Shadow Slave

There was a private box reserved for Nephis and Sunny. They were guided there by a young stagehand, who was visibly struggling to maintain decorum while bursting at the seams with excitement. It was not every day that Changing Star of the Immortal Flame clan visited a theater! In fact, Sunny was pretty sure that she had never participated in these kinds of social activities before.

“There would be a freshly embossed plaque nailed in the foyer of the theater by tomorrow, no doubt. Something like “This humble establishment has enjoyed the patronage of the brightest of stars” or «We are proud to have hosted Her Royal Highness, Saint Nephis of Immortal Flame.»

Such a simple thing was enough to enhance the theater's prestige twofold.

«I wonder if this place is secretly sponsored by Cassie.»

The box was luxuriously furnished, dark, and elevated above the auditorium high enough so that no one could see what was happening inside.

Sunny felt frustrated at the fact that his heart was almost racing.

Letting out a sigh, he glanced at the stage and took a seat, The curtain had not been raised yet, and the audience was filling in with excited whispers. He was distracted for a moment when Nephis sat down near him, their shoulders almost touching.

«This private box is a bit cramped, isn't it?»

Well, it couldn't be helped.

He remained silent for a moment, then asked in a neutral tone:

«By the way, what play are we watching?»

Nephis looked at him with a hint of surprise.

«You don't know?»

Sunny shook his head.

«I'm afraid I don't.»

She seemed a little embarrassed, for some reason.

Nephis hesitated for a while, then coughed awkwardly.

«…Actually, I don't know either. Cassie… Saint Cassia arranged it. I assumed you would have been informed.»

Sunny chuckled.

«Well, it will be a surprise then. Who knows, we might enjoy it a great deal.»

Actually, he didn't really care about the contents of the play. He doubted he would be able to concentrate on the actors, anyway, when Nephis was so close to him, in the darkness.

Soon, the lights dimmed, and the curtains were slowly pulled. The audience held its breath.

At the same time, Sunny's smile froze on his lips.

In fact, he had stopped breathing entirely.

His expression slowly crumbled, and he barely suppressed a tormented groan.

Because right at that moment, he saw the title of the play above the decorations. Written in a purposefully messy scrawl, several words were displayed on dark background…

[The Devil of Antarctica.]

«Oh, no!»

—— —— ——

decorations were divided into two distinct locations. On one, a military boat sailed on an icy sea. On the other, tall

tried to sink into his chair, raising a trembling hand to cover his face. He didn't even care if Nephis would notice his strange

«I'm done for!»

with a somber look. The armor design was quite austere, but somehow managed to accentuate every curve of

of the First Evacuation Army. Their leader was standing at the bow, peering ahead with a stolc expression on his chiseled face. He was close to two meters in height and possessed a formidable build, oozing rugged

a

«…These bastards!»

by him. He could live with the brutish

was why he had avoided watching the

however, Sunny had no choice

He squirmed silently.

one of the soldiers said to his

glum, comrades? Cheer up! We are nearing Antarctica. Nightmare Creatures stand no chance against

cut him off with

attitude, soldier! However, the message is wrong. Don't underestimate the enemy, Heroes won't

hoarsely, his rugged voice

a monster! Be a fiend. That is how you will

shuddered, knowing that he was in for a very, very long couple of

the Antarctic Center. He possessed a devilish charm and a cynical personality, but displayed a surprising amount of valor and resolve, as

early stages of the campaign, displaying stunning power and indomitable courage. She was aloof, but noble and selfless, breaking

in the middle of the play, during the tragic siege of Falcon Scott, where

was perfectly expressionless as he watched

does it even

look at Nephis, staring directly

I want

if it twisted most facts to fit

been in the habit of constantly spewing witty one-liners, sharing gems of jaded wisdom with the

of all, he felt that the

The horror!

feeling happy that there was

to manifest a swarm of shadows and collapse the roof

was also looking at him at that

the first act concluded, and the

tilted her head a little and

do you like the play,

out

done in his life… and he had put his head back after

moments, and then said in

directed well. I'm not a fan,

Nephis chuckled, then sighed.

you participated in the Southern Campaign as well, after all. It must be unpleasant, to see a censored version of the calamity you lived through

looked at the curtain

a real person. I was in East Antarctica, though, so I wouldn't know. He must have

Sunny did not respond.