'I knew she was hiding something'
Adjusting her posture feigned in a faux slumber, she subtly repositioned herself to eavesdrop more comfortably on the ongoing conversation
*Why would she keep something like this secret?*
*Want me to guess?*
*Go on*
*Shes scared that if she tell everyone the future and its bad, the more we do to try and change the future.the more it will bring us closer to that fate*
*Please don't talk about fate, i hate the guy*
*Sounds like you know him personally, this fate guy kinda sounds like a pain*
He spoke in a manner that gave the impression of humor, as if he were playfully jesting with his words.
*Huge asshole, constantly trying to control me*
She couldn't help but stifle a giggle, attempting to conceal it while pretending to be asleep.
*You should probably talk to Cassie. It looks like youre staring off into space*
*Yeah, yeah fine, i thought you were sleeping*
*Im..... planning on doing it*
Sunny momentarily lost track of his conversation with Cassie, but quickly reconnected and approached the next question with a cautious tone.
"More… visions? Why haven't you told us?"
Cassie took a moment, a noticeable pause lingering in the air before she resumed speaking.
"You probably don't know. How could you know? But knowledge… knowledge can be really heavy. It can be as heavy as the heaviest thing in the world."
"I am afraid that by telling you, I will actually cause the things I saw to come true."
*F#cking called it*
*HOW!?!? Theres no way you guessed that*
*Magic*
*....keep your secrets then woman*
She couldn't help but stifle a giggle as she discreetly coughed, attempting to conceal her amusement.
*Actually now that im thinking about it, Cassies probably gonna talk about some bad future, she wanted to keep it secret*
Her words carried a weighty implication. The fear lurking behind her cryptic hints suggested that the impending visions were not to be taken lightly. If it was indeed as ominous as she alluded to...
In order to navigate the potential disaster looming ahead, Rin needed to be aware of its nature in advance. This foresight would empower her to take proactive measures and confront whatever challenges lay ahead. While preparedness could alleviate many concerns, there lingered an unsettling thought—what if her attempts to safeguard against the impending doom inadvertently became the catalyst for its occurrence, turning Cassie's foreseen vision into a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Knowing the future posed a perilous risk, fraught with uncertainty and potential consequences. It brought with it the ominous prospect of navigating the unknown, where the delicate balance of choices and outcomes hung in the balance.
'Its complicated but i understand why shes scared'
She paused for a moment, letting the sound of Sunny's voice shifted her attention away.
*Damn it, my head hurts. I hate this crap!*
*Stop thinking then, you barely use your brain Anyway*
*Thanks Rin*
Cassie finally spoke:
"Can you… can you just promise me one thing?"
'hes not going to say something stupid? Is he?'
"That depends on what it is."
The blind girl hesitated before speaking.
"Can you promise that you'll take care of Neph? No matter what?"
*Lie, please just tell her you will*
*I..I...I.. can't..*
Sunny reluctantly spoke second later:
"I can't. I can barely take care of myself."
Rin couldn't shake off the intense suspicion, Sunny, consistently spoke the truth, even when it would have been advantageous for him to tell a lie. It was as though some invisible force compelled him to be honest, almost as if the truth was being extracted from deep within him.
Cassie let out a sigh, turning away with a subtle shift in her demeanor. In that moment, an intangible transformation seemed to take place within her.
"I see. Yeah. That's fair."
With that, she summoned her staff and walked away.
*You are way too honest*
*I cant help it*
*I would have expected lying to come naturally to someone living in the slums.*
*Nope its almost like the truth is squeezed out of me, i hate lying*
*The truth hurts huh*
*I....ummm...it sure does*
*You know you can talk to me? Right.... can't betray you, unless i want the spell smiting me or something*
She picked up on the sound of him sharply inhaling, a chuckle escaping in response.
*Yeah, i know Rin, I'll tell you soon*
*Take your time. And laugh more some more in your life it sounds good*
*Sure Rin*
She gently shut her eyes, attempting to embrace the tranquility of sleep, fully aware that her body yearned for the restorative embrace of slumber.
*****
Despite her best efforts to unwind, she found her mind persistently meandering. Before long, Rin found herself weaving together threads of information about Sunny's possessions, particularly the enigmatic Starless Void—referred to as the Forgotten Shore in the Azure Blade's account.
Perhaps, it might serve as a welcome distraction, steering her thoughts away from the intriguing exchange she overheard between Sunny and Cassie.
Suddenly, there was a heightened sense of urgency to grasp the intricacies of their surroundings, as if the imperative to comprehend the environment had taken on a newfound significance.
*Rin, you still up?*
*Yeah, whats wrong?*
*Nothing, its just, somethings bugging me?*
*Yeah no kidding, ive got the same feeling*
She shifted her position, finding a comfortable spot where they both leaned against each other's backs, creating a supportive connection while engaged in a lively conversation and collaborative brainstorming session.
*This place..... Its linked to the weapons and armour i got*
*And the statue, we were on. Was the statue a monument to one of the seven founders of the Starlight Legion? The story said their names and faces were lost to time.*
*The statue's missing head would certainly fit that description*
*What about the echo you got?*
*I think the the carapace monsters were the "cursed soldiers of the fallen legion"*
*The Starlight Armor after you slayed that carapace centurion confirms that*
*Another question, why are they cursed?*
*The seven heroes were described as being born in the "all-consuming darkness". Their oath was to return light to the cursed land. What light did they seek? Starlight? And what was the nature of the all-consuming darkness?*
*Was it the manifestation of the curse that befell their land?*
*But is that the same curse then?*
*...is the curse still around*
They exchanged glances, then turned towards one another, sharing a brief moment of eye contact.
*Sunny if i start growing chitin, i want you to kill me are we understood, I am not turning into a crab*
both sealed the deal with firm handshake.
*Agreed..wait....same time*
They returned to reclining on each other's backs, enjoying the comfort of their shared moment.
*still a creepy thought.*
*Agreed*
*The seven heroes were forgotten, but the memory of their oath, apparently, still remained. "On this forgotten shore, only stell remembers"*
* that was the Azure Blade's description wasn't it?*
*Yeah*
*Sounds like theres a hidden meaning behind those words*
*Were the Memories received on the Forgotten Shore hiding a secret?*
Sunny groaned.
*So many questions, and not a single answer!*
*Calm down we will find out eventually....Casies visions are still a pain ..*
*boundless darkness locked behind seven seals. Once the seals were broken, the darkness escaped. She also saw a crimson spire with seven severed heads guarding seven locks were these locks connected to the seals?*
*I swear she speak in any more cryptic ass riddles im throwing her off this cliff myself*
Her senses picked up on the subtle tremor coursing through his frame, accompanied by a suppressed laughter that escaped in hushed waves.
*Alright, alright focus what about the giant knight's missing head was it one of the seven guarding them?*
*Or we are both jumping to conclusions and completely wrong also without us talking to each other with our voices you looked insane laughing at nothing*
*Yeah I'll keep it in mind next time....Maybe things would become clearer in the future*
She playfully nudged him with her elbow, tilting her head to the side, and inquired with a curious expression.
*Sleep?*
He nodded
*Sleep*
With her eyes tightly shut, she made a conscious effort to broaden her auditory awareness, attempting to discern potential threats lurking in the distance, gauging if any unseen dangers were contemplating her as a potential feast.
She focused more and remembered something her mother did
She took a deep, deliberate breath, allowing the air to fill her lungs at a leisurely pace, savoring the calmness that enveloped her.
She begins to extend her consciousness, delicately connecting with the innermost facets of her being, allowing the ethereal essence within her to be sensed and explored.
She gradually extended that awareness to the surrounding environment, and she could feel the complete form of Sunny in her mind
It got even stranger when she could sense the unique emotions emanating from him – an array of indescribable colors that conveyed unmistakable meanings. From joy and perplexity to a sense of ease, and ultimately, the profound feelings of trust all pointed towards her.
[Attribute learnt: sensory technique]
******
Several days had passed, and Rin found herself engrossed in the task of meticulously cleaning her katana, attending to each intricate detail with care and precision.
Blood was a pain to clean off
[Your light grows stronger.]
[You have helped slay an awakened beast, Carapace Scavenger.]
[You have helped slay an awakened beast, Carapace Scavenger.]
[You have slain an awakened beast Carapace Scavenger]
Rin found herself surrounded by the lifeless bodies of three carapace scavengers, their existence extinguished by the trio's relentless efforts. Nephis, quick to capitalize on the aftermath, skillfully extracted soul shards from the fallen creatures. With numerous encounters under their belts, efficiency had become second nature for the three companions.
Taking a moment to assess the spoils, Rin glanced over at Nephis, who meticulously counted the acquired shards. Recognizing the need for equitable distribution, she deftly split the collection in half and tossed a portion to Rin.
She crushed them in her arm and the spell rewarded her
[Your light grows stronger.]
[Your light grows stronger.]
[Your light grows.....
Looking back, she took in the chaotic aftermath before her.
The narrow passage, framed by walls stained in deep crimson, now bore witness to a gruesome sight—the ground strewn with lifeless chitin bodies. Their original plan had been a calculated move, intending to lead the relentless carapace centurion that had pursued them for days into this confined space, using its size against it. Yet, as events unfolded, the situation spiraled into a scene of unexpected carnage.
Lured by the chaotic symphony of battle, a band of scavengers, along with the peculiar centipede creature. Engaged in warfare against the carapace legion within this intricate labyrinth. Their arrival stirred up the already frenzied conflict, cleverly exploiting the animosity between the two monster tribes. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, the group emerged triumphant as the sole victors.
Nearby, the Echo ruthlessly tore into the centurion's lifeless form, its once-missing limb now fully regenerated. With a newly-formed pincer, the scavenger voraciously ripped apart chunks of monstrous flesh, relishing in a vindictive feast.
*Aren't echoes not meant to experience hunger? Why is steven so angry?*
*I think it just hates.... Did you just name my echo*
*Of course i did, he looks like a steven...Steven the mutant crab....Mr Krabs distant ancestor*
*I...have no words Rin*
*Then dont talk, isn't that right Steven?*
The scavenger echo let out a loud screech in Rin's direction before nonchalantly returning to its meal.
*See he agrees*
Two weeks had elapsed since their departure from the cliffs, bringing about a wave of transformations and constants alike. Progressing from one elevated vantage point to the next, their journey headed steadily westward. Cassie, perched atop the Echo, infused a newfound swiftness into the group's pace. Despite this heightened speed, they prudently surveyed potential routes for their upcoming day-long expedition, ensuring a thoughtful approach to each leg of their adventure.
By taking this approach, they significantly reduced the likelihood of getting caught in another storm. This was achieved by ensuring they could either reach the upcoming landmark on time or safely return to the previous one, thereby minimizing the risk.
Their strategy for navigating the labyrinth underwent a transformation. Previously, Nephis, Rin, and Sunny aimed to evade scavengers, engaging in combat only as a last resort. Yet, the encounter with the centurion served as a wake-up call, prompting them to realize the urgent need for rapid and substantial strength enhancement.
That's why they began to actively hunt the carapace beasts, taking out any creatures that were either completely isolated or moving in groups of no more than four. The idea of two Sleepers consciously seeking out Nightmare Creatures of the Awakened rank was pretty ridiculous, but somehow, they made it work.
As Nephis had foretold, every individual present exhibited an abnormal quality.
Draped in the formidable Starlight Legion Armor, Changing Star, renowned for her exceptional combat prowess, now unveiled the complete spectrum of her martial skills. To put it simply, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her silver sword seemed to possess a consciousness of its own, ensuring that whenever the towering figure clad in white armor emerged, torrents of azure blood would inevitably follow in its wake.
Rin darted with an unpredictable grace, navigating the chitin-covered terrain in a way that defied prediction. As she descended to ground level, she slid across the mud, executing a hit-and-run strategy that made her a formidable threat to the scavengers. Her goal was to keep the monsters on their toes, ensuring their attention remained divided.
Additionally, as both battling women consumed more soul shards, their powers experienced a gradual but noticeable enhancement. Although each individual increase might have been subtle, the cumulative effect of dozens of shards brought about a discernible difference. They found themselves steadily advancing towards the boundary that separated the pinnacle of human physical capabilities from the realm of extraordinary superhuman prowess.
Sunny's experience mirrored this sentiment, with a unique twist centered around skillful manipulation of shadows. The challenges within the Dream Realm had significantly bolstered his physique, yet he was still on the journey to unlock his body's full potential, a destination that remained just out of reach.
As the girls harnessed increasing strength by devouring soul shards, he diligently amassed a collection of shadow fragments. Although he couldn't secure every kill, the quantity of his fragments fell short of the girls' shards. Yet, there was a silver lining—he didn't have to divide them with Cassie and Rin, a privilege consistently afforded to Changing Star.
Rin's situation was a bit unusual; she would absorb both the soul shard and light fragments with each kill, creating a unique and intriguing circumstance where her power was growing quite fast
Her arm had nearly fully recovered, thanks to the consistent power-ups that significantly accelerated the healing process.
As a result, the group's progress rate remained relatively consistent, with Rin holding a slight lead in the advancement.
However, the slow accumulation of power was not the only factor that influenced the rapid growth of their combat effectiveness.
She found herself compelled to put these teachings into action, immersing herself in intense, daily skirmishes where the stakes were nothing less than her own life. In this harsh and unyielding environment, she discovered the most effective training, whether one viewed it positively or negatively. Every engagement was a crucible demanding perfection; there was no margin for error, only an unrelenting pursuit of improvement. Each misstep could easily transform into a fatal consequence, emphasizing the gravity of the challenges she faced.
Yet, amidst this relentless struggle, she couldn't help but savor the exhilarating rush that came with such high-stakes encounters.
Engaging in an actual brawl proved more valuable than a myriad of training hours. Through firsthand encounters, Rin not only accumulated experience but also harnessed the power to transform that experience into a foundational understanding. The clarity she gained played a pivotal role in germinating the seed of comprehension from the soil of her acquired knowledge.
But even that wasn't the biggest contributor to the dramatic increase in the group's overall might.
Surprisingly, it turned out that teamwork, as emphasized by Master Jet, played a pivotal role and emerged as the primary factor behind the remarkable surge in the group's overall strength. It wasn't just about individual efforts; the collaborative synergy among the members proved to be the game-changer, much to her perpetual amazement.
Having spent countless battles fighting alongside each other, Sunny Rin and Nephis had forged an unspoken, instinctive connection. Devoid of the necessity for verbal communication or explicit signals, they seamlessly operated in harmony, effortlessly synchronizing their attacks and maneuvers to assert dominance on the battlefield and vanquish their adversaries.
Rin and Sunny possessed a unique connection that transcended verbal communication; they could effortlessly share thoughts telepathically. Despite this extraordinary ability, they found little necessity to engage in such mind-to-mind communication, as their intuitive understanding allowed them to anticipate and respond to each other's actions with remarkable swiftness.
The significance of this unity cannot be overstated. When they collaborated effectively, it was as if their numbers had tripled. The impact was swift and powerful, as long as they strategically selected their battles. The atmosphere became nothing short of joyous.
As they navigated through the challenges together, their once-four-member team transformed into a close-knit group of resilient individuals. Armed with valuable experience and battle-tested skills, they evolved from a quartet of lost kids into a formidable cohort of survivors, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Even Cassie was becoming stronger. Apart from the boost she had received from absorbing the soul shards, the blind girl was also slowly learning to live and function with her disability.
Cassie's strength was visibly growing, not just due to the empowerment from absorbing soul shards but also through her gradual adaptation to life with blindness. Despite the fact that it had been less than two months since she lost her sight, the remarkable progress she was making in adjusting to her new reality showcased her resilience and determination.
The once seemingly insurmountable task of reaching the human castle now appeared within reach, and with each step, she sensed their proximity growing. The goal that once felt distant now drew near with an undeniable sense of progress.
*Its safe you can send the signal*
After dismounting from the lifeless scavenger, Sunny smoothly reclaimed his sword and emitted a whistle, signaling to Cassie that the coast was clear for her to emerge.
Emerging from a tiny crevice in the coral wall, she gingerly placed her feet on the ground. Supporting herself with a staff, the young woman, who was visually impaired, rose to her feet. She tilted her head slightly, attuned to the gentle cadence of his footsteps.
Sunny and Rin strolled up to Cassie, where Sunny tenderly clasped her hand, guiding it to rest on his shoulder, all the while with Rin keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Navigating around ominous puddles of blood, Sunny carefully led the sightless girl toward the Echo, all three engaging in a conversation along the journey.
"Did those centipedes show up?"
As they ventured through the labyrinth, a revelation unfolded – the scavengers weren't the sole inhabitants of this intricate maze. Within the crimson forest, a diverse array of monsters dwelled, concealing themselves within the reefs during the night and emerging to pursue their prey under the morning sun.
Beneath the murky black mud, colonies of intelligent carnivorous worms emerged, launching surprise attacks on unsuspecting intruders. Sinister flesh-eating flowers, adorned with bloodsucking vines, lurked in the shadows, waiting to ensnare their prey. Amidst this eerie landscape, strange transparent tentacles slithered, once witnessed dragging a hapless scavenger into a mysterious, cavernous crevice.
The identity of the elusive creature concealed within the crevice remained a mystery, shrouded in uncertainty. Rin couldn't help but harbor a sense of dread, fervently hoping that the enigmatic being would remain undiscovered.
In a nutshell, the labyrinth harbored a myriad of horrors, each boasting at least an Awakened rank, all surviving as scavengers sustained by the remnants from the abyssal creatures. Beyond this, they didn't shy away from devouring one another, and of course, the prospect of savoring the Four succulent humans wasn't lost on them.
Fortunately, the carapace legion, marked by their territorial nature, held sway in the crimson reef's realm. Their robust armor, imposing size, and sheer physical prowess rendered them formidable adversaries for the scavengers. Coping with a single adversary type proved far more favorable than confronting an ever-shifting array of unknown perils.
The most recent foes encountered by the carapace legion were the centipede monsters. Some of these creatures stretched beyond three meters, adorned in gleaming red chitin, boasting hundreds of agile legs. Their remarkable speed and agility allowed them to navigate mud, scale coral walls, and even descend upon unsuspecting prey from above with remarkable swiftness.
Even more unsettling was the fact that their bodies could excrete a corrosive black oil, capable of effortlessly melting through even the most robust armor in a matter of seconds. The silver lining with these centipede monsters lay in the relatively vulnerable nature of their chitin shells, making them susceptible to penetration by a simple sword.
Sunny answered without turning back:
"Yeah, six of them. And a few scavengers, too. We let them fight each other and then finished off the survivors."
Cassie gulped.
"Were you two hurt?"
"Nothing our armor couldn't handle."
Rin joined in
"Cassie you have to remember one thing , Sunny is like a cockroach, annoying as hell but practically unkillable"
The blind girl chuckled softly at that, a brief moment of lightheartedness breaking through. However, she swiftly returned to her composed demeanor and posed a serious question.
"What about the centurion?"
He glanced at the half-devoured carcass and smiled.
"It's not going to bother us again."
They successfully defeated their second awakened monster upon entering the Dream Realm, and this time around, the battle unfolded with remarkable ease. Fortunately, there were no casualties or significant injuries, and even the Echo managed to retain both of its pincers intact.
"How many soul shards did we get?"
Sunny counted.
"Should be fourteen."
Cassie's face lit up with another radiant smile, reclaiming her moment of joy.
"That's our biggest haul so far! By a lot!"
He nodded.
"Yeah."
Once again, they found themselves falling short in acquiring a Memory. It seemed that success continued to elude them on this particular endeavor.
*No memories though*
*Is this your fate guy intervening again, can you tell that guy to chill*
*He doesn't listen to me*
*You should really start changing your friend group*
*Yeah i know i have this Crazy woman in it with black hair, called my crab echo steven*
*Oi leave steven alone, hes a good boy, also, I AIN'T CRAZY!*
*you punched me in the stomach after i nearly died*
He looked at exasperated as he said that to her
*You did a dumb, dumb thats not my fault*
He sighed.
*Fine*
*Lets talk to Cassie more*
*********
During camp, Rin, Sunny, and Cassie enjoyed engaging in a fascinating game where they'd dreamily chat about their post-camp lives and the luxuries they'd indulge in once they struck it rich in the real world. Sunny, in particular, enthusiastically shared his plans, emphasizing the need to gather a handful of cherished memories for auctioning – after all, he playfully pointed out, wealth had to come from somewhere!
Rin glanced about, captivated by the sound of Sunny's voice reaching her ears. However, she refrained from turning her head to investigate.
"Hey, you! Stop chewing!"
She sighed as he still spoke
"Spit it out!"
Sunny gently shook his head as he assisted Cassie in settling into her seat, carefully passing the reins into her hands.
"This weirdo actually gobbled up almost half of the centurion. What's up with that? Of all the Echoes in the world, why did I have to get stuck with a defective one?"
A sharp pain throbbed at the back of his head as Rin delivered a firm smack, her expression clouded with disappointment.
*Apologies to steven right now*
*Im not apologising to a stupid crab*
She spoke with a menacing tone, her voice taking on a somber quality as she cast him a glare filled with intensity and hostility.
*Sunless i will not have you bullying Steven apologies right now*
*Gods you are unbearable....FINE*
"Im sorry for insulting you steven*
*And*
"And making fun of you*
'Cheeky bastard…'
Cassie laughed.
"Rims right don't badmouth my steven He is a great Echo! I like him very much."
Rin joined in:
"See Cassie understands"
*It's a "he" now, huh?*
Sunny shook his head once more, a wry smile playing on his lips, and together with Rin, delved into the task of carefully extracting the remaining morsels of meat from the centurion's lifeless form. Collaboratively, they deftly filled the seaweed saddlebags affixed to the scavenger. These ingenious bags, a joint creation of Rim and Sunny, served as a strategic enhancement to the group's hauling capabilities. After all, the scavenger's formidable strength was an asset too valuable to neglect, and overlooking its potential would have been a missed opportunity.
*You have fun with that, i ain't getting that sh#t on my hands*
Sunny let out a sigh as they tackled the least enjoyable chore – extracting the oil sacs from the centipede monsters' lifeless bodies. Each creature had a pair of these sacs, intricately linked to a unique gland. Despite the rather unpleasant nature of the task, the process leaned more towards repulsiveness than peril. The corrosive effect only manifested when the contents of the two sacs were combined.
Despite the team's lack of a clear purpose for the centipede oil, Nephis remained adamant about gathering as much as possible. She firmly believed that, at some point, the collected substance would prove its worth.
At the very least, the oil was highly flammable.
Talking about Nephis, as Sunny finished gathering the sacks, she had already managed to collect all the soul shards. Standing in front of the Echo, he proudly displayed his trophies and meticulously stowed them away in a separate saddlebag.
"All done?"
She nodded.
Rin gazed up at the expansive sky, contemplating the hour. The sun hung prominently overhead, casting its warm glow across the vast expanse of the grey heavens, signaling that there was ample daylight remaining.
With a sense of curiosity, she harbored the intention to vocalize the inquiry that lingered in the minds of those present.
"What do you think? We're right inbetween the Flat Hill and the Bone Ridge. Should we return or try to reach the Ridge today?"
The bottom level of the labyrinth had an uneven terrain, with certain areas elevated compared to others. Presently, they found themselves in one of these elevated sections. In this particular spot, the dark sea exhibited a shallower depth, revealing more natural features that remained visible above water as night fell. This created a shorter distance between these distinct elements.
Nephis thought for a bit, then said:
"Let's push to the Bone Ridge."
Yesterday, they had already explored a significant portion of the path, reducing the risk of getting lost in the labyrinth and missing their deadline. The removal of the carapace centurion, which had been causing unpredictable challenges in their lives, further justified Changing Star's decision.
Sunny nodded.
"Okay."
Rin joined in
"Agreed"
With that, Sunny sent his shadow forward while Rin watched as a spectator
***
As the duo continued their journey, the formidable Bone Ridge loomed in the distance. The sun, casting its golden hues as it prepared to dip below the horizon, signaled the approaching twilight. Despite having ample time to reach safety before darkness fell, a sense of unease and alarm crept over Rin and Sunny, coloring the atmosphere with a palpable tension.
*I have a bad feeling about this*
*You already said that*
*Good, and I'll say it again, this place gives me the hibbie gibbys*
A subtle emotion started to envelop her shortly after they departed from the cliffs. This peculiar sensation seemed to emerge as evening drew near, lingering until the final moments of the sunset before dissipating, leaving her in a state of perplexity and disquiet. As they journeyed westward, the intensity of this feeling heightened.
It felt as if an inexplicable discordance pervaded the world during those hours. Despite Rin's earnest attempts to fathom the nature of this unsettling quality, it eluded her understanding.
Ultimately, they both opted to open up about their unease within the group. To their astonishment, the girls, upon hearing their concerns, were taken aback. It appeared that nothing out of the ordinary had caught their attention. Even Cassie, renowned for her knack for revelations and possessing an extraordinary intuition, remained unaffected by the peculiar sensation.
She put forward a hypothesis, pointing out an interesting observation. Sunny and Rin seemed to be the only ones affected by this peculiar sensation, leading to the logical conclusion that there was something distinct about Sunny enabling this experience. The only discernible dissimilarity in their perception was Sunny's unique ability to sense shadows, a trait they both shared.
This implies that the root cause of this unsettling feeling likely stems from the behavior of shadows, suggesting a connection between Sunny's shadow sense and the mysterious phenomenon.
Following her guidance, they eventually grasped the source of their unease. It dawned on them that Cassie had been correct; during the twilight hours, as the sun dipped low in the western horizon, an expansive shadow meandered through the maze, playing tricks on their senses and eliciting an unsettling sensation that sent shivers down their spines.
Upon hearing Sunny's description of the colossal shadow, Cassie nodded, as if comprehending the full significance of the revelation. Following this acknowledgment, she spoke:
"That is the shadow of the Crimson Spire."
In that moment, it only took her a brief moment to grasp the subject of Cassie's conversation.
"The spire from your vision? The one with seven seals?"
Cassie nodded.
"Yes. In my dream, it seemed to be as tall as a mountain. I could even see it from the walls of the human castle, looming in the distance like a crimson spear piercing the skies. When the sun sets, the Spire's vast shadow falls over the castle and stretches east, as far as you can see."
She was silent for a moment, then added:
"The feeling I got when looking at the Crimson Spire was very similar to what you had described, only much more intense."
Rin furrowed her brow, grappling to recall the precise phrasing Cassie employed to convey her vision. It involved seven severed heads, each guarding a distinct seal, a poignant image of a fading angel succumbing to ravenous shadows, and an overwhelming sense of terror and profound loss. It left Rin pondering, what precisely was the story behind that enigmatic Spire?
"Is it crimson because it's made out of the same stuff as the labyrinth?"
The vibrant red "coral" encircling them wasn't really coral; it earned that nickname due to a vague resemblance, chosen for the sake of simplicity. The true identity of this peculiar substance remained shrouded in mystery, leaving everyone in wonder.
Cassie found herself pausing, a moment of uncertainty washing over her.
"Maybe it's the other way around. Maybe the labyrinth is made from the same stuff as the Spire."
The notion lingered in their minds that the Crimson Spire could be the root cause of the chaos surrounding them. Yet, it remained a mere hypothesis, lacking sufficient details to validate.
Despite the uncertainty, they both sensed a connection between the Spire and everything they had faced. She held onto the hope that their journey wouldn't culminate at the ominous structure.
' i am definitely jinxing myself'
"Get ready."
Neph's voice snapped them out of their contemplative trance. Dismissing the wandering thoughts, they honed in on the immediate objective ahead.
The looming presence of the Bone Ridge drew near.
Ever since their initial gaze fell upon this majestic landmark, the name had etched itself into their consciousness. A commanding figure, its ivory magnificence starkly juxtaposed against the crimson coral and the somber grey sky, was visible from afar, serving as an unmistakable guide.
On their adventure, encountering colossal skeletons became a common occurrence. The labyrinth itself was a testament to the remnants of once-majestic leviathans, their immense bones crafting organic arches and majestic structures. These awe-inspiring spectacles were unmistakable, surrounded by towering coral formations that seemed to strive to conceal any traces of ivory within the vibrant sea of crimson.
*It kinda looks like the corals growing out of the old bones *
*Yeah this place is wrong*
She felt a strong conviction that delving into the murky depths of the obsidian soil beneath the crimson forest would unveil a haunting tableau — a labyrinthine tapestry of countless layers of bones, stretching into an eerie abyss.
It's quite a chilling and unsettling thought, isn't it?
The creature that gave rise to the Bone Ridge was truly colossal. Its massive frame ensured that a segment of its lengthy spine protruded above the water, especially noticeable during the night. This unique feature made it an ideal choice for the next leg of their journey.
As night approached, the upcoming task became crucial. Their mission: to ascend the colossal carcass and ensure no other creatures sought refuge within its decaying remnants.
Should any unwelcome inhabitants be discovered, their only recourse was to confront and eliminate the threat, as retreating to their previous sanctuary wasn't a viable option within the limited time frame.
Navigating towards the base of the coral mound, the group skillfully maneuvered around, diligently searching for a suitable ascent. Ultimately, they reached the imposing, fractured skull of the leviathan. Its lower jaw was either absent or concealed beneath the mire, leaving the upper jaw to create a vast, cavernous opening.
As Rin felt shivers travel down her spine, she courageously passed through the formidable row of teeth and ventured into the cave. Guided by the shadow cast by Sunny, they navigated towards the rear of the creature's skull, eventually finding themselves in the expansive hollow of its spine.
Within the spine, the bony surface beneath their feet resembled a wide road, reminiscent of a highway within a lengthy tunnel. Sunlight pierced through the gaps between the colossal vertebrae, creating stark beams of light. The tunnel inclined upward, its full length concealed beyond the bend of the ceiling.
As the Echo made its way into the spine, the clattering noise produced by its chitin legs echoed loudly, prompting a grimace from Nephis.
"Any movement?"
Sunny checked with the shadow and shook his head.
Rin did it silently, just to make sure herself
Changing Star looked forward and slightly lowered her chin.
"Let's proceed."
Even though the shadow hadn't detected any imminent threat, caution prevailed as they instinctively drew their swords before advancing. This wasn't their inaugural encounter with ambushes near the boundary of safety.
Fortuitously, their preemptive measures proved unnecessary this time. No lurking danger awaited within the colossal remains, enabling them to ascend the spine's apex without battling through an unknown horde of creatures.
As they secured their vantage point, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow. The expansive sea, shrouded in darkness, surged back, filling the sea monster's skeletal spine with the resonating symphony of rushing water. Sunny deftly removed the saddlebags from Echo, dismissing the loyal companion, instantly transforming their camp into a more spacious haven.
All four of them were seriously craving a good soak under some water. Deciding to give the girls some private time to freshen up, Sunny left them alone for a chance to indulge in a much-needed cleansing ritual.
Rin was the first one to emerge, her cheeks a faint red, taking a seat right beside Sunny. They settled in together, initiating the gathering in a relaxed and friendly manner. Letting their tired bodies rest.
Rin watched as Sunnys shadow returned to him, it had not spotted anything suspicious he was definitely looking at his runes
She sighed and summoned her own runed
Light Fragments: [132/1000].
Impressive progress! In just under a month, there's been a significant boost. She's not only become noticeably stronger and faster but has also gained valuable experience along the way.
Despite her considerable abilities, she remained significantly less powerful than the most feeble Nightmare Creatures found in the Forgotten Shore, lacking the sheer physical strength they possessed.
*how long before I'm able to wrestle a scavenger with my bare hands?*
She smiled and joked:
*Maybe when you're a saint*
Sunny sighed.
After a while, it became his moment to freshen up. Accepting the Bottle of Endless Water graciously handed over by the rejuvenated and cheerful Cassie, he strolled back to his private space, waving away the ethereal Pupetter's Shroud.
Rin looked away
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Nephis seized the moments left before darkness enveloped the surroundings. He skillfully kindled a fire, its warm glow dancing in the growing dusk, and proceeded to prepare a savory meal. The inclusion of salt, a precious commodity in their current circumstances, added a flavorful touch to the meat. Initially hesitant about relying on the sea salt harvested from the mysterious dark sea, they found themselves embracing its unique taste over time.
The addition of salt elevated the flavor of each meal, turning their simple dishes into delightful culinary experiences. Engulfed in hunger and fatigue, they shared a quiet meal, too exhausted to engage in conversation. As the night unfolded, the inevitable call of sleep beckoned, inviting them to find solace in its embrace.
Sunny assumed the initial watch duty, and just as Rin was about to drift into a peaceful slumber, she was abruptly awakened by the anxious tone in Sunny's voice.
So she used her special request to see what he saw and....
Sunny remained frozen in place, captivated by the unfamiliar sight of the black water. Unlike the usual rhythmic dance of waves, its surface lay eerily calm, resembling an immense mirror crafted from the essence of pure darkness. The spectacle was oddly enchanting, yet an unshakable fear lingered within Sunny – a fear of the unknown that might peer back at him from the mysterious depths.
'im way to tired for this shit'
*Hey Sunny, I get that it seems creepy, but once you wrap up your watch shift, let's unwind and have a cozy good night's rest. I might even let you do what you did last time we slept*
*Deal*