Shadow Slave

Shockingly, nothing disastrous happened while Sunny slept. A Gate did not open in the middle of the supply depot, and a stray titan did not break through the blast doors to devour every last person under his protection. Somehow, the world did not collapse.

Instead, Sunny woke up to the sounds of peaceful conversation and the smell of cooking food. He remained still for a few minutes, then climbed out of the sleeping niche, checked on his healing wounds, and summoned the Puppeteer's Shroud to cover his bruised body.

In the lounge area of the Rhino, several members of his cohort were eating a hearty breakfast. Surprisingly, Professor Obel was the one cooking, masterfully using rations scavenged from the depot supplies to create something that smelled unexpectedly tasty.

Walking closer, Sunny heard Luster speaking with surprising enthusiasm:

"...amazing! How did you even make this?"

The old man chuckled.

"Ah, food was much more scarce during my youth than it is now. Ancient relics like me all know how to make a feast out of nothing, young man."

Noticing Sunny, Luster pointed to his plate.

"Captain! You have to try it!"

He stuffed his mouth with something that looked like vegetable lasagna - which was rather strange, considering that military rations did not include fresh vegetables - and smiled.

"Oh! And we are also flush with water again. Shower is back online!"

That... was a piece of surprisingly good news. The Rhino had a very robust water filtration system, but they had to start rationing it many days ago. The thought of an actual hot shower made Sunny smile.

He sat down and curiously tasted Professor Obel's cooking. It was, indeed, rather delicious.

Noticing his reaction, the old man chuckled.

"Everything potslop. That's what we used to call this Frankenstein of a dish, back in my days. Times may change, but some things always remain the same."

Sunny stared at his plate, and then frowned.

"...What's a frankenstein?"

Obel gave him

A sort of jigsaw corpse reanimated by a troubled scientist. Actually, perhaps it was

gave him

those before. Although it was

harsh on himself. His cooking does not taste like

strange glance directed at him, Sunny shrugged and concentrated

peace, then chatted with his men for a bit. One after another, they left to resume their work on preparing the convoy for eventual departure. Beth was probably dealing with the refugees, so she was nowhere to

and Professor Obel alone with each

face for a few moments, and then suddenly

you holding

looked at

"Me? Fine... I guess."

Professor Obel sighed.

be hard, especially for someone so young. In this dire situation, you are responsible for the wellbeing of hundreds of people... but there is no one caring for your own wellness. So, that was why I asked. How

to retort, but then thought for a

minute might be their last... and they all know it, too. But not me. I am more or less safe. Unless I actively try to do something stupid, I will most likely survive even

then

strain that I experience should be far less than that of all these vulnerable people. But... for some reason, it does not feel that way. I should not really care how many strangers die around me, but I do. It's like a mental hex, really, me caring... actually, it's exactly like that. Especially because I do

Sunny frowned.

really under a hex that compels me to defend

Professor Obel suddenly laughed.

that is a very unique way

it normal for people to care about

blinked a

"No? Of course not."

shook his head, then added with slight

ever cared about me... until I became powerful, and thus useful.