Shadow Slave

After their conversation with Noctis was done, Sunny and Kai left the sorcerer alone. The immortal needed some time to make preparations, so they had a few hours left before the archer's treatment was going to begin.

After that, they were not going to see each other again until it was over, which would take at least a week.

Walking through the beautiful garden of the Sanctuary, Kai remained silent for a bit, and then said with a smile:

"Well… I think that went well."

Sunny glanced at him with a dark expression.

"You think?"

The archer shrugged, then frowned a little. The bandages covering his disfigured face moved, revealing a confused expression.

"Did it not?"

Sunny shook his head.

"No. We have been swindled, actually. Think about it… I wanted to get three things out of Noctis in exchange for revealing the location of the Glass Knife to him. Heal you, rescue Effie, and receive his enchanted coins. Not only did he force the secret out of me without even lifting a finger, he even fooled us into retrieving the knife in his stead… while thinking that it was our own idea, no less."

He grimaced, then let out a heavy sigh.

"...Scary. He is a cunning trickster, and my own mind seems to be dulled by the curse of Hope. Still… all is well. Noctis will heal your body, nothing else matters."

Kai frowned when Sunny mentioned Hope's influence, but didn't ask anything, revealing that he had made the discovery himself. After a while, he said:

"When you put it like that, I do feel a bit foolish. But, Sunny… if you knew that we are being swindled, why didn't you try to drive a harder bargain?"

Sunny shrugged.

honor all three of my requests, anyway… two of them were just for show. While those coins of his are useful, I can do without them. As for rescuing Effie, that is our own

for a few moments,

conquer this Nightmare, but becoming dependent on someone

his head a

your real intention had only

thought, Sunny simply

smiled, then mumbled

wonder who

silence and sat down on the grass. There was so much Sunny wanted

of them decided to remain silent. They had already shared some things about their experiences in the Nightmare, and as for details… that was going to

foolish, they both held on to the feeling that by postponing this conversation, they were somehow increasing the chances of the other two members

while, Kai

think that she is alright? Effie? From what Noctis said, that sect is incredibly ancient, formidable, and cruel. If Effie was sent into the body of a disciple, with her temper… I hate to admit it, but I am afraid for her. Plus, none of the maidens is allowed to leave that Temple alive. How are we going to

few moments,

too. Effie will be fine. The War Maidens are not as formidable

ruin he had already explored and the Temple of the Chalice were one and the same? Judging by the destruction that reigned over the ancient temple in the future, someone was going to obliterate the fearsome sect between then and

Kai sighed.

about Cassie? There is no sign of her. She is… she is not like the rest of us. Her combat skill is commendable, but

grew silent, reluctant to

Sunny grinned.

She is the last person you should be worried about. Believe me, she is doing fine. Probably

was what Sunny wanted to believe. His Flaw did not prevent him from saying those

hearts from growing cold and

then added in a

worried about is

frowned and looked at him with

be that person… right? The prince of