Shadow Slave

The sun had risen above the horizon, bathing Bastion in warm radiance. The morning was already in full swing, and so, Teacher Julius finally had to go.

"Goodness gracious, look at the time!"

He coughed, then looked at Beth with a smile.

"I am sorry, young lady, but this old man has to leave. I promised to meet a former colleague of mine, Master Rock. Now that he left the Academy to pick up his mace, it's tough for us to cross paths. If I miss him today..."

Beth shook her head.

"Don't worry, Professor. I'm meeting someone else, as well."

Soon, the elderly Awakened left. Beth continued to sip her hot chocolate, her weary gaze fixed on the beautiful white castle in the distance. Sunny, meanwhile, remained behind the reception desk, idly studying the latest issue of the Monster Almanach — an annual publication containing information about all the Nightmare Creatures humans had encountered in the last year.

His interest in these abominations was not at all theoretical. Powerful Memories demanded exceptional materials to be created, after all, and most of those materials came from the carcassess of slain abominations. Granted, a nobody like him rarely received an opportunity to trade for truly valuable trophies that Awakened brought back.

Especially here in Bastion, where the enchanters of Valor kept the best materials for their own use.

Still, if he knew where to search, he could hunt the suitable Nightmare Creatures himself.

'Instructor Rock, huh...'

when he last saw the giant man. It was strange to know that one of his first instructors had not

With a vast and perilous frontier to conquer and make safe for the settlers, countless people had found new motivation

a better life for themselves in the

over the dying waking world, and over the Dream Realm, which was

'I wish him luck.'

rang again, and new customers entered the

had layers, and those layers could usually be summoned and dismissed independently. So, many Awakened simply dismissed the heavier elements of their armor and walked around in the base layer, which could look

worst. Strangely enough, the latest trend in the fashion world was to imitate this unconventional style,

Both the young woman and the young man were

easily recognizable by the hint of icy coldness left forever in the depths of

mischievous eyes, a light smile never leaving his lips. The quiet seriousness of the woman did

Sunny and seemed disappointed for

you, senior. Uh... where's that cute little

his head

"She's in the kitchen."

same time, the young woman glanced at her

"Why are you asking?"

The young man laughed.

Gods, Kim, give your husband some credit... I was just surprised to see Master Sunless welcoming

couple were, of course, Kim and Luster —

injured in Falcon Scott. Kim was doing well, too. Due to her unique Aspect, the unassuming young woman was in high demand, being treated as