Shadow Slave

Leaving the great pagoda, Sunny glanced warily at the bones of Sevirax the Ivory Dragon, whom Kai had slain in the Nightmare, and slowly headed for the lake.

Its surface was calm and clear, as always. Sunlight reflected from the tranquil waters, making it seem like a pool of shimmering silver. Despite the beauty of the heavenly lake, Sunny couldn't help but feel a hint of unease as he approached it. The memory of the furious naval battle was still fresh in his mind, so no body of water felt safe.

On the shore, an intricate bench cut from white stone stood, inviting people to rest and enjoy the idyllic view. Currently, it was occupied by a familiar figure. Nephis sat with her legs crossed, staring at the sparkling water with a distant look. When Sunny's shadow fell on her, she lingered for a moment and then looked up.

"Sunny."

He remained silent for a while, then sat on the bench and studied the beautiful lake, as well.

"How's life treating you? Being adopted into a great clan has to be a weird experience."

Nephis frowned.

"It's… fine. Feels a bit strange to be addressed as sister by Morgan of Valor, I guess. She seems to enjoy my discomfort."

Considering who Morgan's other sibling was, she probably put a different meaning into the word "sister"... one that entirely lacked affection, most likely. For a moment, Sunny was darkly amused.

'Never thought I would pity the Princess of War one day, but having both Mordret and Nephis as siblings… damn, her luck must be even worse than mine. If that's even possible.'

Changing Star let out a heavy sigh and turned slightly to face him.

"You should have told me, Sunny."

He smiled.

"What, about Antarctica? Oh, that was classified information. I thought that Cassie would have informed you, anyway. She had to have known, right?"

She studied him for a few moments, then shook her head.

the knowledge to herself. Cassie… has changed a lot

Sunny raised an eyebrow.

guess there's trouble in

loyal to you… like a lost

immediately. After

own thoughts and her own desires. She is powerful, too… no less than the

Sunny laughed.

world, I would be the last one to underestimate Cassie, don't you

simply looked

"...Are you safe?"

for a bit, then

safe? I am surrounded by thousands of soldiers, Awakened, Masters, and even a few Saints. Plus, I'm me. Antarctica is no worse than the Forgotten Shore or the Kingdom of Hope. In fact… if anyone

face grew dark. Nephis gritted her teeth for

to resist the Spell before. The last attempt… the last one took the lives of both

Sunny shook his head.

Saint had even emerged yet… at least officially. Our tech, spelltech, and strategies were much more primitive. We

at him

"Says who?"

He smiled.

I say if I die or not. It all depends on me,

glanced at the

thing that does, however… it's the great clans and their ambitions. Will they really come to Antarctica to

Changing Star's face. She hesitated before giving him

know. Maybe. It

face

is insanity! Our civilization is already on its

a while,