After helping Kai from the thugs. Sunny and Kai were heading back towards the bright castle.
While they were walking. Kai turned to look at Sunny and said:
"You know, Sunny. I was shocked when I knew that you have a true name. You also left quite a deep impression in the castle. You were the main subject of what people talked about. For a while."
"Oh, you think so?" Sunny chuckled.
"Yeah. Also, Aiko was grateful for what you did there. Although she didn't get back her dept, people stopped trying to ripping her off or not paying." Kai said joyfully
'Sorry, Kai. But I used her name to challenge Andel. Nothing more' Sunny thought to himself but didn't think it was necessary saying that.
The two walked for a while. Then Kai looked at Sunny and pointed at his armor and said:
"Sunny, when did you get this fearsome looking armor. It looks very tough."
"Oh, this armor?" Sunny said while looking at his armor. "Don't you remember? It's the one I bought from the memory market" Sunny said casually.
Kai looked at Sunny with confusion, "Wait, isn't that armor too damaged to be repaired? And that it needs essence?"
"Yeah, that's right" Sunny said with a nod.
"Then how is it repaired?? You're not an awakened, you don't have essence!"
Sunny gave Kai a look, looking at his confused face.
"Well, you're right about that. But I actually have an Echo.... well, it's not really an Echo, but it can help me guide the little essence I have to repair the armor" Sunny said and ordered Serpent to come out.
Kai watched with shock as he saw a large Serpent that's at least 6 meters tall coming out from Sunny's hand.
Kai pointed his finger at Serpent with shock and fear "Su....Sunny, where did you get such an echo"
"Oh this guy? He was a part of my aspect legacy, and he isn't an Echo. He's a shadow. Oh, and he's an awakened tyrant" Sunny said with a smile while ordering Serpent to go back. He then turned to look at Kai, whose jaw was wide open while looking at Sunny.
"What?" Sunny asked while raising an eyebrow.
Kai just stared at him and murmured, "I think... I think I might pass out."
"Pass out? Just from this? What would happen to you if I told you about my journey in the labyrinth, killing thousands of Awakened creatures and some fallen too. Or that one time I climbed a large tree and killed a great devil" Sunny said while resting his chin on his hand, remembering the things he did in his journey. Until he heard something hit the ground, when he looked at Kai, he saw laying on the ground while being unconscious.
"Wait, he didn't really just pass out. I thought he was joking. Hey, Kai! Kai wake up!!" Sunny screamed with his face pale.
'Damnation. I shouldn't have joked with him like that'
....
In the end, Sunny had to carry his unconscious friend on his back while heading towards the bright castle.
After a couple of hours while they were close, Kai finally woke up.
"Sunny, where am I?" Kai said after he got down from Sunny's back and looked around him
"We're close to the castle, I had to carry you after losing your consciousness. It was my mistake on going hard on you with jokes. I really didn't think you'd just pass out." Sunny said the last part with a chuckle
"Sorry you had to carry me all the way." Kai said while scratching the back of his head.
"No need to apologize. It was my mistake. Anyway, we're already close. Let's move. " Kai nodded and followed Sunny
....
After about half an hour, they reached the outer settlement in front of the bright castle. Before leaving to the ruins, this place was filled with fear and emptiness, the people there lived in fear and depression. But now, the people were energized and confident. The fear of starvation or danger disappeared from their eyes.
Some people came to great Kai when they saw him, but no one seem to know who Sunny was. Although his name was probably known by them, but they don't know how he looked, the people who saw him were mostly the bright castle people.
"Thank you again, Sunny. I'm going to head back to the castle right now. Is there anything I can help you with before I go?" Kai gave Sunny a last look
"Oh, you're coming with me before heading there. I'm heading to Changing Star headquarters now." Sunny lips curved up as he said that.
"Huh? Why do you want to take me with me?" Kai looked at Sunny with confusion
"Oh, I just wanna introduce you to my friends. I'm pretty sure one of them will answer your stupid questions about musics" Sunny said with a grin
"You...you wanna introduce me to lady Changing Star!" Kai said with a little shock.
"Yeah, is there a problem with that?" Sunny raised an eyebrow
"No...not really. I'm just not quite sure about this" Kai scratched the back of his head with an unsure smile
"Stop being like that. Let's just go" Sunny started walking towards the headquarters, Kai followed him with uncertainty.
While walking, Sunny looked around. And was amazed from how different this place was from the time he left.
"Oh right, one last thing, Kai. Don't mention anything about the kidnapping or the kidnappers. Until I tell it's okay."Sunny said seriously
"Oh...alright then" Kai said with a smile.
Sunny sighed and kept looking around the place.
'Neph really was working hard these past months, huh?'
Approaching the heavily fortified building that resembles a small town hall in the outer settlement. Sunny and Kai entered it and were greeted by a young woman.
"Welcome, can I help you with something?" The young woman smiled at the two guests.
"Can you take me to Neph, please." Sunny said in a casual tone.
The young woman blinked a couple of times "Uh...sorry, who's name Neph?"
"Uh, sorry. I meant lady Nephis." Sunny corrected himself
"Oh, I see. Come this way" the young woman started leading the way.
After a while, they stopped at a sturdy wooden door. After that, the woman left Sunny and Kai infront of the door as she hurried back.
Sunny looked at the door and took a deep breath. It's been a long time since he saw Neph and Cassie. He missed those two so much. Then, he slowly opened the door.
Inside were 4 people Effie, Caster, Cassie and Neph.
Inside the room, a wide window opened onto an eerily breathtaking view of the Dark City. On the wall beside it, a map of the ruins was littered with various markings that contained valuable information. They seemed to be much denser than before.
There was a large wooden table beside the window, around which stood seven makeshift chairs. Currently, only two were occupied.
Effie was sitting on one, her feet unceremoniously resting on the table. As always, she looked extremely comfortable and relaxed. On the chair next to her, a beautiful blind girl was cradling a cup in her delicate hands. It was Cassie.
Nephis and Caster stood near the map, discussing something with each other.
The four of them were the core of the Immortal Flame hunting party.
Sunny and Kai walked inside the room. Neph, Effie and Caster turned to look at who's entering the room and then froze.
"Hey there everyone, long time no see." Sunny said while a smile while he waved his right hand.
Neph's eyes flew open when she saw Sunny. Caster and Effie both widened their eyes a little in surprise. And Cassie, her expression turned from her usual calmness
"Su....Sunny. is that...is that you!" Cassie asked with longing and anticipation in her tone.
"Right in the flesh" Sunny grinned.
"Anyway, this is Ka-" before Sunny could continue his sentence, Cassie walked towards him and hugged him tightly.
"Wa..waah, what's this all about Cassie" Sunny asked while his cheeks blushed a little. Feeling the soft body of Cassie pressing on him.
"I'm so glad you're back." Cassie murmured while her face was buried in his chest.
"Yeah...yeah I'm back now." Sunny said in frustration while patting on Cassie's back and looking around him in embarrassment.
Effie giggled with a smirk while looking at Sunny. Both Kai and Caster turned their heads away letting the two have their warm reunion. And Neph....she looked at Cassie with a bit of....Jealousy?
'Wait, does she wanna hug me too? but she can't do it infront of them? Heh, how cute.' Sunny chuckled to himself.
"It's okay, Cassie. I'm back now. Anyway, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Kai. Kai, this is Nephis, Cassie, Effie, and Caster. Everyone, he's Kai. " After Sunny introduced Kai, only then did Cassie realize that there was someone standing beside Sunny.
She quickly backed off while her face was red from embarrassment. She quickly got back to normal and bowed a little to Kai. "I'm sorry, I didn't notice you." Cassie said with an embarrassed tone.
"No worries, it's nice to meet you, Cassie." Kai said while scratching his head.
Before Cassie could say anything. Neph's face paled so much. She pointed nervously at Kai, "Su... Sunny...why is Night here?"
'Ah, shit. Here we go again' Sunny sighed
....
After dealing with Neph and Cassie's shock that Night was here, they settled on their seats.
"I'm glad you're okay, Sunny." Neph said with a smile on her face that made Sunny's heart race.
Sunny coughed with a blush while covering his mouth, his fist. "Anyway, now that I'm here. Can you tell me what's the current situation" he's tone was calm
After saying that, Neph expression turned serious "before that Sunny. Did you get that thing?"
Without saying anything, Sunny summoned the [Moonlight shard]. "Here it is" he said with a big grin.
Neph looked at the memory and nodded.
Of course, one thing Sunny did before leaving the ruins was sending a letter with Serpent. Saying that he'll take care of the statue in north of the Dark City and retrieve the memory.
After seeing the memory, Neph started explaining everything that happened in the last months.
"After the deep impression you made, Gunlaug was cautious with how he dealt with us. But after 2 months of your disappearance, He started making some attempts to taunt us into confrontation. Nothing too bloody, though. However. things seem to have changed. We received word from the castle that Gunlaug is going to act against us soon. This time, he is aiming at one of my companions. The attack will be a serious one, and the target is Effie."
"Effie? Why her?" Sunny asked with confusion while looking at the huntress.
Caster clenched his fists
"It could have been any of us, really, but Effie... despite all my warnings... got into a rather vulgar argument with a bunch of guards who came into the outer settlement for some entertainment. Coincidentally, some of these guards went missing last night. No one knows what happened to them."
After hearing that, Kai's eyes widened as he slowly looked at Sunny. But Sunny acted all innocent and oblivious.
"So, how are you going to deal with that?" Sunny asked with while raising an eyebrow
"Well, I was first thinking of hiding Effie somewhere for a week.but now that you're here. I'm sure you have a plan, right" Neph asked with a wide smirk
Sunny stared at Neph for a while, and then he let out a loud chuckle. "Well, you're correct about that. I do have a plan to turn the tables to our side. But we'll just wait here for Gunlaug men to come take Effie"
Effie expression frowned. "Hey doofus, what do you mean wait for them to take me?"
A big evil smirk appeared on Sunny's face "what I mean is, since Gunlaug wants to challenge us that badly, so be it. And don't 6 take care of everything. You can rely on me now that I'm back" Sunny said confidently.
Effie was unsure about what Sunny said. For her, she only met him once. She looked at Neph, who said:
"Don't worry, Effie. If Sunny said he can do something. Then he could." Neph said with a smile.
"Well, Sunny. Seems like princess trust you so much. But do you mind sharing your plan?" Effie turned to look back at Sunny who always had a smile on his face since he entered the room.
"Well, actually. I do mind. I just wanna leave it as a surprise" Sunny said with a playful tone.
Effie clicked her tongue and just looked away in annoyance. Sunny chuckled from her reaction.
....
After dealing with Effie's case. Neph started talking about her plan to get the memory left from the first lord of the bright castle. After finishing everything, Sunny asked to have a private talk with Neph.
Sunny looked at Caster who was leaving the room. leaving Sunny and Neph alone.
"What do you want to talk about, Sunny?" Neph said while tilting her head.
"You know....I will be lying if I said I didn't expect a hug" Sunny coughed awkwardly.
Neph opened her eyes a little, her cheeks blushed a little. Then, to Sunny's surprise, Neph started walking towards him and hugged him tightly.
"I missed you, Sunny." Neph said with a murmur
A soft smile appeared on Sunny's face as he wrapped his hands around Neph
"I missed you too, Neph"
For a while, they stayed like that. Until Neph backed off, and her cheeks were bright red. "So, Sunny, what did you really want to talk about?" She said while looking away with shyness.
'Cute' Sunny thought to himself and coughed.
"Neph, what rank is your aspect?" Sunny's tone turned serious.
Neph was startled by Sunny's question. She hesitated for a bit and then said:
"Divine, Sunny. My aspect is Divine" she said while looking at Sunny, expecting him to be shocked. But to her surprise, he didn't seem surprised at all. "Sunny, why don't you seem surprised at all?" She was a bit confused from his reaction.
"Why? that's because I already knew that, but i just wanted to confirm it. Besides, I have a Divine Aspect, too." This time. Neph didn't also show any surprised expression
Sunny looked at Neph for a while and chuckled. "I guess you already guessed that by yourself. But anyway, do you know what's special about divine aspects?"
"Having the ability to form multiple Cores?" Neph said while crossing her arms.
"Indeed. That's true. I guess that means you're a monster already. Am I right? " Sunny smiled widely with a smirk.
Neph sighed, her arms still crossed. "Yeah, that's correct. I guess you're a monster too now, right?"
"Weeeeeell....about that....I'm actually a Tyrant" Sunny said while scratching his head.
Neph's jaw dropped. She looked at Sunny with a dumbfounded expression. She knew that he can't lie.
"Sunny, you just left for 5 months. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!" Neph said with shock and disbelief in her tone.
"Well, I didn't expect to accomplish this in this short time, but let's just say that....I killed thousands upon thousands of nightmare creatures." Sunny said casually, like this is a normal thing.
Neph just stared at Sunny with her dumbfounded expression for a while. Until she coughed awkwardly and got back her composure.
"Well, I'm glad you're okay. But a Tyrant! Sunny, you really are scary." Neph said with chuckle and amazement from Sunny.
But then, Neph saw Sunny taking out a small brown bag from inside his armor. He opened the bag and turned it upside-down. Right then, awakened soul shards started falling from the bag.
Little by little, a large pile of Awakened soul shards started forming. Neph face paled more and more while witnessing the soul shards that never seem to stop falling from this small bag. Neph knew that this bag was a memory that had a large space inside.
After a while, Sunny turned the bag and closed it. Neph stared at the soul shards with some hunger and greed. She was sure that this is amount is more than 2000!
"What are you waiting for? It's all yours. Consume all of them. This amount will be enough to help you become a Devil" Sunny said with a big smile.
"Su..Su...Sunny....why are you giving me these" Neph said while her face was pale but also looked with hunger at the amount of soul shards.
Sunny chuckled. "Why? To help you become stronger of course. I mean, I can't use it. And I can't take it back with me to the waking world. But giving you this will make you stronger and will raise our chances of getting back. Besides, I still got about 2000 more with me. But I need these for something. But anyway, dig in. It's all yours"
Neph just stared with disbelief
'He...he has more! Just how many nightmare creatures did he kill out in the labyrinth!' Neph thought to herself then glanced at Sunny, who was just smiling while enjoying her reactions.
"Sunny, I don't know how I can thank you for this. But I'll make sure to never let you down." Neph said with a determined tone.
"That's good to hear. then, get on with it" Sunny said cheerfully.
....
Sunny left Neph alone in the room since it would take some time to use all the soul shards and just walked around the headquarters.
He met up with Effie and Kai who were chatting for a little. Effie teased him a bit about the fact that he has a true name and was genuinely surprised when she knew about it. He also ran into Caster. who for some reason, came by and congratulated Sunny on making it back with a look of respect.
'Heh, he still thinks I'm a hidden legacy. Well, let him think of me like that. It'd save some trouble. "Sunny chuckled to himself
This time, Cassie didn't avoid Sunny. In fact, she was walking with him most of time. Talking with Sunny with joy in her tone.
By the end of the day, none of Gunlaug men came to take Effie. But that can't be said about the day after.
-------
Hello everyone. I know this chapter was a bit boring, but i promise you that the next chapter will be fire🔥
Anyway, I made a chart to powerscale the nightmare creatures. Although it might not be accurate compared to the original novel but I just wanna use it to help me scale nightmare creatures in the future. I'll upload it in the comments.
Thump...
Thump...
Thump!
Sunny's eyes snapped open as he woke up from his slumber. His body was trembling and sweating like crazy.
Slowly, Sunny took a deep breath as he started to calm himself down.
Of course, it was that cursed nightmare again. Ever since that time on the wall of the ruins. He started getting this nightmare more frequently. About once or even twice a week.
What's worst is that this nightmare was like a trauma, burdening his mind with each time he got it. Which left his brain tired. It wasn't as bad as the times in the Hollow mountains. But it was still tiring to deal with.
Sunny rested his head on his hands for a while. After some time, he got up and looked around the room as he was walking towards the door.
His room wasn't comparable to the one in the cathedral. But it wasn't that bad. Although the bed wasn't as comfortable as the other one but it was still ok, and from what Sunny knew, Neph left this room only for him. It was more luxurious than the other rooms in the headquarters. And it was cleaned every once in a while.
'Didn't think that Neph value me this much in her heart. What can I say, I'm touched.' Sunny chuckled as he opened the door.
Sunny was surprised to see that Cassie was waiting for him at his door.
"Good morning, Sunny." Cassie said with a wide smile and a tender voice
"Morning, Cassie. How long have you been standing here for?" Sunny replied with a smile.
"I was just passing by when I heard you walking toward the door" she said with a natural tone.
"Anyway, where is everyone at?" Sunny looked around him. But suddenly, Cassie took his right arm and clung to him.
Sunny blushed as he flet Cassie's soft body, pressing tightly on his arm.
"Cas... Cassie, what are you doing?" Sunny asked while being a bit embarrassed.
"What am I doing? I want you to guide me to the main room of our headquarters where everyone is. And I'm blind after all, how can I get there without your help? Also, I missed you so much" Cassie said with a soft whisper while tightening her grip on his arm.
'What....WHAT GOTTEN INTO HER!' Sunny was cheeks were bright red from Cassie.
"I can...I can still guide you to the room without you clinging into my arm like this, you know." Sunny said in embarrassment.
"Haaa.... but I want to stay like this." Cassie replied in an innocent tone.
Sunny couldn't believe her. 'How did she suddenly become so bold like that??'
In defeat, he just walked to the main room as Cassie clunged to his arm.
After a while, they were standing in front of the main room door. Sunny opened the door while Cassie was still clinging to him.
After they entered the room, Sunny saw that everyone except Kai, who of course went back to the castle.
"Morning, everyone" Sunny said in a natural tone.
Sunny glanced at Neph and felt that her presence was way stronger than yesterday. In fact, it doesn't even compare to yesterday. When Sunny looked into her Cores he saw 4 cores radiating with a bright light.
'Good, she's a devil. That raises the number of people we can save.' Sunny then turned to look at the others
Caster just bowed a bit as a reply. Effie, on the other hand, looked at Cassie, who was clinging to him, and an evil smirk appeared on her face.
'Oh god, please spare me your jokes. Effie' Sunny sighed to himself. But it seems like his wish wasn't heard as Effie said:
"Well, well, well, I didn't expect to see love birds of the day of my judgment." Effie said playfully
Cassie blushed at Effie's word, and Sunny just sighed. Knowing Effie, no matter what he said, she'd just annoy him more. So he just didn't say anything, but when he turned back to look at Neph.
'Huh! Why is she giving me a cold stare suddenly?' Sunny flinched when Neph stared at him coldly.
"Morning" Neph said in a flat tone.
Only then did Sunny realize that it's because the beautiful blind girl was holding into his arm. But before he could say anything, Cassie beat him to it.
"Thanks, Sunny, for helping." After she said that, she kissed him on his cheek.
Sunny's face turned so red like a tomato.
'She's....she's insane!' Sunny saw Neph's eyes widening in shock with some betrayed on her eyes. Effie just burst out laughing, and Caster just kept silent.
'I'm doomed. I need to explain to Neph later!' But then, Sunny could've sworn that Cassie smirked after she kissed him.
'Don't tell me...Don't tell me that they're fighting over me! No, no way. Cassie is like my little sister. She was just showing her gratitude, nothing more.' Sunny tried convincing himself that Cassie was just showing gratitude, nothing more.
Sunny walked then to set on an empty seat and tried avoiding Neph's stare that looked at him with anger.
'I'm innocent, I'm innocent Neph. I swear'
Effie saw the tension between the three and smirked as she was preparing to tease them. But then there was a sudden commotion, and one of the watchers ran into the room while breathing heavily.
"Coming! They're coming!!" There was unrestrained fear in his tone as he said that. But none of them showed any reaction. In fact, Sunny was glad that they finally came, saving him the trouble of dealing with Effie's teasing.
Sunny just relaxed on his chair as a wide smile formed on his lips.
'The show is about to begin then, huh?'
More people gathered in the room while all looking nervous. And some of them were trembling.
"Stay calm, everyone." Neph said in a calm voice that was filled with confidence and reassurance.
"But... but... they are coming to take Effie! We can't allow that to happen. I'm done watching good people be taken into the damn castle and never return." One of the watchers said with an angry tone.
The hum of angry voices rose in the hall, accompanied by heated glares. Then, someone recognized Sunny.
"Mr....MR.LOST FROM LIGHT!!" Of course, the one who recognized him was none other than Jubie. The one who was supposed to be dead 4 months ago. But still alive today because of Sunny's interference.
When Jubei said Sunny's true name, suddenly the voices calmed down as they stared at Sunny.
Sunny only smiled and waved his hand a bit while everyone looked at him with shock. Then, miraculously. All of them calmed down. It wasn't as if they didn't trust in Neph. It's just that Sunny was the first one to openly challenge Gunlaug and come back alive.
The sleepers looked at him with eyes filled with hope and awe. They thought that this strong individual was killed by Harus, Gunlaug's executioner. But the rumors about him going out to the labyrinth were true.
And now that he's here, they were sure that he could do what he did before.
"Don't worry everyone, nothing will happen to Effie" Neph said with a faint smile, seeing that Sunny's presence helped in calming them down. She was grateful for that.
Then, a crashing sound came from the direction of the entrance to the stone lodge. It seemed as though someone had just smashed through the door.
Then, the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard, drawing closer to the hall where all the people had gathered. A few moments later, its door was shattered, too, exploding into a shower of splinters along with the bits of stone that surrounded it.
A giant of a man walked into the hall, his mere presence making the entire space look tiny. Compared to him, even Effie seemed to be of average height. There was a morose expression on his face and a dark glint in his cold, cruel eyes.
The giant did not wear any armor, allowing his monumental muscles to strain the fabric of a sleeveless silk shirt.
It appeared that Tessai, the fearsome leader of the Castle Guard, had decided to be the one who takes Effie.
Behind Tessai was a group of guards, each wearing a sturdy armor and wielding memory weapons, could be seen. Their eyes were immediately drawn to the robust figure of the tall huntress, and then, hateful smiles appeared on their faces. The Guards seemed very happy to finally find the woman accused of murdering their own.
Tessai glanced at the sleepers inside the room. He glanced at Effie, then switched his gaze to stare at Changing Star. He suddenly trembled a bit under her presence. There was something different about her.
But then Tessai's gaze fell on a specific sleeper that made him tremble more. His eyes widened a bit in shock but quickly got back to his composure.
Tessai stared at Sunny for a bit. He then cleared his throat and spoke in a natural tone.
"I see that you're back, Lost From Light. It's good to see that you're still alive."
"Well, thanks. And it wasn't that hard to survive out in the wilderness. But if I may ask, what brings you here today."
Sunny said with a friendly tone. Everyone in the room stared with confusion at this weird interaction. Except, of course, Changing Star cohort and the guards who looked at Sunny with fear.
Tessai then smirked and said:
"Well, Lost From Light, we're here to take a criminal. Of course, since you're the defender of justice, you wouldn't mind, right?"
"Well, of course, justice and law are our guidance in this forsaken land. But who's that criminal you're talking about?" Sunny kept his usual friendly smile and tone
"Well, in the last two days, 6 of our guards went missing suddenly. After finding some evidence and some witnesses, we discovered that they were killed mercilessly by huntress Athena. And we'd like to take her to the castle to make her face her punishment." Tessai said politely to Sunny only.
"Okay then. We'll accept that. But I'm pretty confident that Effie wouldn't do such a thing. So I hope you wouldn't mind us coming and asking those witnesses and see the evidence you have, right?" Sunny also replied politely. All the sleepers just looked at this scene with confusion.
Tessai's face twitched a bit, trying to hide the annoyance. He knew that if this guy went there, he'd cause them a lot of trouble.
"..Fine. Do as you wish. Come with me to the castle, if you want. Bring those rats if you want. All of you will witne-" before Tessai could continue, he suddenly felt a heavy pressure fell him. A cold drop of sweat ran down his spine as he shivered under this presence.
"Are you calling my friends here rats?" The friendly smile and tone disappeared from Sunny's face as it was switched to a cold expression and tone.
"I..I'm sorry. Lost From Light I didn't mean to offend your friends." Tessai said under fear. The pressure he felt from Sunny was more deadly from his lord.
Then, the pressure disappeared from him. Making him calm down a bit.
"If I hear you disrespecting anyone here, you'll face terrible consequences. Now, lead the way." Sunny said coldly. His voice was like a sharp blade pressing on Tessai's throat.
"Yes...yes, of course" Tessai said with a scarred voice.
The guards stared at their leader who felt scared from Sunny with disbelief. Even their mighty leader was scared of him.
On the other hand, the sleepers of the outer settlement smirked while looking down on Tessai and his guards who got tamed by Sunny.
...
All together, they exited the lodge. Tessai was walking in the front, holding the tall huntress by the shoulder. Her hands were tied behind her back with a flimsy rope more of a symbolic gesture than a real restraint, considering Effie's strength. Sunny and Neph were keeping close, Neph showed a calm and indifferent expression. Sunny, on the other hand, was just putting on a friendly smile like he usually does now.
The Guards and the members of Changing Star's faction were right behind them. The members of Changing Star Faction were looking down on the guards who were looking on the ground in fear from Sunny.
As they moved toward the castle, more and more slum dwellers surrounded them their faces full of shock and anger.
"They got Effie!"
"Bastards! Let her go!"
"Lady Nephis! Do something!"
Glancing at the growing number of people who were gathering around them, she smiled reassuringly and said:
"Stay calm! Come with us if you want. Today, we'll see justice done!" She turned to look at Sunny while saying: "After all, Lost from Light, the defender of justice, is here, and he'll make sure to bring justice" She smirked at him as if she was teasing him.
Surprisingly, her statement about Sunny being here calmed them down.
'Just what kind of rumors did you spread about me that made everyone suddenly calm down when they hear my name, Neph?' Sunny looked at Neph with puzzlement on his face
soon, a clamor of shouts rose above the outer settlement:
"Justice! Justice!"
However, at some point, the tone of it changed, an almost palpable sense of bloodlust finding its way into the people's voices. The word they were shouting was also replaced, and soon, the crowd was chanting something else. Calling not for justice, but for..
Judgment.
"Judgment! Judgment!"
Sunny frowned while looking at the crowd, whose eyes ignited with flaming desire of bloodlust and just sighed at the terrible sight.
As they drew close to the stairs leading to the entrance of the castle, almost a hundred people were following them. The Guards standing at the gates stared at the crowd with a bit of fear in their eyes. But when they noticed Sunny, they shivered.
A few moments later, they entered the bright castle. Which was empty, until they entered the throne room. There, everyone who's inside the castle was there. Sunny noticed some familiar faces. Like Stev, Aiko, and Kai, who left to the castle yesterday. Everyone had different expressions. some of them seemed relaxed, and others looked uncomfortable to be here. Sunny also noticed that Harbour wasn't there.
Sunny sighed
'I guess he was going to die anyway, even if didn't I kill him.'
Sunny also noticed the Echoes that were summoned. Most of them were either awakened beasts or monsters. Nothing higher than that.
On the raised dais at the far end of the great hall, illuminated by the false stars that were carved into the wall of the dark alcove, the four lieutenants of the Bright Lord stood. There was Gemma, the leader of the Hunters, Kido, the chief Artisan, and Seishan, who was in charge of the Handmaidens, and lastly, Harus. Who had a bored expression.
Meanwhile, Tessai walked to the middle of the hall and threw Effie down, forcing her to kneel on the floor. Without looking back, he joined the other lieutenants on the steps leading to the throne.
Sunny and Neph walked and stood beside Effie. Only then did people seem to notice Sunny.
The four lieutenants faces twitched a bit when they looked at Sunny, and the hall suddenly broke in whispers.
"Wait, isn't that Lost from Light?"
"He's alive?"
"So Harus didn't kill him?"
Sunny's lips curled up a bit. In his past life, he always avoided attention to make people look down on him and let their guard down around him. But now, he was in the eye of the storm, all eyes on him.
Of course, Sunny wasn't a fan of dragging too much attention to him. But didn't he promise to help Neph? Didn't he say that he's going to be the wall that Neph can rely on? How is he going to achieve this while hiding in back scenes? He isn't some hypocrite nor a liar. in fact, he's the most honest person in the world! The two worlds, actually!
Then, he felt Gunlaug presence, indicating that he finally came.
The crowd suddenly trembled. All of them shivering and sweating under Gunlaug presence. The only people who seemed unaffected by Gunlaug presence were Sunny and Neph. Sunny kept his usual friendly smile, and Neph was now strong enough to not care about Gunlaug.
Gunlaug was tall and had broad, powerful shoulders. His body was clad in a strange armor that seemed to be made out of molten gold. It was both solid and liquid, flowing over his mightly muscles and covering him from head to toe. Not even his eyes were exposed.
In the place where his face should have been, there was nothing but a smooth and empty expanse of polished gold. The great hall of the Bright Castle reflected in it, and all the people gathered there did, too,
Sunny looked at the golden mask that was covering Gunlaug's face. He saw his reflection through it, but he didn't feel any bit of fear. Which is understandable considering that he was currently wearing the mantle of the underworld. Which provided a huge protection against mind attacks. But Sunny felt Neph besides him shiver.
Walking out of the darkness of the alcove like a golden apparition, Gunlaug glanced at the mass of people below him and sat on the throne. His pose was relaxed and casual. Until his gaze fell on Sunny. Sunny saw no physical reaction came from Gunlaug, but he could sense the annoyed stare of Gunlaug.
Gunlaug lingered for a few moments and then said, his serpentine voice full of mirth:
"Ah, what a sight. All my precious wards gathered here, united in the desire to see justice prevail. This dedication, this fervor for the rule of law... oh, it just makes my blood boil with appreciation. Don't you think it's wonderful? Not only that, but the mighty defender of justice, Lost From Light. Is pleasing us with his presence today."
Sunny watched Gunlaug and smirked as he bowed while placing his hand on his chest. Looking like noble, and said in a charming voice:
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord of the bright castle. I was lucky enough to be back after my expedition in the labyrinth and be able to help serve justice again."
Sunny smirked
'Let the show begin!'
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT