Shadow Slave

Sunny remained silent, watching the Sin of Solace with a somber expression.

'Well… that much is obvious.'

Of course, he was not the first version of himself to reach the Estuary. There had been the Mad Prince, as well…

However, the next words of the sword wraith made him flinch:

"Oh, there were numerous Mad Princes before, too. All making schemes and striving to change something that could not be changed, the despicable bastards. Paving the way for their lesser versions… like you… to make it to the end. Each cycle a little different, but ultimately the same."

The apparition took a step forward and spat, his voice trembling with hatred:.

"Gods… I'm so tired of this boring play. Each time you escape the Defilement, you are given the choice of remaining with your allies. And each time, you choose to betray them. You… you really are a piece of scum, you know that? Do you know how many times you've broken your promises? How many times you've betrayed Changing Star in the name of seeking freedom?"

The Sin of Solace laughed and gestured to the sea of broken ships.

"Look! Look, Lost from Light! Each of these wrecks is a monument to your sins."

Sunny remained silentas he looked at the broken ships, feeling a bitter emotion rise in his heart.

It was a tough pill to swallow… to be disappointed in himself.

But then, he smiled darkly.

Sure, knowing that he was an unreliable and treacherous, selfish person was bitter. But did it matter, really? He still did not regret his choice.

that… he was still

who came before, granted to him by the Mad Prince — the latest Mad Prince there had been — who

was not going to. He didn't have

for

Nightmare

assault on Verge. The Mad Prince, Torment, and Cassie… they had manipulate the events

one… whether he achieved

going

of Solace looked at him

Has the fear stolen your ability

and walked past

wrecks where the sacred trees were healthy and brimming with fruit. The feeling he received from these ones was too similar, if much weaker, than what he had felt

Peace. Safety. Happiness. Content.

away from that

Solae followed, falling silent. The wraith's expression was full of

him no

not take him a lot of time to travel past the ship graveyard. Beyond it was another slope, this one leading to the peak of a

with strength. Even though he was exhausted after the harrowing journey to the Source, he climbed the mountains

felt nervous about was not making it

of the mountain. It was indeed hollow inside. In front of him was the entrance to a vast circular tunnel, surrounded by tall pillars. There were stone steps leading up to the maw of the tunnel,

daemon-made. Ariel must have shaped this entrance himself, a long

steps, Sunny noticed that several of them had cracked over the ages. Jagged pieces of black stone were laying on the ground… the size and shape

rock the Key of the Estuary had been

Sunny smiled.