Shadow Slave

Sunny grinned behind the mask.

«What can I say? I wasn't always a recluse.»

She contemplated for a few moments, and eventually nodded.

«Alright. Then, my next question. Let's presume that you are correct, and I do, indeed, harbor such an interest. But what about you? What is your reason?»

Sunny chuckled.

«Would you believe me if I said that my reason is exactly the same as yours?»

Nephis thought for a moment, then shook her head.

«Not really.»

He tilted his head a little.

«Well, fair enough. It's not. In truth, I don't have as great a grudge against the Sovereigns as you do. I do despise them a great deal, true, but to answer your question… I guess it has to do with what I desire.»

She pierced him with a heavy gaze.

«And what is it that you desire, Lord Shadow?»

He laughed coldly.

«Oh, nothing much. A nice house with a scenic view, somewhere warm and pleasant, Tasty meals and good company. Enough money for a comfortable life. Safety and well-being… stuff like that.»

Nephis blinked a couple of times. She seemed quite surprised by that answer.

«You live in a dark temple in the middle of a Death Zone, surrounded by dreadful Nightmare Creatures. But all you desire… is a nice house and tasty food?»

Sunny stared at her emotionlessly.

«Don't forget the good company.»

He paused, then added evenly:

«You might think that it's a simple wish, Lady Nephis. But that is the thing… in this world we live in, even a simple wish like that is insurmountable. One would have to be a god to live without worries. No. Actually, even becoming a god might not be enough.»

She frowned.

have to do with your enmity against the Great Clans

silent for a few

spoke, his voice sounded dark and

while not possessing enough competence to keep it safe. Their methods, their callousness, and their hubris are both misguided and

Sunny shook his head.

allowing the Sovereigns to decide my fate. I would rather have the power to make such decisions for myself. I've fought

to Nephis that he was telling

breath and looked at Sunny

in her eyes, and a faint smile

independently or made alliances with all kinds of other people. Yet, you chose to build a relationship with

stared at her for a few moments, then

was he supposed to

are Changing

question in

example. Very few make an effort to earnestly learn the runic languages of the Dream Realm, relying on the Spell to do

smiled, hiding behind

A star that brings ruin and misfortune, but also opportunity. We live in a time of great upheaval, and is there a better person to

He chuckled.

who is not fated for anything, can do worse than to attach myself to someone like you. It's even better if I place you in my debt. A common enemy, a shared fate, and a little bit of leverage… is the

finished speaking and looked at Kai. The charming archer hesitated under his

should be

did not

directly at Sunny

«You are lying.»

He frowned, taken aback.

long pause, Sunny said in

just confirmed

her

are not telling me

silent for a

«Damn it.»

forgotten him, so why had she not forgotten all his lessons

sighed

mask of indifference the Lord of Shadow wore to crack

them. That

her, hiding

indeed best at killing. However… you know, there are people building things all over the Dream Realm today. There is a young girl building a road somewhere in the Song Domain right now. Elsewhere in the Sword Domain, a young father is developing a farm to feed his wife and child.

and