thousands of government servants and soldiers engaged in erecting temporary structures for housing, storage, production, and medical care. Heavy machinery churns, disassembling existing buildings to prepare their components for transport aboard the forty colossal warships.
Within this immense military encampment, a sea of humans—both mundane soldiers and Awakened—bustle with purpose. Sunny observes specialist units like engineering corps and mechanized infantry clad in formidable exoskeleton armor, alongside artillery operators and impressive mobile war platforms resembling giant metal cyclops. These advanced humanoid robots, though human-piloted, evoke a primal sense of awe, bordering on unease. The sheer scale of the operation, a massive mobilization for Antarctica, begins to truly register with Sunny. Master Jet confirms the monumental nature of the undertaking, stating, “Yes. Four, for now. Two will sail from the Northern Quadrant, one from both the Eastern and the Western. Each will transport around a hundred thousand soldiers to Antarctica in the coming month.”
The plan involves staggering numbers, with approximately twenty thousand Awakened and fifty Masters slated for the initial phase, and the potential for sixty thousand Awakened and three hundred Masters to join the evacuation efforts if the mobilization proceeds smoothly. This immense undertaking highlights humanity’s desperate measures in the face of overwhelming darkness, showcasing both their technological prowess and their reliance on the extraordinary power of the Awakened and their Masters. The scope of this coordinated global effort sets a grim yet determined tone for the battles to come.
Chapter 814 Special Company
Master Jet escorts Sunny into the heart of the port fortress, a place where the frantic chaos of the mobilization begins to coalesce into more focused military operations. Upon arrival, Master Jet informs Sunny that he’s just in time for the first briefing of their company, a unit whose roster is nearly complete. She playfully notes his appearance, stating, “You do, actually. That is one of your advantages, as far as I’m concerned. Being underestimated is always a boon,” before leading him into a low building.
As they navigate through checkpoints, Sunny witnesses the immense respect and even fear Master Jet commands, with both mundane soldiers and even other Awakened yielding to her presence. This deference extends to Masters, who also seem to grant her consideration. Curious, Sunny inquires about her official title, to which Master Jet reveals, “Why, I am now Colonel Jet, senior officer of the First Awakened Irregular Company of the Northern Quadrant Corps of the Evacuation Army.”
Sunny, recalling his knowledge of military structure, expresses surprise at the colonelcy, noting that companies are usually led by captains. Master Jet explains that the involvement of Awakened, especially irregulars, naturally warps the traditional hierarchy, with Awakened soldiers holding ranks one level higher than their mundane counterparts. This unique positioning underscores the specialized nature of their units within the larger evacuation effort.
Chapter 815 First Irregular Company
Master Jet introduces Sunny to the core members of their newly formed First Awakened Irregular Company. Five other Ascended, formidable Masters in their own right, are present for the initial briefing. Despite Sunny’s relative youth and less ostentatious appearance, his survival of the Second Nightmare instantly grants him their respect; as Master Jet notes, “No one seemed to have doubts about Sunny’s credentials, and for a simple reason — there were no weak Masters.” The introductions begin with Master Randall, a grizzled, mature soldier whose decades of experience promise valuable insights, followed by Ascended Jesse, a warm and energetic blonde whose vibrant aura belies a formidable combatant. Ascended Winter presents a striking figure, her calm demeanor and enigmatic sunglasses hinting at a guarded nature, while Ascended Dale, marked by a shared tattoo with Winter and a steadfast presence, exudes a sense of unwavering defense. The final officer, whose chilling gaze speaks volumes, completes the initial roster, setting the stage for the company’s critical mission.
Chapter 816 Three Phases
Antarctica’s strategic importance is laid bare as Soul Reaper details the continent’s division: West Antarctica, largely submerged islands; East Antarctica, a vast, lake-dotted landmass with a central mountain range; and the Antarctic Center, a narrow, mountainous zone. East Antarctica emerges as the densely populated region, making it the primary focus for the impending mission. The First Evacuation Army is slated to arrive in two to three weeks, coinciding with the explosive onset of the “Chain of Nightmares,” a historically unprecedented surge of manifesting Gates.
Master Jet acknowledges the futility of containment against the expected influx of Awakened, Fallen, and Corrupted Nightmare Creatures. He reveals that the mission’s objective isn’t to fight the tide, but rather a more strategic approach. The First Evacuation Army will divide into three prongs: establishing fortified evacuation centers in select cities capable of withstanding prolonged sieges, relocating the entire external human population to these centers, and maintaining safe evacuation corridors.
Sunny, with a characteristic blend of quiet observation and cautious inquiry, raises a hand, seeking clarification, his gaze drifting towards the other Masters, hinting at the weighty implications of the outlined plan and the daunting challenges ahead.
Chapter 817 Captain Sunless
The briefing concludes, leaving Sunny with a clearer, albeit daunting, understanding of the impending “Chain of Nightmares” and the First Evacuation Army’s mission in Antarctica. As the other Masters depart, Master Jet reassures Sunny, stating, “You already have the necessary experience and qualifications to make things work. It is not like the others are better prepared to deal with something of that scope… above all, we will need the ability to swiftly learn and adapt. That is how we will survive this unprecedented mess of a disaster.” Sunny, acknowledging his youth and adaptability as an advantage in this unprecedented crisis, is then guided by Soul Reaper to an administrative center.
Amidst the feverish chaos of preparing for deployment, Sunny’s transition into government service is remarkably swift. Within half an hour, he is officially designated as an officer of the First Evacuation Army, bestowed with the rank of Captain. He muses, “Captain Sunless… damn, it has a nice ring to it.” This new identity comes with a basic set of gear, including the iconic black bodysuit, and an upgraded communicator, marking his formal integration into the mission.
With his new status solidified, Sunny and Soul Reaper discuss his immediate future. “So… what exactly happens now?” Sunny asks. Soul Reaper advises him to take things one step at a time, emphasizing the need for preparation as they await their departure for the Southern Quadrant, leaving Sunny to absorb the gravity of his new responsibilities and the challenges that lie ahead in the unforgiving Antarctic landscape.
Chapter 818 Irregulars, Assemble
Master Jet reveals Sunny’s first critical task: selecting six elite Awakened fighters to form his cohort for the Antarctic campaign. He learns that these recruits are pre-screened and transferred to their port, with the First Irregular Company having priority. Sunny recognizes the immense challenge of building a cohesive, well-rounded unit from these strangers, a stark contrast to the specialized, larger formations he’s accustomed to, reminiscent of his Dream Realm experiences. The responsibility of their survival weighs heavily on his shoulders.
Seeking guidance, Sunny asks Master Jet for advice. Jet stresses that while Sunny is the cohort’s core, he should choose members whose Aspects complement his own versatile abilities. “You already have the necessary experience and qualifications to make things work,” Jet assures him, highlighting his adaptability. Sunny acknowledges his “jack-of-all-trades” nature as an advantage, capable of synergizing with diverse Awakened, which will allow for greater flexibility in fulfilling mission objectives.
Jet further emphasizes the importance of utility over raw combat strength, warning Sunny that “Antarctica… it is going to test us in ways that no one expects.” She advises him to prioritize mobility, survival, and mental resilience, as these qualities will prove crucial in the long, punishing campaign. Sunny contemplates the potential friction of commanding older, government-loyal soldiers as a mercenary-turned-captain.
Chapter 819 Alloy Beast
Sunny settles into his spartan, windowless underground room, a stark contrast to his previous comforts. The confinement reminds him of his hidden lair, a sentiment amplified by his Shadow Step ability negating any fear of being buried. He begins reviewing the government-provided assets for his cohort, a collection of premium gear and equipment deemed essential for the Antarctic campaign. The centerpiece is the “Rhino,” an advanced, heavily armored all-terrain personnel carrier that resembles a high-tech fusion of a turtle and a rhinoceros. This robust vehicle, capable of surprising speed and mobility across difficult terrain, serves as their mobile base and logistical core.
The government’s provision includes everything from thermoregulated outerwear to advanced medical kits, all optimized for the cohort’s needs. Sunny notes the APC’s already impressive specifications, further enhanced for the First Irregular Company, but recognizes opportunities for costly, yet potentially vital, upgrades using contribution points. His unique Covetous Coffer will effectively double the APC’s storage capacity, offering significant logistical flexibility. However, he remains wary of “Gates” and their potential to disrupt technology, a factor that requires future consideration for enhancing the APC’s resilience.
With a clearer understanding of the available resources and the formidable challenges ahead, Sunny acknowledges the daunting nature of selecting his six elite fighters. He muses, “It’s like playing a game… only without checkpoints and real human lives at stake. Including mine.” The weight of this upcoming decision, akin to a high-stakes gamble, settles upon him as he prepares to sift through potential recruits, knowing the success of their perilous Antarctic mission hinges on his choices.
Chapter 820 Importance Of Utility
Sunny focuses on building a balanced cohort, recognizing the need for utility alongside brute force. He internalizes the harsh realities of the Antarctic campaign, anticipating encounters with diverse Nightmare Creatures and the potential for both direct assault and insidious tactics. His philosophy mirrors Master Jet’s, prioritizing off-battlefield advantages, as demonstrated by the crucial roles of less visible members like himself and Cassie in past missions. “It’s like playing a game… only without checkpoints and real human lives at stake. Including mine,” he reflects, underscoring the gravity of his choices.
Driven by this strategic understanding, Sunny filters the hundreds of candidates, initially prioritizing those with Utility Aspects. He identifies three particularly promising individuals: an Awakened capable of liquid earth manipulation, offering battlefield control and road creation; a tall, athletic man who can generate short-distance spatial rifts for enhanced cohort mobility and devastating tactical maneuvers; and a young woman whose focused affinity for revelations, while less broad than Cassie’s, promises more tangible results.
Sunny envisions the earth-shaper creating defensive structures and trapping enemies, while the rift-maker grants the entire cohort the teleportation advantages he himself enjoys. The unassuming woman’s revelation affinity, though narrower, is seen as a potentially powerful tool for uncovering hidden dangers. These selections begin to forge the foundation of a formidable team, designed to overcome the unforgiving Antarctic landscape and its monstrous inhabitants.
Chapter 821 Offense Pillars
Sunny, now privy to the support offered by Awakened Kim and the heavily armored Rhino, refines his cohort selection strategy. He prioritizes sustainability and finesse over raw power, recognizing the marathon nature of the Antarctic campaign. Longevity, calculated combat, and mental fortitude become his guiding principles, mirroring his own hard-won resilience. He seeks those who can endure, adapt, and leverage their abilities efficiently, knowing that “longevity was king.” His careful vetting process, though limited by not meeting candidates in person, leaves him with six promising dossiers.
Among the chosen few, Awakened Kim stands out as the cornerstone, her revelation Aspect invaluable for identifying enemy weaknesses and sharing vital perceptions. Her technical skills further solidify her role. Beside her is the charismatic Awakened Belle, a lean, athletic swordsman whose Aspect allows him to phase through solid matter, granting him incredible evasive capabilities. His secondary ability enhances his weapon’s sharpness, making him a deadly offensive force.
These selections, made with a keen eye for long-term battlefield efficacy, set the stage for a cohort designed for endurance and adaptability. Sunny’s strategic foresight, honed by personal hardship, ensures that his team possesses the tenacity required for the unforgiving Southern Quadrant. He believes these individuals, capable of maintaining peak performance and employing cunning, will be crucial in overcoming the relentless challenges ahead.
Chapter 822 Shadow Cohort
The decision for the melee vanguard’s second most critical position weighs heavily on Sunny, but he ultimately settles on the handsome and chivalrous Quentin. Donning full plate armor and wielding a sword and shield, Quentin is designed as the cohort’s defensive bulwark. His Aspect centers on restoration and corrosion; he can continuously repair his own gear and, crucially, human flesh, functioning as a vital, albeit slow, healer. Though not the most potent healer available, Quentin’s versatility and combat prowess, a trait Sunny admires from the late Shim, make him an indispensable asset, even capable of assisting with APC repairs.
With four members secured, Sunny turns his attention to ranged combat, seeking someone to counter flying abominations. He finds his answer in the tall, aloof, and beautiful Samara. Her unique Aspect allows her to infuse objects with soul essence, converting it into kinetic energy or heat, effectively turning soul energy into charged explosives. Samara’s inventive use of modern firearms, infusing ammunition with essence to create Awakened weapons, makes her a formidable force against even the most resilient Nightmare Creatures. Her skills extend to spelltech engineering, a valuable asset for the cohort’s advanced APC.
Samara’s ability to imbue her bullets, transforming them into potent anti- Nightmare Creature weaponry, impresses Sunny. He notes her inventive approach, remarking, “What a fascinating Ability…” This selection brings the cohort to five, leaving only one crucial spot to fill. The stage is set for the final piece of Sunny’s carefully curated team, poised to face the unforgiving Southern Quadrant.
Chapter 823 Six Awakened
Awakened Luster, a member of the special forces without a combat Aspect, finds himself in an unusually jubilant mood, his career soaring and his participation in a momentous operation assured. He revels in his elevated status and the attention he receives from numerous women, a stark contrast to his previous aspirations of a mundane spelltech career. Despite the perceived “horror” of losing luxuries like coffee in the upcoming Southern Quadrant deployment, Luster’s spirits remain high, only slightly dampened by the world’s precarious state. He casually converses with Kimmy, an oddly unattractive Awakened whose existence defies his understanding of their inherent allure, and the daring Belle, who confirms their imminent assignments.
Their anticipation surges when Belle reveals that Soul Reaper has finalized her unit’s command structure, signaling recruitment would begin soon. Luster excitedly fantasizes about being selected for Soul Reaper’s elite team, praising Ascended Jet’s magnificence, before their communicators simultaneously ping. Kimmy, receiving the notification first, displays stunned disbelief, showing the screen to Luster.
The message confirms their assignment: the First Irregular Company, under the command of none other than Soul Reaper herself. Luster’s excitement is palpable, his earlier ennui evaporating as he realizes the opportunity to join such a prestigious unit. Kimmy’s bewildered reaction underscores the unexpected nature of this assignment, hinting at the immense challenge and potential presented by being chosen for Soul Reaper’s command.
Chapter 824 Mysterious Master
The newly formed cohort of the First Irregular Company gathers, abuzz with speculation about their unknown Ascended leader. Quentin, the handsome warrior, voices his unfamiliarity with “Master Sunless,” hinting at hushed rumors. Luster, eager for details, presses him, learning that Ascended Jet deliberately delayed the company’s formation for Sunless’s arrival and personally recruited him. Belle then elaborates, describing Sunless as a “monster” and “demon of a fighter” with a bloody past, capable of slaying hundreds of abominations as a Sleeper and even hunting an ancient Fallen Devil. Luster dismisses these tales as impossible.
Samara offers a contrasting perspective, identifying Sunless as a renowned explorer and academic researcher with extensive published works on the dangerous Dream Realm. This explanation seems more plausible to Luster, suggesting Sunless’s expertise complements the unit’s already formidable combat prowess, bolstered by legends like Vandal, Mustang, Queen, Knight, and Pride. Kimmy then falters, whispering rumors of Sunless’s utter madness and origins from the Forgotten Shore, even claiming Changing Star fears him. Dorn, the silent giant, suggests they need not guess, as Sunless’s chosen cohort members speak volumes.
Luster, intrigued, asks Dorn what can be inferred from the cohort’s selection. Dorn remains taciturn, leaving the implication hanging as Luster strains to see the assembled group, the mystery of their leader and his unconventional recruitment driving their apprehension and anticipation. The diverse and often contradictory rumors surrounding Ascended Sunless create an aura of enigmatic power, setting a tone of potent danger and unparalleled potential for the First Irregular Company.
Chapter 825 Under Pressure
The following weeks become a whirlwind for Sunny as the First Evacuation Army camp hums with increased activity, the departure of a naval convoy imminent. He wastes no time briefing his newly assembled cohort on their mission objectives and the grim realities they’ll face, noting the shift in their demeanor from apprehension to a somber readiness. To quell their doubts and assess their capabilities, Sunny, using his Cruel Sight, challenges each of them to a one-on-one duel. “I have to win their respect,” he muses, recognizing their skepticism towards a young, unknown leader. He easily triumphs over each member, though Dorn’s insidious Aspect and Samara’s soul essence projectiles present unique, albeit surmountable, difficulties. These duels provide Sunny with invaluable insights into their fighting styles, allowing him to craft an accelerated training plan to forge them into a cohesive unit, even if the short timeframe to reach true coordination remains a concern.
Sunny’s training regimen quickly incorporates seven specialized Dreamscape pods, integrated into a government-controlled network for simulating battles against Nightmare Creatures. While initially excited by this novel approach to combat training, he finds the simulations lacking, unable to replicate the true terror and perverse intelligence of real Nightmare Creatures. Despite this limitation, he diligently works with his subordinates, aiming to achieve a minimal threshold of mutual understanding before their journey to Antarctica. His mastery of Shadow Dance allows him to absorb their techniques, refining his own repertoire and strategizing for optimal cohort performance, even as the inherent differences between the individual members and the limited time present a formidable challenge.
The chapter ends with Sunny’s realization that true coordination will be a strenuous effort, a sentiment echoed by the cohort’s growing awareness of their leader’s formidable power and cryptic methods. The effectiveness of his training, particularly the Dreamscape simulations, remains to be seen, leaving the reader to anticipate whether these disparate individuals can truly become the First Irregular Company and face the dangers that await them.
