Shadow Slave

Chapter 1905 Pyrrhic Victory Unexpectedly, the Citadel housed multiple expansive subterranean levels. This was logical, given the ephemeral nature of the surrounding lake—it would rise when the Hollows were submerged and recede once the waters traversed the remnants of the deceased deity into its colossal spine.

Consequently, these underground levels were only beneath the surface when the lake was at its peak. Most of the time, they remained above water, featuring an additional grand entrance located lower than the immense hall where the ambush had occurred.

Sunny discovered the Gateway beneath a crystalline dome nearby that entrance.

He stood motionless for several moments, astonished by the sights and sensations before him. Behind the dome’s transparent walls, a small grove thrived. Outside, scarlet vines wrapped around the structure, yet inside, ordinary plants flourished.

Lush green grass, ancient oak trees, soft moss, and vibrant flowers adorned the hidden meadow’s center, where a serene pond of clear water lay still in the peaceful darkness. Subtle ripples disturbed the pond’s surface, hinting at an underlying current that Sunny couldn’t immediately discern.

These were the first plants Sunny had encountered in Godgrave that remained untouched by Corruption—in the entire Dream Realm, except perhaps those introduced by the inhabitants of the waking world.

Moreover, as he entered the crystal dome, Sunny felt a profound sense of sanctity permeate the air, untouched by the corruption that plagued the rest of the cursed area. Intricate carvings adorned the dome’s perimeter, their patterns reminiscent of ancient protective spells that hinted at forgotten lore.

“The pond serves as the Gateway.”

Sunny glanced at the placid water, unable to gauge its depth. With a shrug, he turned away and melded back into the shadows, rejoining Nephis and the other Saints.

Soon, they all took shelter in the grove.

Above them, the Citadel was ablaze and deteriorating. Its walls, sturdy enough to withstand the scorching flames summoned by Nephis, held for a time. However, the structure had been overtaken by the scarlet infestation over the years—the vines and trees piercing its framework acted as fuel, allowing the fire to spread and consume the ancient walls.

old chants resonated through the flames, suggesting that the Citadel’s ancient defenses were beginning to reactivate. These sounds hinted at

the lower levels, but Nephis

and shaken. Only Sir Jest appeared somewhat content, though he remained silent, focused on cleaning the cane he had

the seven surviving Saints already controlled their own Citadels, making

decided to wait for the time being. They contemplated reinforcing their defenses and utilizing the grove’s sanctuary to strategize their next moves,

the Citadel himself. With his seven incarnations, he could establish seven tethers instead of one—but he chose not to

was much on

had technically won. They repelled the ambush and took control of the Citadel’s Gateway, achieving the expedition’s objective. Soon, the King of Swords' influence would extend to central Godgrave,

the western Citadel, the Song Domain would still control

the Sword Army

was a Pyrrhic

Sunny sighed.

Song forces. Yes, they had lost the Citadel, but their enemy had also suffered significant

from the Sword Domain were

and her Reflections followed, with two kills among them. Moonveil had slain one, and the final fallen Saint

three of Mordret's Reflections. While their loss was

was already disadvantaged with fewer Saints. Losing seven champions widened the gap

none of the actual victors were

Sunny cast a furtive

by the pond, gazing at the water with her usual detached demeanor. A