Shadow Slave

Soon, several instructors appeared. In a solemn and sonorous atmosphere, each of them gave a small speech, congratulating the survivors of the Dreamer Army on overcoming the immeasurable hardships and returning to the real world alive. They also spoke about those who had fallen, and offered words of solace, saying that their sacrifice would not be forgotten by mankind.

After all, mankind only continued to exist because of young men and women like them.

To Sunny, those words rang hollow and empty, but they affected many people in the crowd. He saw a few people crying, the others trying to keep a brave face. Everyone had lost a friend, a companion, or a loved one during the tumultuous last days on the Forgotten Shore.

Finally, Instructor Rock took the stage and spoke in length about the meaning of being an Awakened, their duty to safeguard humanity, and what they should do and expect in the next few days. However, at some point, he was interrupted.

"Lady Nephis! Tell us what happened to her!"

A hum of voices rose above the crowd, everyone joining in that plea. Instructor Rock sighed.

"Calm down, Awakened. I'll tell you everything we know."

The survivors of the Dreamer Army grew silent, staring at him with piercing intensity.

The mighty man hesitated for a few seconds, then said:

"As all of you know by now, the Gateway of the Forgotten Shore seemed to have been destroyed. Changing Star, who took it upon herself to distract the Fallen Terror to allow her people to escape, did not make it through in time."

A heavy, tortured tension hung in the air. The young men and women gathered in the hall kept silent, but their faces betrayed the storm of painful emotions raging in their hearts.

Instructor Rock continued:

"However, she is still alive out there, in the Dream Realm. Her vital signs and brain activity readings are all stable. It seems that Lady Nephis managed to escape the Terror, at least."

He didn't need to say the rest. Everyone understood what it meant: she was trapped in the Dream Realm, with no way to come back.

Sunny glanced at the newly Awakened around him, wondering what their reaction would be. Guilt? Sorrow? Fury?

However, he was surprised by what he saw.

A few moments later, a voice resounded from the crowd, full of adamant belief:

"She will return! If anything can do it, it's Lady Nephis!"

of voices then joined that first

Star of the Immortal Flame! She won't

is currently roasting its meat, looking at a map and thinking

Flame cannot be

guilt, sorrow, or furry.

Only faith.

and Kai. Both seemed to be a little bit sad, but strangely

what do you

hesitated for a few

can make it out alive from there, it's Princess. It sounds impossible, but… I mean, it's

remained silent for a bit, then

believe, too. Or… or at least

those words, he looked

be devastated. Have you

stared at him grimly, then turned

did earlier. She

girl was nowhere

sighed, then

to sleep. It's tough, staying awake for that long. What about you,

Sunny shrugged.

have a pack of military-grade stimulants to keep me awake

glanced at them and

to be honest… I am dying from hunger. There has to be

***

of the hospital complex. Sunny and Kai were already done with their dinner, and observed with dark fascination as Effie was finishing her fourth serving. There was a small mountain of empty plates in front

the food and leaned

go bring

at her with a dark expression

three

Effie grinned.

Way out of your league. Why would I ask a valiant True Name Awakened to serve me food when there's a nameless gremlin like

teeth, then obediently stood up and went to bring the young woman a few drinks. When he returned,