Amon walked through the ruined city with a cheerful smile, humming as if the shattered streets and leaning spires were nothing more than scenery for his stroll.

Kai trailed behind, silent. Everything he had learned from Amon a few days ago still echoed in his mind. There was a way out of the Forgotten Shore. A real way. The spark of hope it lit inside him refused to die.

And yet… he couldn't help but glance at his so-called 'boss', leading him toward a half-collapsed pagoda, Kai's hope wavered.

Amon was… eccentric. That was the kindest word for it.

This was the same man who had asked Kai to throw him out of the sky "to defy the heavens"... Whatever that meant. The same man who had guilt-tripped him into using his "pretty face" to swindle women. Who had forced him to spray vile graffiti mocking Changing Star and her followers. And worst of all, who had stolen many useful memories from Kai's old friend Stev, leaving only the ones he didn't like.

Kai clenched his jaw, then finally asked:

"Amon… why? Why did you do all of this? What can you possibly gain from it?"

Amon stopped for a moment, glanced over his shoulder with a faint smile, then stepped lightly over the rubble.

"Hm? There's a reason for everything, my friend."

Kai exhaled, frustration rising. "That's not an answer. We don't have time to fool around anymore. Conflict is coming, Bright Castle and the outer settlement are at each other's throats. Didn't you say you wanted to save people? How are we supposed to save anyone if all we do is play games?"

For the first time, Amon's smile faltered. His gaze turned distant, his tone calm and almost… cold.

"Conflict…" Amon's smile thinned. He looked ahead, his voice calm and strangely detached. "Yes, I've heard. Truly terrible news, Kai. It breaks my heart."

He let the words hang for a moment before adding, almost lightly:

"But my friend, I never said I was responsible for anyone's life. I just want to leave this place. If others find enough humility to consider my plan, then they'll have a chance to survive this hell as well. Now, let's not waste too much time."

Kai froze, unease crawling up his spine.

The truth was far worse than Amon's words.

It was Amon who had created the conflict. He had sprayed graffiti, spread poisonous rumors, and whispered insults about Nephis and her cohort, then pinned it all on Bright Castle. He had slit the throats of guards, stolen memories, and guided Spire Messengers to the gates, then framed the outer settlement.

It had been easy. Ragebaiting zealots always was.

Now both sides were ready to tear each other apart. Instead of investigating, they seized on Amon's tricks as justification for war… a war they called "justice," though their so-called justice and hatred rested entirely on deceit.

Still, Changing Star and Bright Lord remained inactive. Amon knew Gunlaug did it to maintain order and control, while Nephis needed shard memories and was preparing for an expedition.

That was exactly what he wanted.

But he hadn't stopped there.

After that, he framed Effie, claiming she had killed the guards, which enraged the castle again. Then he framed Tessai, saying he had raped Effie. His exact words were… what was it again?

Heh heh. Probably something like Effie enduring the nastiest backshots ever seen.

And Sunny… well, Sunny didn't even need framing. He really had killed the guards who imprisoned Kai. Amon simply pointed the finger, and the fire spread on its own.

Now both Effie and Sunny were being hunted, leaving Nephis no choice but to gather them and flee the city. Just as Amon intended.

He smiled faintly as the ruined pagoda loomed closer.

"Well, there's still some time until they leave the city," Amon said with hint of anticipation as he skipped over a broken slab of stone. "Ahh... Kai, we're here."

They stopped before a half-collapsed pagoda. Once, it must have been beautiful, its sweeping rooflines delicate as brushstrokes but time, storms, and Abominations had left it cracked and broken. Even ruined, it had a certain solemn grace.

But the building itself didn't matter. The people inside did.

Amon pushed open the door and stepped in with a theatrical bow, his smile pleasant and sharp.

"It is pleasing to meet you all. Quite the pleasure, truly."

The air was heavy. Inside, the most powerful sleepers of the Forgotten Shore had gathered:

Song Seishan, Princess of the Song Clan, sat with poise in a chair that had likely been dust-choked before Luna's hand cleaned it. Scarlet silk clung to her curves, a flash of allure against her calm, regal demeanor.

Changing Star stood apart, arms folded, gaze flat and indifferent. Her Starlight Legion armor gleamed faintly, her silver hair spilling longer than before, her gray eyes carrying tiny sparks of white light.

Medici lounged arrogantly on a chunk of rubble, chin propped on his fist, one leg dangling. His faint smile radiated self-assurance, and his very presence felt heavier, more lethal. At this moment, he was the deadliest hunter on the Forgotten Shore. His reputation already stood on par with the other lieutenants, though in truth, he far outstripped them in power. Now, having become a demon, he had surpassed even Amon's progress.

Sunless lurked near the shadows, black hair disheveled, onyx eyes gleaming with a hint of madness. Despite his feral edge, his gaze swept the room with obsessive precision, cataloging every detail, every threat, like a cornered animal.

Cassie stood quietly, looking delicate and unassuming. Her blindness cloaking her in vulnerability yet even Kai felt there was something deeper beneath her fragile stillness.

Athena, the Huntress, leaned carelessly against a wall, laughter in her eyes. The latest scandals clung to her name like mud, but she carried them like badges, as if she couldn't be bothered to care.

The Caster of the Han Li Clan watched with a steady, piercing gaze. His tied-back brown hair and worn features made him look older, wearier but no less dangerous.

And lastly, Luna... The one Spell had named True Creator. She perched beside Seishan, nibbling happily on a fruit Kido had given her, her smile so bright it almost seemed childish. With her charcoal-dark skin, pale hair, and crystalline eyes, she appeared far too fragile to belong here. And yet… she was the most powerful sleeper on the Forgotten Shore.

Kai swallowed hard. The weight of so many famous and powerful figures in one room pressed down on him, and he had never felt so small. At least Luna's presence softened the tension.

Still, compared to them, what was he?

Amon wanted him to have grand titles, but… well, maybe someday. For now, Kai was just… Kai. A great singer, a famous voice back in the waking world, maybe even the most handsome human alive, if you asked the girls. That had to count for something, right?

And Amon himself?

Well. Greatest thief in the Dark City. And also a Swindler and Blasphemer…

Shit. Not exactly the kind of reputation that stacked up against princesses, heirs, and legendary names. Not to mention, no one even knew he was all that. What he was known for was being a leech to Medici and Luna.

The truth was clear.

Here, in this room… Amon and Kai were bums... Brutal.

But Amon wasn't discouraged. He straightened his back, plastered on that gentleman's smile, and bowed with the kind of elegance only frauds and cowards were famous for.

"An honor, truly. A delight to be in your company."

Cold, unflinching stares met him in return. One by one, their gazes slid past as if he wasn't even worth acknowledging. His smile twitched.

Seriously? I show up with my subordinate and you bastards don't even give me face?

Grinding his teeth behind the mask of charm, he strolled over to Medici, who at least had the decency to grin.

"Well, told you," Medici said, smug as ever. "Anyway, sup?"

Amon exhaled sharply, placing a hand on his shoulder.

[You Have Received a Memory, Mantle Of The Underworld.]

Medici stiffened, eyes widening, but Amon pressed a finger to his own lips, warning him into silence just as the meeting was about to begin.

He leaned in with a shameless smile, voice quiet enough that only Medici... and Luna heard:

"Bit late, bro… but still. Happy birthday."

Medici blinked at him, shock and gratitude flashing in his eyes. For a moment, the grin faltered. Was Amon really tossing the plot in flames? Or did the bastard just not give a damn about it at all?

But he knew the conversation had to wait, because Changing Star stepped forward. Her silver hair caught what little light crept into the ruined pagoda, her gaze sweeping across the deadliest sleepers of the Forgotten Shore.

"I'm sure you all know why I'm here," she said flatly. "So let's cut the chase. I, with my cohort, will be going on an expedition… to gather the Shard Memories. And to kill Gunlaug."

Her words hit like a stone in still water. A ripple of emotions spread through the room: surprise, unease, anticipation but no one spoke. Nephis pressed on, her voice steady, conviction hard as steel.

"After I take Bright Castle, we will march on the Crimson Spire. We will lay siege, we will break the guardian, and then… we will leave this cursed place. I know you are all sick of it."

Silence lingered...

Seishan's gaze flicked sideways, weighing her options. She could betray Amon right here, side with Nephis, earn herself leverage. The girl was convincing. But Luna's calm confidence in the thief held her tongue.

"…I have no problem with that," Seishan said at last, faint smile flickering across her lips. But it didn't last long.

Because Medici laughed. Amon's mouth twiched... He fucking laughed, heh heh.

A low, rolling laugh that echoed through the ruined hall, mocking and bright with arrogance.

"Oh? Let's say we all agree," he drawled. "Then who's the leader?"

Nephis's eyes widened just a fraction before narrowing again, her mask of indifference sliding back into place.

"Of course," she said, voice even, "it should be me."

Medici tilted his head, one leg still dangling off the debris he lounged on. His smile widened, sharp and playful.

"Then enlighten us. Why you… and not, say, me?"

The way he looked at her, down his nose, with lazy arrogance made the air shift. Nephis drew a slow breath, steadying herself. Why did his mocking tone irritate her so much?

Her gray eyes hardened, sparks dancing faintly within them.

"I have information. I have a plan. And I have shards. I'm experienced at leading, and my Aspect is perfect for it. Now…" her voice dipped, colder, "…what do you have, Blood Son of Heaven?"

Amon, watching it all from the sidelines, nearly teared up. Ah, my boy had grown into such a proper ragebaiter. Truly brought a proud tear to his eye.

Medici grimaced, his smile vanishing, and for a heartbeat Nephis thought she'd won. Victory flickered across her face but she was wrong.

"Don't call me that," Medici muttered darkly, voice thick with venom. "That fraud Alista only won because Adam and the others helped him. My goat was betrayed."

Amon, watching, almost choked on laughter. He leaned sideways, muttering just loud enough for Luna to hear:

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Lil' bro."

Luna's shoulders shook as she smothered a laugh, turning her head away before anyone noticed.

Then Amon stepped forward, brushing invisible dust off his coat, a faintly amused glint in his eye as he regarded the gathering.

"And I wonder, Lady Fum..." he coughed deliberately, "ahem, Changing Star… which shard Memories do you claim to hold?"

The room's attention snapped to Nephis. She straightened, silver hair gleaming like drawn steel, her answer unwavering:

"I have Midnight and Moonlight Shards. This expedition is to gather the rest."

Amon blinked slowly. Tilted his head. Then gave her the kind of long, unimpressed look one reserves for a coughing baby declaring itself a hydrogen bomb.

Confusion rippled through the others; Cassie frowned faintly, Seishan narrowed her eyes, Medici raised a brow in interest.

Finally, Amon's lips curled into a goofy grin.

"Absolute bullshit," he said cheerfully. "You don't have shit."

Nephis's frown deepened as she stepped forward, lips parting to insist on her shards, to reclaim her authority but Amon raised a finger, silencing her like an unruly child.

"And tell me, Changing Star," he said lightly, almost playfully, "do you truly care about the people of this shore? Not only your chosen few… but all of them?"

"Yes," Nephis answered without hesitation, her voice sharp with conviction.

Amon tilted his head, studying her with exaggerated seriousness. "And do you believe," he pressed, "that no matter how many die, your plan is still the only way out?"

Her reply came slower, laced with faint confusion. "Of course…"

He stroked an invisible beard, nodding sagely as though he had just solved some grand puzzle. Then his tone softened, almost gentle:

"And tell me, what weighs heavier? Your ambition… or the thousand souls trapped here with us?"

For the first time, Nephis faltered. A faint hesitation, almost imperceptible, before she forced the words out:

"People are more important."

Behind her, her cohort straightened, bolstered by her resolve. Cassie lifted her chin faintly, Effie narrowed her eyes at Amon, and even Sunny seemed… steadier, as if clinging to that answer.

Across the circle, Seishan's lips curled with amused irony, her eyes sharp with calculation. Luna only smiled faintly, a knowing, resigned glimmer in her gaze, as if she saw through every word to the truth beneath.

Medici snorted, unimpressed. His fiery eyes rolled skyward as he leaned back on the debris, muttering under his breath, "Empty words."

Meanwhile, Amon was delighted. Why shouldn't he be? That bum had just dug her own grave.

"Let me introduce you to someone," he announced cheerfully, stepping aside. "This is Kai, my dear sla... ahem, friend."

From the shadows, Kai pulled back his hood with a faint, hesitant smile.

Nephis's eyes widened, her composure cracking for the first time. "N-Night? The… the famous vocalist? That Kai?!"

For a heartbeat, she looked less like the aloof heir of Immortal Flame and more like a stunned academy girl. Amon rolled his eyes, suddenly very aware that his "subordinate" was prettier than half the women in the room. Damn it. Even I almost feel overshadowed.

Nephis coughed, regaining her poise. "And what does Night... Kai, have to do with any of this?"

Amon's grin widened, sharp as a blade. "Well, my friend's flaw is… interesting. He can detect lies. So, Kai…" His eyes gleamed with mischief. "Tell us. Which of Lady Changing Star's words were truth and which were lies?"

Walking Lie Detector froze. His gaze flickered to Nephis, full of the same admiration he'd once held, but now weighed down by guilt. His voice was low, reluctant.

"What she said about having shards… is a lie. She doesn't care about everyone, only some. And she truly believes her plan is the only way. As for her claim that people are more important than her goal…" He swallowed. "…that, too, was a lie."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Cassie's delicate face paled, though she said nothing. Effie muttered a curse under her breath, glaring at Amon with unveiled hostility. Sunny's expression twisted, suspicion warring with disbelief.

Seishan arched an eyebrow, lips curved in faint amusement, as if she had expected no less. Medici only snorted, his grin widening, while Luna popped another fruit into her mouth, watching with serene calm.

And Nephis? She stood motionless, her silver hair stirring in the faint breeze, gray eyes stormy but unreadable. Only the slight tremor in her clenched hand betrayed her composure.

Amon let the silence stretch before flashing his most pleasant smile.

"So, you have nothing," he said softly. "That is the fact. And your reason… isn't all that sound either. Which begs the real question..." He leaned forward, voice dripping with mockery. "Why would anyone follow you, fraud?"

***

[A/N: Well, guys, this was one of the reasons he saved Kai. The first was because he wanted a dragon, the second to convince Seishan, and the third to use him to destroy Nephis's reputation and authority. I'm sure you have some questions, and they'll be answered in the next chapter. There will also be interactions between the main cast and our guys, and we'll learn more about Amon's plans. That's it for now, enjoy the meal!]

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