At the gates of the Bright Castle, two unfamiliar figures emerged from the slums.
One was a wiry boy with raven-black hair, his frame wrapped in a soft grey cloak that clung to him loosely. The other, a striking blonde girl, moved with silent grace despite the blindfold across her eyes. Her lithe form was encased in a sleek black bodysuit, over which gleamed pristine white armor. Neither so much as glanced at the guards stationed before them—though in the girl's case, it wasn't a matter of choice.
The boy, on the other hand, simply didn't care to look.
"What do you rats want?" one of the guards sneered, eyes lingering far too long on the girl's form.
Sunny's lip curled in disgust. The guard barely had time to register the change before something colder than hate locked him in place. The boy's emotion surged outward, filling their minds with a fury that wasn't theirs.
The moment shattered with a pair of Soul Shards clinking off their armor—thrown with deliberate, almost dismissive force.
Without a word, Sunny brushed past, the blindfolded girl following close behind. While penning aliases for himself and Cassie in the receptionist's guestbook, he stole sorrowful glances at the now-living Harper.
***
Gloomy darted off to track down the names on Sunny's recruitment list, vanishing into castle depths.
Sunny, meanwhile, gave Cassie a general overview of the castle's inner workings.
"Bright Castle is ruled by a tyrant named Gunlaug," he began. "He commands with the power of a Transcendent Echo—no one dares challenge him. Beneath him is Harus, his blade."
Cassie tilted her head, listening intently.
"The rest of the castle is divided into two groups," Sunny continued. "The Host and the Tenants. The Host are Sleepers who serve Gunlaug's regime. The Tenants are the ones who pay to stay here."
He spoke with a quiet disdain, as if the titles alone left a bitter taste.
"Within the Host, there are factions. The most powerful are the Hunters and Pathfinders, led by a man named Gemma. They're elite warriors—ones who keep the settlement alive by bringing back food from their hunts in the city. Then there are the Handmaidens, led by Seishan. They handle upkeep, manage the inner castle, and serve high-ranking members of the Host."
He paused for a moment after mentioning the Legacy.
"Next are the Artisans, led by a young woman named Kido. They make everything that can't be hunted—tools, clothing, whatever. And finally, there's the Castle Guard—pretty self-explanatory. You'd think they'd be important, but the real power's in Gemma's hands. The best fighters are all Hunters or Pathfinders, except for the Guard's leader Tessai."
Cassie nodded slowly, absorbing the information.
After a pause, Sunny added, "While we're here, we have another task."
He glanced down the corridor where Gloomy had vanished.
"There's a shop in the inner quarter. One that sells Memories. We'll be visiting it first."
***
Strolling through the shadows, the Sleeper pair slipped past the warning signs and into Bright Castle's restricted zone. Sunny didn't see the harm—he could charm Stev into looking the other way, so as long as they weren't caught... no harm, no foul.
Down a narrow hidden staircase, they found a plain wooden door. With a gentle push, they stepped into the Memory Market.
Stev emerged from the backroom, blinking at the unfamiliar silhouettes in his dimly lit shop. His surprise didn't last long.
Before the shopkeeper could ask a single question, the boy flashed open a bag, revealing a generous collection of glittering Soul Shards.
"I want to buy some armor" Sunny said, plainly.
Stev swallowed. That amount of wealth made questions feel... unnecessary. New hires for the Host? Yeah, sure. That sounded about right. No one would fault him for skipping the formalities to verify they had an invitation. Right?
The pair of customers meandered toward the back shelves—where the less impressive stock gathered dust. Shoddy enchantments, useless tools. Junk, mostly.
To Stev's shock, the boy's eyes lit up as he pointed toward a hulking set of ornate stone armor, as well as two plain looking Memories. A torch and a knife.
The shopkeeper raised a skeptical eyebrow. That armor hadn't moved in years—too heavy, too slow, utterly useless in combat, and damaged to boot. The other two were pragmatic purchases for survival in the Dark City, so he guessed the boy must have been an aspiring Pathfinder.
Sunny's voice was calm, confident: "We'll give you ten Soul Shards for the armor if you throw in that torch and knife over there."
Stev kept a straight face, but his soul practically danced. Ten shards? For that worthless rock?
He bit back a laugh and nodded slowly. "Of course. A fine selection."
And just like that, the dead weight was someone else's problem.
***
The first target on Sunny's list was Kai—he'd make winning the others over easier.
"Hello there," Sunny greeted, stepping forward with a polite smile, "You're Kai, right? I heard you have the ability to discern lies. I was hoping to speak with you."
Kai's expression flickered. He'd grown used to the effects of his Flaw over the years—the whispers when told a falsehood—but something about Sunny felt... different.
There was no lie to detect, but there was something else.
He could sense the boy's emotions on sight—waves of nostalgia. Kai blinked. That wasn't his Flaw at all. It had to be the boy's.
Also, he knew his actual name. Not just his stage name. 'Who told him?'
"Yeah. That's me," he said slowly. "What do you want?"
Sunny's smile warmed. "We'd like to hire you to mediate a negotiation. Just a short one. We can offer a Soul Shard for your time."
This boy was unusual—scrawny, composed, yet radiating something raw beneath the surface. Kai's own Flaw often left him isolated, even among those who meant well. Knowing the truth of every word should've brought assurance, but it only left him feeling dejected.
He imagined it was the same for this boy too. If people could discern his hidden emotions at a glance, forming genuine connections might be just as difficult—perhaps even more so.
"...Hello? Kai?" Sunny prompted, one eyebrow raised.
Kai blinked, snapping out of his thoughts.
"Let me ask you something first," he said. "Do you intend to scam, harm, kidnap, rob, or trick me in any way?"
Sunny's grin widened. "No, of course not. I would never. You'll be safe and free to leave whenever you like. No tricks, no traps."
The truth.
Kai squinted, then sighed. "Alright I guess. I won't pass up a free Soul Shard."
One down.
***
The newly formed trio stepped into the gambling den of Bright Castle. At the far end stood a petite young woman behind a table stacked with handcrafted dice, cards, and tokens.
Her eyes sparkled as she spotted them.
"Oh! New customers?" she chirped. "Welcome to Aiko's Game Corner! What can I do for you this fine evening?"
Sunny caught the flicker of her gaze as it lingered—just a moment too long—on Kai. The boy's looks really weren't fair. Sunny stifled a sigh and brushed the thought aside.
"Ah, well—you see, I have a little proposition. One I think you'll find very good for business."
He gestured to Kai with an open palm. "My friend here can confirm I'm telling the truth. And just for hearing me out, I'll offer a Soul Shard. All I ask is a private conversation."
Aiko's smile didn't waver, but a glint of greed flashed behind her eyes. Whatever she'd noticed about Sunny's emotions, she was far more focused on profit.
"Well, of course," she said brightly, already circling the counter to join them. "Tell me more."
Two down.
***
The growing quartet of Sleepers strolled into the cafeteria, eyes set on a brown-haired, green-eyed teenager eating at a cafeteria table. His clothing was plain, but a beautiful crystal hourglass hung from his neck—a priceless Memory hanging on an ornate chain.
"Long time no see, Caster!" Sunny greeted with a grin, slapping the boy lightly on the back. "What a shame to see you wound up in this dreary corner of the Dream Realm, too."
Caster turned, startled—but recognition dawned quickly.
"Hm? Oh. It's you two. From the Academy, right? Your names were... Sunless? And Cassia?"
He blinked, visibly thrown off by what he saw.
There they stood—the misfits of the Academy—now armored in powerful-looking Memories. The same two students who'd all but vanished after their infamous breakdowns before the solstice. Back then, their reclusive nature had become the talk of the school. Most assumed they wouldn't survive their first venture into the Dream Realm. The boy had been ranked somewhat high, sure—but many assumed that his evaluation had to have been a mistake.
Apparently not.
And not only had they survived, they'd gathered a small entourage: the local golden boy Night, and the sly Aiko, proprietress of the gambling den. The mysteries grew.
Sunny spoke with a fake smile. "Would you mind coming somewhere a little more private for a chat?"
Caster hesitated—but curiosity gnawed at him. The strange strength they carried now... he wanted answers.
But there was one thing he couldn't ignore.
Sunny's Flaw. It had been as distinct as the blind girl's own. At the Academy, Sunny had radiated sorrow to all who had the misfortune of gazing upon him. But now... now it was something else entirely.
Suspicion. Bitterness. A grudge.
Directed at him, no less. Though Caster hadn't the faintest idea why. Neither did Kai or Aiko, though they chose to remain silent, not wishing to risk their free Soul Shard.
Another mystery.
He stood slowly, his expression unchanging.
'It won't hurt to try finding answers' he thought.
"Sure."
Three down.
***
The group of Sleepers trailed behind Sunny as he led them through the Bright Castle. But when they realized he was heading toward the gate, unease began to ripple through the party.
Aiko was the first to voice it.
"Wait—are you taking us outside the castle?" she asked, brows furrowing. "What is this about?"
Sunny didn't even turn his head. "We'll be joining Effie just beyond the walls. It's just a chat. If any of you prefer to turn back, feel free. But if you leave now, you forfeit the Soul Shard I promised."
Aiko fell silent, visibly weighing her options.
Behind her, Caster spoke up with a grin—trying, perhaps, to ease the tension between him and the boy.
"Do I also get something for my time?"
Sunny stopped walking.
His voice dropped, calm but razor-sharp. "No. Unless you count having a real conversation without one of the handmaidens eavesdropping." He turned, eyes hard. "Now quit speaking. All of you."
The group went quiet.
Caster blinked, startled by the words.
'Maybe, it isn't just a meeting.'
***
In a crumbling shack on the outskirts of the slums, a handful of Sleepers huddled close, tension thick in the stale air.
Sunny opened with a curt command.
"Caster. Use your flute Memory. Make sure we're not overheard."
Caster hesitated for a split second—then nodded. The boy knew of his Memory.
How.
Summoning a slender bone flute, he lifted it to his lips and played a soft, eerie note. A shimmering bubble of silence expanded, sealing off the room from unwanted listeners.
Before anyone could speak, Sunny pressed forward.
"Let's get introductions out of the way. I'm Sunny. This is Cassie. The rest of you already know each other, or at least of each other."
He paused, taking a deep breath. "I've brought you all together today to form a cohort."
His gaze swept across the room.
"Our mission will be to escape the Dream Realm."
Aiko let out a disbelieving laugh—but no one joined her.
Kai spoke first, slow and cautious. "You're telling the truth, but... you do know escape here is impossible, right?"
Sunny shook his head. "No. I've done it before, doing it again is possible."
Kai went pale. Effie dropped her face into her hand. Caster stiffened, his mind spinning like a storm. Aiko looked from Kai to Sunny, lips parting.
"H-He's lying, right? Kai?"
Kai didn't answer immediately. Then he shook his head, voice faint. "No. He's delusional enough to believe it."
Effie lifted her head. "He's not mad. The story is—but he's telling the truth."
Sunny raised a hand to quiet them before the rising voices could spiral.
"I was sent back in time, into my younger body."
The room stilled.
Kai let out an involuntary yelp. The others froze—staring at the singer, knowing the implication.
"In my future," Sunny continued, calmly, "Nephis—the last of the Immortal Flame Clan—led the Sleepers here to freedom. But, an anomaly in this timeline has left her Hollow. So, I am taking up her mantle."
His voice hardened.
"All of you—except him." He pointed directly at Caster. "Fought beside us, and were trusted allies. Survivors. He, on the other hand, was sent by his Legacy Clan to assassinate Nephis in the Dream Realm."
His voice turned cold. "So tell me, Caster. Have they figured out she turned Hollow? Or were you sent with the same mission again?"
Caster's eyes flared. Swirling sparks converged into the shape of a jian in his hand as poised to speed forward.
But he stayed frozen.
Cassie's blade was pressed to his throat. Hard enough it was drawing blood.
He hadn't even seen her move.
'Dangerous.'
The blind girl's voice left a layer of frost within the room.
"Sit."
Caster didn't move. Didn't breathe. Slowly, he lowered his weapon.
Sunny's tone was steady now, almost regretful. "In my future, I killed you when you tried to fulfill your mission. I won't hesitate to do it again, if you get any funny ideas. But I, begrudgingly, hope you survive this time."
He stared the boy down.
"Humanity will appreciate a fighter as talented as you, so don't throw your life away. And... don't be so quick to use your Aspect, I would prefer not to kill a pitiable old man again."
Caster stood frozen, his expression flickering through shock, disbelief, and something far deeper.
Kai swallowed hard, seizing the silence.
"It's all... true." His voice shook. "All of it."
***
Sunny entered the next phase of negotiation.
"My Flaw compels me to answer questions truthfully, forbids me from lying, and makes my emotions transparent to those who see me. Kai?"
Kai nodded. "True." Everyone had noticed the last part already—throughout Sunny's monologue, grim determination had radiated from him, flashing with a hatred for Caster whenever the boy drew his attention.
Sunny glanced around. "I think it would be unwise to share too much of my future knowledge, but if there's something you need to know—something important—ask."
Aiko was the first to break the silence.
"You said you'd help me make more money. How exactly?"
The rest of the group turned to her with varying degrees of irritation.
Sunny sighed. "You'll make more in the waking world than you ever will here. Please... better questions, the rest of you."
Kai spoke next, face serious. "How exactly did we escape the first time?"
Sunny considered the extent to share, then nodded.
"This might be confusing, though it depends on how much you know about this region's history. We gathered seven special Shard Memories. Each is awarded by the Spell after slaying the champions guarding the beheaded statues of the Starlight Legion's heroes. Together, they can be used to replace the Dark Sea's seal and unlock the Crimson Spire."
He took a breath before continuing.
"Nephis killed Gunlaug, and waged war to seize leadership of Bright Castle. Then, we marched on the Crimson Spire. The battle was bloody. I sealed the Dark Sea and Nephis slew the Crimson Terror."
The room grew still. Everyone was processing the weight of what he'd said. Sunny's flaw acted up again. A strange sense of pain emanated from him.
Effie was next to speak, more to the group than the leader.
"This kid kicked my ass in sparring earlier like it was nothing. Then, I watched him and the blind girl butcher Awakened creatures in the street like they were trash."
She turned her gaze back to Sunny.
"How the hell are you so strong?"
Sunny answered without fanfare.
"I got a Divine Aspect, and my True Name—Lost from Light—from my First Nightmare. I killed an Awakened Tyrant in it. That is where I got my armor Memory. I also unlocked my Aspect Legacy, gaining this Ascended Beast."
He held out an arm, and his tattoo shimmered, uncoiling into the form of a snake before morphing into a blade.
"As for my skill... I used to be the strongest Master alive. Even if I lost my powers, my technique remains."
A hush fell over the room, every listener silently digesting the terrifying truths.
Cassie broke the silence next.
"Can you explain your original relationships with us? I know already... but I want everyone else to know where they stand."
Sunny nodded. "Cassie. Kai. Effie. The three of you were part of the cohort Nephis and I made. You grew to be exceptionally powerful."
He then looked towards the petite girl.
"Aiko, you ran my Memory shop in the waking world, but you never fought again after leaving the Forgotten Shore. Cassie insisted on recruiting and training you regardless. Congrats."
He turned to Caster. "You and I were enemies, but we already went over that."
He shifted back to address the group. "That should be it, though while I'm thinking about it—Song Seishan, the head of the handmaidens, is someone else we will work with. She's too deep in Gunlaug's regime for now, but she's intelligent and will switch sides to support us when the time comes. Despite being able to benefit, she never revealed my more delicate secrets to Clan Song. I expect the same this time around, should we all escape."
Then he snapped back to Caster again, ice in his tone.
"I know your loyalty—or at least your Clan's—lies with Anvil of Valor. But let me be clear: the kind of grace Seishan showed me? That is non-negotiable if you wish to stay alive."
His eyes deepened into an endless abyss.
"Supreme backing you or not, I'll kill the entire Han-Li Clan if a word of this conversation escapes."
Caster's glare was sharp, though his voice was sharper.
"Explain yourself. Now. Which Domain do you belong to?"
Sunny's expression darkened. Pure loathing crept into his voice, his Flaw assaulting the minds of the listeners.
"None. I grew up in the outskirts. I learned to despise the Sovereigns in my past life. All three."
Caster stood abruptly. The absurdity of the conversation broke his mind, but not disbelief. No... belief was the problem.
"This conversation can't be real... And yet, it is."
He turned toward the door.
"I'll be back here tomorrow. I'll give you my answer after I take the night to think."
He left, quietly. Aiko and Kai exchanged uncertain glances, subtly inching toward the exit.
Sunny cut in before either could leave.
"If I have to grow strong enough to storm the Crimson Spire alone, I can and will."
His voice was low, but it came with a quiet strength.
"Whether you accept now or not, you will join me eventually when I carry you through the Gateway. That's a promise."
He reached into his bag, pulling out two Soul Shards and tossing them toward the pair.
"Buy yourselves an extra week in the Castle with these if you wish, though I hope you won't disappoint me. When the time comes tomorrow, I hope you will be here. With Caster."
Kai and Aiko left together. Effie spoke up some time after the two had left.
"Do you think they'll come back?"
Cassie replied simply in place of the remaining boy.
"Yes."