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

for

Eventually, she nodded.

I know enough to make a report to the elders. It's

though, there was a loud noise, Fiend shifted slightly, the infernal flames igniting brighter in his eyes. At the

It was Saint.

now, her dark elegance was nowhere to be

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

If you want to kill me, Just do it

Sunny blinked.

...Human language?"

someone cursing in human language

the Fire Keepers were

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

"S-stay back, demon!"

face smeared in mud and dried blood. He wore a torn armor that seemed to be a Dormant Memory,

back of his head crashed into

moment, and then slowly looked

face, It was as if the young man's brain temporarily

"Uh...

He blinked.

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

him silently. The young man looked at her, then at the Fire

His cheeks blushed uncontrollably.

am I dead? Is

tilted her head a

Dream Realm. Are you

guessed that the dirty teenager 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 assumed that either all

send Sleepers to Godgrave, really. They had absolutely no chance to

Spell threw them here, It was a bit strange, to imagine that he was powerful enough to be a factor in

In any case…

The young man gulped.

I am... walt, you are Saint Nephis! Changing Star of the Immortal Flame! Lady Nephis! What...

paused for a moment,

is here? Are we close

A soft radiance enveloped them, spreading into the Sleeper's body. The wounds covering it started to heal, and