After his Awakening, Sunny underwent a powerful transformation — even more profound than what he had experienced after the First Nightmare. This change originated from his Shadow Cores, which now radiated energy through his entire being, strengthening him both physically and spiritually. Unlike previous transformations, this one wasn't painful. It felt natural, as if he was finally becoming who he was meant to be.
His body became stronger, but more importantly, he now had access to shadow essence that flowed within him. This essence could be directed and focused, granting him bursts of incredible strength or agility, while also passively enhancing him at all times. However, mastering this power would require careful training and strategy, as essence was limited in battle.
Both of his Shadow Cores had Awakened, and all his shadow fragments were consumed in the process — a sacrifice that ensured this powerful evolution.
Then came the most exhilarating moment: the Spell bestowed upon him a new Aspect Ability — Shadow Step — the power to instantly teleport between shadows. Its potential was enormous, useful for both combat and survival.
Eager to test this ability, Sunny was also curious about two other things: the new Memory he had gained, and the relic he would receive for mastering the first step of Shadow Dance — a Legacy Relic that could potentially enable him to found his own great clan.
But before he could examine either, the Spell whispered:
"Wake up, Sunless."
And the dreamlike void vanished.
------
Across the city and the Academy, multiple Sleepers suddenly Awakened.
In the underground levels of the Academy hospital, a pale blonde girl screamed inside a dream pod as it roared to life.
Elsewhere, in a luxurious private facility, a handsome young man who had been unconscious for three years began to levitate as his pod opened, leaving the attending nurse in shock.
In a rundown apartment in a poorer district, a tall young woman shattered the lid of her sleeping pod just as a news broadcast reported an unprecedented wave of Awakenings.
Back in the Academy, another young man with dark hair stood disoriented beside his still-closed sleeping pod — despite being outside of it, somehow awakened without triggering the pod's release.
Meanwhile, in a heavily protected underground chamber, a white-haired young man remained asleep in his pod, seemingly trapped in an eternal nightmare, untouched by the chaos above.
Sunny awoke in a medical room at the Academy. Strangely, his sleeping pod was still closed, even though he was standing outside it. Naked, he quickly summoned the Puppeteer's Shroud to clothe himself, resisting the urge to summon his weapon.
Soon, a doctor entered the room, stunned to see him standing. Her shock turned into reverence when she realized who he was — Awakened Sunless. Sunny caught his reflection and understood her horror: though his body was unharmed, his armor looked torn and drenched in blood.
He calmly greeted her and asked for clothes. Still overwhelmed, the doctor confirmed his identity and welcomed him back.
The Academy hospital was in complete disarray. The weeks after the winter solstice were always busy with returning Sleepers, but this time, the chaos was extraordinary. Many Sleepers thought to be long dead were now awakening.
These survivors were miracles.
-------
"...But that doesn't mean that I can forgive it. You go to hell, Cassie. Go to hell and die there, for all I care. I hope that I will never see you again."
Sunny had said his final words to Cassie, the one who was the true cause of his enslavement. His words were filled with pain. Afterward, he silently left the room. Cassie, along with Nephis, was waiting by Morpheus's pod. Sunny had poured out everything inside him, lightened the burden on his heart, but what remained was cold determination.
Two months later, Sunny bought the house he had always dreamed of. A quiet, peaceful place, near to his sister. He then continued his training in the Chained Isles. Nephis had joined the Valor Clan and was steadily moving toward his goals. Cassie was following him—loyally, perhaps with regret. Kai had returned to his agency, trying to hold onto his normal life. Effie, on the other hand… was simply enjoying herself. Relaxed, savoring her freedom. Gunlaug and his former men were doing the same, trying to enjoy the peace that came with being free at last. They were all free now.
The survivors from Forgotten Shore still worried about Morpheus. But those who truly knew him were certain that his return was a matter of time. For someone like him, returning couldn't be difficult.
Could it?
-------
'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!'
A young man with white hair and serpent-like eyes was writhing in agony, submerged in a black, tar-like substance. His skin was dissolving and regenerating with every passing second. His eyes were filled with madness. In his mind, the soft whispers that once existed had now transformed into loud, frantic screams. He couldn't control his body. Something was happening inside him. A consciousness. Divine, yet dark and evil. It was trying to grow, devouring him, consuming him.
They eventually pulled him out of the liquid. He didn't know how long he had been there, but it had been a long time. His pain had subsided, but the thing inside him remained unchanged.
"He's ready for the sacrifice now. A body this resilient is truly worthy of 'Him.' Take him to the altar and begin the process," a voice declared. The others quickly sprang into action, binding the young man's arms and legs. "He's not moving at all. This is strange. They usually thrash around," the person who had given the earlier command said with a laugh. They stretched him with ropes and suspended him in the air. Kneeling around him, they began their prayers. "Praise be to you, The Creator of all things. Praise be to you, who carries the burdens of the world's sins. We offer this sacrifice so that you may descend to this world."
When the leader of the group finished his prayer, he knelt and joined the others in worship.
The young man, still stretched by the ropes, began to tremble. Something was growing inside him. It was taking over him. He was losing his mind. Something was expanding inside his stomach. His entire body started shaking violently. He screamed, like it was his first time in a long while,
"NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
calling for help.