Shadow Slave

The Gate crisis had come to an end just like that, leaving the government soldiers standing there in stunned silence.

In the end, none of them had to do anything to contain the Nightmare Creatures. The arriving reinforcements were shocked to see piles of corpses littering the ground — they had been expecting to dive into a dire battle, but ended up witnessing the aftermath of a chilling slaughter instead.

Of course, it was not as if they had nothing to do.

The park had been ravaged by the devastating battle, and the ugly fissure of the Nightmare Gate still shimmered in the air. Sunny looked at it with regret — there were not that many parks in NQSC, and this one would be unusable for the foreseeable future.

Unless a cohort of Masters challenged and conquered the Nightmare Seed, this place would never be safe for humans.

The initial tide of abominations had been obliterated, and the Gate Guardian fell. However, new Nightmare Creatures could emerge from the fissure at any moment.

The government forces would have to build a containment zone around the Gate, complete with powerful explosive charges and a fortified perimeter. Mundane soldiers and Awakened warriors would have to stand watch inside the zone at all times, participating in sporadic skirmishes every time an abomination wandered into the waking world.

Kai was looking at the Gate, as well, his expression grim.

In the decades since the descent of the Nightmare Spell, many of such containment zones had littered the areas populated by humans. There were many here in NQSC, too — and the more of them appeared, the thinner the government forces had to be spread.

The situation had only worsened after the Chain of Nightmares. It was comparatively easy to find cohorts of Awakened willing to challenge Second Nightmares and hopefully conquer it, closing the Gate. The one near Rain's school had long disappeared, for example.

But it was much harder to close a Category Three Gate, since only Masters could hope to survive the Third Nightmare. Even then, most did not.

And although the number of Masters humanity possessed had increased tenfold, and continued to grow with each year, the number of Gates of higher Categories was increasing faster.

Kai sighed and shook his head. His voice sounded a bit tired when he mumbled quietly:

«No rest for the wicked…»

Morgan, who had been conversing with the Master In charge of the government soldiers, glanced at him with curiosity:

«Oh? Will you lead the charge personally, Lord Kai?»

He smiled weakly, causing a few of the mundane soldiers to sway, and shook his head.

«I'm not sure. I'll have to discuss it with my superiors first.»

She nodded in understanding.

«Well, for what it's worth. Clan Valor is willing to offer help, this time. After all, I didn't get to do anything despite showing up so confidently. My hands are itching for a fight.»

Sunny was listening to them in confusion.

He was certain that none of it showed in his body language, and yet Nephis decided to explain.

all. The most effective method is to allow a Saint to follow the Call to the Nightmare Seed and cleanse the territory surrounding it from all abominations. That way, they won't be wandering into the

fissure of the Gate

Legacy Saints have followed my example, as well, offering their services… especially those of the new generation, who hold me in high regard. Their battle experience is comparatively poor, so they see it as an opportunity to

her for a while,

to plug holes in a crumbling

Nephis smiled faintly.

people who

her expression darkened

agree with your sentiment. It

over, catching the tail

The charming archer smiled.

the occasion, everything is not lost. We will continue to keep this world safe… or at least as safe as possible, Like you did today, Lord Shadow, Please,

at him for a

nodded and said

«Fine. I accept it.»

a dubious look. Not knowing what to say, he turned to Nephis, Intending to

I do it,

a moment, but

he added in a

help next time, though. I have a bad history with Nightmare Gates… the last time I happened to be near one, I ended up in a custody dispute with a Cursed

the Category Four Gates in Antarctica had led him to the Third

going to say to Nephis and stared

a

him a nonchalant

wanted its spawn

the sky, and then forced out a few

«Ah. I… I see!»

something else,

way. Nightingale… it's a bird,

him with

a bit, then leaned forward, raised a hand… and patted him on the

an exception for you,

turned to Nephis and said

ready to

was staring at

Morgan was, as well.

tilted his head a

«…What?»

other, then shook their heads

It's just that… you have a

«Nothing.»