Sunny woke up physically exhausted… but mentally refreshed. He had received the Memories he had requested from Professor Julius. Some of them were just as he'd hoped. Some were far better. And one or two left him slightly disappointed.
Still, the haul was impressive.
He had received a Memory of a quiver and an Armour, as well as an arrow that used essence to create area-of-effect damage. There was also a Memory that enhanced all senses, and even one that increased his speed in water.
They were:
[Leaf-Skin Quiver][Spark of the Fire][Grace Enhancer][Black Legion Armour ][Coral Ring]
[Leaf Quiver]
Rank: Awakened
Type: Weapon
Description: [Bilsan was an evil tree. Whenever a bird landed upon her branches, or a beast came to drink from her spring, her leaves would rise in fury and shred them apart. But one day, a war-weary knight came upon her grove. When Bilsan sensed him, she sought to kill again… but the knight was faster. He cut her down, set her aflame, and drank from her spring.]
[spark of the Fire]
Rank: Awakened
Type: Weapon
Description: [Blood, desire, and the spirit of a noble creature were poured onto the tip of an arrow. Its longing burned too hot for any mortal to bear. It slew many before its hunger was even partially quenched. From that day, hunger became its nature.]
[Grace Enhancer]
Rank: Dormant
Type: Tool
Description: [Vasileki sensed the end approaching. At dusk, he closed his eyes for the last time. His bracelets shimmered with the previous pulse of his fading senses.]
[Black Legion Armour]
Rank: Awakened
Type: Armor
Description: [When the War Empire prospered, corruption festered. From the rot rose the Black Legion. They fought the Empire in countless battles and triumphed. This was the Armour of their commander.]
[Coral Ring]
Rank: Dormant
Type: Tool
[A Croal wanted to see what upon the sea and when she did it became her end]
"What fascinating stories… tragic, epic.historical."
Still tired, Sunny wandered from his room into the cafeteria and loaded a tray with a mountain of food.
"My god… I'm going to miss this. Monster meat is just awful."
He spotted Cassie sitting at their usual table. She was silent, her face shadowed by a touch of melancholy. Even Nephis beside her remained quiet—not because of sorrow, but simply because of her atrocious social skills.
"Hey, Neph. Hey, Cassie."
"Hi, Sunny."
In the past few weeks, Sunny's relationship with Nephis had deepened. Through duels and quiet conversations over meals, a bond had formed. To her, he had become a teacher of sorts—polishing her swordsmanship every evening. Her skill with weapons had increased dramatically. She now believed she could easily defeat her old self from just four weeks ago. And that was when she truly understood how terrifying Sunny was.
Sunny sat across from the two girls and began to devour his food. The cafeteria was somber and silent… except for one person making gleeful noises as he chewed.
"We don't understand you, Sunny. How can you be this calm?" Cassie asked softly.
"Because I know I haven't been slacking off. I did everything I possibly could… and I'm confident I'll survive the Dream Realm."
Cassie nodded in understanding. She knew very well how hard Sunny had trained. He might be the most diligent Sleeper in the entire Academy.
"Cassie, give me your hand," Sunny said gently.
Without hesitation, she reached out. As he took her hand, a spark of electricity passed between them.
Cassie summoned her runes… then called forth the Memory.
A moment later, her senses expanded—not just twice as strong, but far beyond her normal range.
Tears welled up in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
"Thank you… Sunny… thank you so much…"
"No need for all that sentimental nonsense. We've been friends for almost a year. Of course, I'd give you a gift before we go to the dream realm."
"Sunny… it may not be worth much to you, but to me… it's priceless."
"You can repay me by surviving the Dream Realm and coming back."
He comforted Cassie for a moment, then turned to Nephis, who had been watching with a strange expression—half empathy, half guarded distance.
"Neph. Your hand, too."
She hesitated slightly, then reached out. When their fingers touched, a current shot through her arm. She quickly scanned her runes and then found what she had been looking for.
[Black Legion Armour]
Rank: Awakened
Type: Armor
She lifted her eyes to Sunny, a trace of regret and gratitude in her gaze.
"Thank you, Sunny. I won't forget this."
Of course, she wouldn't. Who gives someone they barely know an Awakened Armor? It was precious beyond measure. Nephis would have been grateful even for a Dormant one—but Sunny had given her something extraordinary.
To her, just like to Cassie, it was a treasure given exactly when it was most needed.
"No need to thank me. Just survive the Dream Realm."
After finishing their meal, the Sleepers made their way to the grand hall, where Awakened Rock gave a solemn speech. Then he led them to the infirmary to see the Hollows.
The Hollows wore a peaceful, serene expression. And yet… even though Sunny had seen worse things, the sight still sent a chill down his spine.
Half an hour later, the Sleepers were sent to their rooms.
In one of them, Cassie gently touched the walls, as if trying to orient herself to the direction of her pod. A single tear slipped down her cheek.
In another, the proud Heir Caster repeated the same phrase over and over, lips trembling.
Elsewhere, Nephis bit her lip, a pale white radiance growing slowly beneath her skin.
And finally… the divine shadow with an independent will of its own stood still, staring at his shadow, speaking quietly to it.
"We're doing this again, gloomy one. Are you ready?"
The shadow didn't respond… only raised a finger.
Sunny responded in kind.
Then, without another word, he climbed into his pod.
And in the vast darkness, he heard a familiar voice:
[Welcome to the Dream Realm Sunless!]