S: me.
?: Who is, me? I mean, what is your name?
S: Sunny. You?
?: Kai.
K: Wait, are you human?
S: No, but yes.
K: What?
S: You heard me, didn't you?
K: I did, but what are you again?
S: Demon, what else…
Sunny smiled. He wasn't technically lieing since he did have 3 shadows now for his 3 soul cores, but Kai didn't need to know that, yet.
K: Am I gonna die?
Sunny looked into a distant sky and said
S: We are all gonna die. Some sooner, some later.
K: Oh Gods, I am gonna die, I am talking to a demon monster.
S: What? No, demon and monster are 2 different classes. But don't worry, I won't eat you.
K: Why should I trust you?
S: You don't have to, but I am telling you the truth.
K: So, are you a human or a demon?
S: both. Man, this is getting complicated. I didn't think that far…. what to do. What to do. Oh, I know.
S: Hey, have you heard of something called night ding gale?
K: Nightingale?
Kai breathed a sigh of relief,
K: So you are a human.
S: Yeah, I just wanted to mess with you a little. So, if I let you out, will you help me in return?
K: Sure. It would be the least I could do. Do you want shards? I have a couple of them, maybe 12. If anyone found out you are that rich, they would be way nicer to you, believe me, I'd know.
S: I doubt that.
K: Why?
S: because of your damn voice. I am pretty sure they would give you their shards even if you were just to ask nicely. Oh well.
Sunny hopped out of the well and snapped his fingers. As the guardian stepped out of his shadow and tossed away the bar as if it were nothing, making a loud clanging sound as it crashed on the empty streets of the Dark City.
Kai hesitated.
K: Sunny, we did establish that you are a human, but how did you just do this?
S: Do what exactly?
K: Well, you are not using any light source in the darkness, and you are tossing away bars that made 6 men tired as if it was nothing?
S: Thanks to my aspect, I see at night like I see in the day, as for the other part. That's my….well, it's an echo.
K: Oh, I see.
Kai flew up after that and landed in front of the Guardian, towering in front of him with a massive blade at his waist and darkness where his eyes should be.
K: So you were a …
S: behind you.
K: Oh. Kai faced Sunny and asked.
S: Are you not afraid of being attacked here?
S: Well, kinda, but not really.
K: Why is that?
Sunny nodded towards the Guardian and said nonchalantly,
S: he is a fallen Devil. Most of the nightmare creatures are too frightened to approach me with him around.
K: you are not lieing.
S: So?
K: My flaw is that I know if someone is lieing.
S: What kind of flaw is that? That's pretty much another superpower.
K: Well, some may think that, but not me. Being burdened by truth is also a curse. It doesn't cause me physical harm, true, but emotionally it is hard knowing that your friends and family are not honest with you, they say all those nice words, but in reality, they don't mean any of them on the contrary, they mean the exact opposite in some cases.
S: Still, I know about many more dreadful flaws, Kai. So, in that regard, you can't convince me to believe your flaw is an actual flaw.
Sunny shook his head and summoned endless spring and drank from it. He offered it to bewildered Kai as well, who accepted it gracefully and drank hungrily.
S: This guy looks elegant regardless of what he is doing.
S: You are drinking as if you were about to die from thirst.
K: Well, I was getting close to thinking that myself, too.
S: Really. Well, don't worry about that. Follow me or.. You know where the cathedral is?
K: Yes? Who doesn't? It is the tallest building in the Dark City after all.
S: Well, that's good, go there.
Kai followed Suuny's request and headed for the cathedral.
Sunny sight and shook his head while looking into the sky above where Kai was in.
S: Sometimes I am quite jealous of that ability if his. I get to fly only after becoming a saint damn it. Still, I like this aspect of mine way more.
He stepped forward and disappeared into the shadows. Since it was night entire city was one was shadow, which meant Sunny was basically at home here. Only a couple of seconds later, he walked out of some building fairly close to the cathedral, and as he entered the half circle of the cathedral, Kai landed next to him, touched Sunny's shoulder and said.
K: Be careful, there is a strong monster in front of us.
S: I know, that's my other echo.
As Sunny pushed past his friend's hold, Kai asked, bewildered.
K: How many echoes do you have?
S: Only those 2. I had one more, but I exchanged it for this.
He summoned endless spring.
S: I'd say it was a good bargain.
With that, he dismissed endless spring.
K: I am inclined to agree since it saved me as well.
They stopped in front of the cathedral entrance, and Sunny faced a small house next to it.
S: Inside, there are 4 rooms, each has one bed. Pick one and go to sleep. We have a long day ahead of us.
K: How did you…
S: Can you just please go to sleep for now? I was dragging those beds from all across the city all day. I really need to take a break.
K: Sure. Thank you, Sunny.
With that, they both went to sleep, Sunny to his cathedral and Kai into a building next to it.
In the morning, Kai came out of his room with a bring smile. The first thing he wanted to do was to hug Sunny, but Luna prevented him from doing so, hissing at him.
Kai smiled at Luna and said with a kind smile on his face.
K: I am not stealing him from you.
Luna backed away and hid in Sunny's shadow. He grabbed his shoulders pressing firmly, but it was a friendly gesture, his smile getting even brighter by the minute.
K: Sunny, I don't know how you found that bed, but I don't think I have ever slept better in my entire life.
S: Feel free to stay here, I don't mind.
K: Really? I would be grateful, do you want something in return?
S: No, but I do need your help with something.
K: Sure, what is it?
Sunny tossed him the small leather bag and said.
Buy me some memories, look for the biggest trash there is, and is there something that is just gathering dust?
K: Yeah, black stone chest armour.
S: That is your priority. I want it. What you do with the rest of the shards, I don't really care. Oh, and don't question me why, because I would have to answer.
K: Is that your flaw? Are you competent to answer any question?
S: Yes, and yes again.
K: Alright. It will take me some time, but I should be here before Sunset.
S: I will wait here then.
With that, Kain flew away.
S: Alright. The plan is in motion, and I think I am getting better at speaking with people, right?
He looked at Luna and asked.
She shook her head slowly.
S: What do you mean, NO!? Seriously?
S: Well, that's fine. At least I have finally someone to talk to…that is a guy and is replying to me, okay.
Luna just blinked and jumped down from his shoulders onto the ground.
S: Are you about to hunt? Well, have a good hunt, Luna.
Luna was already gone.
Sunny sight, and walked back inside the cathedral.
Sunny thought. Now what to do…I should make a what-to-do list when I think about it right now. Yeah, that would be great, wouldn't it?
S: Well, that will have to wait for later. After all, we have guests.
Sunny headed for the wall behind which the Wever mask is, and just stood there as if thinking about something. After some time, he lowered his hand and walked away slowly.
He summoned his runes again and focused on something else now. He focused on how each rune is materialised and formed, taking mental notes from time to time.
He stared at his sorcery mastery and just stared at it. After a while runes changed.
Sp: Sourcery ?/7
Lineage: name: ?
Collected parts: ?/?
S: I don't know if that will do it, but I like how it is for now.
As he said that, Kai landed behind him, and after a short greeting, he gave Sunny all the memories he bought with Sunny's shards.
K: Here, the rest.
Sunny pushed the bag back to his friend's chest and said.
S: Don't worry about it. I told you already, I don't need it. Follow me. Let me show you something.
While they were walking in a lightly lit up hall, Sunny asked.
S: Say Kai, how would you tell a lie without actually lieing? K: I don't know what you need it for, but I think I would still be able to tell that you are lieing. Which, for some reason, you never did. Regardless of what I ask, you are always honest. I am glad to have found you, Sunny.
Sunny looked at him and said.
S: Well, that's because I can't lie.
K: What?
S: Yeah, you are the second person I told my flaw, so you should understand what that means, right?
K: trust, and a big one at that. Don't worry, Sunny, I will keep it to myself.
S: I'd appreciate it.
Sunny showed him the map and said.
S: See this?
K: It is incredible. It looks very realistic as well.
S: That's the point, but ask me if it is the correct or real map.
Kai looked at the beautifully crafted map on the big round table in front of him, but still asked.
K: Is this the correct map?
S: No.
K: So, where is the correct one? Oh, you are unable to deny my question?
Sunny looked at him with a deadpan expression.
S: Follow me, yes, I am unable to deny any question that was, is asked or directed to me. Also, I think I already said that.
K: Sorry.
He showed him the real map, which he unknowingly walked past one time when he was entering the cathedral. This one was significantly bigger and more detailed. Covering even parts that weren't explored by anyone.
S: Don't ask me how I draw it. I will tell you in due time, trust me.
K: Alright. I see your problem now. Still, if you were counting on the possibility of someone asking you that question, why would you make this map to begin with?
S: You will also know in due time.
Kai stared at the intricate map following a singular black line across the map, stopping at a giant red pillar which had its own as if zoomed in section describing monsters, even how to beat them, but before he could continue reading it, Sunny covered it up again.
K: How about you say that I helped you with it, scouting it. That way, the question about its authenticity could be answered even by me.
S: That could work. Sure, we are running out of time, so why not?
K: Running out of time? Why, you never told me who you are…I mean, we're expecting.
Sunny sight and said, while walking to the table, and showed him to sit down next to him.
S: Nephis - The Changing star of the Immortal flame. Cassia, Effie and I don't know who else.
K: Sunny, you are an interesting person, aren't you?
S: Why do you think so?
K: I mean, those names, they are widely known in the Bright Castle.
S: What can I say? I am quite an interesting person.
Kai smiled and nodded.
K: You sure are.
With that, he also sat down, taking his seat next to Sunny.
After some time, Nephis, Cassia, Effie and Seishan entered Sunny's shadow control range and alerted him about their arrival.
Sunny summoned the Guardian to stand guard by the left entry pillar and Saint by the right one, while facing each other.
He looked at Kai and said.
S: Doesn't it look cool?
K: They will most probably fear to enter, and if they do well, yes. That is quite an extravagant guard you have there. So yes. It is pretty cool.
Sunny smiled slightly with a proud expression on his face. Sunny stepped out of the cathedral and spread his arms as if welcoming them.
S: Welcome to my Cathedral.
Seishan looked around and thought before saying out loud.
Se: he is unarmed and doesn't seem to be wearing any armour, yet he feels....
Se: your?
Sunny looked at the beautiful handmaiden while tilting his head.
S: Do you see anyone else who would live here?
Se: You live here?
S: Why else would I claim that this is my cathedral?
Seishan shrugged and nodded.
Se: good enough reason.
E: Doofus, do you really live here?
S: Yeah, why?
E: Aren't you afraid of monsters attacking you?
S: No, well, not really, anymore. As for why, you will find out soon enough.
Cassia was just trying to remember everything.
N: Can we get to the point, Sunny?
Sunny nodded to Neph and turned around and walked inside, motioning them to follow. As they were getting closer, both Seishan and Effie stopped, which made Sunny say.
S: I promise nothing will attack you, well, unless you attack me.
He said that while slightly looking behind him, staring at Seishan, Cassia, Nephis and Effie.
They reluctantly followed others and entered the cathedral, slowly moving by 2 statues, one was short other very tall, Taller than Effie. As they were moving deeper, Sunny smiled and both Saint and Guardian closed the doors, startling both Effie and Seishan.
E: Those things move?
Sh: What are they, Sunny? If you don't answer, I will.
Sunny scoffed and said.
S: Those 2 are my echoes, but if you still wanna try something, go for it. Oh, and just so you know, you in particular, Seishan, are facing a fallen Devil, as for Effie, she is standing against an Ascended Monster.
Sh: crazy, this is crazy.
E: Exactly what I wanted to say.
Sunny resumed his steps and finally reached the round table.
Sunny sat into his seat and said.
S: I don't think I need to introduce my friend over here.
K: Hello, ladies.
They blushed, some more than others.
Ca: Is it really, Kai, as from the Nightingale?
K: yes, please to make your aquintance.
Sh: So I assume we are gonna talk about the future, and who made this map? It's incredibly detailed.
K: It was Sunny and me. I scouted the area, and he drew it. Isn't that right, Sunny?
S: Yeah.
Questions were flowing, and by the time the meeting was finished, everyone felt tired.
Seishan was barely keeping her eyes open, and Effy was already asleep, he hands crossed as if to look more thuff, but it was just a poor excuse for her getting into a good sleeping position. As for Cassia, it was hard to tell. The only ones that were vivid were Sunny and Neph, even Kai was more mentally drained from all that explaining.
Sunny looked at Kai and asked nonchalantly.
S: How did you like your bed last night?
K: Oh, I almost forgot. It was great. Would you mind if I use it again?
S: Not at all.
Kai leaned next to Sunny and whispered.
-K: Excellent distraction.-
K: Thank you, Sunny.
Sh: You have a bed here?
S: No, but yes.
Sh: Then.
S: I have multiple beds here.
Seishan was too tired to feel embarrassed and asked if she could use one as well, and so that's how Sunny gave the other 3 rooms to Seishan, Effie and Cassia, who dropped onto their new beds as if they could die from exhaustion at any moment.
S: And now it's just the 2 of us.
N: Yes.
Nephis wrapped her hands around Sunny and kissed him with passion. While they were standing in front of an open cathedral, she asked with a smile.
N: Did you get taller?
S: Shut up, most probably no.
Nephis gigled, which made Sunny smile, and after some more teasing, they entered Sunny's bed and closed their eyes, wrapped in each other's embrace.
When Sunny opened his eyes, fire was cracking in front of him and on the other side of the flame sat Luto.
S: Can I ask something?
L: Sure you can, Sunny.
S: Have you heard about Hollow Men?
L: No, but if you explain it to me, we might have something similar, only call it differently.
Sunny breathed in heavily and started to speak.
L: So if I understand it correctly, Hollow men are basically people with a destroyed soul core, right?
S: Yes.
L: We call them Eternal dreamers. What about them?
S: Is it possible to bring them back to life?
L: Yes.
Sunny's eyes widened in stunned silence.
L: However, the most important thing is incredibly rare and thus bringing the whole success rate to almost non-existent.
S: What is it?
L: Every human with their ability has their rank. The higher the rank stronger the ability. However, there is a vast chasm between the Sacred and Divine realm, you know. That's because the Divine aspect humans have more soulcores going all the way to Titan core, which is 7. For a guaranteed procedure, you would need 2 such people to save someone else. I don't think there is a reason for me to explain how improbable such a scenario is, right?
S: No.
L: However, once you get 2 such people in one room, most of your job is pretty much done.
L: Next is also very important. Your rank has to be higher than the person you are trying to save, or at very least the same as the person you are trying to save.
L: If you have both of the steps done. Now comes the difficult part for divine users. In order to save that life, they would have to transfer one of their soulcores to the …hollow. Since the soul core will slowly be getting destroyed once exiting your body. That's the reason you need 2 divine users. Each would basically destroy one of their soul cores and transfer it to the soul of the human you are trying to save. The process is incredibly painful, but it will save such person.
S: How do you know so much about it?
L: Well, that's how I was saved.