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.

extensively. It is

paled. If even a Saint who lived in a literal Death Zone called

lingered for

Eventually, she nodded.

think I know enough to make a report to the elders.

was a loud noise, Fiend shifted slightly, the infernal flames igniting brighter in his eyes. At the same time, a tall and graceful figure appeared at

It was Saint.

now, her dark elegance was nowhere to be

something on her shoulder. That "something" was resisting and cursing desperately, powerless against the Shadow's

me,

Sunny blinked.

...Human language?"

there someone cursing in human language here,

the Fire

floor. The person rolled on the marble

"S-stay back, demon!"

He wore a torn armor that seemed to be a Dormant Memory, his body riddled in deep

the back of his

then slowly looked up, his eyes

expression of utter shock appeared on his childish face, It was as if the young man's brain

"Uh...

He blinked.

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

the Fire Keepers, then at Sunny. Finally, his gaze

His cheeks blushed uncontrollably.

am I

head a little, then

the Dream Realm. Are you

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 of them perished in other parts of Godgrave, or the Spell did not send anyone here this

unclear on what motive the Spell had to send Sleepers to Godgrave, really. They had absolutely no chance to survive here... the last batch had only lived because

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

In any case…

The young man gulped.

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

a moment, then added

Are we close to

them, spreading into the Sleeper's body. The wounds covering it started to heal, and an expression of deep relief