Shadow Slave: Chain Breaker

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.