Shadow Slave

They crossed most of the remaining distance to the edge of the breastbone plain that day. Night never graced Godgrave with its presence, but anywhere else, the sun would have already been rolling toward the horizon.

It was never dark in this strange and terrible place. The grey sky shone with diffused light, and white bone was colored here and there by fields of vibrant vermilion grass…

Or rather, it was never supposed to be dark.

Nephis slowed her steed as she peered into the distance, a complicated expression appearing on her face.

«What is that?»

Out there, far away, it was as though someone had dropped a can of black paint on the world.

The darkness, which was not supposed to exist in Godgrave, swallowed the plain, and the scattered light of the stormy sky was powerless against it. The deep shadows persisted, unperturbed by the bright daylight around them.

«How is this possible?»

Soon, they drew closer to the wall of darkness. Strangely enough, there were much fewer abominations in this area of the titanic skeleton, and even the scarlet flora seemed scarcer…

It was as though even the Nightmare Creatures were wary of the land of shadows. Nephis frowned slightly, not showing her hesitation to the Fire Keepers.

«Advance slowly.»

As they proceeded further, the light slowly dimmed, and the growths of red grass became smaller and smaller, until they disappeared entirely. Soon, they were surrounded by nothing but impenetrable darkness, with only Neph's eyes shining in it like small stars.

«Stop.»

remained silent for a moment, listening to the silence,

«Dismount.»

illuminated

flood of stark white light flooded the dark land. However, it seemed weak and faltering, barely able to force the

that the luminous Memories pushed the darkness

carcass was laying on the ground, its grotesque bones towering above the plain. The creature must

What killed it?

walked over to the carcass and studied it for a few moments, spending a bit more time looking at the

Nephis… what do you

for a while, then

head was severed by a sword, but something had gnawed on the bones. There are teeth marks everywhere, and by the look of it, the creature's

expression grew

carcass must belong to a

the rumors of his power might not be exaggerated. Many Saints were capable of slaying Great Beasts, but very few could finish such

terrifying roar tore apart the silence.

took positions a step behind and to the side of them, while Shakti and Erlas hid behind the melee fighters while summoning their arrows.

darkness. Her lance had changed form once again, turning

«Be ready.»

massive claws scraping against bone as the Nightmare Creature approached at high speed. Judging by

going to reach the Fire Keepers

severed by sharp steel. Something crashed heavily onto the ground, and a moment later, a monstrous head rolled into the light, a river of blood spilling from its cut

«One strike.»

abomination's severed head for a split second, then turned to face the

flames ignited,