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."

but Sunny could feel the angry

the projection

I can provide

lingered for a few moments, then spoke, choosing his words

the Nightmare Desert. Clan Valor was the first 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 access to the Nightmare Gate leading to

and

going all

Cor's face darkened, Jer

"I can confirm."

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

...Dejection, maybe?

The old man grimaced.

"What immaculate timing."

he could

the two great clans suddenly shifting to active warfare was like a disaster for the government. Saint Cor would have

had to have been prepared for something like this, even if it was the worst-case scenario for them. They were

a long pause, Wake of Ruin shook his

be arrogant, but they are not unreasonable. This bloodshed can still be prevented... maybe. Similar things have happened before. A large-scale battle can be avoided

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

from Valor were, at least. They

two powerful warriors could replace

a heavy sigh, and then

certain that they will win if the battle actually happens. So, they have no reason to seek an alternative.

the gaunt Transcended nodded and threw a piercing gaze

and follow them to that Nightmare Gate. Gather as much information as you can, while you're at it. I will arrive personally and try to mediate

silent for

"Understood, sir."

was not

"What if you can't?"

ask a question, seemed to surprise the old Saint. Wake of Ruin stared at him

a brief pause, he

we withdraw and try to

the call. The gaunt face of the government

Reaper looked at him and

can she even

my. I know that look. You're