The only gate in the outer settlement was opened at night, which caused some commotion and drew the Sleepers together. But when they saw a boy entering through the gate, they didn't pay much attention—until someone whispered:
"Isn't that Sunless?… I heard he has a true name. He's Herald of Death."
"Oh my god, Sunless?! Isn't he the one who slit a Fallen creature's throat without a sound? I heard he went to live in the Dark City and, when asked why, he said it was to become stronger."
"Crazy!"
Sunny enjoyed the whispers and the conversations among the Sleepers until he reached a fortified and completely sealed hut to prevent any light from leaking out. He heard faint voices inside and sensed their shadows moving. He took a few steps and opened the door. Inside, about twenty Sleepers were writing on hides and transmitting orders. Sunny admired their organization, as no one spoke unless necessary.
"Hello. Is Nephis here? Or Cassie? Even Effie would do."
At first, the Sleepers glared at him, then realized who was speaking and lowered their heads in embarrassment.
"Lady Changing Star is in the basement, holding a meeting with Lady Cassia. Effie is there too. There's also a Legacy named Caster—he arrived in the Dark City a week ago."
"Caster?"
Sunny didn't show any surprised expression, but inside, he didn't know what to think. Why had Caster come to the Dark City now? Wasn't he supposed to be the first to arrive? And why wasn't he at the castle when Sunny came? Even when Sunny searched for him, he couldn't find him.
"Yes, Caster said he was at a distant point to the east in the Crimson Labyrinth. It took him a long time to get here. He's dangerous—I saw him fighting an Awakened Devil without faltering, though Jube was helping him."
"Ah, alright. Thanks. I'll go meet them."
Sunny moved as he looked around the rooms. Some were filled with good things like monster parts or stored food. There were also a few people lying down and a room with a desk, which Sunny found odd.
He reached the basement and, without asking for permission, opened the door in front of him. The group inside was startled. The first to react was Effie, who punched toward the door with all her strength but heard a voice:
"Stop! Stop! You damn cow!"
"Ah, too late, Doofus."
Effie's punch hit Sunny's shoulder in an attempt to lessen the damage, but it only made things worse as Sunny slammed into the wall behind him, gasping as the breath was knocked out of him.
"That hurt, you cow! You dislocated my shoulder. I should've just stayed in the Dark City."
"Sunny?"
Effie stood over him, with Nephis and Cassie beside her. Behind them was Caster, staring at Sunny with shock… and anger.
"Are you okay?… I'll heal you, don't move."
"Relax, Neph, it's nothing. I've got a healing Memory, by the way. I only came to check on you all and see if you need anything."
"We don't need anything, Doofus… except maybe for you to leave some monsters in the Dark City. Man, everyone's noticed that the number of monsters in this part of the city has dropped!… Did you know that Gunlaug and his lieutenants think there's a Corrupted creature hunting nearby? Hahaha! That's hilarious, Doofus!"
"What?! It wasn't a Corrupted creature that hunted down Fallen monsters and groups of Awakened ones like flies?!… It was this weakling!"
"Ah, I think you should mind your manners, Caster, or your education as a Legacy will go to waste."
Caster's lips trembled while Cassie and Effie barely held back their laughter until Nephis spoke:
"So, Sunny, can I ask you something?"
"Of course. Just ask."
Nephis pointed to Caster, and the Legacy immediately understood. He summoned a Memory that looked like a flute and placed it on the table, then Nephis resumed speaking:
"Gunlaug is gathering his crowd. He's feeling threatened because the outer settlement has started organizing itself and creating its system and hunting groups. That threatens his regime. People in the castle no longer need to pay Soul shards for protection or food—everything is available here, and at no cost except completing assigned tasks."
"What Neph means, Sunny, is that we'll need you if Gunlaug decides to attack… As long as he doesn't, you don't have to risk yourself or fight. I mean, I know better than anyone what you're capable of, and even Gunlaug isn't a threat to you. You could kill him if you wanted."
Cassie smiled at the last statement as if she were proud of something she had accomplished herself. Caster, meanwhile, stared at Sunny—but this time, his gaze shifted from anger and suspicion to fear and unease.
"Honestly, I could kill Gunlaug quickly. But what comes after wouldn't be good. We'd have to make the crowd submit to us, either by force or persuasion… Then we can prepare to invade the Crimson Spire."
It was Nephis's turn to ask Sunny:
"But will you kill him?"
"I don't like drawing attention, but I'll do it if I have to. I could kill him right now… But what I suggest is: focus on your growth. I can guarantee you that Gunlaug won't attack."
"Why do you think he won't attack? And why don't you want to kill him now?"
"Alright, I'll tell you why… Do you want to be my enemy, your enemy, and the enemy of hundreds of Sleepers? You can't attack humans without preparation—and even if you do, you'll lose a lot. Then what will be left for Gunlaug to rule?"
"Doofus, you're amazing!… You have an holy brain, seriously. You're thinking logically, but the problem is that Gunlaug isn't logical."
"Did you know that even madmen have to follow some logic?… I mean, I'm the best example."
"No, Sunny is right."
"I don't mean any offense, Princess, but Doofus's reputation is based on some stories—no one will believe them."
"Then we can make them real, right?"