"Here's your bed. I don't know what Cassie did to it, but if she's sure it's gonna work, then I see no reason to disagree."Effie appeared in the Brilliant Emporium again after being notified by Cassie that bed is enchanted, and returned to Sunny. She moved it into her locket, and disappeared for a moment, which probably has to do with placing the bed inside her house. Then Effie appeared outside again, which was a disorienting sight."Thanks. And again sorry about the trouble. He didn't mean that. It's just…""It's fine. But sorry, you can't bring him here, not till he can learn to use less strength.""But I have to carry him around sometimes. Otherwise my husband would have to take care of Ling most of the time."Perhaps I have an idea for a suitable place. Care to stay for dinner?"Ironically Sunny was one of few persons who had any experience with child Saints, and therefore he had some idea how sturdy the place should be to contain such a Saint."You're cooking something? I have some time, but eventually I will have to return to Ling. Also… you might not know, but I'm a terrible glutton. You can cook an entire pot, and that still won't be enough to satiate me.""I'm kind of prepared. Well… it's not here, but if you are convinced enough to go with me to my dark basement…""Are you keeping your food in a dark basement?""Yeah. Is this a problem?""It's prepared, right? Not half products in jars or anything like that so keeping it in a basement is at least strange.""Yes, prepared. Saint Athena, it would be inconvenient to bring it here, and I'm too lazy to explain my reasons. It's way easier to show it."They descended into the basement, through a narrow corridor. Through a little window going outside, and also from behind there was dim light illuminating. The basement was small, but also almost empty."Master Sunless, are you making fun of me?""Patience. We're almost there."The basement had corner hiding a part of it from sight. Beyond that corner the basement was brutally cut short by a purple stone wall. He gave a mental command, and the doors formed itself out of a stone wall."Open sesame.""..."
"Sorry, I couldn't hold back myself."
The door opened on its own, revealing dark insides. The space was for sure vast. Somewhere in the corner there was a huge stove with fire. One of his avatars was cooking the crocodile meat. But before Effie could notice him it turned back into a shadow.
"Holy sh… sweet. You've just bought me. Did Cassie tell you?"
"Nah… When I saw that creature I had a feeling you would like to taste it."
"And how did you get that feeling?"
"Oh, just the first look at you was enough to guess. What do you think?"
"So… I would like to give you a star or two for the smell alone. But then consider the atmosphere, which is dark, and somewhat creepy. A respect-worthy restaurant shouldn't make their customers eat in such an atmosphere. A set of candles would make it more classy, and I could see the food."
"Give me a second. I'll fix that. *clap* *clap*"
At the sound of Sunny's clapping the ceiling changed, opening a gap in which there was one big luminous Memory. The effect was enormous. The light was reflected by the walls which are studded with purple crystals. Soon the dark basement turned out to be a large cave. Lights were dancing in strange geometrical patterns. Something Sunny had some fun while designing. Clapping wasn't necessary at all, but he just likes the idea of deceiving people. It reminds him that he has to tell the truth, but he doesn't have to be so truthful.
"*whistle* And here I thought my place was impressive. Mr Sunless, it's a shame that I have a husband. Any lady could fall for that."
"I believe that yours is still much better. It can hold many hectares of land. Compared to that I'm falling short."
Effie's iron locket wasn't a secret. It couldn't be hidden anyway. Otherwise she would have to not use it in front of her soldiers. And therefore the knowledge was bound to leak out due to open use. Also her powers made her unable to hold many secrets. She's a general, which makes her seen by the soldiers. She's a rescuer for many civilians, and therefore those people witness her terrible might. Her ascended ability empowers those who see her. If after that she had lacked spotlight, her abilities as a Transcendent are ruining any attempts to hide her cards. Effie's transcendent form is one of a giant. Effie might not know everyone, but everyone knows a bit about her.
"So what is Brilliant Emporium serving today?"
"Exotic cuisine. I've got my hands on supreme crocodile meat."
And so they eat together. Or rather Effie was eating, while Sunny was only helping a bit. Although a bit hard the meat was real deal, very comparable to turtle meat he used to eat. Though there was a significant improvement given the fact that Sunny has an unlimited access to cooking tools, and spices, he could afford to cook something very tasty.
At some point, after emptying several plates, Effie… showed no intention of really stopping.
'Why feeding her has to be so demanding? Though it's still only a tiny part of the crocodile.'
Considering the crocodile stew is going to be there only for short time, he started proceeding to his business. For the beginning cautiously.
"Saint Athena?"
"Do I have something on my face?"
Effie said that, but while eating. The sounds were coming to him somewhat muted. He looked at her cheeks dirty with fluid fractions of the stew. Considering how much she's eating, her manners were terrible, and he - because of his flaw - could only point something mean.
"To be fair, yes. How do you do? I mean as a big government shot."
He quickly offered her a serviette. Effie took it hastily, and wiped her face clean.
"Well, sorry for that. It's fine, although because of being a Saint I have to volunteer myself to fight abominations. You can imagine. From time to time I get a call, then I have to throw away everything and rush to a Gate. It's tough. I find myself surprised I even have time to come here for a meal. By the way, thanks for Memories. It's not the same caliber as the things I have obtained, but they have some serious utility."
"Honestly that's what I wanted to talk about. I've heard what's going on with the princess, mostly from Cassie, and can't deny I'm worried about her. Sadly there's nothing much I can do."
Effie, of course, could understand that the princess is Nephis, but even if she could understand, it's unclear how Nephis' matters could be related to Memories he's granted to her could be related to that. But if they were related, that indicates she, Raised by Wolves, is still related to Changing Star. And he… who is this guy? Not just someone who knows Cassie or heard about Neph. That's for sure. She had to eventually realize that he knows.
She gave him a deep look. Sunny felt like she was about to do something to him, but then nothing happened. She looked at her bowl, and sighed wistfully, playing with her spoon.
"Even we can't do much in this regard. Such is the world. Ruled by the people that we can't afford to offend. We can only grow in power till it can amount to something against them, which doesn't seem even possible in the current situation. And I feel the Chain of Nightmares is only the beginning. The Earth is going to face more, and more Nightmare Gates, which eventually make the world not suited to live. Before that happens everyone who can, has to evacuate, and therefore these people will strengthen the Great Clans. After all, only they can protect them in the Dream Realm. Unless we know some way to stop the Gates from appearing or prevent the people from being infected by the Spell."
Sunny considered the point raised by Effie. The situation of the Government was always a bit desperate. Despite having power over the world, there were many different regions, many much larger than Earth, and currently it seems like these regions were monopolized by the clans, either directly or by luring, or forcing others into a subordinate relationship with them. And the people that previously were ruled by the Government in better or worse manner, were now in the process of escaping into Dream Realm.
"I agree. It's almost impossible to prevent them from appearing. Well… unless someone can destroy the Seeds of Nightmare or enter them before blooming."
"I don't want to sound too harsh, Sunless, but that's exactly why this is impossible. Like literally. Only Masters, and above can touch a Seed without being pulled into a Nightmare. And even if that was possible we don't know what would happen if we destroyed such an object. Also… the last time I entered a Nightmare I recall the seed was enormous. I don't think I could destroy it without using my giant form, and that's if we skip the part about its sturdiness. Chances are that I would end up corrupted by it, and you don't want to see me corrupted. Nasty thing."
"Nothing is absolute. I'm sure that if it's possible to make a Seed it can also be destroyed."
It has to be possible. It's just really hard. After all the reason why the Seeds exist is related to Dream God. If not for the existence of the Dream God, there would probably be no Seeds. And there are many possibilities for what they do. They may be the creation of the Spell, or the creation of the Dream God. In both cases they are the creations of divine entities.
"Undoubtedly it will take time before we can explore it. And till then things might get even worse. So I have something different on my mind. The Army has to make their own Awakened. Lot's of them. That's the only viable way to catch up to the Great Clans."
She gave him a dubious look.
"That's better, but it's also stupid. If that was so easy I would do that already or rather I want you to know that we're doing that already. Every now, and then some soldiers volunteer to face their first Nightmare. But half of them won't return. We can't force anyone to commit half a suicide, right? Such things would eventually scare the others. I would be scared of myself if she told me she would throw me into a Nightmare. Then I would warn my kid to be wary of her. I want to be a good example for my child."
There are many things Sunny could agree with. It's not like they're not trying. But that won't give them an advantage. The clans are doing the same thing, and on a greater scale. It's only logical that the aid of the Government won't be that significant in the confrontation with the Sovereigns that Nephis has in mind. So it's better to step in now since the Great Clans won't war each other for a while.
"We don't need to resort to that. There are different ways to raise an army of Awakened. In the Nightmares Awakened didn't need to become a carrier of the Spell to awaken. My idea is that we're going to make Awakened like they used to do. Didn't Jet mention anything about my experiments?"
"Oh, she did. Jet has told me that you're going to make some. She also was saying scary things about you believing the world is going to be devoured by the Dream Realm. Kai on the other hand… You have to meet that charming boy. For a moment he even considered turning himself into a big bad dragon, and forcing you to give away your secret. You're lucky he's a good man, and can beat such thoughts out of his mind."
Yeah, he could do that. With his Ascended ability Kai could just tell himself 'Be a good man.', and that would probably compel him to follow his own command. And knowing Kai, his polite nature, and his resolve, he's someone who would use this power to get closer to being perfect. Sunny didn't know what to think about it. Compelling yourself to be a man of your dreams. Is it being a slave or just a brutal act of freedom? What's more disturbing is that it sounds so familiar at the same time. Is it really different from what he was thinking about choosing his own chains?
"Then I'm worried about Saint Kai's persona. Nonetheless I would like to share the secret with you in hopes that it will help to change the balance of power."
"Great. I'm not that great a negotiator, and the Government is not as rich as Valor, but we still have something to offer. What do you want for that?"
"Honestly? Nothing much. Just make more Awakened, and I'll be happy already. You don't have to get me much, because as much as it pains me to admit it's me who desires to see that army being raised."
"Nothing? Really? I had doubted your intelligence before, but that makes you a doofus. You could at least ask me for some fancy Memory or share some secrets, or ask me for soul shards. Don't you want something?"
"I want many things, but unlike some Legacies I'm not crazy. Well, at least not so crazy. To face what's coming humanity needs all the Awakened we can get, and the Government seems to be the only party that won't waste them in some foolish struggles for power. If humanity is going to die, there will be no place for me to return to. And I'm asking the Goverment to make a huge, and powerful army. It would really strange from me to expect a payment for that."
"Strangely well said. I can accept that, and it's going to be a lot of work."
Then he decided to add something for himself.
"By the way, let me sometimes accompany you in Bastion. I really want to study your locket or see your white cloak, some of your charms or other tools could also do. Perhaps by studying them I could learn something useful. Despite crafting Memories, my soul arsenal is not very diverse."
"We can arrange something. I'll make sure to provide you a list of the good stuff"
Sunny explained all he knows about the way to awaken, including his attempts to measure the amounts of shards required to get the control over the essence, which… He had to admit, the amount varies even when only dormant shards were consumed. Effie on the other hand was using that time to devour more. Only when she noticed the pot of stew was empty did she look at Sunny.
"It's goddamn expensive!"
"Still way cheaper than saturating a core."
"Not that. I mean. This place. This food. I give it five stars. It's very luxurious."
Sunny changed his tone for a moment.
"Were you listening?"
"Ah, yes, hundred fifty dormant shards per rather weak Awakened. Something that sounds like a poor investment.".
"Not necessarily. A lot depends on who awakens. A martial artist, a veteran soldier, someone already capable of facing a Nightmare Creature could do much more as an Awakened, perhaps even gathering another hundred and fifty soul shards on its own or in a well organized cohort."
"So… yes, it happens the army has an excess of soul shards, mainly dormant, but not so many. We usually use them to fuel some weapons, and vehicles. Many go to the Academy. Some are being taken by state-owned enterprises. Better ones usually are being used almost immediately by the Awakened who found them so unless they saturated their own cores it's a bit problematic to expect they'll hand them over. And to make an army of Awakened we need a lot more."
"But it's possible, right?"
That was another problem that required a solution. It's not enough that Army hunts down many Nightmare Creatures. Soul shards still required being somehow allocated to raising new Awakened. To achieve that… army could introduce new rules. If not that, then Effie, Kai, and Jet could use their power to conduct some mass-hunting operation.
"Yes, very possible, and it doesn't even require that much attention from me. You mentioned the danger of being pulled into the Dream Realm. My locket… Is this the reason why you talk with me?"
Sunny nodded.
"Now Saint Jet could do that as well since I have provided her with some means. Although I wouldn't want to bother her too much. I talked with her, because she's the easiest to get her attention. You live in the Bastion while Saint Kai lives in the Ravenheart. Jet on the other hand keeps her place on Earth, which means she'll be the one to arrive."
"Wait. I know what you're going to say. She's not much of a team player, even though she insists on having allies. But I assure you she's a decent woman, well, in her own dark, and bloodthirsty way.""Sort of. No one can survive in the Dream Realm alone. To respect that fact, let's not put an unnecessary burden on someone who is not so well-suited for the task."
There was also the reason that Jet is always overworked. The only time she could do something safely she spent sleeping. Trying to add anything to her schedule is bound to strain her more. On the other hand Effie seems to be more carefree, and is in a rush only sometimes.
"So, Saint Athena, how is it?"
"I'll do that. Also you can call me Effie now. I think you earned it."