Shadow Slave

The drums of war were booming all across Antarctica.

Well, nothing that noticeable was happening, really. The great clans were mobilizing forces with a silent efficiency that was both subtle and frightening. If one did not know what to look for, they would remain blissfully unaware of the fact that the whole continent would be soon shaken by the fallout of a historic battle.

Sunny, however, knew.

In the port fortress, the thunder of the cannonade had grown silent. The horde of Nightmare Creatures had been dealt with, and the tired soldiers were descending from the walls. Instead of going to rest, however, they were quietly listening to new orders and starting to prepare for an immediate departure.

The mundane soldiers were checking their equipment with calm, business-like expressions. The Awakened, who would usually not dismiss their enchanted armor in the field, strangely wore simple uniforms - knowing how dire the near future promised to be, they wanted to give all their Memories a chance to be fully repaired.

The administrative personnel were frantically working to rearrange logistical chains and prepare the force for a sudden expedition.

There were many signs like that.

They were especially apparent when one compared the behavior of the Valor soldiers with that of the Evacuation Army staff. The latter were tiredly celebrating the victory, while the former seemed more focused than when they had been battling the abominations.

'The Nightmare Gate does not seem to be located inside of a siege capital.'

Sunny found a calm and dark corner within the keep of the fortress and leaned on the wall.

He had managed to determine the nature of the area where the entrance to the Black Skull Citadel was located by spying on the Valor administrative staff - any large-scale movement of military forces involved a certain amount of logistical work, and one could infer many things from these preparations.

From the looks of it, Clan Valor was preparing to venture into the wilderness of East Antarctica. The distance they had to traverse also didn't seem to be small, so that put some of Sunny's worries to rest.

Still, there was a lot to consider.

Sunny knew what the great clans would do, and what he himself had to do.

However, what would the government's response be?

As someone with the title of a special government envoy, he should be receiving a call soon.

And indeed, not a few minutes later, his communicator lit up because of an incoming transmission.

Sunny summoned the Bone Singer, enveloped his surroundings in silence, and answered.

The sharp face of Saint Cor appeared on the holographic screen, soon joined by the pleasant visage of Soul Reaper Jet. The gaunt Transcendent spoke first:

"I'll assume that both of you are already familiar with the situation. What I want to know is what caused this mess."

could feel the angry and

at the

can provide an

rapt attention to his words. Sunny lingered for a few moments,

to find it, but their attempt at capture failed. Now, both clans have an equal chance to come into possession of a crucial advantage. A direct confrontation for

paused, and

are going

Cor's face

"I can confirm."

veteran Saint was thinking about, but he felt chills even through the holographic projection. Even though Wake of Ruin's expression did not change much, it felt as though the world itself

...Dejection, maybe?

The old man grimaced.

"What immaculate timing."

could

active warfare was like a disaster for the government. Saint Cor would have to completely rearrange the disposition of the Evacuation Army and come up with a new strategy. Even then, it might not

for something like this, even if it was the worst-case

his head, then looked at Sunny and

maybe. Similar things have happened

doubt the wisdom and experience of the seasoned Transcendent, but he also didn't believe that the great clans would

from Valor were, at least. They had been holding back their

warriors could replace a wasteful battle? It seemed improbable, but then again, Legacies were

out a heavy sigh, and then

So, they have no reason to seek an alternative. Additionally, they have been acting slightly... erratic... as of

to a decision, the gaunt Transcended nodded and threw a piercing gaze

that Nightmare Gate. Gather as much information as you can, while you're at

silent for

"Understood, sir."

Sunny was not

"What if you can't?"

a question,

a brief pause, he

withdraw and try to

The gaunt face of the

looked at him

even smile in

know that look. You're thinking about doing something crazy,