Shadow slave: A Shadows Friend

They both snapped into wakefulness, abruptly sitting up. She quickly rubbed the sleep from her eyes, casting a swift glance towards the blind girl, poised to lend a listening ear.

Nephis joined them, settling down as her face emerged faintly in the soft glow of the early dawn.

"Past or future?"

Sunny blinked.

*Right. I should have asked myself.*

*Yeah i could of asked that too*

After a brief moment of contemplation, Cassie pondered her response before cautiously replying:

"Past… I think."

After a brief moment of reflection, her face transformed into one of absolute confidence, a clear manifestation of her newfound certainty.

"No, I'm sure of it."

Tilting her head ever so slightly, Changing Star displayed a curious inclination.

"That's good. So… what did you see?"

Cassie deeply inhaled and fell silent for several seconds, remembering. Her face paled a little, but this time, she was ready to face her fear.

"I saw the Ashen Barrow deep at night, enveloped in a raging storm. The winds were bending the branches of the great tree, as if desperate to break them. The island was illuminated by the constant barrage of thundering lightning bolts, with rain falling from the skies like a flood."

She paused, catching her breath, and continued:

"The Carapace Demon was there, standing in the middle of the storm like an unshakable fortress made of polished steel. Arcs of electricity were dancing between the spikes on his armor, but the demon did not pay it any attention. He was just as Sunny described… prideful, sinister and terrifying."

Cassie closed her eyes.

"When I looked into his eyes, I felt… a sense of emptiness and corruption. He observed the storm until it began to dissipate. The winds weakened, the rain stopped. The great tree stood unbroken, just as magnificent as it was before. But then, the last bolt of lightning fell from the sky and struck the ground beside it."

The pair was fully engaged in listening to her story, eagerly anticipating any valuable tidbits of information that might come their way.

*So, that monstrosity is not afraid of lightning. Shame.*

* With its metal carapace, I was almost tempted to try and lure it from under the tree during a storm.*

*I thought of that too*

It seems like that approach might not be effective. On the other hand, Cassie was prepared to proceed confidently:

"That bolt of lightning could never hurt the Carapace Demon, let alone the miraculous tree. However, when it hit the ground, it ignited the fallen leaves that cover the Ashen Barrow's surface. Soon, a large part of the island was engulfed in fire. In the absolute darkness of the night, it shone like a beacon."

Rin's attention piqued as a memory resurfaced. In the early stages of their perilous journey through the Dream Realm, when the quartet first united, the girls revealed that the radiant light Sunny and Rin had spotted near the colossal knight's statue a few nights back was, in fact, their handiwork.

Yet, kindling that fire had proven to be a significant blunder. During the night, any glimmer of light acted as a magnet for the creatures haunting the Forgotten Shore, including the menacing beings concealed in the depths of the shadowy sea. Consequently, they became vigilant, abstaining from igniting any flames after sunset. They chose to endure the enveloping darkness rather than risk summoning unknown horrors from the mysterious depths below.

Anticipating the unfolding events in Cassie's vision, Rin awaited the continuation of the blind girl's account, detecting a subtle quiver in her voice.

"Before the flames died down, the dark sea surged, and a… a thing crawled out of it, covering almost the entire slope of the Ashen Barrow with its body. It looked like a… like a mass of bones and rotten flesh connected by black seaweed, with thousands of horrible eyes staring at me hungrily from beneath, coiling tentacles seething as it pushed itself toward the great tree."

Cassie's complexion took on a faint shade of green as the recollection of the abomination hit her. The mere thought made her stomach churn, but she clenched her jaw and pressed on, noting how even recalling the memory seemed to sap her strength and make her queasy.

"That was the most repulsive creature I've ever seen. However, it seemed slow and clumsy, as though being ashore, outside of the black water, was weakening it. The Carapace Demon did not hesitate to lunge at the creature, completely ignoring the fact that it was at least ten times his size. It was like… like he completely lost his mind, enraged by the intrusion on the island."

Nephis suddenly spoke:

"How did the demon survive?"

The blind girl hesitated.

"I… I don't know. I didn't see the battle itself, only its beginning and its end. At the break of dawn, the Carapace Demon crawled back into the shade of the great tee. He was severely wounded, with several of his legs missing and his scythes covered by a spiderweb of cracks. The fire was gone, and there was no sign of the sea creature anywhere in sight."

After taking a brief moment to collect her thoughts, she spoke softly, letting her words linger in the air.

"The most terrible wound was on his chest. The steel armor of the demon was fractured and split apart, revealing the beating heart inside. Rivers of azure blood were flowing from the wound, mixing with the ashen sand. The demon crawled to the base of the tree and laid his broken body between its roots."

Cassie sighed.

"The last thing I saw was the passage of time. I don't know how long it took, but eventually, the Carapace Demon was able to recover from his wounds. His scythes restored themselves, his legs grew back. The fracture on his chest was the last to heal. However, it wasn't healed completely. Hidden from sight, there's still a weakness in his armor."

The members of the cohort remained hushed, lost in their thoughts for an extended period. After a contemplative pause, Changing Star was the one to finally break the quietude.

"So it's not impenetrable after all."

Then she looked at Sunny and asked:

"How's your plan coming along?"

The members of the cohort remained hushed, lost in their thoughts for an extended period. After a contemplative pause, Changing Star was the one to finally break the quietude.

*Do you even have a plan?*

*Of course i do"

His eyes blinked in surprise, and as he stole a quick glance at his friends, a warm smile lit up Sunny's face.

"Pretty well. I already had an inkling of how we should proceed, but Cassie's vision gave me additional inspiration."

Nephis arched an eyebrow in mild surprise.

"Is that so?"

He expressed his confidence with a reassuring nod towards her.

"Yeah. It's a wild idea, but it might just work. Well… maybe. In any case, it's going to be risky. And we'll have to make some preparations."

Cassie and Nephis gazed at him with anticipation, while Rin, seemingly unfazed, had become accustomed to his peculiar nature she was drinking from the limitless water. The blind girl approached the situation cautiously and inquired.

"So… what's your plan? How are we going to deceive the demon?"

Sunny crossed his arms.

"It's not very complicated. Actually, I got the idea from that ancient fellow Neph likes to talk about. We're going to build…"

He took a dramatic pause, and then said with a mysterious smile:

"... a trojan ass."

As Rin neared the end of sipping her water, Sunny's incredibly stupid and wrong version caught her off guard, leading her to burst into laughter and, in the process, causing her to choke on the water she was enjoying.

*You look ....so stupid...right now...what the hell...is a trojan ass?*

*Oh go choke on something, what did i even say wrong*

Rin's only reaction was laughter, leaving him with no response. Frustrated, he shifted his attention to the rest of the group, seeking interaction from others in the cohort.

Surprisingly, Sunny's revelation didn't elicit the response Sunny was anticipating. The two girls exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity. While Cassie, being blind, couldn't technically stare, her countenance mirrored Changing Star's in an uncanny manner.

What an idiot

"...A what now?"

Sunny felt a bit self-conscious, gently scratching the back of his head, and then he discreetly cleared his throat, a subtle sign of his slight embarrassment.

"Uh… did I use the wrong word? I thought that Odysseus guy built a wooden animal? A… uh… donkey?"

Rin found herself in fits of laughter, rolling on the floor while clutching her stomach, attempting to contain the infectious joy bubbling within her.

"I...cant...breath..my stomachs hurts"

Nephis gently lifted her hand, placing it against her forehead as she closed her eyes. Observing her actions with concern, he inquired about what she was doing.

"Uh, are you alright?"

She let out a profound sigh, her voice devoid of emotion as she uttered:

"A horse. It was a horse…"

*Hey Sunny?*

He inquired, slightly annoyed, as her previous laughter irked him a bit.

A playful glimmer danced in her eyes, suggesting she was suppressing laughter with all her migh.

*i..... really like your trojan ass idea i think its revolutionary*

*OH F#CK OFF*

***

The following day, they revisited the battleground where the carapace legion clashed with the centipede monsters. A few days prior, their attempt to lure a carapace centurion for an ambush had inadvertently triggered a colossal skirmish between the two Nightmare Creature tribes.

Some of the monsters' remains still lingered, partially buried in the mud, bearing witness to the recent clash.

Despite the skeletal remnants, there was no flesh left, as the labyrinth's inhabitants predominantly consisted of scavengers.

Yet, the quartet of Sleepers had a different agenda. They sought something beyond mere sustenance.

Coming to a halt before the centurion's now vacant shell, thoroughly stripped of any flesh by unidentified creatures, Sunny surveyed the black and crimson carapace with a sense of contentment.

Nephis approached, taking her place beside Sunny and Rin, her expression inscrutable.

"Is this what you wanted?"

Sunny smiled.

"Yeah, exactly. I knew that nothing would be insane enough to chew on the chitin, but… in this place, you never know. I wasn't sure about its condition."

The chitin's condition was not just good; it was absolutely flawless.

*I think your idea actually might actually work*

*Why are you saying that so suprised*

*Nothing.... No reason*

*Youre never gonna let me live this down are?*

*Never*

*****

As the evening drew near and the sun lazily dipped toward the horizon, a peculiar being emerged from the dull remnants of the labyrinth, defying the conventional notion of walking.

With its legs dragging through the sand, the creature eerily glided forward without any discernible leg movement, akin to a carapace centurion or something in that realm. All the essential components were present – a black carapace adorned with a menacing crimson pattern, a humanoid torso, eight segmented legs, and two arms terminating in formidable bone scythes. Yet, these parts seemed haphazardly assembled, as if by an inept sculptor.

Adding to the oddity, the centurion moved with a peculiar drunkenness. The carapace careened to one side, occasionally scraping against the sand, while the torso swung aimlessly. The scythes awkwardly crossed behind the creature's back at a strange angle.

At a certain point, one of the scythes unceremoniously dropped to the ground. The centurion paused, seemingly uncertain for a brief moment, then abandoned the wayward limb and continued its journey as if nothing unusual had occurred.

An astute observer might have noted that the creature cast two shadows. The first shadow mirrored its form, as expected. However, the second one took on a human-like shape, briefly revealing itself beneath the larger shadow when the centurion parted ways with the rogue limb.

The human shadow then proceeded to facepalm and shake its head in utter contempt.

The personified shadow couldn't help but express its frustration by facepalming and shaking its head in disbelief.

The unfolding scenario was undeniably peculiar. However, whether it was a stroke of luck or misfortune, there wasn't a soul in sight to witness the oddity of this creature.

With no obstacles in its way, the shadowy figure continued its journey across the desolate landscape, making its way towards the Ashen Barrow. Before long, it found itself standing at the base of the towering hill.

As the day inched closer to its end, the warm hues of the approaching sunset painted the sky.

***********

The peculiar centurion awkwardly descended and settled on the ground near the Ashen Barrow, ceasing all movement. Its lopsided posture seemed like a twisted imitation of its kin, one of whom had gracefully knelt at the same spot just days ago.

Adding to the oddity, this centurion arrived sans tribute, no transcendent soul shard in sight. Such disrespect, coupled with its awkward stance, made it a transgressor worthy of death—unless, of course, it harbored a suicidal intent.

Meanwhile, atop the barrow, the Carapace Demon stirred from the ashen sand, donning an impressive display of shining armor that mirrored the setting sun. Encased in bright metal, adorned with a crown of horns, the demon exuded a fearsome and sinister presence. As he peered down, two dark scarlet embers ignited in the depths of his eyes. Adjusting his menacing scythes, the giant monster descended the hill to confront the peculiar visitor.

The earth quivered under the weight of the approaching demon, yet the strange centurion remained eerily motionless. Unfazed, it offered no reaction.

Stopping at a distance, the Carapace Demon scrutinized the oddity before him, recognizing the potential trap in its seemingly feeble appearance. The labyrinth held numerous perils, and recklessly engaging an unknown adversary was not the behavior expected from an awakened demon with its own intelligence.

Or so the four Sleepers had presumed.

In a surprising twist, the Carapace Demon lunged forward mere moments later. Its scythe sliced through the air, effortlessly severing the centurion's torso. The adamantine chitin yielded like butter, and the upper half of the monster's form soared away, revealing an unexpected void within.

…On the other side of the Ashen Barrow, Sunny and Rin, who were running up the slope with all their might,

*That was too soon!*

*Remember when i said this plan might work, i think i jinxed us*

They had assumed there was ample time, completely unaware that the Carapace Demon would prove to be such a fearless adversary. Without a moment's hesitation, it launched into an all-out assault!

With Cassie perched piggyback on Rin, Rin clenched her teeth and strained to run faster, channeling essence through her legs.

The need for Plan B became evident...

Moments later, the peculiar centurion's carapace unraveled, freeing the concealed Echo. Using its formidable pincers, the scavenger swiftly moved towards the colossal demon, intending to slip underneath and disrupt the giant's legs.

Sunny's initial strategy was straightforward. They planned to utilize the remains of a deceased carapace centurion to camouflage the comparatively smaller Echo as one of the legion officers. The disguised Echo would then be sent to the base of the Ashen Barrow to draw the demon away. Meanwhile, the four of them would pre-position themselves under the grey sand, circling the hill. Once the demon departed, they would sprint up the slope to the island's center.

The Echo was expected to buy them time to ascend the towering tree and hide in its branches. Afterward, Sunny would dismiss the Echo, completing the first phase of the plan. Rin knew that Sunny never intended for the scavenger to confront the formidable demon, but circumstances might force his Echo into that role.

Unexpectedly, the Carapace Demon's rapid aggression disrupted the entire timing. The decoy was destroyed, and they were not even halfway to the tree.

In this dire situation, the only option was to command the Echo to attack, hoping it could hold off the monstrous adversary. By doing so, Sunny knowingly put his scavenger at risk...

Yet, there seemed to be no alternative.

Just as our group neared the top of the hill, the Echo cleverly sought refuge beneath the massive frame of the Carapace Demon, mimicking Nephis' strategy against the first carapace centurion. This time, though, the underdog in this dynamic duo was armored in a resilient carapace, a far cry from the vulnerable human girl with no defense in the previous encounter. The plan was to leverage the enemy's size against itself, ensuring that even if the demon attempted to crush the scavenger with its weight, the odds of success were slim.

However, the demon was no stranger to this tactic.

With astonishing speed, it shifted its torso and swiftly attacked with a pincer. The scavenger was dispatched like a bothersome insect, sent soaring through the air before crashing heavily onto the ground. The protective carapace had almost given in to the force of the blow.

The cohort ran towards the great tree as fast as possible

*I cant dismiss my echo, we need to get to the tree before*

*you wana sacrifice steven?!?*

*We dont really have a choice*

She sensed his desire to dismiss the Echo, yet recognized that it was premature—they required additional moments.

In front of them, Nephis steadily neared the colossal black trunk. Without delay, she unstrapped the seaweed rucksack from her back, carefully placing it on the ground. She then started ascending, gripping the onyx bark's crevices.

Simultaneously, the Echo unsteadily regained its footing. Determination emanated from its eyes as it emitted a resounding screech, clacking its pincers in the air, and charging once more towards the demon.

*Get him steven!*

*Come on steven*

Inwardly, Rin and Sunny couldn't help but let out desperate screams, their hearts filled with sincere wishes for Sunny's scavenger companion as she bravely faced the daunting task.

The smaller creature fearlessly charged toward the colossal steel behemoth, brandishing its pincers in a bold attempt to strike. Two shadows, one embodying a bestial presence and the other a human form, followed closely behind.

The cohort steadily closed the gap to the towering tree, anticipation mounting...

Below the hill, the Carapace Demon advanced calmly towards its oncoming adversary. Its four arms moved with a seamless unity.

In a sudden twist of fate, the scavenger found itself in a dire situation. Its arms were mercilessly sliced off, and the massive pincers of its assailant hoisted its body into the air.

The Duo found themselves caught off guard, barely able to register what was happening. In the blink of an eye, the demon exerted a subtle force, effortlessly ripping the Echo apart. The creature's arms flexed, dividing its torso from the carapace and mercilessly crushing both fragments into a gruesome, bloody mess.

On top of the hill, Rin saw Sunny stumbled.

[Your Echo has been destroyed…]

*****

[Your Echo has been destroyed.]

*STEVEN NOO*

*DAMNIT*

*sunny you alright need help*

*Keep going with Cassie*

Rin sprinted with all her might, ensuring a tight grip on Cassie's legs as they embarked on an energetic piggyback ride together.

Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed that Sunny trailed behind, seemingly lost in contemplation over the demise of his reliable scavenger. The gruesome image of the colossal creature rending and tearing apart his loyal companion lingered in his thoughts. The Carapace Demon's effortless and savage destruction of the valiant creature

*SUNNY HURRY UP! You are more valuable than an echo *

It only took him a split second to hurry up again. Gritting his teeth, Sunny ran like a madman.

*There would be time to mourn the loss of the loyal Steven later*

*Right now, we got bigger problems.*

"Rin? What happened why did Sunny slow down for a second"

Cassie's hushed tone carried a note of concern and tension, clearly reflecting her awareness of the shift in mood conveyed by my posture and body language. Additionally, she likely picked up on the deceleration in Sunny's pace.

Sunny had to answered, his voice hoarse and rugged as he ran along side Rin:

"He killed the Echo."

Silence engulfed the scene as time seemed to freeze, rendering words irrelevant.

As the situation spiraled further into chaos, a sinister turn of events unfolded.

At the foot of the hill, the Carapace Demon loomed over the mutilated remains of the scavenger, eyeing them disdainfully. Drops of vibrant azure blood dripped heavily from each of its four upper limbs.

Abruptly, the lifeless form of the Echo began to emit a gentle glow. It shimmered and transformed into a cascade of tiny sparks that rained down, vanishing into nothingness. Even the blood that had clung to the demon's scythes and pincers vanished without a trace.

It dawned on all present that the Echo was merely a transient manifestation of a defeated Nightmare Creature, a fleeting existence returned to the void from whence it came.

Yet, the Carapace Demon remained unfazed by the unexpected display of light. Its attention fixated on a specific spot on the ground, oblivious to the ephemeral spectacle unfolding around it.

There, a lonely human shadow was frozen in confusion, uncertain what to do. With the body of the Echo — and consequently, its spacious shadow — gone, it was instantly revealed and had nowhere else to hide.

*Sh#t Sunny hide your shadow*

*Where too Rin?*

The demon cocked its head, swiftly darting forward like a bolt of lightning, slashing through the shadow with a scythe.

Rin observed Sunny's instinctive flinch, anticipating an onslaught of searing pain...

Yet, to their surprise, nothing transpired. The shadow, trembling with raised hands, gazed down at the colossal blade embedded in its chest and nonchalantly scratched its head.

Oddly enough, it remained unscathed.

Well, that made sense – being a mere shadow, it lacked a tangible form, rendering it impervious to such assaults.

*We are actually idiots*

*Right. Like what did we think was gonna happen*

Meanwhile, the demon was staring at the nonchalant shadow. The menacing scarlet light in his eyes blazed brighter.

The three of them were nearing the base of the tree.

*Come on Sunny*

*Im trying!*

They stood a real shot at pulling this off. All the shadow needed to do was keep that massive monster occupied for a moment...

Fate, unfortunately, wasn't smiling upon the group this day. Down there, the Carapace Demon reclaimed its menacing scythe. Rather than launching another assault on the elusive human shadow, it unexpectedly pivoted, fixing a sinister gaze on the summit of the Ashen Barrow, where the majestic tree loomed in all its breathtaking splendor.

Turns out, that adversary wasn't just brawn; it had brains too.

*Curse it all!*

Ignoring the ominous shadow, the massive creature surged ahead, swiftly ascending the incline of the towering hill. Its movements were nothing short of awe-inspiring, traversing a dozen meters in the blink of an eye.

*Get back here!* Sunny exclaimed as the group neared the tree trunk.

Rin gently assisted Cassie in descending from her back, retrieving the abandoned rucksack left by Nephis, and tenderly passing it to the sightless girl.

"Be gentle with that."

Cassie gave a knowing nod as she was fully cognizant of the rucksack's contents, delicately slinging it over her shoulder.

Meanwhile, Changing Star had already descended to the lowest branches of the magnificent tree. Swiftly and efficiently, she positioned herself above her companions, conjuring a gleaming golden rope and tossing one end downward.

Without hesitation, Rin seized the rope, deftly forming a loop and passing it over to Cassie.

"Go... I'm here if you fall

The visually impaired girl paused momentarily, contemplating the situation before ultimately agreeing. Just as she was on the verge of stepping her foot into the loop, Sunny, arriving at the scene, abruptly intervened to halt her progress.

"Wait! Summon your staff."

The wooden staff that Cassie used to walk was actually a magical item capable of summoning strong winds. In their travels, they rarely had a cause to use it.

*But why now?*

*Just trust me, oh and start climbing*

Rin gave Cassie a reassuring nod before deciding to climb the tree herself. The ascent proved a bit challenging, given the peculiar texture of the bark, but she persisted, taking her time to navigate the branches.

Feeling a mix of surprise and uncertainty, she complied with his request, conjuring the Memory from the depths of her Sea of Soul. As she did so, the wooden staff materialized in the grasp of her hand.

Sunny gently embraced the blind girl from behind, tenderly maneuvering her in the right direction. With her staff in hand, he spoke:

"Now summon the wind."

Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind enveloped them, swirling fallen leaves and dusty sand high into the air. In an instant, a significant part of the island's terrain lay exposed, revealing more of the sandy surface beneath.

Simultaneously, the shadow raced against the formidable Carapace Demon, which ascended the hill with the momentum of a speeding train. Despite the creature's massive size, the agile shadow outpaced it effortlessly. Surpassing the behemoth, it soared ahead, hastening to rejoin its master.

"Good, now go!"

As Rin ascended the tree, her gaze turned back to witness Sunny assisting Cassie, carefully guiding her foot into the loop. Stepping back, both Sunny and Rin observed intently as Nephis skillfully pulled the rope upward, displaying a speed that, by human standards, was truly remarkable.

The question lingered in Rin's mind – was it swift enough? With beads of sweat forming, Rin persevered in her climb, feeling the strain in her arms. Each passing second became a nerve-wracking countdown, knowing that Sunny's life hinged on the return of the rope before the imminent arrival of the demon.

Time stretched into what felt like an eternity. The distant yet rapidly approaching echoes of the Carapace Demon's colossal legs resonated in Rin's ears, intensifying the urgency of the situation.

Cassie, now at the level of the giant tree's lower branches, was carefully assisted by Nephis as she stepped out of the loop and settled onto the broad surface of the branch. Without hesitation, Nephis threw the rope down once more, as the concealed demon relentlessly approached the tree, its massive trunk concealing the impending threat.

Rin found herself on the verge of reaching the colossal branch essential for their escape. Every muscle in her body worked tirelessly, blood coursing through her veins, heart pounding in her chest. With each determined effort, she closed the gap until her hand finally grasped the branch's edge. Pulling herself over, she glanced downward, witnessing Sunny executing his own getaway.

The shadow slithered beneath Sunny's feet, coiling around his form. Seizing the rope, Sunny ascended with unparalleled speed, propelled by the surge of adrenaline. Upon reaching the branch alongside the trio, he swiftly pivoted, attempting to help hoist the rope with Rin. The creature lurking below remained oblivious to the subtle golden gleam of the rope; otherwise, all their efforts would have been in vain.

Yet, time was dwindling, with less than a second remaining...

*Oh no, SUNNY FOR THE LAST TIME HURRY THE HELL UP!*

*I'M TRYING RIN!*

Her heart raced, a quick flutter signaling a mixture of fear and anticipation.

In a swift motion, Nephis nonchalantly dispelled the Memory, causing the golden rope to vanish into thin air as if it were never there.

The quartet huddled, concealing themselves from prying eyes, holding their breath in tense anticipation.

Suddenly, a raging mass of spikes and gleaming metal emerged below. The Carapace Demon came to an abrupt halt, scanning the surroundings with intense scarlet eyes. Its pincers clicked, exuding a palpable desire to rend flesh apart, while menacing scythes poised in the air, ready to strike.

Beneath the towering tree, there was nothing for the demon to unleash its wrath upon.

The demon hesitated, surveying the area with a keen gaze. Eventually, it raised its head, scrutinizing the expanse above. Luckily, the branch sheltering the four Sleepers was broad enough to shield them from its scrutiny. They remained still and silent, fearing even the slightest sound.

After a tense moment, the behemoth lowered its gaze, carefully inspecting the ground for any traces of intruders. Yet, thanks to Sunny's meticulous efforts and Cassie's staff, all signs of their passage had been erased in advance. Finding nothing, the Carapace Demon begrudgingly moved on, exploring other corners of the island.

It was only then that the quartet could finally release the breath they had been holding.

In the distance, the demon approached the outskirts of the magical gale's influence, discovering three distinct sets of footprints etched into the terrain – Nephis', Sunny's, and Rin's.

A furious roar, reminiscent of rending metal, echoed as the colossal creature thundered down the slope of the Ashen Barrow, diligently tracing the footprints toward the barren expanse below.

Yet, the grey desert lay still, devoid of any living presence, bathed in a crimson hue by the setting sun.

In that moment, the ground quivered, and a resounding rumble reverberated through the labyrinth, accompanied by a bone-chilling wind and the tang of salt.

The ominous sea was making its return.

Casting one final scornful gaze at the wasteland, the Carapace Demon turned slowly and ascended to the pinnacle of his barrow.

Perched on a branch of the ancient tree, Sunny, Rin, Nephis, and Cassie awaited the sunset. The branch offered ample space, ensuring their concealment from below, yet they maintained a vigilant silence, acutely aware of the looming threat beneath their refuge.

The rhythmic footfalls sent shivers through the tense bodies of the four Sleepers.

Never before in Rin's time at the Forgotten Shore had the yearning for nightfall been so palpable. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, hope for the impending night emerged.

As the night draped its veil, the group found themselves poised for the next phase of their plan, patiently biding their time. Rin Seated against Neph with Sunny and Cassie, they gazed into the horizon, collectively embracing the stillness while purposefully diverting their thoughts away from the impending tasks ahead.

*Rin, hows life?*

*F#cking dandy Sunny, how about you*

*All fine here, still sad about Steven, kinda concerned at how quickly my plan could have fallen apart*

*Hey think about the positives, you're alive, im alive, the blind ones alive, and the crazy one is alives*

He smiled and spoke inside his mind to her:

*The crazy one, has a nice ring to it*

*Hey there is no way you could have know it was as smart as it was, just relax for now*

She gently laid her head on his elbow, causing him to instinctively tense up. Her cheek felt warm against his shoulder, and the lingering scent of her hair created a peculiar, heart-tugging sensation within him.

Under the expansive branches of the majestic tree, she gazed at the skies growing darker, their beauty somewhat obscured by the lush canopy above. The distant sound of the rising sea filled the air as she found solace in the tranquil surroundings. In the subdued twilight, Sunny subtly adjusted his position and tenderly clasped her hand.

Rin's face lit up with a smile as the warmth of his touch reached her, a comforting gesture that momentarily eased her emotions. It dawned on her that Sunny's intent was to provide comfort, prompting her to release any tension and embrace the soothing moment.

She gently traced her thumb along the back of his hand, savoring the connection as their hands entwined in a seamless embrace.

Perhaps, against the odds, they were actually going to make this happen. If it truly reflected their determination, who would have the audacity to intervene? As the night unfolded its veil, the world succumbed to an all-encompassing darkness.

*We're gonna make this*

*Of course we are*

***

The Ashen Barrow stood alone amidst the vast, undulating darkness of the inky sea. The majestic tree's branches swayed gently in the obsidian abyss, its once-vibrant scarlet leaves now blending seamlessly with the dark wood. The leaves whispered and rustled, creating a soothing melody amid the ominous murmur of the surging waves.

As Rin observed, a sigh escaped her, signaling the impending moment of truth. While she trusted Sunny's plan to the best extent one could in this cursed realm, she couldn't ignore the myriad risks and potential pitfalls that lurked in the shadows.

In the grand scheme of things, they were essentially tossing a coin, desperately hoping its descent wouldn't herald their doom.

Neph subtly adjusted their position, catching Rin's attention. She turned her head towards Sunny with a composed expression, the frustrating embodiment of her ability to remain calm in even the direst situations.

Though the Starless Void enveloped Changing Star in impenetrable darkness, she sensed the unspoken questions in Rin's gaze.

Sunny, after a moment of contemplation, closed and then reopened his eyes, exhaling slowly.

"Let's begin."

The quartet gracefully executed a practiced sequence of movements. Cassie adeptly shifted to the side, creating ample room for Rin, Sunny, and Nephis to carry out their respective tasks. With precision, Sunny positioned the seaweed-laden rucksack between himself and the duo, proceeding to gingerly unveil its contents.

His movements betrayed a deliberate and cautious approach.

Within the confines of the rucksack, two sizable clay containers rested, ensconced by layers of soft seaweed fiber. Rin, not a seasoned artisan, had crafted these jars, and while they lacked sturdiness, her understanding of pottery basics, acquired during a solitary day of absorbing Teacher Julius's discourse on clay's role in human civilization, served them adequately – albeit Sunny paid little attention that particular day.

Inside the jars sloshed the gathered oil from the centipede monsters, causing Rin's heart to flutter uneasily. The monstrous centipede, housing two distinct oily substances in its body, produced an extremely corrosive and lethal oil when the components mixed. This potent concoction could swiftly erode through a scavenger's carapace.

Moreover, it was highly flammable.

These jars safeguarded the crucial components of the centipede oil. The risk of a mishap during their dash to the great tree, leading to the components merging, underscored why Nephis carried the entrusted rucksack, while Rin bore the responsibility of Cassie. The centipede oil stood as the linchpin of their intricate plan.

Sunny carefully arranged the clay jars along the branch, extracting the final item from his rucksack. A makeshift torch crafted from bone and, surprisingly, seaweed emerged. While conventional torches were crafted from wood, the Forbidden Shore offered bones in abundance compared to scarce sticks.

Amidst the darkness, Sunny sought out Neph's cool hand, intertwining his fingers with hers before delicately resting the torch in her open palm.

An inkling crept into her consciousness, suggesting that this particular day would imprint itself indelibly upon her memory – a lasting impression contingent upon their survival through the impending night.

Sunny drew a deep breath, the gravity of the moment settling upon him.

"I'm ready."

Nephis gave a confirming nod before gracefully rising to her feet. With an air of solemnity, she clutched the torch, closing her eyes in what seemed like a moment of silent reverence. Draped in pristine white armor, her silver hair swayed elegantly in the wind, casting her as a vision of a beautiful, celestial being.

Beneath her closed eyelids, a radiant glow emerged. Swiftly, a brilliant flame erupted from the torch's summit as if responding to an unseen call. Opening her eyes, Changing Star extinguished the ethereal light within them, hoisting the torch triumphantly above her head.

In the encompassing darkness, this solitary flame resembled a lone star battling against the vast sea of obscurity.

At the same time, Sunny and Rin approached the branch's edge, inhaling deeply in unison. Their collective breaths were released into piercing screams that echoed through the lightless expanse.

"HEY, ASSHOLE! COME GET US IF YOU DARE!"

Rin added her own insult

"COME ON YOU UGLY CRAB LOOKING MOTHER F#CKER YOU KILLED STEVEN I'LL KILL YOU!"

*Rin was that necessary*

*So very necessary*

Then, all hell broke loose.

***

Drawn in by the abrupt eruption of light and the aggressive cries of Rin and Sunny, the Carapace Demon materialized seemingly out of thin air, engulfed in a tempest of rage. Its towering legs ripped through the pale, dusty sand, creating billowing clouds in their wake. Two intense, crimson eyes locked onto the vocal humans, instigating an uneasy tremor in the legs of the duo.

"Yeah, right here, you pile of scrap! Come and get it, fat lobster! This is my island now!"

Sunny let out a defiant shout, attempting to mask the fear gripping him. In response, the menacing demon charged forward with remarkable speed. Towering like a colossal structure, the creature's height rivaled that of a house, yet its scythes couldn't quite reach the protective branches of the majestic tree. This temporary sanctuary provided a momentary reprieve for Sunny and his companion.

She was pretty sure that this won't be the case for long, but it was enough time to bring the plan to fruition.

If Sunny doesn't miss…

Just as the Carapace Demon prepared to emerge beneath the tree branch where Sunny and Rin stood, Sunny took a deep breath, carefully aimed, and hurled both jars downward.

With astonishing speed, the creature deftly sliced through the jars using its menacing scythes. Despite this, the effort proved futile, as the oily contents cascaded onto its carapace, accompanied by a shower of shattered clay.

Rather than hindering the demon, this only served to amplify the impact, coating a significant portion of its metallic exoskeleton in a layer of the viscous liquid.

The combination of the two substances created a potent corrosive oil, which proceeded to sear into the demon's gleaming armor. A tense silence hung in the air as the trio held their breath.

However, the centipede monster's corrosive oil, formidable enough to dissolve the unyielding chitin of scavengers and centurions, proved utterly ineffective against the peculiar alloy shielding the Carapace Demon. It left no discernible mark on the demon's body, defying their expectations.

*thats….really not-*

*Good*

Nephis quietly emerged beside them, extending an arm in a subtle gesture.

*I mean its not like we wanted to melt it with acid*

Fortunately, none of them initially placed much importance on the corrosive nature of the oil. Their primary interest lay in its flammable properties.

Driven by the thunderous reverberations of the colossal creature, Nephis swiftly maneuvered, hurling the torch with a mighty swing. The flaming torch traced an arc through the air, resembling a meteor before landing squarely on the demon's carapace.

In the blink of an eye, the towering creature was engulfed in a raging inferno.

Rin hadn't anticipated the fire to harm the demon significantly. She was convinced that the behemoth could endure far more than mere heat. Yet, bathed in the fiery oil, the Carapace Demon transformed into a luminous spectacle against the inky backdrop of the Forgotten Shore.

It metamorphosed into a blazing beacon, beckoning forth the monstrous denizens from the abyssal depths of the cursed dark sea. The giant demon, now ablaze, radiated brilliance, casting gleaming reflections in all directions. Fiery droplets descended to the ground, igniting as they touched the ashen sand.

For a suspended moment, time seemed to halt. The group stood transfixed by the incandescent spectacle, wide-eyed and almost disbelieving that they had successfully executed this audacious plan. Nephis stood frozen, her hand still outstretched from the throw.

Yet, they had indeed achieved the unthinkable. Rin had never seriously contemplated engaging the Carapace Demon in a conventional battle—assuming a battle between a colossal death machine and three vulnerable humans could even be deemed conventional. Their lack of sheer strength didn't preclude them from dispatching the malevolent creature; they just needed to be clever about it. For instance, they could employ something stronger to do the dirty work on their behalf.

That's why Sunny had devised a plan to infiltrate the Ashen Barrow, bide their time until nightfall, set the behemoth ablaze, and witness its demise at the hands of the ominous denizens of the dark sea.

And now, they were halfway to turning that plan into reality.

Of course, the most perilous segment lay ahead—they still had to survive the impending onslaught of the creatures from the dark waters. But before confronting that challenge...

The Carapace Demon bellowed in fury, causing Rin to feel as if her ears might rupture. The roar resonated like a deafening symphony of rusted metal being rended apart by colossal claws. Two crimson eyes gleamed through the fiery maelstrom, fixating on the young man with an intense beam of murderous animosity.

...Before that, they had to endure until the sea monsters arrived.

The enraged demon thirsted for their blood, leaving the duo anxious about the impending arrival of dark sea creatures on the Ashen Barrow. Dread filled them as they considered the demon's potential for ranged attacks, the possibility of it scaling the tree, or devising an unexpected method to end their lives. The looming fear persisted, uncertain of how long they would have to endure the demon's relentless fury.

Locked in a tense gaze with the giant, Sunny felt a connection, sensing the creature's thoughts aligning with her own. A surge of panic gripped her heart when the demon's eyes shifted towards the obsidian trunk of the great tree.

Yet, in a surprising turn, the Carapace Demon's mind chose cold rationality over boiling rage. Opting against directly pursuing the three diminutive figures, it abruptly rolled on the ground, attempting to extinguish the flames that danced on its carapace using the surrounding sand.

The entire island quivered, nearly catapulting everyone off the branch in response to the demon's forceful movements.

*Crap.*

*Why did the bastard have to be so smart?*

*Hey what if he actually extinguishes it before the the dwellers of the depths had noticed it*

*I don't think thats a problem*

Suddenly, Nephis pivoted to confront the dark expanse of the sea, a subtle pallor gracing her features. Sunny, a beat behind, sensed an uncanny shift in the atmosphere almost instantly.

Putting it into words proved challenging. The whisper of scarlet leaves seemed to hush, and the waves crashing on the ashen island's shores grew more pronounced. An intangible weight descended upon the world, casting everything in a subtle, indefinable alteration.

Simultaneously, the air chilled, and a dense fog materialized above the murky waters.

The Carapace Demon, attuned to this transformation, abandoned his futile attempts to extinguish the lingering flames. Rising from the sand, the oil still ablaze on his carapace, he redirected his attention to the sea, exuding a somber resignation.

But then, an abrupt shift occurred, replacing his demeanor with a palpable resolve and a surge of frenzied bloodlust.

The fog crept leisurely, advancing onto the island against the wind. A shiver traversed Sunny's spine as he comprehended its unusual trajectory. The once-familiar sound of waves became muted, subtly altered in a way almost imperceptible yet undeniable.

*Sunny...i…see…a.. person*

In the midst of the misty haze, a subtle motion caught her attention. Straining her eyes, she could almost discern the silhouette of a presence stirring within the foggy veil.

It was… it was…

Out of nowhere, Cassie's little hand gently shielded both of their eyes, her voice quivering with a mix of anxiety and suspense as she softly uttered:

"Don't look. No matter what happens, don't open your eyes."

They stood there, obediently closing their eyes as an icy shiver gripped their heart. The blind girl's voice, unlike anything they'd heard before, carried an unsettling tone, even surpassing the eeriness of her recounted visions.

Cassie cautiously withdrew her hand, now navigating the world solely through her heightened sense of hearing...

Yet, that certainty wavered when a chilly mist grazed her skin. Amid the hushed ambiance, Cassie's voice echoed again, but this time it was warped, emerging from an unexpected direction.

"Don't look… don't look… don't look…"

Rin took a nervous swallow, her senses tingling as her hair seemed to prickle with unease. The eerie resonance of the visually impaired girl's twisted words reverberated through the mist, enveloping Rin from every direction. Rather than diminishing, the unsettling sound was intensifying, weaving into a crescendo of echoing layers.

"Don't look, don't look, don't look, don't look!"

As the volume intensified, the noise escalated into a chaotic symphony of piercing screams, crashing upon Rin like a relentless wave. It bore no resemblance to any sound that could emanate from human vocal cords.

"DON'T LOOK DON'T LOOK DON'T LOOK DON'T!!!"

*Sunny talk to me we both know not to open our eyes come here please i beg*

*Yeah im coming can you hear her shouting?*

*Yeah i can. just come here*

They discovered one another in the embrace of closed eyes, clinging to each other with a reluctance to release, as she hesitated to loosen her grasp, fearing the separation that might follow.

Rin found herself frozen, captivated by the relentless barrage of otherworldly screams. In that intense moment, her only instinct was to avoid opening her eyes.

Then, an unexpected stillness seized everything. The sudden hush embraced the entire surroundings, prompting her to release a sigh of relief. The ordeal had come to an end.

A few seconds later, Cassie whispered into her ear:

"Open your eyes."

Upon catching the distinct melody of her voice, Rin was on the verge of following through with her instructions... until an abrupt pause brought everything to a halt.

*Rin what ever you just heard, thats not Cassie*

Despite her voice maintaining its usual sweet and melodic tone, there was an unsettling element to it that couldn't be ignored. It emanated from the right direction, yet an inexplicable sense of wrongness lingered in the air.

*Wh—what? but it's over i cant feel that bad feeling and the shouting has stopped*

*RIN PLEASE WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT OPEN YOUR EYES*

She hesitated, savouring the moment with her eyes shut.

Why did everything seem unusually tranquil? Why couldn't she sense the gentle warmth of Cassie's breath as she leaned in to share a whispered secret in her ear?

Rin's body tensed, gripped by an overwhelming fear that silenced even the rhythm of her breath. The resonance of Cassie's voice, so distinct and familiar, echoed through the air once again:

"Open your eyes… open…"

Just inches from where she was sitting, it erupted with a chilling and sinister power, asserting its dominance.

"OPEN YOUR EYES!"

*Sunny…i-m…scared*

She wrapped her arms around him with a tighter embrace, and he reciprocated, indicating that he was likely experiencing the same struggle.

*Hey just focus on my voice, i'm real keep those eyes closed*

Time seemed to crawl, one second blending into another, each stretching into what felt like an endless moment. Rin clung tightly to Sunny, trembling, as the voice resurfaced. However, this time, it carried a distant echo, as if retreating into the distance.

"No matter… no matter…"

Before long, the gentle rustle of leaves and the rhythmic waves became audible once more. Rin could discern the rugged breaths of Sunny Cassie and Neph beside her, suggesting that they too had encountered the menacing mimic.

Meanwhile, below them, the Carapace Demon unleashed a thunderous roar, clashing its scythes with a resounding clang. The reverberations of steel echoed beneath the towering tree, dispersing an almost tangible wave in every direction. This emanation seemed to disperse the unnatural fog, establishing a vast sphere of fresh, clean air.

Rin still kept her eyes shut and asked sunny:

*You still with me?*

*still hugging you as tight as possible, so yes*

*Keep doing that please*

In an instant, the entire island quivered as the demon collided with an enigmatic terror concealed within the mist. A cacophony erupted, echoing with the shattering of something accompanied by a thunderous roar, making the ground beneath them quiver once more and causing the colossal tree's branches to dance in response.

Amidst the trembling chaos, she clutched her companions, hands shaking, pulling them close. United in their shared grip, they huddled together, absorbing the reverberations of the fierce clash unfolding around them, anxiously awaiting the resolution of the tumultuous struggle.

***

After what felt like an eternity, the clash between the formidable Carapace Demon and the mysterious guest from the depths finally came to an end. The Ashen Barrow, once resonating with chaos, now embraced a profound silence.

Rin, immersed in the relentless struggle, had lost all sense of time, becoming accustomed to the mighty tremors coursing through the ancient tree whenever the monstrous adversaries collided. The abrupt calm startled her out of this intense focus. With a subtle shiver, she turned her gaze, keenly listening to the lingering echoes, attempting to unravel the aftermath.

In the hushed aftermath of this epic confrontation, Nephis, grappling with the aftermath, hesitated before finally speaking in a weary, raspy voice:

"We can open our eyes now."

Hesitating for a moment, Rin pondered the counsel given to her before deciding to act upon it. As she slowly opened her eyes, a series of blinks helped her adjust, and her vision gradually came back into focus.

The first light of dawn was gently seeping in from the eastern horizon, casting a soft twilight over the entire island. Below, the landscape had been ravaged, twisted, and almost transformed beyond recognition. It was as if the Ashen Barrow had weathered a barrage of intense artillery fire, leaving its surface scarred and upheaved.

Amidst this altered terrain,…

*Why can't this thing just die already*

The Carapace Demon hobbled wearily back from the island's periphery, its azure blood forming a grim path. The creature bore the brunt of its battle wounds, its once flawless carapace now marred by a intricate network of cracks and the absence of several limbs.

Devoid of two arms, it clutched a lone scythe and a solitary pincer, while the majority of its hind legs hung broken or severed, causing the colossal being to move in an awkward, unstable manner.

Yet, against the odds, the creature clung to life. Remarkably, the protective armor safeguarding its vital organs remained largely unscathed, the metallic shell defiantly robust and impenetrable.

Sunny clenched his fists and glanced at Neph, a dark expression on his face.

"What… what do we do?"

Glancing downward, Changing Star's calm, grey eyes gleamed with a chilly determination. With a graceful sweep of her arm, she conjured her sword and spoke with measured confidence:

"Finish him off."

Rin's gaze fixed upon the injured demon, determination etched across her face with a somber intensity.

Arguing seemed futile now; the only path ahead demanded confronting the island's guardian head-on. Sunny's repertoire of strategies had been exhausted, leaving them with no alternative but to confront the impending clash with razor-sharp blades.

In this inevitable confrontation, the looming specter of death cast its shadow. The cruel reality lingered: someone would meet their end, while another would take on the role of the executioner.

"How are we going to deal with his armor?"

Nephis held the sword, feeling its weight, and cast a fleeting look downward.

"I will break through the armor. Can you two create an opening?"

The pair exchanged affirming nods, forgoing unnecessary queries. If Changing Star held confidence in her ability to pierce through the demon's tough exterior, there was no reason for them to harbor doubts.

Contemplating the task at hand, creating an opening proved to be a formidable challenge. Despite the monstrous creature sustaining severe injuries, it remained a formidable adversary. Its sheer size alone presented a daunting hurdle, requiring them to somehow incapacitate the behemoth before executing any meaningful offensive strategy.

The creature, resilient despite its wounds, wouldn't passively endure their assault. It demanded a proactive approach.

In the face of such challenges, the question lingered: what alternative options were available?

As Nephis skillfully secured the golden rope around the sturdy branch, Sunny casually approached Cassie, while Rin made their way over to Nephis.

"You sure you're gonna be okay facing that thing"

"No"

"I realize it might not be the ideal moment to bring this up, but I'm curious about your intense dedication. Surviving is one thing, but you seem determined to become as strong as possible. Is it purely for survival, or are you pursuing a similar goal as mine—perhaps seeking revenge?"

Nephis stopped for a second before speaking:

"We'll talk later"

Nephis had grown tired of the rope, so she casually tossed it aside without a second thought. Her attention then shifted to Sunny, who had just wrapped up a conversation with Cassie.

"Are you ready?"

Rin had summoned her widows bane and nodded as sunny wrapped himself in her shadow

"Yes. Let's do this."

***

As their feet made contact with the ground, an intense, penetrating gaze weighed heavily on their chests. Glancing upward, she locked eyes with the crippled Carapace Demon, his one remaining eye gleaming with a dark intensity.

The absence of the other demon left behind a bleeding black void, accentuating the stark scene. From this vantage point, the damage inflicted on the demon's body appeared even more debilitating. Fractured carapace, cracks oozing azure blood, shattered horns, a maimed front leg, and rear ones either broken or entirely torn off—the extent of the injuries was vivid.

The demon's severed arms were tightly pressed against its torso, attempting to staunch the heavy bleeding. The remaining limbs hung, almost grazing the ashen sand below. Despite the apparent brokenness and weariness, the giant monster exuded a lingering terror, perhaps more potent than before. Despite the ghastly wounds, its gaze remained resolute and infused with sinister intelligence, radiating madness and bloodlust.

This malevolence was now focused squarely on the trio—the architects of its pitiable condition. As the first rays of the rising sun bathed the spikes on the once lustrous carapace in burning crimson hues, the giant monster stood as a formidable, albeit damaged, force.

Sunny, meeting Nephis's gaze, summoned his own sword in response to the impending confrontation.

"Both of you be careful. He's lightning fast."

Nephis affirmed with a nod, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on the adversary, as she confidently advanced.

The trio proceeded toward the looming Carapace Demon. Sunny took the lead, strategically positioning himself to encircle the colossal creature from the right—the side housing both its final scythe and lone eye.

Trailing a step or two behind, Changing Star aimed to encircle the behemoth from the left, where its pincer arm ominously ascended into the air.

Meanwhile, Rin successfully navigated a complete circle around the monster, now positioned to confront it from the rear.

In this intense skirmish, Sunny assumed the pivotal role of absorbing the brunt of the enemy's assaults. Rin's task was to divert the creature's attention, creating openings for Nephis to deliver the fatal blow at precisely the opportune moment. Their unspoken understanding, forged through numerous life-or-death encounters, enabled the trio to synchronize seamlessly, fighting as a cohesive unit without the need for verbal communication.

Their primary edge lay in this particular advantage. As they drew nearer, Rin sensed a subtle change in the demon's stance. In that moment, an ominous awareness gripped her, signalling the imminent unleashing of chaos.

The situation wasn't as dire as it initially appeared. Victory in a fight wasn't solely determined by speed. A perfect example lies in Changing Star's training bout against the proud scion of the Han Li clan. Caster wielded an Aspect Ability, granting him a speed advantage that surpassed the silver-haired girl's by at least tenfold. Yet, despite this considerable difference, his victory was only secured by the slimmest of margins. Nephis nearly connected with a surprise elbow strike that could have altered the outcome.

Her success didn't hinge solely on lightning-fast reactions; the speed gap was too vast for that. Instead, she excelled in predicting and manipulating her opponent's moves, initiating her strikes before Caster even realized he was on the trajectory of her elbow.

In the heart of the battlefield, she wielded authority, commanding every inch of the chaotic expanse.

Now, faced with the ancient demon of the Forgotten Shore, they aimed to replicate their previous triumph. Fortunately, her advantage in speed wasn't as overwhelming as Caster's.

Sunny, Rin, and Nephis surged forward simultaneously, converging on the colossal foe from three different angles. The demon, in response, poised to unleash its destructive might, both pincer and scythe reaching menacingly towards the heavens.

Rin raced with utmost speed, her widows bane trailing behind like a lethal extension. A fervent determination blazed within her, fueled by an unyielding resolve.

She stood prepared to embrace whatever fate awaited, be it life or death, with her blade as the arbiter of destiny.

Seizing the moment, the Carapace Demon lunged forward with a relentless assault. Its ominous scythe sliced through the air, intent on cleaving the vulnerable human in two. Not content with just one target, its pincer swung menacingly, threatening to also claim Rin's life in its deadly arc.

Her instinctive genin muscle memory kicked in, prompting her to smoothly roll beneath the oncoming threat. It whizzed overhead like a speeding bullet, leaving her unable to visually track the scythe, but she keenly sensed the rush of wind above her.

With the imminent danger of the scythe momentarily averted, Rin swiftly made her way toward the demon's legs. Noticing Sunny also sprinting in the same direction, she observed that the scythe, intended for Sunny's demise, was ensnared in the sandy terrain.

Simultaneously, Nephis skillfully sidestepped the formidable pincer, steadily closing the distance towards them. Their convergence on the objectives occurred nearly at the same moment – one approaching from the right, another from the left, and the final one strategically advancing from the rear.

Focused on a single objective, Rin honed in on her target. The demon's carapace, weakened from a prior encounter with the water monster, revealed fractures. As she positioned herself behind the creature, her keen eyes caught sight of a noticeable crack near its abdomen.

Summoning essence within her muscles, she launched a powerful strike it glided through the air until…

A metallic "ding" echoed through the air as the katana rebounded off the demon's resilient armor. The creature shifted slightly, evading the blade's entry into the vulnerable crack.

The demon writhed in response, its movements becoming more erratic. Undeterred, she made another attempt, thrusting the katana into the vulnerable fracture of its armor. The demonic entity screeched, retaliating by slamming one of its massive legs into her, propelling her through the air until she collided with the unforgiving sand.

Sunny unleashed a forceful slash with the Azure Blade, the blade connecting with the gleaming armor but failing to leave even a hint of damage. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the colossal creature, Nephis found success. Focusing her assault on the previously injured front leg, she sliced through the monster's flesh, exploiting the wide crack in the metal plate. The compromised leg, unable to bear the giant's weight, gave way, sending the demon into a chaotic stumble.

Typically, a scavenger or centurion would have succumbed to the imbalance and tumbled to the ground. Yet, the Carapace Demon, possessing cunning and battle-hardened wisdom, adapted swiftly. Compensating for the loss of its leg, it skillfully shifted its weight to the opposite side and drove its scythe into the ground, maintaining stability amidst the tumultuous encounter.

*Rin you alright?*

*F#cking dandy*

She inhaled deeply, feeling the excruciating pain coursing through her, yet recognizing the urgency to kill it before anything else.

She stood up

The Katana remained lodged within the demon, presenting a unique opportunity to inflict substantial internal damage if she could only reach it.

Rin held onto the desperate wish that the troublesome individual would just take a tumble, sparing her from the impending task ahead. Alas, that hope faded, leaving her with no alternative but to proceed with what she had been reluctant to do.

******

Rin dashed towards the menacing demon once more, narrowly avoiding its lethal pincer. As she approached, she noticed Sunny strategically positioned beneath the creature, seemingly intent on executing a stealthy maneuver. Recognizing this opportune moment, Rin decided it was the perfect time to divert the demon's attention, creating a window for Sunny to carry out his plans.

She hastily reached for her katana, grappling with it as she attempted to twist it within the demonic entity. As the creature elevated itself from the ground, Rin found herself tightly clutching the katana, desperately striving to maintain her grip and avoid a potential fall.

*Sunny whatever you are doing, do it faster!*

Rin was still holding onto the katana when the furious mass of falling metal and spikes suddenly dropped and made her land on her feet again

Sunny's movements were deliberate, driven by a clear objective that Rin had now comprehended. Their aim in this instance was to bring the formidable Carapace Demon down to the ground.

The strategy revolved around compelling the massive creature to lower itself, making it vulnerable to their blades. The only conceivable way to eliminate the threat was by getting the giant adversary within striking distance.

This bold maneuver turned out to be remarkably successful. The formidable foe now lay prone on its abdomen, placing its crucial carapace and humanoid torso, housing vital organs, squarely within the attack range of the Changing Star.

Now, their immediate challenge lay in crafting an opportunity for Nephis to deliver the decisive strike. However, the perplexity lingered as she grappled with the elusive strategy required to breach the seemingly impenetrable barrier shielding the demon's armour.

As Rin fervently sought to inflict significant harm, her efforts appeared to register merely as an irritation in the creature's eyes.

Crafting that opening posed quite a challenge; despite the monster's limited mobility, the proximity to the three Sleepers intensified the difficulty of evading its attacks. Rin was about to grapple with this challenge firsthand. Just as she regained her footing, the menacing scythe swept through the air, poised to cleave her in two. Uncertain about Nephis and Sunny on the creature's other flank against the pincer, coping with the scythe tested Rin's capabilities.

The ever-watchful eye of the demon, tracking her every move, only compounded the situation.

Pressed for time, Rin instinctively leaped skyward, tucking her legs close to her chest and executing a somersault from sheer muscle memory. Fueled by the multitude of light fragments she had consumed and the enhanced essence pulsating through her muscles, her jump reached impressive heights by human standards. The scythe's blade grazed beneath her, the near miss accompanied by the rush of wind against her face.

Upon landing, Rin swiftly advanced, anticipating the inevitable return of the scythe. Aware that she had a fleeting moment to alter her position, she strategically maneuvered directly behind the colossal behemoth. The goal: divert its attention entirely from Nephis and Sunny, who had shared an image of himself standing defiantly in front of the demon, bridging the gap between the scythe and the pincer.

Sensing time slipping away, Rin tried action action.

But what could she do?

It was poised, fully prepared for her, but an unforeseen distraction momentarily captured its attention. In Sunny's grasp, the remnants of the Azure Blade emitted a gentle glow, poised to scatter into a cascade of sparks. Summoning all his strength, Sunny raised his hand and hurled the fractured sword, not towards the menacing demon but rather at the enchanting tree.

A peculiar choice, as if aiming to inflict harm upon the miraculous tree itself.

Observing from a short distance, the demon experienced a brief pause, a fleeting moment of stillness. Its scarlet eye tracked the luminous Memory soaring through the air, drawing closer to the majestic trunk of the towering tree.

The shattered sword disintegrated into a flurry of white sparks, vanishing without a trace, untouched by the obsidian bark.

Yet, the Azure Blade had achieved its intended purpose.

It succeeded in diverting the attention of the colossal adversary for those precious moments.

For Changing Star, those moments proved more than sufficient.

******

When the Carapace Demon found itself momentarily frozen, captivated by the feigned threat to the towering tree, Nephis seized the opportunity without a hint of hesitation. In that critical instant, where her adversary's guard dropped, she launched into action with a fearlessness that knew no bounds.

Much like Rin and Sunny, who had diligently observed the monster's every move before, Nephis had been biding her time, anticipating this precise moment from the very onset of the battle. Changing Star understood that such opportunities were fleeting, lasting no more than a heartbeat.

In that fleeting second, which nearly cost Sunny and Rin their lives, Nephis refused to squander it. Her lithe form soared through the air like an arrow unleashed from a formidable bow, creating ephemeral afterimages. The silver blade of her longsword sparkled, capturing the dawn's light, while her black and white armor blurred into a swift, determined motion.

She committed wholeheartedly, charging at the enemy with no room for retreat.

Rin struggled to process the rapid events unfolding before her, time seemingly slowing to a crawl as a tempest of emotions stormed through her mind.

The demon, sensing the imminent danger, reacted promptly. However, in the chaos of the battlefield, "almost" held no weight. A brief lapse in focus was sufficient to tip the scales. That seemingly insignificant mistake, however, proved to be the creature's undoing.

...Assuming Nephis possessed the ability to breach the supposedly impenetrable carapace of the creature. Otherwise, their valiant efforts would be in vain, and they would be the ones facing demise.

The colossal foe brandished its scythe, attempting to cleave her asunder. Simultaneously, the pincer lunged from the opposite side, poised to crush her into oblivion. Yet, by a mere fraction of a second, the demon found itself too late.

Changing Star, by the smallest margin, outpaced its adversary.

As she sprinted, the rhythm of her steps underwent a transformation. Behind the protective visor of her helmet, Rin couldn't discern the expression on Neph's face, but had she been able to, she would have witnessed the pained grimace contorting Neph's pale features.

In the subsequent instant, a gentle white glow sparked beneath the surface of Neph's hands. This time, however, it didn't remain contained; instead, the radiant energy flowed outward, permeating the hilt of the silver sword and then infusing its blade.

The sword transformed abruptly into a brilliantly sharp edge, ablaze with an intense white light that was almost blinding. The radiance was so powerful that Rin felt an instinctual urge to shield her eyes.

Yet, this brilliance was no longer soft and comforting. It seemed capable of reducing anything it touched to ashes, possessing an edge sharp enough to cut through the very fabric of the world itself.

Perhaps, it could even sever the threads of destiny.

Recalling Nephis' earlier description of her Aspect Ability as having healing properties, Rin now realized that there was more to it than met the eye. The miraculous flame of Changing Star could both mend and destroy.

It was truly an extraordinary Ability.

Reflecting on the past, Rin comprehended that Nephis hadn't endured her torment in vain. Those moments of feigned meditation, concealing the excruciating pain of her Flaw, were all in preparation for this pivotal moment. They were the crucible that forged her fortitude, enabling her to wield this Ability in battle without succumbing to the agony.

She had succeeded. The lingering question, however, loomed large – would it be enough?

Could her sword, despite its incredible Ability, penetrate the formidable carapace of the Awakened demon? After all, as remarkable as the Ability was, it drew its power from the feeble Dormant soul core of a humble Sleeper.

The answers were on the horizon.

A mere few steps from the towering torso of the Carapace Demon, Nephis crouched, coiled her legs, and leaped, ascending into the air. Her sword thrust forward with a swift and vicious motion, so rapid that, for an ephemeral moment, it resembled a beam of pure white sunlight.

Then, the collision ensued, the blade meeting the alien alloy of the giant's gleaming armor, precisely where its heart should be. The moment of truth had arrived.

*So thats where she was aiming*

While sheltered within the hollowed spine of a deceased leviathan, Cassie divulged her premonition—a vision that unfolded the Carapace Demon's clash with a menacing creature from the depths of the dark sea. The aftermath of this dire confrontation left the demon gravely wounded, teetering on the brink of demise.

The most grievous injury marred the demon's chest, where its armor had been rent asunder, laying bare the pulsating heart of the monstrous entity. Despite the passage of time, all wounds healed, except for this particular one. The demon's carapace, though seemingly restored, concealed a covert vulnerability in that precise location. It was precisely to exploit this vulnerability that Nephis directed her decisive strike.

The efficacy of her radiant sword against the ostensibly impenetrable armor of the Awakened creature became inconsequential. Her assault pinpointed the singular weak point on the demon's body, where the armor remained permanently compromised.

In a burst of brilliant white light, the scintillating sword breached the metallic confines of the demon's carapace, delving into its core and unleashing a tempest of fire within the adamantine shell. The giant figure appeared to be alight from within, rays of light penetrating the crevices in its armor, etching a surreal spectacle into Sunny's memory.

Then, with precision, Changing Star's sword reached the heart of the Carapace Demon, cleaving it asunder. The ensuing conflagration consumed everything in its wake, causing the azure blood of the formidable creature to seethe and evaporate in a mesmerizing display of destruction.

Rin let out a deep breath, utterly drained. She had expended too much essence, and now she was grappling with a dizzying sensation overtaking her.

*Wh—wha… We did it?*

The demon stumbled, its arms rising in a slow, almost reluctant gesture, as if attempting to draw Nephis into a final, intimate embrace. Yet, in a sudden twitch, its limbs surrendered, collapsing to the ground.

*We did it Rin*

Neph touched down on the sandy ground, instinctively stepping back, poised for defense. However, her guard wasn't required.

The guardian of the Ashen Barrow, once mighty and proud, was now fading away. The crimson light in his lone eye dimmed, intelligence vanishing rapidly.

The demon slumped heavily, his formidable strength deserting him. Struggling to turn his head, he directed a final glance at the towering tree, and then his gaze settled on Sunny.

No longer harboring fury or madness, his eyes held an unfamiliar calm, almost inexplicable emotion—something akin to relief.

Before Rin could grasp the meaning of this newfound sentiment, the last spark of light vanished from the Carapace Demon's eye. His head rolled back and dropped.

Victory was theirs.

Neph removed her helmet in front of the fallen behemoth. Behind the now-discarded armor, her face appeared pale and fatigued, her hair clinging to it in disheveled sweat-soaked strands. The brilliance of the radiant glow had faded, leaving her eyes once again a somber gray.

Changing Star knelt, eventually laying down on her back, too drained to muster any movement.

Though the entire skirmish spanned less than a minute, it exacted a toll on all three. They lay on the ground, struggling to catch their breath.

It was hard to believe—they had emerged victorious.

*I want to sleep for a week.*

*Same, im just gonna sleep here if i can*

In the quiet stillness of the morning, atop a lofty hill adorned with ashen sand and beneath the graceful branches of a magnificent, towering tree, Sunny unleashed a powerful scream that reverberated through the air, his vocal cords strained to their limits.

"One demon steak, coming right up!"