The screen flickered, changing colours, and finally an image appeared.
A rustling sound was heard, and a gentle breeze caressed Sunny's face. He slowly awoke, allowing himself to savour the sweet moments of comfort and peace that lingered on the border between sleep and wakefulness. his bed was soft, warm and cozy.. today it was especially hard to leave its familiar embrace.
After a while, he sighed and opened his eyes.
The sun hadn't risen yet, but the sky outside was already begining to brighten. A breeze blowing off the lake fluttered the curtains, filling the modest bedroom with a delightful scent of freshness. Even after so many years, sunny was still sometimes suprised by how pure the air of the Dream Realm was.
He took a few deep breaths, rubbed his face, and rose from the bed.
Rain was in an internal panic the moment she saw her master being shown on the screen.
Her master always hides in her shadow and never shows himself to the public, still she wondered where her master was as she couldn't contact him ever since she came to this place.
Meanwhile, Effie had her eyes widen in surprise.
"Master Sunless?" she exclaimed.
The rest of the cohort's eyes fell on her, confused. Nephis looked at her questioningly.
"Do you know this man?" she asked.
Yes, he's uh- the owner of the cafe in Bastion where I often come and with whom we cooperate, supplying products. He also gets along well with my husband and son.
But I don't know why he is being shown, though.
Before they could process it all, the screen began to flicker again.
After putting on Simple clothes and summoning the Mist cloak, Sunny yawned, tied his hair, and left the bedroom. He splashed some water on his face, then went to the kitchen and brewed himself a large cup of strong, aromatic coffee.
Finally, holding a steaming mug, he left the house and sat on the porch, intending to enjoy his coffee while watching the sunrise.
Coffee beans were quite hard to come by in the Dream Realm, but today Sunny wanted to treat himself. After all, it was his birthday.
He was turning twenty-six years old.
But of course, no one in the world knew about it.
"No one in the world knew about it?" Why? Kai asked.
Before he could ask more, the screen changed.
Taking his first sip of coffee, Sunny smiled slightly and looked up. A few of the brightest stars were still visible in the pale lavender sky. Just then, the gentle sun finally crossed the dark line of the distant horizon, illuminating the sky with a beautiful golden glow.A hint of bright daylight appeared in the soft dawn twilight.
He watched the sunrise while enjoying his coffee.
Despite the beautiful sight, Sunny felt a slight melancholy. He looked down with a wistful smile.
Sighing, he said, "Now I am older than mom was when she passed away".
It was a strange feeling. As a child, Sunny thought of his mother as an adult, as a magical being possessing wondrous and incredible powers. But now he himself was an adult, he could understand that he's mother had been a child herself.
Everyone who saw it felt sad.
Meanwhile, somewhere back in the mind of rain, a person's image briefly flickered before vanishing away.
She was gone, but both her children were alive and well. This fact was a precious consolation, so sunny wasn't too sad.
Well, it was given that he was alive, but he wasn't sure that everything was perfect. He had come a long and difficult way over the past four years, and even committed some very foolish acts. Nevertheless, things looked better now.
Sunny took another sip of his coffee and turned his head, looking at the bustling city that had grown around a beautiful, tranquil lake.
Of course, it couldn't be compared to a vast human hive like the NSQC. However there was still a surprising number of people here-at least a dozen million or so. Another million or two lived in the castle itself.
However, this early in the morning, most people were still asleep, so Sunny could enjoy his coffee surrounded by peaceful silence.
While not as prestigious as living in the castle itself his house was located right on the lakeshore, its rear windows overlooking the water.
it was an elegant single-story cottage, seemingly built of brown brick, there was a simple tilted roof and a small chimney.
Since the house was located at the end of the street, few people passed by .
But if anyone did, they were sure to see the modest sign hanging above the cottage door.
It read:
"Sunny's Brilliant Emporium: Cafe and Boutique of Memories".
is this the cafe you were talking about, Effie? said Jet.
"Yep!, in the flesh and a real treat for the eyes- i mean uh.. the establishment!" replied Effie
While the city slowly awoke, Sunny finished his coffee and leaned back, enjoying the last few minutes of peace. He didn't have many regular customers, but he still had a few. They would probably start arriving soon, meaning he will be busy for the next few hours.
Before that, however..
He glanced at his shadow, and his gaze grew distant for a moment.
Then a familiar voice whispered in his ear:
[You have killed the Greater demon].
[Your shadow grows stronger].
"WHAT?! HOW THE- HOW DID HE KILL A GREAT DEMON WHILE BEING A MASTER?! FOR GODSAKE!" Effie screamed in disbelief.
Everyone had their eyes widened in disbelief, and a deathly silence fell in the hall.