Chapter 826 Shopping Spree
While his cohort grapples with the harsh realities of simulated combat, Sunny faces a pressing need to allocate contribution points and acquire vital assets. He convenes with Kim, the technician, and Samara, the spelltech engineer, to meticulously plan the enhancement of their armored personnel carrier, the Rhino. Belle, Dorn, and Quentin are occupied in the Dreamscape pods, leaving Sunny to consult with the support specialists. Their expertise reveals that true combat efficacy hinges on mobility and seamless communication, guiding Sunny’s strategic decisions. “Mobility is one of the most important factors,” Kim might have stated, emphasizing the cohort’s rapid-response mandate.
Sunny’s choices steer clear of conventional armor or weaponry, opting instead for a drastic internal overhaul. The Rhino receives a significantly more potent spelltech reactor, eliminating the need for mundane fuel and allowing Luster, the ace pilot, to contribute by charging it. This upgrade also necessitates a complete replacement of the energy transmission system to handle the increased output. Furthermore, recognizing the chaotic communication landscape of Antarctica, Sunny prioritizes a state-of-the-art command and communication suite. This enhanced system, powered by the new reactor and boasting retractable external antennas, promises to cut through the anticipated interference, ensuring stable links for coordinated, independent operations under Master Jet’s distant command.
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These crucial upgrades to their transport and communication infrastructure underscore Sunny’s commitment to forging a truly effective rapid-response unit. The cohort, meanwhile, is slowly learning to fight as one, their initial apprehension tempered by Sunny’s growing display of power and foresight. The true test of these enhancements, however, will come when they are deployed to Antarctica, facing the unknown horrors that await them.
Chapter 827 Daunting Task
Sunny’s focus shifts from the Rhino’s enhancements to the critical allocation of contribution points for Memories, a decision fraught with difficult choices. He understands the inevitable encounters with hordes of Nightmare Creatures in Antarctica and the subsequent acquisition of Memories. However, the arbitrary nature of battle-won boons and the potential mismatch of power to his soldiers lead him to prioritize acquiring Memories that perfectly suit them. Despite the army’s generosity, the earlier upgrades leave him desperately short on funds, forcing him to make painful sacrifices, notably forgoing personal acquisitions to concentrate on his subordinates’ needs. He consoles himself with the thought that empowering his soldiers is akin to empowering himself, as they are extensions of his own capabilities.
Purchasing Echoes is also out of the question due to their exorbitant cost, as Sunny lacks the necessary prerequisites to transform them into Shadows. His primary objective remains the meaningful enhancement of his soldiers’ equipment, a goal now seemingly out of reach. Yet, an ominous smile spreads across Sunny’s face as he considers a more unconventional approach. As an aspiring sorcerer, he possesses a unique advantage: he can acquire powerful Memories and then leverage his sorcerous abilities to deconstruct and transplant their enchantments onto his soldiers’ existing gear, maximizing the value of his limited contribution points.
This strategic deviation allows Sunny to view purchased Memories not as complete tools, but as fundamental building blocks. For instance, instead of purchasing a potent Ascended sword for Belle, which would drain his remaining points, he plans to acquire a more affordable Dormant weapon with a suitable enchantment, study its intricate weave, and then transplant that enchantment onto Belle’s current blade. This method promises to equip his soldiers with potent, tailored enhancements far beyond what his limited funds would otherwise permit, setting the stage for their deployment into the unknown dangers of Antarctica.
Chapter 828 The Call
Sunny finds himself exhausted, his lack of enthusiasm in the mess hall a stark contrast to his companions. Master Jet, Winter, and Master Randall notice his drained appearance, attributing it to the pressures of his first command. Winter teases him about delegation, while Master Randall offers a more understanding perspective, acknowledging the difficulty of knowing one’s subordinates well enough to assign tasks effectively. Despite his weariness, Sunny maintains a quiet strength, a subtle hint of the unconventional strategies he plans to employ before their departure for Antarctica.
Winter then inquires about the composition of Sunny’s cohort, expressing surprise at his choices. She notes that other captains, like Pride, tend to favor specialization – Pride, for instance, has recruited all the stealth-focused individuals. Sunny, in a moment of self-awareness, remarks, “…You do know that I am a creep myself, right?” before clarifying his own specialization in stealth, albeit with a different approach. His reasoning for a well-rounded cohort stems from his own survival experiences, emphasizing that while stealth is useful, it has limitations, and his Aspect’s versatility allows him to support diverse team compositions.
His internal monologue reveals his continued dedication to empowering his soldiers, even as his financial constraints force him to get creative. Sunny’s plan to deconstruct and transplant enchantments from purchased Memories onto his soldiers’ gear remains his focus, a strategic advantage born from his sorcerous abilities. This method allows him to outfit Belle and others with potent, tailored enhancements, preparing them for the perils of Antarctica. The conversation with Winter and Master Randall highlights not only the challenges of leadership but also the unique, adaptable approach Sunny brings to his command, hinting at the unorthodox methods he will undoubtedly employ.
Chapter 829 Battle Scars
As their departure for Antarctica looms, Sunny’s cohort enjoys a final, relaxed picnic on the port fortress wall, a stark contrast to the impending war. The atmosphere is bittersweet as they watch the massive ships being loaded, a shared moment of quiet reflection. Luster, however, finds himself captivated by Samara, leading to a revealing conversation about past horrors. Samara recounts a harrowing experience from her youth, where an explosion during a Gate response left her with a significant scar.
Luster, eager to share his own ordeal, describes losing his entire right arm to a colossal stone worm that attacked his anchored Citadel, forcing him and other survivors to endure weeks of siege before a desperate escape. Belle then adds her own tale of survival, detailing a month-long trek through desolate wilderness after a research outpost was overrun, a journey that nearly cost him his lungs due to the toxic air. The cohort is left in a somber silence, grappling with the weight of their shared, brutal experiences.
This unexpected camaraderie, born from shared trauma, subtly reinforces Sunny’s unconventional cohort composition, hinting at how their diverse backgrounds and hard-won resilience will prove invaluable in the harsh realities of Antarctica. The chapter, through these personal anecdotes, underscores the immense risks these soldiers have already faced, while simultaneously building anticipation for their next, even greater challenge.
Chapter 830 Departure
The First Evacuation Army begins its southward journey, a colossal force of humanity and war machines embarking on the perilous voyage to Antarctica. Sunny and his fellow captains observe the immense scale of the operation from the fortress walls, a silent testament to the desperate bid for survival. Master Jet issues final instructions, emphasizing survival and the chain of command should disaster strike, with Vandal poised to lead in his absence. The cohort, accustomed to respect due to their shared hardships, gathers, their anticipation tempered by uncertainty. Luster, exhibiting a surprising vulnerability, admits his inexperience with sea travel, a concern Sunny dismisses with a pragmatic, if somewhat detached, assessment of his Awakened status. Belle, however, offers Luster reassurance and a friendly gesture, a moment of warmth amidst the somber departure.
As the ships depart, the vastness of the undertaking weighs heavily on Sunny. Despite the imposing fleet, he acknowledges the inherent dangers of naval navigation, especially for an army composed largely of those ill-suited for aquatic combat. The assembled cohort, a blend of hardened survivors like Belle and the apprehensive Luster, prepares to board their assigned vessels. Sunny’s cohort, marked by their shared trauma and hard-won resilience, finds their unity reinforced as they face this new challenge. The unspoken understanding between them, forged in the crucible of past battles, hints at their potential to overcome the odds.
Luster’s unexpected seasickness concern and Belle’s comforting response highlight the evolving dynamics within Sunny’s group. While Sunny maintains a detached demeanor, Belle’s warmth fosters a sense of belonging for Luster. The chapter leaves the reader anticipating the challenges of the voyage, the unknown dangers that await in the Antarctic wastes, and the continued development of this unconventional cohort as they navigate both external threats and their own internal complexities.
Chapter 831 Master Naeve
The colossal fleet, a forty-ship convoy, sails onward, shrouded by the vast, indifferent ocean. Sunny, despite the formidable firepower arrayed and the strict formation, remains unnerved by the churning waves, finding even flying ships more comforting than these leviathans. He pores over the maritime safety procedures, a dense manual filled with peculiar directives, including “if you start to experience recurring nightmares or experience persistent auditory hallucinations, report to the nearest navy officer immediately” and strict protocols for “Condition Black” alerts, which leave him slightly more at ease, though the true purpose of these rules remains an enigma.
As Sunny retreats from the deck, contemplating his duties aboard the ships – checking on the Rhino, assessing cohort facilities, and planning training and Memory upgrades – he encounters a solitary figure at the bow. This newcomer, cloaked in a midnight blue coat over a sleek, black bodysuit, emanates a palpable aura of mystery and depth. Sunny immediately recognizes him as another Master, a powerful Ascended.
The stranger turns, revealing a handsome man of around thirty with striking indigo eyes and dark blue-tinged hair, his gaze wary. Sunny, already suspecting his identity, approaches, the man’s mystifying presence intensifying. The encounter hints at new alliances, hidden dangers, and the unfolding complexities of this desperate voyage south.
Chapter 832 Heirs Of The Storm
Sunny, finding himself ill-suited to the sea despite his proficiency with modern communication, nevertheless obliges Master Naeve of Night by scribbling his signature on a piece of synthetic paper. Naeve accepts it gratefully, a memento for his young daughter, and notes Sunny’s discomfort with the water. Their shared, unspoken understanding of the ocean’s dread forges an immediate connection. Sunny, emboldened by this rapport, inquires about their chances of reaching Antarctica alive.
Naeve reassures Sunny, highlighting the formidable strength of the forty-ship convoy. He reveals the presence of a Saint aboard the flagship, multiple Nightwalkers like himself, and seasoned Awakened warriors on each vessel, all contributing to the fleet’s near indestructibility. He cautions Sunny, however, that while the fleet is secure, the passengers must remain vigilant and adhere to the safety manual’s directives, as the journey will be perilous and repeated multiple times.
Sunny, demonstrating his characteristic preparedness, informs Naeve that he has already memorized the entire safety manual, a trait Naeve finds remarkably valuable. This exchange solidifies their nascent alliance, hinting at the immense challenges ahead and Sunny’s own surprisingly cautious nature amidst the overwhelming might of their fleet. The conversation leaves Sunny with a greater, if still somber, understanding of their mission and the dangers it entails.
Chapter 833 Rhino
Sunny finds himself within the sprawling vehicle stable of the battleship, a vast metal hall humming with activity. His gaze settles on the Rhino, his cohort’s assigned armored personnel carrier. It’s a formidable machine, angular and stocky, its heavy composite alloy armor lending it a predatory, almost sentient presence. The vehicle’s immense size is matched by its capabilities, boasting robust suspension, articulated limbs for enhanced maneuverability, and boosters for brief levitation. Most striking is the massive steel wedge on its snout, capable of transforming the Rhino into a brutal siege ram, designed to tear through obstacles and flesh alike. Sunny, with a grim satisfaction, acknowledges its imposing design.
He then approaches his technicians, Kim and Samara, who are busy inspecting the APC. Samara confirms that “He’s a real beast,” with all systems in order. Kim affectionately pats the Rhino, detailing its speed, maneuverability, and durable internals, proudly stating, “With the expensive upgrades we procured, he had become nothing short of a beast, indeed.” Sunny registers the peculiar anthropomorphism of his personnel carrier before Kim tentatively asks if he wishes to inspect the interior.
Without hesitation, Sunny agrees and enters the Rhino through an opened hatch. Ascending steep steps, he is met by the vehicle’s massive interior. The sheer power and advanced engineering evident in the Rhino underscore the perilous nature of their mission, foreshadowing the brutal challenges that lie ahead for Sunny and his crew.
Chapter 834 Cohesion
Days aboard the battleship stretch into a routine for Sunny, the constant hum of the vessel a dull counterpoint to the abyss of water below. He’s too busy to dwell on the precariousness of their situation. His focus sharpens on improving cohort cohesion, adapting training regimens to their limited space. Low-intensity drills and mental exercises become the norm, pushing the six elite Awakened to better understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Sunny’s insights, aided by his Shadow Dance ability, prove invaluable as Belle’s agility, Dorn’s stoicism, Quentin’s tenacity, Samara’s precision, Kim’s observational prowess, and Luster’s bravado begin to meld into a more unified force.
Sunny delves deeper into the nuances of his team’s abilities. He discovers Belle’s sword enhancement is a subtle displacement field, not a simple sharpening. Kim’s shared vision is more sophisticated than mere sight transference; she can isolate vulnerabilities, presenting them as composite overlays. Luster, whose soul essence recovery works best with familiarity, finds Sunny’s shadow essence unresponsive, a peculiar isolation that disappoints him. Despite his annoyance, Sunny recognizes Luster’s limited impact on his own Master-level essence, especially as an abnormal Awakened with four cores.
When not overseeing drills, Sunny dedicates himself to modifying their Memories, a complex and demanding process. He imbues Belle’s blade with a potent, passive sharpening enchantment and transfers the [Feather of Truth] to Dorn’s sledgehammer, a remarkable feat given the armor’s intricate weave. Most impressive are the six charms he crafts, each a modified, less essence-demanding version of his personal Memory of Ice. This success in copying and adapting enchantments allows his soldiers to maintain a permanent, albeit weaker, resistance to cold, a significant step forward in his capabilities.
Chapter 835 Siren’s Song
Sunny awakens to a peculiar disturbance—singing, beautiful and unsettlingly clear through the battleship’s thick bulkheads. The melodies, lacking discernible language but evoking a profound, wistful longing, draw him to the precipice of seeking out the source. His budding curiosity is abruptly curtailed by the unnerving realization that his Shadows are trembling, and the crystal-clear acoustics defy all logic. A chilling echo of Odysseus and his siren song surfaces in Sunny’s mind as the Undying Chain, enchanted with [Chains of Longing] for mental protection, proves utterly ineffective against the captivating, foreign-language vocals.
The pervasive singing triggers a disquieting thought in Sunny: “I’m hearing voices.” Yet, the experience is undeniably pleasant, a stark contrast to the expected horror of auditory hallucinations. He recalls the safety manual’s directive to report such occurrences, but his heart, already claimed by another’s influence, refuses to be further swayed by this ethereal siren call. As Sunny prepares to seek out an officer, his path is blocked by a thin, inexplicable layer of water covering the passage floor, adding another layer to the growing mystery.
Approaching a security checkpoint, Sunny is further perplexed to find a junior officer seemingly oblivious to the water, raising the unsettling question of whether the liquid itself is part of his hallucination. Despite his unease and the mounting strangeness, Sunny gathers his resolve. “Excuse me,” he addresses the officer, the first tentative step into unraveling the secrets of the ship’s unsettling phenomena.
Chapter 836 Black Water
The fleet plunges into Condition Black as a chilling directive silences all activity, a stark contrast to the mysterious singing that still echoes in Sunny’s mind. Trapped by the inexplicable water and the motionless junior officer, Sunny grapples with the impossible choice between upholding protocol and his own safety. The officer, whose breathing sounds unnervingly wet, begins to move, his form parting the water as he advances. Sunny, his resolve hardening, prepares to defy the rules and defend himself if the unnerving figure makes a move, the singing momentarily becoming clearer, as if offering a whispered warning.
The officer suddenly vanishes, only to reappear behind Sunny with a splash. Before Sunny can react, a blinding flash erupts as something unseen collides with the apparition. The singing ceases abruptly, the battleship shudders back to life, and lights flood the corridor. Sunny draws his Cruel Sight, finding Master Naeve, clad in a wetsuit and wielding a bone knife, pressing a shapeless mass of black water against the bulkhead. The creature dissolves into a puddle, and Naeve’s gaze, alight with dark intensity, turns towards Sunny.
Chapter 837 Naval Engagement
The immediate aftermath of the encounter leaves Sunny shaken, but alive. Master Naeve, a figure of grim competence in a wetsuit and wielding a crude bone knife, dispatches the water-based entity that had terrorized Sunny. The cessation of the mysterious singing and the return of the battleship to operational status signal a temporary reprieve, but Naeve’s intense, dark gaze directed at Sunny hints at the lingering dangers and unspoken truths surrounding the attack.
The vehicle stable of the battleship hums with a tense, somber energy as crew members secure machinery amidst the ongoing, colossal battle. Sunny, observing the chaos from the shadows, notes the relentless firing of the ship’s cannons and the launch of torpedoes and missiles, acknowledging the grim powerlessness felt by many of the thousand soldiers of the First Army. He finds a small comfort in having one of his shadows observing the surface battle, a privilege denied to others who can only infer the conflict’s progression through vibrations and muffled sounds.
Sunny moves towards the cradle holding the Rhino, a potential last resort should the battleship fall. He checks on his subordinates, Dorn, Quentin, Kim, and Luster, noting that Belle and Samara are in the Dream Realm, their bodies secured within the Rhino. While relieved that all his people are accounted for, Sunny contemplates the monumental task of extracting the armored APC from the stable, questioning his own ability to breach the ship’s heavy armor for a vehicle of that size.
Chapter 838 Bang
As hundreds of petrified people watch in fear, a section of the giant compartment’s outer wall begins to deform, buckling inward with a jarring bang. The sound of rushing water then fills the narrow gaps as the battleship’s armored hull succumbs to an unseen force. Sunny, his face a mask of grim determination, orders his subordinates, Dorn, Quentin, Kim, and Luster, to their feet. Despite their professional composure, a palpable hesitation hangs in the air; they are warriors trained for combat against nightmares and other Awakened, but ill-equipped to fight the ocean itself.
Another thunderous impact shakes the ship, deepening the indentation in the vehicle stable’s bulkhead. Those nearest recoil, a wave of panic rippling through the compartment as the crowd evacuates the immediate vicinity, leaving the damaged section starkly exposed. The relentless sound of rushing water and the groaning of contorting metal underscore the escalating peril. Kim, paling, cries out, “Captain!” as Sunny feels Kim’s Aspect Ability brush against his mind, shifting his perception to reveal the compromised wall tinged with anxious orange and pale red hues.
Three consecutive, devastating blows strike the hull, the wall bending further inward, the deformed section growing. A thin crack, a vibrant red stain, appears where the metal is most strained, and a single drop of black water seeps through. Despite the onslaught, the metal groans but still holds. However, after a tense dozen seconds, another blow impacts the damaged area, causing it to yield further, and the precious metal finally cracks, allowing the insidious black water to spill forth, signaling a dire breach.
Chapter 839 Unholy Blood
The fleet, though battered, survives the terrifying encounter with the black water, with all forty colossal ships intact. The damage sustained is manageable, a testament to the war vessels’ robust engineering and compartmentalization. As the convoy speeds south, reactors overloaded for increased velocity, repair brigades immediately begin patching hull breaches, a routine task for these seasoned crews. Cannons are reloaded, missiles replenished, and the fallen honored with burials at sea, a somber reflection of the battle’s cost, though thankfully fewer lives were lost than feared, thanks to the swift actions of the Awakened from the House of Night.
Days later, Sunny finds himself in the officer’s lounge with Master Naeve, recounting a bizarre encounter with a giant and a skull-like entity. Naeve speculates the dark sea of the Forgotten Shore is a Great Titan, a notion Sunny readily accepts given the sheer power displayed. Sunny probes Naeve about the nature of the black water, a persistent hazard in the Stormsea. Naeve explains its enigmatic origins, ranging from Nightmare Creatures to the fragmented blood of an ancient Titan, emphasizing its avoidance is paramount. The sheer size of their convoy, teeming with souls and Awakened, attracted this danger, along with the abominations it harbors.
Naeve differentiates the black water from the more ancient and potent dark sea of the Forgotten Shore, marveling that Sunny and his friends, mere Sleepers, managed to seal it. Sunny, his expression grave, corrects him, attributing their success not to miracles but to the sacrifices of countless individuals over two decades who paved the way for their victory. He reflects on how “most problems can be solved if you throw enough bodies at them,” but hopes the upcoming Antarctica campaign will be different, hinting at a threat so immense that brute force alone will be insufficient.
Chapter 840 Mobilization
As the fleet nears Antarctica, Sunny dedicates himself to enhancing his soldiers’ Memories. Though his sorcery is rudimentary, he crafts tailored enchantments, weaving shadow essence with ethereal light, a fusion that reminds him of Nephis. This personal endeavor is interrupted by a government emergency broadcast, a stark warning of an approaching cataclysm disguised as a grand stage for heroism. Despite the propaganda, fear grips the globe, particularly the southern hemisphere, as the implications of the Chain of Nightmares become terrifyingly clear. Sunny retreats, establishing a tether and disappearing into the Dream Realm, seeking refuge and perhaps answers.
The Ivory Tower remains unchanged, a testament to its ancient resilience, but the surrounding island now bustles with activity. Sunny observes new structures and a vibrant garden, recognizing the touch of Kaor and Shakti, former Artisans. The presence of their familiar flying vessel, resting on the lake, suggests a deeper connection to the past. The island feels more alive, inhabited, hinting at a growing sanctuary amidst the encroaching darkness.
The dire government announcement about the Chain of Nightmares has cast a pall over humanity. Sunny, witnessing the fear spread, retreats to his cabin to establish a new tether and enter the Dream Realm, a stark contrast to the outward appearance of the Ivory Tower. The island, though outwardly unchanged for millennia, now displays signs of life and purpose, with gardens and wooden structures suggesting a refuge built by Kaor and Shakti. A familiar ship rests on the lake, its presence a silent echo of a forgotten past as the world braces for an unprecedented threat.
