Shadow Slave

For a few minutes, Sunny simply lay on the ground, letting the rain hit his face. From time to time, a bolt of lightning arced through the skies, drowning everything in blinding light. Other than that, it was almost completely dark. If not for his Attribute, he would have had trouble discerning the shapes of Nephis and Cassie, who were resting nearby.

After some time, however, a feeling of uneasiness entered his mind. Something was off. Sunny scowled, trying to understand where that feeling was coming from. Finally, he realized that it was his shadow. It was trying to draw his attention to something.

'Please, let me rest. I just want to rest.'

He was too tired to do anything. Both his body and mind were exhausted. However, the shadow was very persistent. It remained adamant.

In the end, Sunny moaned and rolled over on his stomach, then slowly stood up. Nephis turned her head and looked at him.

"What is it?"

He grimaced.

"I don't know yet. Something feels wrong."

Cassie shivered and got closer to Neph. Following his shadow's warning, Sunny looked around, trying to find any sign of danger in their surroundings.

Even with his vision, he couldn't see anything out of place. The upper part of the cliffs was well above the stormy sea, forming a small island. Its surface was rugged and uneven, with several protruding ridges breaking the line of sight. There was a large space between their group and the nearest ridge. That space was littered, seemingly at random, with piles of dirt and tall boulders.

Nephis got up and summoned her sword.

"Do you see anything?"

Sunny frowned.

"Not really…"

that moment, another lightning flashed, briefly illuminating the small

color and motionless… that's why Sunny had not

them, scavengers were silently lying

hairs on the back of his neck bristled and stood up on ends. One, two, three… he lost count because of panic and gritted his teeth. Seven… no, eight of

who thought of

were

something on his face, Nephis

"Sunny?"

slowly turned his head to her and

speak. Don't move. Just… stay

reason. However, a silent question appeared on

Cassie did the same.

There were no hopeless situations. Every problem had a solution.

of attracting more terrifying monsters. Maybe they simply did not notice

There was still hope.

again. But this time, his perspective was different. He saw the deep darkness, the clamor of the storm that drowned out most of

was his chance. He just had to execute each step perfectly… crawl through the darkness, strike without alerting the enemy, kill each of them with one

that was left was to put that knowledge to practice. And even if he makes

work. It

at Changing

care of

they could react, he seemed to dissolve

Sunny sneaked forward. His steps were soft and measured, his breathing controlled. He quickly determined the optimal order of attack to minimize the chance

felt calm and focused. He felt as though he was finally

he slowed down and circled around his target. The monster did not move, oblivious to