Shadow Slave

"Come in."

The old man entered, closing the door behind him. Then, he looked around, found a rusty stool and sat down, handing Sunny the plate.

"Sorry. It's not much."

Indeed, it wasn't. The broth the soldiers had cooked was made out of synthpaste, monster meat, and spices. It was a common army dish that could be made with all kinds of ingredients, as long as there was water and basic rations at hand. This particular version looked almost edible, too.

Sunny shrugged.

"That's alright. I'm from the outskirts of NQSC, so... I'm not a stranger to synthpaste."

Professor Obel nodded, then curiously studied the map Sunny had created as he ate. After a while, the old man said:

"It is in moments like this that I am reminded of how potent Utility Aspects can be. Their wielders tend to be overlooked in favor of combat specialists, who get all the glory. But your ability is truly incredible. Someone more versed in battle would have been able to kill a few dozen more Nightmare Creatures... maybe even a hundred or two. But with this, we will be able to sneak past thousands of them, and defeat those that we do encounter with minimal losses, or none at all. This map will vastly increase our chances of survival, more than any warrior would be able to."

He paused for a moment and looked around.

"...This bunker, too. Your soldiers are a fearsome bunch, Master Sunless, but without your sight and awareness, liberating this outpost without casualties would have been a tall task even for them. You seem to be able to see everything, and be in several places at the same time. I think I owe my life to that last ability of yours, actually."

Remembering the bloody incident that had happened in the safe room of LO49, Sunny swallowed a spoonful of broth and nodded.

"That is a lot of compliments. Don't be mistaken, though. I am a menace in battle, too."

Professor Obel chuckled.

"I am just giving credit where credit is due. You might have not realized it, but you are uniquely suited to lead this convoy, Master Sunless. Still, it is a lot of responsibility, especially for a young man such as you. How are you holding up?"

stared at him

you. I've

The old man sighed.

sure that you

tone seemed

is he getting

then asked

am sure that this is not just a social call. What is it that you want

remained silent for a few moments. Eventually,

really easy to read, huh? Comes with the territory, I guess. At my age, people don't have time for pretense.

with a fatherly expression - which was

ask you in advance. If a time ever comes when you have to decide between saving my life and that of someone else - especially

stared at the old man for

agree. My orders are to deliver you safely to a siege capital... you,

Obel simply

you are wrong, Master Sunless. I am old, and don't have much time left. It is young people like you and Beth that hold true value. I might have done a few worthy things in the past, but you are the ones who will accomplish great and amazing feats in the years to come. You will carry the flag of humanity into the future... not old fossils like me. If a species starts to cannibalize its young to prologue the lives of the

Sunny looked away.

great, but I am not even sure if humanity

The old man laughed.

we were all going to go extinct soon. But we didn't. Then, they went around saying that if things did not change for the better, humanity would surely be doomed. Things changed for the worst, but humanity still persisted. Then, the Nightmare Spell appeared, and it seemed like all their fears came true... and yet, here we are. Still kicking. Humanity is far more tenacious than you

Humans were incredibly adaptable, resourceful, and stubborn creatures. They tended to cling to life so ferociously that eradicating them was

But not always.

at

to inhabit the Dream Realm were tenacious,

not seem to have an answer,

a while,