Shadow slave: A Shadows Friend

The moment they ventured beyond the well-known twists and turns of the labyrinth, entering the expansive, desolate ashen wasteland, Rin experienced an unusual sense of discomfort. It was as if, amidst the intricate chaos of the crimson maze, she had unwittingly developed a slight aversion to the open space, an unexpected shift in her perception.

*So you have a sister right, i dont mean to intrude, just back then when Cassie was asking about family you accidentally sent me a image of a girl and a feelings of sadness and loneliness...she is Alive right?*

*I....yeah....i was wondering how you guessed that actually....her names Rain my younger sister, shes alive,but its.... complicated*

*Does she know you exist?*

*I dont think so. She was adopted when she was young?*

*You gonna tell her*

*I don't know Rin, i need to survive this first*

*You'll make it, i know you will, you're way to annoying to die*

They strolled in silence, exchanging smiles along the way. She had become accustomed to the embrace of towering coral walls, intricate paths weaving endlessly in every direction as far as the eye could discern. Despite the lurking perils within the labyrinth, it also bestowed upon them an unusual sense of security.

For Rin and Sunny, the maze held an advantage as Sunny's elusive Shadow Scout skill allowed them to navigate its twists and turns with clarity. However, now, with the ground beneath them turning into grey sand and an unobstructed view ahead, that advantage vanished. The thought of being exposed to the enemy without the sanctuary of hiding left her feeling vulnerable.

*I dont know whats worse seeing scavengers around or not seeing them around at all*

*Rather face an enemy I can see*

*Agreed*

The idea meant to bring her comfort backfired, only intensifying her anxiety. Surprisingly, the barren wasteland showed no signs of Nightmare Creatures, leaving her wondering about the mystery behind it.

What was it about this desolate place that made scavengers steer clear with such enthusiasm?

Nephis took the lead, followed closely by Sunny and Rin trailing behind. The Echo brought up the rear, moving at a deliberate pace. Taking in the surroundings, Sunny hesitated for a moment before speaking in a hushed tone:

"I don't like this."

"I dont like repeating the idiot, but i agree"

Nephis cast a quick glance their way, her typical nonchalant demeanor in place. Without much ado, she averted her gaze and casually remarked:

"Stay alert."

They pressed on, the only sound the soft squeak of sand beneath their feet. After several quiet minutes, Changing Star lifted her hand, signaling everyone to halt. She turned to Sunny, breaking the silence with a question:

"Has your shadow noticed anything?"

He shook his head.

"No. There are some irregularities here and there, like small knolls or shallow pits, but nothing is moving. Mostly, it just seems flat and lifeless."

Rin turned to Cassie and asked:

"Do you hear anything?"

In certain situations, Cassie's sharp sense of hearing outshone Sunnys shadow perception. When the storm struck, Cassie sensed trouble well before her visually attuned companions became aware of it.

Regrettably, this instance proved futile for her heightened auditory abilities. Cassie shook her head, signaling the absence of any peculiar sounds in their surroundings.

Nephis let out a sigh and bowed her head in contemplation. Her gaze then shifted towards the distant Ashen Barrow, deep in thought.

"Let's continue."

Cassie decided to shift the group's course, directing them towards one of the knolls that had caught Sunny's eye earlier.

As they neared the knoll, the clock had already ticked its way to noon. The sun hovered directly overhead, casting their shadows into diminutive, amorphous shapes. Sunny's personal shadow had made a comeback, now crouching beneath his feet, resembling an indistinct, shadowy mass.

*We'll he was helpful for a while*

*Yeah he hates this time of day*

Nephis called forth her trusty sword, taking measured steps toward the peculiar knoll, attempting to unravel its mystery. The landscape, otherwise unremarkable with its flat expanses, sharply contrasted the knoll's presence. Rising to about Rin's height, the knoll stretched in an irregular shape, cloaked in the monotonous grey sand that dominated the surrounding wasteland.

While not immediately appearing threatening, Nephis felt a cautious curiosity prompting her to investigate. After all, there was no harm in verifying, and who knows, perhaps this enigmatic knoll held valuable insights that could prove beneficial to them.

But there was something else...

Something moving in the distance...

*Sunny!*

*Yeah i see it*

Just as Changing Star was about to stretch her hand and touch the surface of the knoll, Sunny's shadow suddenly noticed something moving in the distance, back at the edges of the labyrinth where they had come from.

As Rin moved closer to Cassie, Sunny quickly dashed towards Nephis, swiftly pulling her down just as she was about to reach the summit of the knoll.

"Hide!"

Just as Rin foresaw, Sunny effortlessly dismissed the massive scavenger. Cassie, taken aback by the abrupt disappearance of her mount, instinctively threw her hands up and stumbled. Acting swiftly, Rin swiftly swooped in, catching Cassie in a princess-like embrace. Without missing a beat, Rin hastened towards the nearby knoll, gently settling the blind girl on the ground between Sunny and the crouching Nephis.

As Rin assumed a crouched position beside Sunny, Changing Star reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Cassie's shoulder. Her eyes conveyed a silent inquiry as she glanced at Sunny, seeking understanding in the midst of the unfolding events.

"Danger?"

Sunny gestured for her to hold on, his hand extended with an open palm. Meanwhile, his shadow discreetly emerged from behind the knoll, meticulously observing the origin of the movement.

In the distance, the lifeless walls of the labyrinth jutted out from the gray sand. Suddenly, one of those walls crumbled, toppled by a colossal figure. Enveloped in a cloud of ashen sand, the imposing creature advanced, stepping onto the flat expanse of the desolate landscape.

Possessing eight legs, two bone scythes exuding terror, and a black-and-crimson carapace resembling ancient armor splattered with blood, it revealed itself as another centurion.

*Damn*

They've faced off against these monstrous foes on two previous occasions, emerging victorious each time. Yet, their triumphs weren't mere strokes of luck; rather, they stemmed from meticulous battlefield preparation, strategic planning, and a touch of cunning scheming on their part.

'okay maybe the lightning was a bit of luck now that i think about it'

*We are not killing that thing without any plan*

*Lets survive for now, plan later*

Uncertainty lingered in her mind regarding their ability to successfully confront and eliminate one directly, especially without recieving substantial damage in the process.

*Tell them whats happening genius, they kinda think you're insane by just going into full on Panic mode*

Turning to Nephis, Sunny whispered:

"A carapace centurion had just walked out of the labyrinth."

A frown formed on Nephis's face. In the meantime, Cassie inquired:

"Where is it heading?"

Sunny blinked, shifting his focus to the perspective of the shadow. As he immersed himself in this new viewpoint, Rin was jolted out of spectator mode, her awareness reduced to using her eyes like the other girls . Finally, Sunny let out a sigh of relief, a subtle expression of reassurance washing over him.

"Looks like it's heading for the Ashen Barrow. If we stay hidden behind this knoll and it doesn't change course, there's a high chance that it won't notice us."

Changing Star thought for a second and then nodded.

"Keep an eye on it and tell me as soon as something changes."

Striving to shrink into the shadows of quietude, the quartet huddled close against the knoll, contending with the limited concealment space by embracing the discomfort of their bodies pressed tightly together.

Rin found herself taken aback when a flood of emotions and vivid pictures flooded her senses, all courtesy of Sunny. These sensations painted a picture of her chest gently meeting the contours of his back.

She gently bent over, her lips grazing the side of his ear as she whispered, her warm breath sending shivers down his spine.

"This is not the time"

The sudden clang of the carapace centurion startled her, prompting her to instinctively draw closer to him, seeking comfort and reassurance.

*Not the time huh, seems like you're really abusing this*

*SUNNY THERE IS A GIANT! DEADLY! MONSTER! STOP BEING A HORNY IDIOT*

*STOP PRESSING YOUR JUGS AGAINST ME THEN WOMAN!*

*OH POOR THING*

Although she had reservations about the idea, she couldn't deny that it was bound to inject a bit of positivity and humor into their current situation.

She enveloped him in a warm embrace, wrapping both arms around him tightly, pressing herself closely against his back.

*Hey there, Sunny! Is it just me, or did someone turn up the heat? You're practically glowing!*

*I'LL KILL YOU!!*

Relieved to pull his thoughts away from less savory places, Sunny released a sigh, redirecting his attention to scrutinizing the centurion, a task that naturally drew her focus as well.

The colossal entity traversed the desolate landscape, its gradual approach allowing for a detailed examination. Gradually, she discerned every scarlet streak and each jagged projection on its worn exoskeleton. Yet, what truly captivated her gaze was something different altogether.

Nestled cautiously between the scythes of the centurion, a magnificent crystal emitted a mesmerizing glow from within. Its brilliance was captivating, possessing an inexplicable allure that held her attention.

A transcendent soul shard.

They'd witnessed a comparable spectacle before, when a duo of centurions recovered two crystals from the colossal shark-like creature's remnants.

Rin cast a quick gaze at the breathtaking tree that proudly graced the summit of the Ashen Barrow. Its onyx branches adorned with vibrant scarlet leaves made it a sight both striking and majestic.

It resembled something sacred concealed within the infernal depths.

Sunny quietly disclosed his discoveries to the team, ensuring his hushed tone remained discreet and barely audible.

'Im not telling the two girls i can see through Sunnys shadow I'll let him do the talking right now'

The centurion strolled dangerously close to their concealed refuge, causing Rin's anxiety to spike, even with a considerable distance separating them from the knoll. In this critical juncture, tension hung in the air. As the monstrous figure reached the same level as the knoll, it nonchalantly continued on its path without a second glance, intensifying the palpable sense of danger.

The team shared a collective sigh of relief, releasing a breath they had been collectively holding.

"It's walking toward the Barrow."

Nephis remained on high alert, poised for any potential challenges, unwilling to let his guard down. Similarly, Rin stayed vigilant, her katana at the ready, anticipating any unforeseen developments.

"Follow it."

Sunny gave an affirming nod, and in the next moment, his shadow smoothly emerged from behind the small hill, slyly tailing the Nightmare Creature. With the remarkable enhancement in the scope of Shadow Control, Rin was convinced that the monstrous entity had no chance of eluding Sunny's shadowy pursuit.

The centurion traversed the desolate expanse, firmly grasping the transcended shard between its scythe-like appendages. Its demeanor held an intriguing peculiarity, bordering on a sense of reverence. It resembled a pilgrim advancing toward an enigmatic and sacred destination.

Upon reaching the Ashen Barrow, a sudden halt marked the centurion's progress, almost as if it hesitated to cross an unseen threshold. Delicately, it positioned the shard on the sandy ground, then withdrew from it, its gaze fixed downward.

Having distanced itself from the luminous crystal, the colossal creature...

*I'm seeing this right? Right? Its-*

*Kneeling*

The mighty carapace centurion gracefully bent all eight of its legs, lowering itself humbly to the ground, while its formidable scythes were respectfully positioned in front of its bowing torso.

Curious about Sunny's Reaction to the situation. Nephis quirked an eyebrow in observation.

"What is it?"

He hesitated.

"Wait."

Right now, as he stood concealed in the shadows at a safe distance from the monstrous being, his silhouette detected a subtle shift on the surface of the Ashen Barrow.

The radiant sparkle that had caught their attention atop the leviathan's spine had returned, and this time, its brilliance was intensified.

Emerging from the shadows cast by the towering tree's branches, the shimmer ascended into the air, gradually drawing nearer to the footsteps of the hill.

As the pair managed to pinpoint the origin of the radiant glow, a sense of dread washed over them, causing their eyes to widen in sheer horror.

A chilling shiver cascaded down her spine, momentarily stealing her breath as fear took hold.

As the ashen sand crunched beneath my feet and fallen leaves rustled, a colossal monster descended the hill, its presence looming large in the landscape.

*Hey buddy, break the news to your fate pal that the joke's worn out *

*Noted, dont think hes changing this though*

The colossal creature loomed like a behemoth, its eight legs standing tall like massive pillars. Its overall shape bore a resemblance to scavengers and centurions, featuring a crab-like carapace and a torso that had a humanoid quality to it. However, any likeness between them ended right there.

Contrasting with the chitin of its counterparts, the behemoth's shell gleamed as if crafted from polished, radiant metal. It was as if the creature had been immersed in a crucible of molten steel, emerging clad in an impervious suit of armor that sparkled in the sunlight.

Sunbeams danced on the chrome surface of its carapace, casting a brilliant glimmer that caught Rin's attention. Towering and oddly graceful, the steel giant bore a striking resemblance to a colossal knight, evoking a sense of massive yet elegant strength.

*Hey are you seeing the seven stars carved into its chest*

*Yeah i swear i saw it for a second*

Yet, the knight stood tainted and malevolent, emanating an ominous presence akin to a demon unleashed from the depths of hell to wreak havoc and destruction. Adorned in armor adorned with lengthy, serrated spikes, the creature's humanoid torso boasted four robust arms—two equipped with formidable pincers and the other two with razor-sharp, fearsome scythes.

The demon's head, more prominent than that of a scavenger, sported several towering, sharp horns. Its metallic visage teetered on the verge of being human-like, yet exuded a repulsively monstrous and bestial essence. A mere gaze at the creature sent shivers down Rin's spine.

*That thing… is scary.*

*I TOLD YOU THIS PLACE WAS BAD*

*I DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE HERE, WE ARE FOLLOWING THE SUICIDAL WHITE HAIRED WOMAN LAST TIME I CHECKED*

That mysterious being held a position of authority within the carapace legion that surpassed even that of a centurion, not to mention a humble scavenger. It marked a significant stride in their evolutionary journey, akin to assuming the role of a general or commander.

She heard Sunny talking to himself

*legates? Praetorians?*

*What is thou talking about*

The pair anxiously held their breath, Rin's eyes fixed on the Carapace Demon gracefully descending from the Ashen Barrow. Coming to a halt before the ethereal soul shard, the monstrous entity cast a fleeting glance at the centurion genuflecting before it.

Under the weight of its intense gaze, the formidable awakened creature seemed to shrink, displaying a palpable fear in the face of the looming Nightmare Creature. Sunny empathized with this sentiment, recalling a similar reaction when the behemoth's eyes briefly scanned the hiding place of his shadow.

Disregarding the centurion, the Carapace Demon delicately grasped the radiant crystal and turned on its heels. With measured composure, it strolled back towards the sheltering branches of the colossal tree.

They both let out a sigh, releasing a shared breath of relief

"Sunny? What is happening?"

Glancing at Cassie, she observed the mix of concern and curiosity etched across her face. After a brief moment of contemplation, Sunny finally spoke:

"There's a new threat. Stay quiet a bit longer, I'll explain later."

At the base of the towering hill, the resilient carapace centurion prepared to rise once more, gathering strength to resume its upright stance.

*Who are you gonna follow?*

*I dont want the centurion stumbling into our hiding place*

*Yeah but i kinda wanna see what the demon is doing at its lair*

*I do too*

*Fair, but you could watch the demon for a second, then go see the centurion*

Sunny skillfully maneuvered his shadow across the ashen sand, deftly evading the watchful gaze of the carapace centurion. In mere moments, it began its ascent up the lofty hill, leaving the metallic guardian oblivious to its passage.

*One look. I'll just take one look.*

*Im not disagreeing, i wanna see too*

Seeking refuge in the cool shade provided by the awe-inspiring tree adorned in vibrant red hues, the mysterious silhouette smoothly ascended the incline, closing in on the spot where the Carapace Demon had vanished from its line of sight.

At the summit of the hill, a carpet of fallen leaves adorned the ground, emphasizing the sheer magnitude of the Ashen Barrow—a natural marvel that dwarfed any landscape they had previously encountered, resembling an expansive island. Yet, the unmistakable imprints of the colossal creature's pillar-like legs were evident, guiding the enigmatic figure to the heart of the island.

In the island's epicenter, the colossal obsidian tree's colossal trunk emerged from the earth, its extensive roots reaching out in every direction. Positioned beneath the tree, the Carapace Demon gazed upward at its lower branches, still tightly gripping the transcendent shard within its formidable pincer.

*What is it looking at?*

*Go make your shadow look there*

Sunny skillfully directed the shadow to follow the creature's gaze, revealing a cluster of tempting, round fruits nestled among scarlet leaves. Among them, one stood out, appearing exceptionally ripe and enticing.

In an unexpected turn of events, the demon nonchalantly dropped the soul shard into the sand, seemingly oblivious to its presence. Dismissing the shard from its thoughts, the creature elevated its form, extending a pincer towards the delectable fruit. With a gentle yet purposeful grasp, it plucked the fruit from its branch.

Displaying an unusual delicacy, the colossal being slowly descended to the ground, cradling the fruit as though it were a fragile and precious treasure. Methodically, it brought the fruit to its mouth, savoring a small, deliberate bite.

*Its… eating fruits? This abomination is vegetarian?!*

*Gee i don't know Sunny why dont you go ask it*

*i need to go back and check on the centurion*

His own shadow to depart swiftly as he dashed towards the base of the hill. The clock was ticking, and if he intended to keep pace with the carapace centurion, he had to move quickly.

Gracefully sliding over the rustling fallen leaves, his shadow descended from the Ashen Barrow and soared back towards the labyrinth, seamlessly catching up with the monster that was making its hasty retreat.

*Phew.*

Experiencing a profound sense of relief, they collectively ensured that the centurion's path wouldn't intersect with the knoll they had been using as cover. Only then did she allow herself a moment of relaxation, albeit a cautious one.

Once the scythe-wielding monster had entirely disappeared from view, Sunny and Rin gingerly stood up, taking a moment to regain their composure.

"It's safe to come out now."

Nephis and Cassie rose to their feet, taking a moment to stretch and ease the tension from their limbs. It dawned on Rin how closely they had been squeezed together behind the knoll, prompting a glance back at Sunny, who managed to narrowly escape the blush of embarrassment.

*What was that about jugs Sunny, didn't know that what you compa-*

*SHUT UP!*

"What happened?"

Nephis shot him a curious glance, arching an eyebrow in a way that hinted her usual air of indifference might be slipping.

Meanwhile, Sunny and Rin cast uneasy looks toward the nearby Ashen Barrow, sending shivers down their spines.

"There's danger ahead. We need to return to the Bone Ridge. I'll explain everything once we're safe and sound, back at the camp."

Nephis hesitated, deciding to hold back her words, opting instead for a nod that spoke volumes, a testament to the unspoken trust they'd cultivated.

Sunny skillfully called forth the Echo, carefully securing the golden rope around its form. With deft hands, he repositioned Cassie's improvised saddle on the creature's carapace, offering assistance to the visually impaired girl as she ascended to her perch.

Receiving the saddlebags from Rin, Sunny effortlessly reattached them to the scavenger. Stepping back, he signaled that they were prepared to embark on their journey.

*Rin wait up*

Just before that moment unfolded, Sunny approached the knoll, reaching out with his hands to delicately sweep away the sand that clung to its surface.

As he did so, the once-hidden onyx black layer emerged, mirroring the hue of the colossal tree's bark that proudly stood at the heart of the Ashen Barrow.

Remarkably, this knoll turned out to be a modest segment of one of the colossal tree's giant roots, elevated slightly above the barren ground in this desolate expanse.

He looked around

*I think. i know whats draining all life from the Crimson labyrinth*

***

Within the heart of Bone Ridge, a cozy group gathered around the crackling fire, enveloped in the mouthwatering aroma of roasting meat. Rin indulged in the savory delights, her voracious appetite making her the cohort's ultimate food enthusiast. Meanwhile, Sunny animatedly shared the details of his recent discoveries with the girls, weaving a captivating tale amid the warmth of the flickering flames.

"... after the centurion kneeled, another carapace creature came from the top of the Ashen Barrow. Only this one was not one of those we had seen before. It was easily twice the size of the centurion, six or seven meters tall. I can't even imagine how much it weighs. It looked like a moving house."

Nephis wore a frown, expressing evident displeasure upon realizing the formidable obstacle that stood in their path. It was clear that the presence of this colossal hindrance did not sit well with them.

"What's more, its carapace is not made of chitin. Instead, it looks like some strange metal alloy. I don't think we'll be able to cut through it. I also didn't notice any gaps in that monstrosity's armor, not even around the joints."

Cassie took a deep breath, nervously glancing at her friend. Despite the tension, Changing Star maintained a stoic silence. Sunny let out a sigh, expressing a mix of emotions in that moment.

'i can't really add anything right now, so im just gonna eat and listen'

"In addition, that thing has four arms instead of the usual two, a pair with pincers and a pair with scythes. They're even bigger than the centurion's. Its carapace is littered with spikes, and it has long horns on its head. It also looks… uh… more human-like. It almost got a face, albeit an extremely ugly one. And its eyes… well, I think that it is more sentient than anything we had faced before."

Nephis took a moment to ponder, and then, with a touch of contemplation, she expressed her thoughts:

"It is probably an awakened demon."

Nightmare Creatures with one soul core were called "beasts", the ones with two cores were called "monsters". Three cores belonged to a class of creatures known as "demons", with "devils" right above them with four cores.

Sunny nodded in agreement with her conclusion, affirming their mutual understanding.

"Or maybe a devil. In any case, I think we should avoid that scary bastard at all cost."

*Agreed*

*But we both know what kinda person she is*

As Changing Star gazed at him, she tilted her head slightly, creating a moment of quiet that lingered for what felt like a minute.

*She wants us to kill it?*

*She wants us to kill it*

*Of course she does*

Rin's face lit up with a joyful smile as she savored the delectable flavors of the meat, relishing each bite with delight.

'i think she genuinely wants to kill us'

he mustered a smile, tinged with a sense of resignation, and it played out on his face in a slightly askew, doomed fashion as he looked at her.

"Let me guess. You want to kill it..."

******

"Let me guess. You want to kill it…"

Nephis maintained her usual enigmatic gaze, fixated on him. After a moment passed, laughter bubbled between them, and they exchanged incredulous shakes of their heads.

"You really are crazy. That's… that's an awakened demon we're talking about, remember? Have you forgotten that we're just Sleepers?"

"Agreed, Neph do you like seeing us on the verge of death"

Sunny's expression turned into a slight frown as he pondered, absentmindedly scratching his head in contemplation.

"W—wait a second. I feel like we already had this conversation before. Doesn't it feel familiar?"

Cassie cast a quick glance towards the trio and discreetly cleared her throat, maintaining a polite demeanor.

"Actually, you had said pretty much the exact same thing right before we decided to attack that first carapace centurion."

Sunny beamed.

"Yes! Exactly! And how did that end up?"

"I'll answer that actually, he got his chest caved in and i cried like a little girl"

Nephis shrugged indifferently.

"He survived, didn't you? also Rin i dont like seeing you guys on the verge if death it kinda just happens"

He stood there, mouth agape, utterly stunned by the boldness of her comment, rendering him momentarily speechless. It took a few moments, but eventually, Sunny regained his composure and found his voice once more.

"That's not the point!"

Cassie softly placed her hand on her friend's shoulder, leaning in to share a quiet whisper.

"Neph! That's not a very nice thing to say."

Star's cheeks turned a shade rosier as she shifted her gaze away, pausing before uttering:

"What I meant to say is… uh… we've won in the end, didn't we? It was a risk we had to take, and it paid off. We've grown stronger since then."

*You agree that we are probably fighting that thing regardless of what we say right?*

*I feel like im doing it more out of principle then protest*

*I think it's your turn to argue Sunny*

"But that thing… it's huge! It's so tall you won't even be able to poke it with your sword! What are we going to do, ask the bastard politely to lower itself to our level?"

*Nice one*

Neph's expression shifted into a frown, prompting a disapproving gaze from her as their eyes met.

"It's just an…"

Rin and Sunny spoke simultaneously, their voices overlapping in a synchronized harmony.

"...awakened demon, we know!"

Sunny sighed and shook his head again,

*I feel like we are talking to a stone wall*

*Yeah a suicidal one*

Understanding what led Star to change her mind remained an enigma for her. She had long ago discovered a profound, concealed abyss beneath Star's outwardly radiant facade. The intensity of her efforts and endurance hinted at a journey taken to great lengths, a path traversed only by those haunted by their personal demons—an insight gained through her own past experiences.

Sunny locked eyes with Nephis and spoke with sincerity:

"Back when we agreed to fight the carapace centurion, we did so because there was no other choice. We were literally stuck on a rock with it. What about now? Don't we have a choice to avoid the Ashen Barrow?"

She gazed at him, taking a moment to absorb the sight before calmly uttering:

"That's the only way west."

Sunny burst into laughter, causing Rin to glance downward as she enjoyed her meal, a bright smile playing on her lips in response to Nephis's candid and straightforward reply.

*That is the truth, I'll give you that.*

*Shes not wrong their. Nothing gets past her head*

After the echoes of his laughter faded away, he gently brushed the tear from the corner of his eye before speaking again.

"Alright. Alright. That makes sense. But believe me when I say it, as the only one who actually saw the Carapace Demon… we won't be able to defeat it in a fight."

Nephis scowled.

"Your point?"

Sunny spread his hands.

"Don't misunderstand. Yes, we can't defeat it. But…"

A dark smile appeared on his face.

"That doesn't mean that we can't kill it."

Changing Star thought about it, then raised an eyebrow and asked:

"You have a plan?"

Sunny shook his head.

"Not yet, not entirely. Let me sleep on it. However, there's one thing I know for sure."

Glancing toward the western horizon, memories of the unsettling, beastly visage of the Carapace Demon flooded her thoughts. As the quiet settled in, Cassie turned her gaze towards Sunny, a spark of curiosity lighting up her expression as she inquired:

"What is it?"

Sunny blinked.

"Ah? Oh, yes. It's pretty simple, really. Unlike the scavengers and centurions, that thing appears to be rather intelligent. Which means that it can be deceived."

*I hope your plan is good*

***

They endured yet another night within the lifeless leviathan's colossal spine. Among their various camps, this particular one offered a sense of security. There was an undeniable reassurance in having protective walls encircle them, albeit constructed from the leviathan's bones. Resting atop cliffs and coral mounds, mere meters above the mysterious depths of the dark sea, with no shelter from the elements, proved to be far less conducive to a restful night's sleep

Rin and Sunny were contemplating the idea of proposing to Nephis that sticking around for a bit longer, maybe a few weeks or even months, could be worthwhile. The plan was to leisurely delve into the nearby surroundings, engage in monster hunting to enhance their skills, and gradually become more formidable.

The thought was that by absorbing numerous soul shards and light fragments, accumulating dozens of Memories, and possibly acquiring a few more Echoes, they could then take on the Carapace Demon with increased confidence, making success more certain.

They quickly came to the realization that venturing into the Forgotten Shore was a misguided endeavor. Its perils were not only unpredictable but also posed a constant threat. Despite their relative success in navigating the dangers so far, the precarious nature of the situation made them acutely aware that a single stroke of misfortune could spell doom.

Navigating the treacherous terrain was a delicate dance, where one wrong turn, an unfortunate encounter, or an encounter with one more adversary than they could handle could abruptly end their lives. And this was merely considering the usual array of monstrous challenges they faced daily. The labyrinth concealed even more menacing secrets and entities, not to mention the unimaginable horrors lurking in the depths of the dark sea.

Each passing day in this perilous environment increased the likelihood of encountering something fatal and unavoidable. Their best chance at survival hinged on confronting the Carapace Demon at the earliest opportunity.

Perhaps, victorious against this formidable foe, they could finally catch a glimpse of the towering walls of the long-promised castle.

As they lay next to each other, she sensed Sunny's restless movements throughout their sleep. Over time, a growing irritation crept in, prompting her to gently nudge him. When that failed to quell his fidgeting, she decided to pull him closer in search of a more peaceful night's rest.

*Sleep, please... Just go to sleep*

*I don't need sleep i need answers*

*Can we think about this Tommorow*

*I'm struggling to sleep; it's this monster and the overall atmosphere of this place—it's just unsettling.*

*Hey, hey here i got a trick lay down here*

She motioned for him to get closer to her He took a brief moment to gather his thoughts, then joined Rin closer.

She delicately lowered her hand onto his hair, gently weaving her fingers through it with a soothing and calming touch, creating a relaxing sensation that could easily lull someone into a peaceful sleep.

As they embraced, a comforting warmth enveloped him, and fatigue washed over him almost instantly.

*Hey...this is....quite comfortab-*

He was out like a light

******

"Rin.....Sunny"

Startled by Cassie's gentle shaking, the two of them gradually opened their eyes, meeting the gaze of the blind girl with a mix of surprise and bewilderment.

"What is it?"

She motioned towards Nephis, inviting her to approach. With a hint of apprehension, she mustered her resolve and spoke, her complexion slightly pale as she began:

"I had another vision. A vision about the Carapace Demon…"