Chapter 901 Degrees Of Danger
Riding north into the blizzard, Sunny navigates the frigid darkness with his unique sight. The weight of past losses presses heavily, yet his focus remains resolutely on the future: safeguarding his soldiers, Professor Obel, and Beth from an uncertain fate. Upon returning to the Rhino, he learns from Quentin that the immediate area has been quiet, with Professor Obel and Beth resting, though under constant watch for any signs of the Spell. Sunny, recognizing the precariousness of their situation in the hostile Antarctic wilderness, acknowledges the calculated risks he’s taken, understanding that security is a relic of the past.
He concedes to taking a much-needed nap, entrusting Saint with the vital task of guarding the Rhino from the shadows. This brief respite comes as a cold comfort against the ever-present threat of Nightmare Creatures, which roam the desolate landscape in vast numbers. Sunny’s acceptance of his new reality, where danger is a constant companion and choices are merely degrees of peril, underscores the grim determination driving his mission.
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With Professor Obel secured and Beth tasked with his cooperation, Sunny braces himself for the escalating challenges ahead. The dawn of a new, perilous day looms, and the fragile hope of survival hinges on his ability to make impossible decisions and face the unknown terrors that lie beyond the protective shell of the Rhino.
Chapter 902 State Of Affairs
Dorn, Kim, and Luster bring grim tidings from the Dream Realm. Communication across the Antarctic Center has collapsed, crippled by the emergent Titan, the Winter Beast, and the blizzard it commands. Information is fragmented, unreliable, and often obsolete upon arrival, leaving armies in a state of heightened fear. The southern reaches are effectively lost, with evacuations in disarray as the focus shifts to preserving the remaining siege capitals against unpredictable Titan attacks. The Titans are but harbingers, signaling a surge in the Chain of Nightmares, with Gates opening more frequently and a relentless influx of Nightmare Creatures into the waking world.
Sunny, recognizing the dire straits, postpones a decision on immediate movement, opting to wait for more soldiers to return from the Dream Realm. Staying static at the Rhino, while precarious, offers his troops a chance to recuperate and better understand the unfolding crisis, a calculated risk that also prioritizes the safety of the two civilians, Professor Obel and Beth. He retreats to the kitchen, finding solace in preparing a hearty breakfast, his mind racing with questions about the Second Army’s assembly, the Great Clans’ actions, and the feasibility of reaching the distant siege capital near Mount Erebus.
The aroma of Sunny’s cooking draws everyone, including Professor Obel and Beth, into the lounge. While Sunny discreetly assesses the Professor’s condition, Beth diligently monitors his health, providing necessary medication. Sunny contemplates reaching out to allies like Effie or Nephis to check on Rain, but the immediate danger prevents him from leaving. The chapter ends with the ever-present threat of absence looming large, a stark reminder that in this collapsing world, even a brief moment away could mean missing the encroaching disaster entirely.
Chapter 903 Abstract Numbers
A stark reality descends upon the Rhino as Sunny reveals the grim fate of those left behind in the Dream Realm, a truth that silences the lounge and leaves Professor Obel visibly shaken and Beth questioning the impossible. Sunny, with a confidence that masks his own unease, dismisses further speculation, emphasizing the pervasiveness of the Nightmare Spell and the paramount importance of present survival over past loss. He urges focus on what lies ahead, the conversation ending abruptly and the fragile camaraderie of the previous evening shattered by the weight of their confirmed casualties.
Sunny, recognizing the need for action beyond emotional processing, decides to take watch outside the Rhino. He exchanges his Warbow for Saint’s, a tactical shift allowing him to personally monitor their surroundings. The desolate, snow-swept landscape offers a stark contrast to the human drama within, providing a solitary space for him to grapple with the immense responsibility of leadership and the perilous uncertainty of their path forward. His preference for isolation highlights the profound psychological toll of their current predicament.
Perched atop the Rhino, Sunny utilizes his shadow abilities to scout the treacherous, snow-blinded terrain. The unnatural blizzard, a terrifying manifestation of the Winter Beast, paradoxically serves as a shield, concealing the Rhino and its occupants from both approaching Nightmare Creatures and their detection by the abominations. This precarious balance, where chaos breeds a subtle protection, underscores the novel’s blend of overwhelming threat and unexpected advantage, leaving Sunny to contemplate the constant tightrope walk between survival and annihilation.
Chapter 904 A Journey Of A Thousand Miles
Master Jet’s terse command arrives: retreat to Erebus, a thousand kilometers north, and link up with Davis and his Irregulars. The faint hope of external aid vanishes as Sunny processes the grim directive. The cohort’s brief respite ends, the lingering scent of blood from Sunny’s recent skirmishes with wandering Nightmare Creatures a stark reminder of the looming dangers. The blizzard, a perverse shield, continues to cloak the Rhino as it rumbles forward, pushing deeper into the mountainous interior. Inside, a fragile calm settles as they navigate the blinding snow, though Sunny, ever vigilant, remains on edge, assessing the mental fortitude of his surprisingly resilient soldiers, even finding himself contemplating Luster’s seemingly carefree disposition.
As the Rhino nears a critical junction separating the coastal highway from the mountain path, one of Sunny’s scouting shadows detects an anomaly in the snow. Hesitation flickers across his face before he instructs Luster to alter course, slowing their advance toward a specific point within the storm. Sunny, weapon in hand, plunges into the blizzard, driven by an unseen premonition.
He emerges before a significant snowdrift, a silent testament to something hidden beneath the swirling white. The tension in the air is palpable, the uncertainty of what awaits him a heavy weight, hinting at a new challenge that will test their already strained endurance.
Chapter 905 Bearer Of Bad News
As Sunny guides the Rhino through the blinding blizzard, a faint detection of approaching “people” diverts their path. Emerging onto the coastal highway, Sunny confronts a battered convoy of civilian transports accompanied by a few military vehicles. Troubled by their presence and the vulnerable state of the refugees within, Sunny, with his spear radiating intense light, announces himself as Captain Sunless, ordering them to halt. The tense soldiers, mistaking him for the “Devil,” are visibly unnerved. A single military officer approaches, the dire condition of the refugees and the absence of any Awakened among them darkening Sunny’s mood.
The approaching officer, a shivering, mundane human, cautiously addresses Sunny, his voice laced with fear, mistaking him for the “Devil.” Sunny, despite the gruff misunderstanding, calms the soldier, his imposing presence and the radiant glow of his spear, the Cruel Sight, creating an aura of awe and apprehension. Belle and Dorn emerge from their APC, weapons ready, while Samara takes a vantage point, their vigilance underscoring the precariousness of their current encounter.
Sunny’s shadows reveal the convoy to be filled with frightened civilians—women, children, and the elderly—all exhausted and in rough shape, with few men and no Awakened among them. This grim discovery fuels Sunny’s unease, hinting at a deeper crisis unfolding beyond the immediate dangers of the Nightmare Creatures, setting the stage for a new, more complex challenge in their perilous journey.
Chapter 906 Moral Conundrum
The soldier, utterly crushed by Sunny’s grim pronouncement about the fate of the siege capital, stands defeated. His fragile hope of salvation, nurtured through unimaginable horrors, is extinguished. Sunny, understanding the man’s despair after his own past traumas, reveals that his mission dictates a rendezvous at the Erebus Field siege capital. A flicker of desperate hope ignites in the soldier’s eyes as he tentatively asks, “Master Sunless, sir. Will you consider…” Sunny anticipates the plea to escort the vulnerable civilian convoy, recognizing the soldiers’ belief in his elite cohort’s capability and his own formidable reputation.
The dilemma weighs heavily on Sunny. While his Rhino might brave the treacherous mountain journey, the battered civilian transports are ill-equipped for such a passage. Accepting this escort would significantly complicate his mission, slowing him down and increasing the risk to his own highly capable soldiers. He recalls Verne’s words that guiding hundreds of civilians through the mountains alive is an impossible feat, a statement he’d challenged. Now, he faces the agonizing choice: abandon these desperate souls or defy his previous convictions and embrace a perilous undertaking.
The soldier’s unspoken plea hangs in the air as Sunny remains silent, his unmoving face a stark contrast to the internal conflict raging within him. The chapter leaves the reader on the precipice of Sunny’s decision, hinting at the profound consequences of either choice and the immense weight of responsibility he carries. The narrative tantalizingly suggests a fated test for Sunny, forcing him to confront his own philosophy and potentially redefine the boundaries of the impossible.
Chapter 907 Burden Of Command
The refugees’ initial devastation at their perceived loss of salvation quickly gives way to elation as they learn Master Sunless of the First Irregular Company now commands their convoy. Sunny, however, is unnerved by their fervent hope, recognizing their desperate need to believe in him as a hero, a stark contrast to his own awareness of his past failures, including the destruction of a settlement he was stationed at. He notes that people readily ignore truths that conflict with their comforting beliefs, a phenomenon he intends to exploit.
Sunny surmises that managing the refugees’ morale might be crucial in combating the spread of the Nightmare Spell, theorizing that despair breeds fertile ground for Nightmares while hope does not. This strategic consideration, coupled with his desire to depart the precarious highway terminus swiftly, prompts him to seek counsel from Professor Obel. The professor’s insights, while valuable regarding the general challenges, offer no precedent for Sunny’s current unique predicament of surviving the “Chain of Nightmares.”
With the counsel of Professor Obel, and accompanied by Beth and Sergeant Gere, Sunny convenes his cohort in the Rhino’s command suite. He intends to lead the convoy, despite the evident risks and the impossibility of a truly safe passage, a decision underscored by his growing strategic understanding of human psychology and the encroaching darkness.
Chapter 908 Delegation
The battered convoy, with the Rhino leading, navigates treacherous mountain roads as Sunny’s prior scouting with his shadows proves invaluable. He, however, acknowledges the unpredictability of the landscape following a recent Titan clash, which could have caused devastating geological shifts. The slow progress, with the Rhino clearing snow like a plow, forces Sunny to multitask, managing the complex convoy operations while simultaneously strategizing for the omnipresent threat of Nightmare Creatures and the encroaching darkness. The sheer weight of responsibility for hundreds of lives weighs heavily on him, a stark contrast to leading a small cohort.
“Beth, you have administrative experience, right?” Sunny asks, turning his attention to the young woman observing the external feeds. Beth confirms her experience managing a research facility, prompting Sunny to delegate the crucial task of overseeing the refugees. He assigns her responsibility for their well-being—food, water, health, and morale—tasking her with coordinating with civilians and reporting unresolved issues.
Beth initially balks, asserting her priority lies with Professor Obel. Sunny counters, emphasizing that her new role directly impacts the Professor’s safety, and that he needs to delegate to focus on military matters. He frames it as entrusting the civilians to someone who cares about the Professor’s well-being. With a scoff, Beth concedes, “Fine. I guess I’ll be the housekeeper, then. You be the guard dog.” Sunny grins, accepting the new arrangement.
Chapter 909 Underground Nest
The convoy’s slow, arduous journey through snow-choked mountain passes continues, the weight of hundreds of lives resting on Sunny’s shoulders. He delegates the critical task of managing the refugee population to Beth, who reluctantly accepts, their exchange marked by a begrudging camaraderie. The need for shelter and repairs for the struggling convoy forces Sunny to confront an abandoned, desolate bunker, a grim relic of humanity’s past wars. Despite the inherent dangers and the presence of lurking Nightmare Creatures, Sunny commits his elite unit of seven to clearing the complex, his confidence stemming from his own formidable abilities and the meticulous mapping of the enemy’s positions he conducts with Kim’s assistance.
Sunny’s foresight and tactical prowess are evident as he begins the daunting task of clearing the abandoned bunker, a place scarred by past conflict and now serving as a lair for numerous Nightmare Creatures. He projects a detailed, annotated map onto the snow, highlighting enemy locations and weak points for his seven-man team, a stark contrast to the potential risks of a larger force. Sergeant Gere voices concern about the creatures, to which Sunny responds with stoic resolve, “There are. So what?” His confidence is palpable, especially as his shadows have already infiltrated the bunker, confirming the density of the abominations within.
The mission into the bunker is framed as a necessary, albeit perilous, undertaking to secure a haven for the stranded civilians. Sunny’s pragmatic approach to the unknown dangers, his willingness to face overwhelming odds with a small, elite unit, showcases his leadership style amidst the harsh realities of their post-cataclysmic world. He acknowledges the creatures’ presence but remains undeterred, his faith in his own capabilities and the strategic planning he has meticulously undertaken fueling his determination to push forward, even with the threat of a bloody assault looming.
Chapter 910 Master Of Cartography
The abandoned bunker, despite its grim state and recent monster blood spatter, becomes a temporary sanctuary for the refugees, offering a much-needed respite from the harsh winter and the perils of their journey. Sunny oversees the chaotic but ultimately functional settling of the civilians into designated living areas, with Sergeant Gere and Beth efficiently managing the immediate needs like lighting, heating, and organization. Left to his own devices, Sunny chooses to monitor the infirmary, where casualties from the previous engagement slumber in the First Nightmare. As the blizzard subsides, revealing the stark beauty of the aurora-lit night sky, Sunny utilizes his unique abilities to scout the surrounding mountain terrain. His shadows extend his perception, allowing him to meticulously map the area, a crucial task for plotting the convoy’s arduous path toward the Erebus Field siege capital.
Sunny diligently works on updating the convoy’s map, a tedious but vital process. He recalls his previous reconnaissance missions, marking old roads, their varying degrees of disrepair, and identifying potential campsites and hidden dangers like tunnel entrances. “So outdated,” he mutters, as he annotates the map, recognizing the immense effort required to chart a safe route through the treacherous, snow-choked mountains. His commitment to this meticulous planning underscores his leadership, ensuring the survival and progress of the hundreds of lives under his protection.
With the immediate crisis of settling the refugees managed, Sunny dedicates himself to the strategic planning for the journey ahead. The chilling beauty of the polar night and the dancing aurora serve as a backdrop to his solitary work, a stark contrast to the potential horrors lurking in the darkness. His ability to pierce the veil of impenetrable darkness and his far-reaching shadow perception grant him a unique advantage in navigating the unforgiving landscape. The weight of the convoy’s impending trek to the Erebus Field siege capital rests heavily on his shoulders, driving his relentless preparation through the long night.
Chapter 911 Question Of Value
Professor Obel visits Sunny in the bunker, bringing him a meager meal of synthpaste broth and monster meat, a taste of the common army fare Sunny is accustomed to. As they eat, Obel praises Sunny’s exceptional Utility Aspect, emphasizing its strategic importance in navigating the treacherous terrain and minimizing casualties, stating, “your ability is truly incredible.” He acknowledges Sunny’s leadership, noting, “you are uniquely suited to lead this convoy,” and inquires about the burden of responsibility. When Sunny presses him on his true intentions, Obel reveals he has a favor to ask.
The professor, with a fatherly expression, asks Sunny to prioritize the lives of others, particularly his assistant Beth, over his own should a choice arise. Sunny, taken aback, firmly rejects the request, reminding Obel of his orders to ensure the professor’s safe delivery to the Erebus Field siege capital, asserting, “My orders are to deliver you safely to a siege capital… you, and you alone.” Obel simply shakes his head, leaving Sunny perplexed by the unexpected plea and the immense weight of the upcoming journey.
The interaction highlights the stark contrast between Sunny’s pragmatic, duty-bound leadership and Obel’s apparent foreboding about the future, hinting at a complex and potentially dangerous road ahead for the convoy. Obel’s self-sacrificing request casts a shadow over their immediate mission, suggesting deeper, unspoken concerns about the perilous path to the siege capital and the difficult choices that may arise.
Chapter 912 Soul Of A Man
The convoy faces its first true test as three individuals succumb to the mysterious Sleepers’ condition, deviating from the typical teenage victims. Among them is a young soldier, offering a glimmer of hope for survival, and two refugees – an older man and woman. Sunny, wielding his Moonlight Shard, observes with morbid fascination as the nascent soul cores within the soldier and the male refugee begin to form. He witnesses the miraculous process, understanding that a soul core acts as a fulcrum for the soul, a process he has endured many times. The soldier’s core solidifies, radiating revitalizing energy, but the male refugee’s core develops a seed of darkness, signaling the dreaded Corruption.
As Sunny watches, the Corruption spreads like a cancerous growth, twisting the refugee’s body, his teeth elongating and bones cracking. He suspects this same harrowing rot nearly consumed him within the Ebony Tower. With a sigh of regret, Sunny makes a grim decision. Before the transformation can fully manifest, he pierces the man’s chest with the Moonlight Shard, shattering the corrupted soul core and ending the grotesque metamorphosis.
The encounter with the corrupted refugee, an enemy predating the Nightmare Spell itself, starkly underscores the pervasive dangers beyond the immediate journey. Sunny’s internal reflection on the nature of Corruption, and his own brush with it, hints at the deeply personal stakes involved as they press onward, the weight of potential fates resting heavily on his shoulders.
Chapter 913 Lucky Sleeper
The convoy’s sole Awakened, Sunny, entrusts the newly returned Sleeper, a young soldier, to Belle for melee combat training. This soldier, no longer entirely mundane yet not a true Awakened, possesses an Aspect, an Ability, and can summon Memories, though his power is limited. Sunny, reflecting on the harsh realities of the Forgotten Shore, recognizes the Sleeper’s potential to guard refugees, thus easing the burden on the Irregulars. Equipped with practical, lower-ranked Memories like snakeskin armor, a spare sword, and enchanted arrows, the soldier is a testament to the Irregulars’ surplus of such items. Sunny also muses on the future proliferation of Sleepers, anticipating their numbers potentially rivaling the Evacuation Army.
His immediate focus, however, remains on the convoy’s immediate needs. As morning breaks, Quentin, Samara, and Kim are dispatched to inspect and repair the vehicles for the journey to Erebus Field. Simultaneously, Dorn and twenty of Gere’s soldiers are tasked with exploring a fifty-year-old bunker for salvageable machinery, preserved provisions, and carcasses of Nightmare Creatures. All recovered soul shards are to be fed to the rookie Sleeper, providing him with hundreds of soul fragments on his first day back.
“Whatever. I was killing Fallen Devils left and right as a Sleeper…” Sunny remarks, a flicker of disdain for his own past capabilities. Despite the Sleeper’s current limitations, his presence is vital. Sunny instructs Belle to “do a good job of mentoring that guy,” recognizing the long-term implications of his development. The chapter sets the stage for the convoy’s continued progress, underscoring the constant need for resourcefulness and the growth of new, albeit inexperienced, allies in a desolate world.
Chapter 914 Moving On
The convoy spends three arduous days within the derelict bunker as Kim, Samara, and Quentin work tirelessly to effect crude but functional repairs on the damaged vehicles. The polar night’s biting cold and the ever-present threat of Nightmare Creatures underscore the precariousness of their situation; stopping the convoy would spell certain death for the refugees. During this period, Sunny meticulously monitors their surroundings and updates his map, a task made somewhat unnerving by the veiled scrutiny of his Shadow companions. He reflects on the resilience of the refugees, particularly the children whose laughter echoes within the bunker’s gloomy corridors, a stark contrast to the despair he anticipated.
Despite the bunker’s defensive capabilities, Sunny remains vigilant, ordering Luster to monitor seismic sensors for any subterranean threats, a grim reminder of past encounters. His brief patrols within the complex reveal a surprising normalcy among the refugees, a testament to their spirit in the face of immense loss. A young boy, oblivious to Sunny’s internal exasperation, bumps into him, eliciting a shocked yelp and a hurried, “Uh… sorry, Uncle Awakened…”, followed by giggles as he flees. Sunny, processing the unexpected familial address, finds himself unexpectedly touched by the unexpected normalcy.
The prolonged stay in the bunker, while uneventful in terms of direct conflict, serves as a crucial period of preparation. The patched-up vehicles are now marginally more reliable, offering a sliver of hope for the journey ahead. The interactions, however fleeting, highlight the developing dynamics within the convoy, from the quiet strength of the civilians to Sunny’s own burgeoning role, even if that role includes being dubbed “Uncle.” The stage is set for the convoy’s departure, with the harsh realities of the Forgotten Shore still a looming certainty.
Chapter 915 Fool’s Errand
The convoy bravely ventures forth, navigating treacherous mountain roads under the oppressive shroud of polar night. Each narrow pass, clinging precariously to sheer cliffs, amplifies the refugees’ terror as rocks tumble into the abyss below, their echoes a stark reminder of the precariousness of their journey. Sunny, in the lead APC, the Rhino, calculates their agonizingly slow progress, his awareness of the encroaching darkness and the ever-present danger of Nightmare Creatures a constant hum beneath his focused vigilance. Saint, acting as an outrider, skillfully intercepts solitary threats, a fragile shield against the inevitable hunger lurking beyond the headlights’ reach.
The Rhino’s lowered ram clears debris and ice, but even its might is insufficient for larger obstacles, forcing the convoy to a halt. Sunny, wielding the Sin of Solace, dispatches these with brutal efficiency, though the blade’s whispers gnaw at his resolve. His role as the convoy’s shield is undeniable, cutting through granite as easily as water, yet each pause in their agonizing crawl amplifies the inevitable encounter with the teeming Nightmare Creatures. The sheer noise and light they produce are a beacon, drawing the attention of things that hunger.
Despite the perilous ascent and the looming threat, Sunny remains outwardly calm, his analytical mind processing the myriad dangers. He contrasts his own enhanced senses with the blindness of the mundane soldiers, a stark reminder of the unique burdens he carries. The fragile envelope of safety Saint provides feels increasingly thin, and the specter of inevitable conflict hangs heavy in the biting air.
