Shadow Slave

In the cold light of dawn, Sunny approached the spot where the other members of the cohort and he agreed to meet. The shadow had already located their camp in the ruin of an ancient building and was currently watching them, hidden in the darkness.

The five youths were busy preparing for the last stretch of the way to the Bright Castle. They were calm and collected, not at all like people who were about to face the horrifying wrath of the Bright Lord.

What kind of horror had they not faced already?

Climbing over the rubble, Sunny let Nephis and the rest know of his approach and jumped down.

Landing just a few meters away from the group, he straightened his back and gave them an indifferent look.

"Hey."

They greeted him in a reserved manner. A palpable tension permeated the air, making everyone reluctant to speak too much. Only Effie was seemingly unaffected by this dark mood.

Leaning on a stone wall, the huntress was enthusiastically gnawing on a juicy bone. Her white teeth were effortlessly crushing it into tiny pieces, which were then chewed and swallowed along with the marrow. Noticing Sunny, she smiled.

"Hey, doofus."

He gave her a nod and wanted to turn away, but then noticed a slight frown that appeared on Effie's face. Looking at him with a bit of uncertainty, she asked:

"Uh… you alright?"

Sunny was silent for a few moments, then smiled. Finally, he said in an even tone:

"I'm perfect."

Leaving the doubtful huntress behind, he walked past Caster and approached Nephis.

The Changing Star was standing with her back to the group, looking up at the silhouette of the Bright Castle that loomed in the distance. Hearing his steps, she turned around.

The gentle light of dawn reflected in her eyes, making them appear to shine.

"...You've made it, Sunny. I am glad."

He shrugged.

"Why? You didn't expect me to show up?"

She was silent for a while, and then looked away. A lock of silver hair fell on her eyes. Nephis tucked it behind her ear and sighed.

It's not like I know

After that, she smiled.

'...Amusing.'

this was only the second time Sunny heard Changing Star tell a joke, and the first time it was actually

macabre. But what was the harm in indulging in a bit of dark humor,

return the smile, however. Glancing in

"So, what's the plan?"

Nephis shrugged.

missing Guards. Once we enter the outer settlement, the members of the Host will come for her. Then, I will most likely be forced

at her with

much exactly

didn't hesitate to

armor? Even with the Dawn Shard, your sword is barely equal

lingered for a while before answering. When she

armor. I just have to break

head

achieving one

a moment, and then said without a hint of

owe me

glanced at

"Alright. But not here."

she gave the others a sign to wait and walked

that no one was going to try and eavesdrop on them. It was staring directly at Caster,

they walking, Sunny suddenly

way, I have something to tell

glanced at him and

"Yes? What is it?"

silent for a bit.

you remember a

then shook

I? Who

His

a guy that I killed.

him for a few moments, then asked

"What about him?"

slight shadow ran over Sunny's face. However, his smile

nothing. Just wondered if you knew