Shadow Slave

Everyone grew quiet. Even Gemma seemed to be slightly stunned by that proclamation. The only person to not react to it at all was Caster, who had entered the grand hall a bit earlier and was now standing by one of the walls, watching Nephis with a complex expression.

Her full name was shocking to hear for two entirely different, but equally earth-shattering reasons.

Firstly, she had called herself not by a human name, but by a True one. In the entire history of human civilization, only a handful of Awakened had managed to earn a True Name in their First Nightmare. Needless to say, none of them was among the thousand Sleepers currently trapped on the Forgotten Shore.

Even Gunlaug himself did not have one.

But Nephis did.

...And Sunny too, of course, but no one had to know that.

Secondly, she had announced herself to be a Legacy, and not just any Legacy at that, but one from the legendary Immortal Flame clan. A clan that had been responsible for propelling the entire human species forward not once, but twice — first by helping conquer the Second Nightmare, then the Third.

A combination of these facts was enough to set off a metaphorical explosion in the middle of the Dark City. If this was true, then she could be considered to be an almost messianic existence here on the Forgotten Shore.

Suddenly, the calmness with which she dared to challenge a fearsome Pathfinder to a battle to the death did not seem that strange.

The dazed looks in the eyes of all the Sleepers gathered in the grand hall had slowly begun to give place to a subtle, tentative, weak glow.

It was as though a tiny seed of hope was suddenly planted in the dead soil of their lightless, forlorn souls.

Either by accident or on purpose, Nephis chose that exact moment to summon her armor. Numerous sparks of light surrounded her in a whirlpool of soft radiance, and when they were gone, a striking black and white armor had appeared on her graceful body.

Everyone's eyes were immediately glued to the symbol on its breastplate. On it, seven shining stars were intricately engraved into the strange white metal.

"Th—that symbol!"

"It's Starlight Crest!"

"The crest of the Seven!"

Just like Sunny, many of the inhabitants of the Bright Castle were familiar with the symbol of the seven stars. Not only was it carved into the robe of the giant statue standing in front of the impregnable city wall, it was also often depicted in numerous stone carvings decorating the walls of the ancient fortress.

once vowed to vanquish the darkness consuming this cursed land… and lead its people back into the

felt cold sweat running down

it all a coincidence, or did Nephis plan everything? Does she not understand how these fools will react to such theatrics? If they get the wrong idea and start running their mouths about how she is some sort of a heavenly savior, Gunlaug will soon come knocking on our

Neph say? Just follow her lead and try to

at her back, stumped. How would he even do that? There had never been a

to compose himself and threw an evaluating look at Changing Star. If there had been

the leader

that case, nice to meet you. I must say, it's a very impressive name you have there. Makes one

these words was easy to understand. Gemma was insinuating

Most people quickly lost their wistful expressions, once again looking at her either somberly or with dark anticipation. Only now, there were also hints of mocking disdain on some of

were still staring at her with expressions full of hesitant,

react to any of that in any way. She simply remained

existed slightly apart from the dirt and despair

Andel the Pathfinder was led into the

***

was of average height and solid build, with menacing blue eyes and a sharp jaw. His head was shaved on the sides, with the remaining hair weaved into a short braid. He appeared to be slightly older than the rest of the Sleepers gathered in the grand hall, with the exception of Gemma himself. Andel was probably around twenty-four

fighter. Every Pathfinder was nothing less than an elite among elites, and he was no exception. Even those who

Nephis and walked forward to the base of the steps leading to the white

"I'm here."

with an irritated, contemptuous

why

The Pathfinder smirked.

wants to challenge me? Good. I was very sad to let Harus have all

but no one dared to reveal their hatred toward the

of Gemma's mouth turned downward. He remained silent

you should have just told me. How about this? After you kill that girl, I will

that, he gestured to the Guards that the fight could begin. Andel frowned a little, but then

joined the crowd of spectating Sleepers. By that point, there was a considerable amount of them gathered in the

waiting with excitement for blood to flow. To them, it didn't matter who lived and who died, although none believed that the girl from the outer settlement had any chance of surviving in

Andel punished for his crimes. But even these people seemed to believe that Neph was doomed to die. They just hoped

of this fight was

walked toward Changing Star. In his hand, a vicious, crudely forged falchion suddenly gleamed with polished luster,