Shadow Slave

Sunny was walking at the back of the cohort, but his shadow was scouting ahead. Without it by his side, he was rather uncomfortable.

'I wonder if I can summon the Stone Saint while it is away. How have I never thought to check it?'

Without both his shadow and his Shadow, Sunny felt almost nacked. At least he had other people with him, including three powerhouses — Nephis, Caster, and Effie.

Come to think of it, he had never seen Kai in action. The beautiful archer didn't look like someone extremely dangerous, but Sunny wasn't deceived. Weak people did not survive on the Forgotten Shore for years, especially not if their Aspect Ability made them the perfect person to venture outside the Dark City.

With his unique Aspect Ability, Kai had to fight against the type of terrifying creatures that Sunny knew very little about, too — the flying abominations that lived in the clouds. Like the Spire Messengers.

'Scary.'

Speaking of Kai…

Sunny hastened his steps and caught up to the charming young man. Glancing at Cassie, who did not seem like she wanted to say anything to him, he frowned for a moment, and then turned to Nightingale:

"Hey there, Night. How's life?"

The archer looked at him with a friendly smile.

"Oh, hey. Good, I guess? I mean… the weather is nice."

Sunny blinked a couple of times. The weather was never nice on the Forgotten Shore. It was either too cold, too damp, or too hot. Honestly, he even missed the Black Mountain sometimes. At least it was consistent.

Not one to make polite talk, Sunny went straight to the question he really wanted to ask:

"So, really… what are you doing here?"

Kai glanced at him with a bit of confusion.

"What do you mean?"

Sunny sighed.

in the castle was nothing short of peaceful. You have enough shards to stay there for a long time, everyone likes you, and even the Host treats you nicely because of how useful your Ability is. Why would

beautiful archer lingered for

Well… actually, I landed in a bit of trouble. I think. The deaths of those Guards who locked me in the well are being used to

for a

you will face in this expedition be much worse than the one you

Kai smiled.

But, Sunny… there is something else

Sunny frowned.

tell me that

charming young

so. At least not in the way

a long time, then

think that many people see things clearly. But really, it's not

on his usually carefree face, Kai

months ago. Do you know how many of us reached

Sunny shook his head.

The archer grimaced.

And do you know how many are still

was silent

means that, in just two years, more than half of us perished. People die all the time in the Dark City, you see. The castle may seem safe, but actually, the Host is constantly bleeding people.

Kai sighed.

away people. That's not even mentioning those who die of hunger, desperation,

on him. Seeing his expression, Kai looked

more come to take their place. But, Sunny… this year, there were only four. Not four

about it

Meanwhile, Kai continued:

means that the Bright Castle never got the chance to recoup its losses. What happens if that Spell Cycle theory that people have is true and five months from now, when the winter solstice comes, the same thing

head, a

dozen or two. It takes a lot of people to maintain the semblance of civilization we have going on here, Sunny. Once we pass

glanced at him and added

be left. Am I strong enough to be among those few? I'm not sure. And even if I am, who would want to live in a situation like