Shadow Slave

Sunny was internally cursing himself for deciding not to wear Weaver's Mask today.

Someone else was cursing him, as well.

The Fire Keepers were keeping their voices down, but they underestimated the hearing of a Saint.

"That guy... who does he think he is, critiquing our lady's appearance?"

"Says the man who hides his face behind a mask!"

"He must be as ugly as a toad! Frivolous! And shallow!"

He gritted his teeth behind the visor of the onyx helmet.

"What toad?! What the hell is a toad?! My face is so handsome that it can fund an entire business, you good-for-nothings!"

What did these fools know?!

Outwardly, though, he remained cold and detached.

Even if it took some effort.

"Having a secure base in an otherwise deadly region is already enough of a boon. If Valor wants to claim my temple, they can come and conquer it. Or rather.., they can try,"

The last words sounded especially sinister. His tone didn't change, but it sounded exceedingly threatening all of a sudden.

Nephis kept silent for a bit, then shrugged.

"I see. Do you know of any other Citadels in Godgrave, then? Advance knowledge of their locations can be just as Important."

Sunny glanced at the black skeleton.

...There are none on the surface. There are a few in the Hollows, though. I've seen a couple from afar. As for the sea of ash, even I am not brave enough to descend there."

She seemed interested in what he had said.

"You've explored the Hollows?"

Sunny nodded.

but not extensively. It is a

literal Death Zone called a place deadly, then

lingered for

Eventually, she nodded.

enough to make a report to the

igniting brighter in his eyes. At the same time,

It was Saint.

now, her dark elegance was nowhere to be

something on her shoulder. That "something" was resisting and cursing desperately, powerless against

me, Just do it quick! W-why are you tormenting

Sunny blinked.

...Human language?"

there someone cursing in human language

Fire Keepers were similarly

burden on the floor. The person rolled on the marble tiles and scrambled to their knees,

"S-stay back, demon!"

blood. He wore a torn armor that seemed to be a Dormant

moment later, the back of his

a moment, and then slowly

on his childish face, It was as if the young man's brain temporarily ceased

"Uh...

He blinked.

"S... s... Saint Nephis?"

at him silently. The young man looked at her, then at the Fire Keepers, then at Sunny. Finally, his

His cheeks blushed uncontrollably.

I

her head a

is the Dream Realm. Are you a

was a Sleeper. Last year, he had discovered a handful after the winter solstice and sent them to Song. This year, though, he had not found anyone in the vicinity of his territory. He had

what motive the Spell had to send Sleepers to Godgrave, really. They had absolutely no

have been precisely because of his presence that the Spell threw them here, It was a bit strange, to imagine that he was powerful enough

In any case…

The young man gulped.

are Saint Nephis! Changing Star of the Immortal Flame!

paused for a

is here? Are we

his shoulders. A soft radiance enveloped them, spreading into