Shadow Slave

Without a doubt, it was Caster — the only person Sunny had ever seen defeat Nephis in a fight, even if it was just during training.

Back at the Academy, Caster had been a star of their batch of Sleepers. Handsome and friendly, he was not only popular, but also respected. And although it pained Sunny to admit it, that wasn't only because of his lofty status of a Legacy.

Even other Legacies looked up to him. Many even considered him to be the true king of the rankings, speculating that Changing Star had gotten her first place by mistake.

Caster was powerful, skilled, and charming. He was also humble and had an amiable personality that made it hard for anyone not to like him. His background was impeccable, and his future was unquestionably bright.

Basically, he was the polar opposite of Sunny.

'Damn! I knew that voice sounded familiar!'

Sunny turned his head and stared at the handsome young man in utter bewilderment.

What was that guy doing here?

The two Sleepers who didn't even know how close they had come to tasting the sharp edge of the Midnight Shard were doing the same. There was no more excitement on their faces.

"Oh. It's you."

'That was my line!'

Caster looked at them with a silent smile. There was no apparent hostility in his eyes, but for some reason, Gunlaug's men seemed to lose their desire to stir trouble. After glancing at each other, one of them said in a hesitant tone:

"You know this guy, Caster?"

He gave them a nod.

"Yeah. We were in the Academy together. Don't mind his rude behavior, guys — that's just how he is. Rough around the edges, but really nice once you get to know him well."

'Since when do we know each other?'

himself to keep his mouth shut. He understood that Caster was just trying to defuse the situation.

thugs… but what would happen next? He doubted that other members

the masters of the castle on his first

the appearance of being in control, they

Next time we won't

anyone who dared to stare at them. Soon, the grand hall was once again

followed them with his eyes and then turned to Sunny, his smile becoming a

very smart

Sunny scoffed.

says that

didn't

stared at him

nice to see you.

that, he sat down, as though somebody had

to people with whom

Sunny didn't

Cassie, he

Are you very shocked to see

Caster hesitated.

is good that

of admitting that yes,

like Nephis and Caster occupied

Sunny, he not only welcomed the cold treatment of his peers, but had actually been the one to

by the invisible aura of death that followed them wherever they went. Sunny himself had been guilty of avoiding Cassie as

two of them alive and well after months spent among the

Cassie smiled.

"Thank you."

reciprocated her smile and asked, his

Cassia, right? And you are… uh…

him a