Chapter 5: Outside the Box (or Siege Capital?)
The sun was shining brightly today, filling the streets with a comfortable July warmth.
Walking home from school, a teenage girl with dark hair and onyx eyes was deep in thought.
It had been a few days since her eccentric teacher responded to her messages. From what she knew, he was part of the first evacuation army, and currently, he should be stationed in Falcon Scott.
Rain sighed.
'Why isn't that idiot answering...'
She halted her steps for a moment, turning to look at the well guarded house where her teacher resides in. It was unreasonably well protected in her opinion.
'What a waste of credits.'
But then again, Sunny did tell her that not all your enemies could be nightmare creatures... which was totally not unsettling! Not at all...
Giving his home one last glance, she kept going, soon arriving home since they actually lived quite close.
Entering her home, Rain closed the door behind her and let out a sigh.
'The summer heat is nice, but I love my cool and cozy home much more.'
A call from the kitchen pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Hey, Rainy! Dinner is ready if you want."
Rain smiled a little. She had skipped breakfast today because she accidentally overslept. And while sitting in class earlier, her stomach just kept making hungry noises, which was totally embarrassing!
'Ugh... that was hell.'
"Thanks, mom! I'll be there in a minute."
Rain answered, taking off her shoes and heading upstairs to her room for a change out of her uniform, into something more casual and cozy.
Arriving in the kitchen, she sat down for dinner. Her mother was already there, washing the previous dishes while the TV was running in the background.
"So, Rainy, how was school today?"
Rain looked up from her communicator, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
"Well, you know... the usual, nothing special, mom."
Her mother nodded.
"Mhm, I see." She sighed a little. "Rain, your teacher called me today. He said that you're often tired and absent-minded in class recently?"
Rain looked down at her noodles, poking them a little as she shrugged.
"I... I've just been trying to get more training in, that's all."
Her mother turned around, giving her a soft smile.
"...do you miss your teacher, Rainy? I've heard Antarctica is quite dangerous. You must be worried, right?"
Rain looked at her mother with a snort, hiding her slight embarrassment.
"Me? Worry about that idiot? No way..."
She paused. Quieter now as she looked down at her communicator again.
"It's just that... he hasn't been answering my messages the last few days. He's... part of Changing Star's cohort – yes – but he's just a scout with some sword skills, you know."
Her mother nodded, understanding her daughter's worries. She was aware that Rain was quite fond of her teacher(in a big brother way), she just didn't show it.
Then, the TV program was suddenly interrupted, making them both look over.
"Breaking news regarding the evacuation efforts of the Southern quadrant!" A professional news reporter stood before a large screen, showing live footage from some of the Siege capitals.
"The formation of Siege capitals and evacuation efforts in eastern Antarctica have been proceeding with great success and minimal losses. With the soon arriving 2nd Evacuation army, hopes are high that the horrific tragedy of Antarctica could – at least in eastern Antarctica – end with the flawless evacuation and relocation of all citizens to the other Quadrants."
Rain and her mother watched silently. Rain's mother had been hearing the news here and there. She was quite worried about the Antarctic people.
But Rain had been following the Antarctica news almost obsessively, trying to get a full picture of the situation her teacher was in.
The handsome news reporter – probably an awakened – swiped the screen, changing to footage of the Antarctic center... or what was left of it. Drone footage showed the rubble remains of Erebus field. The cooled lava from the erupted mount Erebus had completely destroyed the city.
The reporter sighed faintly.
"Sadly, we can't say the same about the Antarctic Center, which was hit the hardest. The prosperous city of Erebus field was ruthlessly destroyed by the Fallen Titan named Goliath."
The screen changed to footage of Falcon Scott, showing the lively streets. And photos of the armed Railguns and watchtowers.
"Fortunately, around 40 thousand of the survivors were rescued and escorted over 2000 kilometers in distance to the safety of Falcon Scott by the courageous Devil of Antarctica
Rain's eyes widened a bit.
'2000 kilometers through abomination infested lands... while protecting 40k refugees as well?' She was honestly a bit in awe, wondering if the government propaganda greatly exaggerated this story as well.
Then Rain scowled a little.
'And my bum ass teacher can't even write a single 'hello my dear student, I'm okay, don't worry!' That fool... I hope he's safe in Falcon Scott.'
The screen showed an interview of one of the refugees the Devil saved. It was a middle-aged man with a gruff beard, speaking with reverence and strange enthusiasm.
"...and then! The Devil stayed behind, buying us just enough time to escape. He fought the Fallen Titan Goliath to a stalemate and came back unscathed!! We didn't even see a single drop of blood on that Mad-man Haha!!"
Rain was shocked, staring at the screen in disbelief.
'That Devil guy is quite something, huh?'
She was suddenly worried that her teacher's pride might be hurt in comparison.
'It's fine... not everyone can be the strongest...'
The reporter smiled at the camera with visible enthusiasm, swiping at the screen, a new scene was shown. Thousands of soldiers were manning the 70m tall walls of Falcon Scott. In the distance, though... Goliath stood tall as a mountain, easily dwarfing the walls. With its rough stone body and single milky eye, it looked dreadful. Hope seemed lost.
"This dear viewers is actual, raw footage of the "battle" against Goliath. Usually, the presence of nightmare creatures disrupts our technologies, but it seems this surveillance camera somehow still made it."
He zoomed in on the footage, revealing the key figures that stood together on the wall.
"Here we can see the brave masters who stood against the Fallen Titan, protecting Falcon Scott at all cost."
Both Rain and her mother stared at the footage, strangly captivated. It wasn't every day that one could see a battle as... as cool as this one promised to be!
Master Jet was shown, staring at the Titan with laid-back confidence. As if she's already won.
"This dear viewers is Soul Reaper Jet. The 1st in command of the defense of Falcon Scott."
The screen moved, showing a graceful onyx knight, holding a 3 meter long Javelin ready in her hand.
"Here, we can see the Guardian Angel of Antarctica. Also known as Lady Mongrel by many dreamscape fans. She will be the most important figure in this battle."
Rain's eyes widened as she stared at the Onyx knight with awe and recognition. She was her savior and the reason Rain wanted to get stronger after all.
"It's her..."
The camera moved again, this time showing a young man with dark hair and onyx eyes. His pale skin was like flawless porcelain. He had his arms crossed, staring at Goliath with hateful determination. Strangely... he didn't wear armor, just some dark silk robes, as if it was beneath him to wear armor.
"And at last, dear viewers... We can see The Devil of Antarctica himself. Also known as Master, Major Sunless."
'...'
A deadpan expression was on Rain's face as she tried to comprehend the absurdity she had just heard. Did the reporter really just accuse her eccentric teacher of being a noble war hero?
Her mother turned to look at her, eyes wide.
Rain felt her ears flush red in a confusing mess of disbelief, anger... and pride? Her eye twitched.
'Guess I didn't have to worry after all... that bastard is just playing hero at the edge of the world!'
But after the surprise of the revelation slowly turned into acceptance, Rain stared at Sunny on the screen. She's never seen this version of him before. She was sure by the look on his face that he held a deep hatred for the Titan, for some reason.
'He's out there risking his life and saving so many lives. I... I wanna be strong, too. Just you wait, teacher.'
Suddenly, the TV showed the scene escalating. The milky eye of the Titan was retracted like a lid, and a dreadful Red eye took its place. Immediately, everything began to melt from an oppressive heat. Even the walls were starting to melt and crumble.
The two of them watched in horror as screams filled the streets of Falcon Scott, but then, something strange happened.
Lady Mongrel immediately went in position, her graceful stone-metal like armor glinting from the heat as she leaned back impossibly far as if she were an athlete. Then, which one powerful, flawless throw, the Javelin shot forward, instantly breaking the sound barrier as it hit Goliath's eye, crushing it.
The stone colossus halted, the oppressive heat beginning to vanish before the Titan slowly fell to its knees, falling down with a loud sound. Everyone, both humans and nightmare creatures alike, halted, staring at the corpse of Goliath with disbelief.
Rain and her mother both gasped in shock when Mongrel hit right on the mark. Seeing this easy victory was a great shake-up. They had expected a long battle of attrition, but not such an instant victory!?
Conveniently, that's where the footage was cut off. Hiding the real battle that proceeded afterward. But Rain and her mother wouldn't know that unless they learned it directly from the front or a refugee.
Rain's mother sighed, slowly getting up and putting her dishes away.
"Well... that was quite something. Although i think I like the battles in the propaganda movies more." She walked out of the kitchen now, giving Rain one last smile. "Now you know why your teacher hasn't been responding, Rainy. He's been terribly busy."
Rain slowly nodded, pulling her eyes away from the TV since it was now only rambling something about the weather.
Now alone in the kitchen, Rain let out a tired sigh. She didn't expect such an emotional Rollercoaster in her supposed relax time, but it was a big relief to, at least, hear something about Sunny. But it was still weird seeing him as such a figure of heroism and prowess. That wasn't the sunny she knew yet.
She was pulled out of her thoughts by a sudden notification. Her communicator lighted up with a new message.
Rain hurriedly grabbed it, opening the new message with haste and excitement.
'He finally replied! Thank the Gods!'
However, as she read her teacher's message, her grin slowly faded, replaced by an expression of utter confusion and horror.
"W-what!? What the hell!?"
Her fingers trembled a little as she slowly glanced down at her shadow. She chuckled nervously.
"So you really did lose your mind after all, teacher..."
***
Far from the sunlit streets, at the frozen edge of the world...
*
The snowstorm had picked up a little again, and few paid it attention yet. The young again Major opened the door to the underground barracks, entering with a slight shiver from the cozy warmth inside.
Sunny made his way through the hallway, down to the now mostly empty barracks.
Almost all refugees from this complex had already been evacuated, but one old man stubbornly didn't leave yet. And his assistant wouldn't leave without him either.
'What a shitshow...'
The shadow would love nothing more than to grab both of them and throw them on the vessels himself, but that was a bit against his morals, sadly.
He opened the door, greeted by the sight of a small but cozy room. It had a round table, a small kitchen, and a couch with a play area for kids. But said kids were already safely evacuated.
"Oh, it's you." A woman's voice snapped Sunny out of his observations as he turned to look at her. A young woman with dark hair in a bun and eyes full of attitude despite the grim reality of this hell.
She wore the usual lab coat.
"What, thought I'd die already? Sorry to disappoint." Sunny said with a shameless grin. He already felt Obel's shadow coming to the lounge area.
Beth huffed a bit, rolling her eyes at his usual cocky attitude. She called out...
"Professor! Sunless is here!"
"Already coming! I've heard it."
A lively voice called out. Soon, the Professor entered, walking over to them and shaking Sunny's hand.
The old man looked at him with concern.
"Major Sunless? Oh, my! What happened?"
Even though most of Sunny's body was perfectly healed and pristine again thanks to [Blood weave], [Flesh weave] and the black silk of the [Shroud of Graceless Dusk], he still looked rather rough.There were ugly marks on his robes, and his eyes seemed tired and dim.
Sunny shrugged as he answered with an even tone. "Well, I guess there was a fight yesterday. We won, of course, old man."
Obel chuckled heartily, gesturing to the table. "Ah, of course you did! You awakened these days... but I suppose we humans always make the impossible possible... somehow."
'Do we now...?'
Sunny sat down together with Obel and Beth. He summoned his mimic memory, the gnawy chest looking around curiously.
Beth gave it a strange look...
Sunny reached in, wondering what kind of things he had stored in there this time around. He grabbed something and put it on the table. It was a half-empty package of tea bags. 'Huh... tea sounds nice.'
The old man seemed pleased with the option of tea. It was considered a luxury in times like these, after all.
"Ah... I could go for an earl-grey right now. What about you, Major?"
"Yeah... some tea sounds good."
Beth wanted to get up and prepare the tea, but Sunny gestured her to stay, using his shadow manifestation to do it instead. His old... new? Sovereign habits still linger.
Bringing to the water-filled tea kettle over to the table, he summoned the [Memory of fire] to heat it up to a comfortable heat and then his 7 fingered shadow hands poured all of them a cup of tea.
Beth scoffed a little, leaning back.
"How... over the top."
Shrugging, he took his cup.
"Just an old habit."
Obel smiled gratefully, taking his cup as well.
"Thank you for visiting us once more, Major. But – forgive me for asking – you must be terribly busy... Why spare the time for us?"
Forced to answer from his Flaw, Sunny lingered for a moment.
"Well... there will be no battles, for now. I just partly wanted to check up on you two."
"I see, thank you, Major." He paused."Ah, it totally slipped my mind! We were placed in the queue, finally. Both Beth and I will be leaving the day after tomorrow. We've already received the tickets... I imagine you will follow soon, too, Major?"
Looking down at his steaming tea, Sunny was debating what to say.
"...No. I will stay until the end." He sighed, feeling bad for what he was about to say.
"We've... got less time than you both think. I'd recommend both of you to immediately board the current vessel. You'll both get authorization due to my high rank and your citizenship 7 priority."
Beth finally seemed to be in high spirits again as huffed. "Finally... Yes we'd love to leave this place as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, Obel smiled wistfully, looking down at his tea. "Ah... so that's how it is." He took a small sip. "I did notice the snowstorm picking up. Of course, I was hoping I was wrong..."
Sunny looked down, nodding solemnly.
"Yes... we've got at most 2-3 days now, Professor. I'm... sorry to spoil the mood."
Beth's eyes widened a bit as she looked at Obel.
"Well, that's all the more reason to get the hell out of here, isn't it, Professor!?"
Obel nodded, taking another sip. He sighed.
"Mhm. Alright then... could you go pack our things, Beth? That would be kind of you."
Beth complied quickly, seemingly relieved that they'd finally leave, especially with the devastating news Sunless just brought...
"Of course, Professor!" She turned to Sunny, giving him one last glance. "And you... Take care of the Professor, or else I'll kill you myself."
He snorted a bit, waving her off.
"Many tried. But yes, I'll do my best."
Seemingly satisfied with the answer, Beth left the Lounging area.
Now alone, Sunny and obel were quiet for a moment, the atmosphere changed.
Obel looked up from his tea, giving Sunny a small smile. "Major-...No. Sunless, forgive me for asking, but what is really on your mind? Something must be weighing you down."
'Ah... So the old man noticed.'
Sunny sighed, his spoon swirling in the steaming tea.
"What would you think if i told you my mental age is actually 29, unlike this 21 year old body of mine?"
Obel tilted his head a bit, slightly confused but intrigued nonetheless. "Hmm... could you elaborate on that more, Sunless?"
Sunny smiled a little, lifting his hand he showed 8 fingers, somehow? "8 Years. That's how much I time traveled back. Although I didn't get to keep much from my Supreme self... heh."
Obel was greatly surprised by this. Of course, everything was possible in the Age of the Nightmare spell, but time-travel was still a whole other level. Now Obel was strangely excited...
"Huh... so I amn't talking to the young Master Sunless here? Who do I have the honors with then?"
Sunny scratched his head, a little amused at the old man's enthusiasm...
"Well... you still are since now I'm just Master Sunless again. But before that... I was Sovereign Sunless. The Supreme of Death and Shadows." He smirked a little, putting a finger on his lips."But don't tell anyone, or "they'll" kill me!"
Obel nodded in understanding, his hand scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"Mhm... well, that's quite the situation you've got yourself into, Sovereign Sunless. If you don't mind this old man prying, what was the reason for your decision to come back here? Now that you're here, what are you planning on doing?"
Sunny chuckled a bit, taking a sip he answered, as directed by his Flaw.
"Now need for formalities, Obel. Sunny is enough, that's what my friends call me." He looked up thoughtfully. "I've come here by accident, actually... as for what I plan on doing... I'll be trying my best to save this Siege capital this time, of course!"
Obel leaned forward a bit, giving him a questioning look. "This time...? Could you elaborate... Sunny?"
"I could. Last time, I failed to protect Falcon Scott and... 20 million people died. Including you, Professor." Sunny scratched his neck, averting his gaze for a moment. "Beth, Kim, Luster, and Quentin made it out at least..."
Obel nodded solemnly, stirring his tea. He quietly thought of the next words.
"...It's been eating at you, hasn't it? The guilt of feeling like you've failed, I mean."
Sunny didn't even bother fighting his Flaw now. He nodded somber. "Sure has been... it was quite the punch in the gut, seeing everyone die while I couldn't do anything to stop the dammed Winter beast." Sunny paused, a faint smirk finding its way on his lips.
"But I did kill it once after attaining Sainthood, I came back and got revenge for all of us."
Obel chuckled a bit, and he looked up, his brows scrunching in concentration.
"That's good... you've killed it before, that means that it isn't impossible to kill it indeed. Sunless... Sunny, do you believe you could somehow do it once more with all your attained knowledge and possible strengths you may have?"
Sunny thought about it and then honestly answered. "I've been thinking of strategies, yes... but as you can see, I'm just an ascended with a few more attributes. I know exactly how efficiently to kill it... but I lack the strength and advantages to do so, currently, Obel."
Obel nodded, rubbing his temple's in thought. "There has to be a solution somewhere... So you've weighted your advantages and disadvantages thoroughly, already... Are you sure you've left nothing – as minor as it may be – out of consideration?"
"Old man... forgive me, but I've been racking my Supreme mind for the whole day since my return... there might be something I'm missing – sure – but it's a Corrupted Titan we are fighting here."
Obel hummed quietly, sipping his tea. Eventually, they just sat there, staring at the table menacingly and in deep concentration, only occasionally sipping tea.
"..."
"..."
Obel smiled wistfully again as he sighed...
"You know, Sunny, there used to be this Idiom people loved to say during the dark times..."
Sunny looked up at the Professor, wondering why he was bringing up an idiom now?
Obel continued, unfazed. "What was it... Ah! Yes, it's called: "thinking outside the box." "
Sunny tilted his head as he gave him a questioning gaze. "Outside the box...?"
Obel nodded, continuing... "Yes, it basically means thinking in unconventional or creative ways that go against the norm... it's saying that one should try to think outside their boxed-in beliefs and structures because we often limit ourselves to our mind or environment you see, Sunny..."
He looked around the room with a small smile. "Like this room..."
"...Or this Siege capital."
Sunny chimed in, eyes widening.
"Exactly! Now you're getting it, Sunny."
Obel encouraged. He himself didn't know all the details and knowledge needed to solve this puzzle, but he could always help Sunless with insights or nudging him into the right direction or thought process and let Sunny's mastermind work it out himself.
Sunny meanwhile was sitting deep in concentration, his foot fidgeting while he was mumbling something to himself as he reread all his runes a few times.
He saw the gray runes of [Soul Serpent] and looked further.
[Grace of Shadows]
Ability Description: [The master of the Soul Serpent can grace another with the trust and companionship of their Shadow Guide. One should be careful whom they bestow with their grace; entrusting others with the loyalty of Shadows is the same as sharing one's soul, and thus should not be offered lightly.]
[Slaying Blade]
Ability Description: [When in its Soul Weapon form, Soul Serpent embodies the Death aspect of Shadow God. As such, it ignores the will of greater beings.]
'This... this could be it!?'
Sunny stared at the Professor wide-eyed as he slowly got up. The shadows were stirring in slight excitement.
"Hmm? I assume you've found something or someone, Sunny?"
Sunny walked around the table, pulling Obel into a tight hug as he laughed breathlessly.
"Sure... it's an idea, I guess."
Obel chuckled heartily as he coughed a bit.
"Y-young man! You're squeezing my old bones, heh!"
Sunny reluctantly let him go as he smiled a bit sheepishly... "Ah, sorry, Obel..." He straightened, looking at him determined now.
"I've got something in mind. But it's all or nothing... Still, thank you for everything, Obel, my friend. I couldn't have done this without your wisdom and insight!"
Obel smiled brightly at him, feeling a bit flattered now. "Ah... this old man did nothing. You thought of everything yourself!"
But put a hand in Sunny's shoulder, gently nudging him towards the door now.
"Well? What are you waiting for, Sunny, my friend? Go and do what you must, and succeed! Save them all, your friends, the refugees, these old bones... all of them!"
Sunny chuckled a bit walking toward the exit. He gave Obel one last grateful but determined smile. "I will, my friend. Watch me."