[SHADOW SLAVE] / Clash With Fate

At sunrise over the Bright Castle, as its gates opened, two figures passed through them—a young man and a young woman. The young man had reddish-brown hair and a handsome face. They were Kai and Aiko. They had taken Sunny's advice and headed to the Outer Settlement, while Sunny remained in the Radiant Fortress, telling them he had something to do there. Kai didn't try to ask him, afraid it might give him a stroke, and as for Aiko, Sunny didn't even need to convince her—he offered her a position as an employee in exchange for a few soul shards as a weekly salary. Aiko accepted without hesitation.

Meanwhile, within the Bright castle itself, a meeting was underway. Gunlag's five lieutenants-or—rather, four of them—had gathered. Grim expressions marked their faces—well, most of them. They had been summoned at Gemma's request to discuss what had happened in the Dark City during his hunting expedition with his group. Captain of the Guards, Tisai, spoke first:

"So, Gemma, you're saying that this boy killed a group of Fallen Beasts and that he's the reason for the monsters disappearing in that part of the city?"

"That's what I'm saying!… He had at least an Ascended Echo. His Echo killed all the Steel Spiders that occupied the area near the Stone Statue Square."

"What did he say to you? Did he say anything when he noticed you?"

"Yes, he said he would have killed us if he didn't want to get into trouble with Lord Gunlag."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

Seishan, who was sitting relaxed in a chair, spoke:

"So what exactly do you want to discuss? We know he poses a great threat to us, but what's his goal?… What does he want?"

"I don't know what he wants, but I have suspicions. Maybe he wants to invade the Crimson Spire with Changing Star!"

"Is he insane?!… A Fallen Terror guards the Spire, along with dozens of Spire ‏Messengers and hundreds of Awakened beasts!"

"No, Kido, he's insane. Who hunts Fallen Beasts as a Sleeper with such ease?!… And I also think he has a chance. I didn't see him fight, but the atmosphere around him was oppressive—it gave off a feeling of death and extreme danger."

Seishan asked in disbelief:

"You think he has a chance?… I mean, the reports we received say he's overwhelmingly strong, as is the Changing Star. They share the same goal, but we're talking about a Fallen Terror! Not to mention the monsters beneath it."

"That doesn't matter now. What matters is that they pose a direct threat to us and we need to be cautious. I think we should inform Lord Gunlag."

"Then you should tell him, Tisai… We still have other matters to deal with. The craftsmen are lacking many materials, and the hunting parties need to provide them. The servants also require direction from the craftsmen."

Tisai looked at them with suspicion, then left the room. Once he did, the shadows came to life, and the room grew darker and colder. Seishan prepared to attack. Gemma tore a metal rod from the wall, ready to strike the intruder. Kido stepped back quickly, trying to summon a Memory in fear. Before them stood a knight in black armor, her presence overwhelmingly oppressive, with two crimson flames burning fiercely in her eyes. Gemma and Seishan groaned upon seeing her—they knew this would be a difficult fight. Then a voice came from behind the short knight:

"Could you step aside, Saint? You always hog the spotlight. You didn't even let me shine… Ahem, I'm Sunless. You can call me Sunny or Herald of Death. I came to discuss something very interesting—something that will make you happy. Believe me, I've never lied."

"How?"

"How didn't you notice me? Well, let's just say I'm a shadow. Have you ever seen a shadow that bleeds?… I mean, I do, but let's avoid that topic."

"You're Herald of Death?!"

"Ah, there it is! Finally, someone recognizes me. Yes, I'm Herald of Death—call me Sunny… Your name is Kido, right?"

"Yes."

"What is it that you want to discuss with us?… And why did you wait until Tisai left?"

"You're sharp, Lady Seishan. So, what do I want to discuss?… Of course, it's the assassination of Gunlag, followed by the invasion of the Crimson Spire. As for how and when—you'll only know if you agree, although I think you already have an idea, Lady Seishan. And why Did I waited until Tisai left? Let's just say he wouldn't agree right away, and there's a chance he'd leak it. As for you three, you tend to agree."

"And how do you know we'll agree? I mean, no one has said anything yet."

"Well? Let's see. You, Lady Seishan—how long did you spend at the Forgotten Shore? Ten years, right? And you, Gemma—you didn't tell them everything I told you, even though you risk consequences if someone decides to question the hunters who were with you. And the little lady, Kido—she's young. Why would she want to stay at the Forgotten Shore if there's a chance to leave? Especially since I guarantee you there won't be any major fighting."

"And how will there be no major fighting? Are you stupid?"

"I'm not. But I'll kill the monsters before the Dreamer army even reaches them. Not all of them, of course—that's beyond me… but I guarantee a large number of them will die by my hand."

The room fell into silence. They didn't know if this young man was insane or what, claiming he would slay hordes of Nightmare Creatures alone, without anyone's help. But soon they had an idea about the source of his confidence. Everyone in the room turned their heads to the knight standing behind him. Seishan asked:

"Who is she?… Is she the reason for your confidence? I can tell she's strong, but she doesn't emit the scent of blood. Is she even alive?"

"Her? She's the Saint, and yes, she's extremely powerful. And yes, she's alive. She's a living creature, not an Echo. Don't try to speak with her—she doesn't like to talk… But she's not the reason for my confidence. Yes, she will help me, and powerfully so. But I trust in my strength alone. I can't always rely on the help of others. So, have you decided? Will you join our Side, or become weeds in the path? Though in this cursed land, there's not a single piece of grass."

"I want to return to my sisters, honestly. I'm tired of this place. I'll be on your Side."

"Will you truly take us back to the waking world? Can you guarantee that I and the craftsmen with me won't die?"

"Yes, if you keep yourselves away from the battle, as you should."

"Honestly, I don't know what to say. I want to return to the waking world too… but can you kill Gunlag?"

"With ease. I could cut him in half right now if I wanted."

"Then I'm with you."