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...'

was strange to know that one of his first instructors had not

the Sovereigns having conquered the Fourth Nightmare and the existence of the Dream Gates had truly invigorated humanity. With a vast and perilous frontier to conquer and make safe for the settlers, countless people had found new motivation to

simply dreamed of forging a better life

the dying waking world, and

'I wish him luck.'

and new customers entered the Emporium. Sunny rose from his seat

outside of battle. Armor-type Memories often had layers, and those layers could usually be summoned and dismissed independently. So,

in the fashion world was to imitate this unconventional style, which was why many idols and

be fashionable. Both the young woman and the young man were seasoned Awakened warriors, which anyone who

by the hint of icy coldness left forever in the

was calm and confident. The young man had unruly hair and mischievous eyes, a light smile never leaving his lips. The quiet seriousness of the woman did not fit well with the carefree attitude

man looked at Sunny and

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

his head

"She's in the kitchen."

the same time, the young

"Why are you asking?"

The young man laughed.

no reason! Gods, Kim, give your husband some credit... I was just surprised to see Master Sunless welcoming

couple were, of course, Kim and Luster —

of the veterans of the Evacuation Army, so Luster was now as good as new despite having been gruesomely injured in Falcon