Shadow Slave

Sunny knew how to write, of course. That said, he certainly did not have a lot of experience writing by hand, let alone had a signature — simply because people at large, and especially those in the outskirts, almost never used paper and pens to relay information. Why would they, if everything was usually stored digitally?

However, he was in a better position than most. Out there in the Dream Realm, many long-abandoned traditions had found a new life, so Sunny managed to scribble down his name on the piece of synthetic paper with at least some semblance of finesse.

Handing it back to Master Naeve of Night, he smiled awkwardly.

"Here. I… hope your daughter likes it."

The scion of the great clan received the piece of paper with gratitude and hid it in the pocket of his coat.

"Thank you very much. I am away a lot, so this will go a long way. Next time I see her, she will probably already be six… and terribly peeved that I've been gone for so long. Coming back with a present is bound to help!"

He looked at Sunny with genuine mirth. Then, a knowing spark gleamed in his strange indigo eyes.

Naeve gestured at the ocean and asked:

"You are not too comfortable on water, are you?"

Sunny lingered for a moment, then scoffed.

"You must have seen the movie yourself. Is it really a surprise that I have a complicated relationship with the sea?"

The handsome Master smiled.

"Oh, yes. I haven't thought about that, sorry. Still… at least you are familiar with it. Most people just don't understand."

the two men shared a strange feeling of closeness. Both

the massive silhouettes of the iron

chances of making it to Antarctica

Naeve laughed.

too much if I were you. Sure, anything can happen. But this convoy is as safe as

especially fearsome dreadnought that moved in

are several Nightwalkers such as I spread around the other ships. There are also at least one cohort of experienced Awakened warriors of my clan on each vessel. We know what

the great clan lingered for a moment, then added in a

will have to make the journey many times, bringing the refugees away and returning with reinforcements for the government army. Each of the four fleets was made to be nearly indestructible. Still… that doesn't mean that our passengers can relax. Keep your wits about you, Master Sunless,

looked at the handsome man

have already memorized the whole thing, more or less.

Naeve smiled.

remarkable trait to have. I wish more

***

unexpectedly friendly and pleasant to be around. He was not at all like the

Sunny felt a lot better about his current circumstances. He had also grown a bit fascinated with the House of

not enjoy the patronage of a Sovereign, but wielded an irreplaceable power. That unique advantage had carved

was

feeling Naeve gave him was somewhat similar to what he had experienced twice before — one time in the shrine at the fourth level of the Ebony Tower, the other time in the

aspects of the Goddess of the Black Skies were all eerily related to

the First Generation known as Nightwalker, had inherited the lineage of Storm God and somehow shared its power with the rest of the

then… all six divine

of Night had inherited the

inherited the lineage of Sun