Shadow Slave novel Chapter 2606

Chapter 2606: Dreadful Beings

"We are self-sufficient in many areas, but food production still lags behind the consumption rate — despite the special influence of the Night Garden on soil and flora. So, the latest shipment of provisions was increased to account for unexpected delays during the journey... not that we know for sure how long sailing to the Eternal City will take."

"What about those special seeds from Ravenheart? I thought we were supposed to receive one of the first batches."

"Those are not ready to be planted yet. Apparently, the latest strains are too aggressive... whatever that means."

"Well, if Bliss says so. I assume we also stocked up on medical supplies, household items, and so on?"

"Yes. But what about the consequences of your absence, Jet? Won’t it have a negative effect on the situation in the Northern and Western Quadrants?"

"The old man is still alive and kicking. Effie and Kai can pick up the slack, as well. In any case, we received some breathing room because of what had happened in Australia, so I might as well take a vacation. Gods know I need a break."

"Jet! Break!"

Sunny smiled faintly, listening to their conversation.

At that moment, Aether, who had remained similarly quiet, spoke up from his seat:

"I think we are overlooking an important issue."

The rest of them looked at him, somewhat surprised. Sunny raised an eyebrow.

"What issue is that?"

Aether considered his words for a few moments, then gestured to the night sky visible through the open window.

"The stars. The journey to the Eternal City was perilous because of where it is located, but only those who possessed a map knew where to go. Now, however, the stars charting a path to the Eternal City are visible to anyone who can look up at the sky. And any thing."

Sunny frowned slightly.

"Are you suggesting... what I think you are suggesting?"

The youngest of the Saints of Night nodded.

"Yes, Lord Shadow. We are willing to risk the dangers of the Stormsea because of the treasures hidden in the Eternal City, as well as the great secrets that mystical place holds. But will we be the only ones lured by its promise? I don’t think so."

Sunny blinked a couple of times.

"So we’ll have competition?"

Aether shrugged.

"That is what I would assume. After all, why would powerful Nightmare Creatures not want to get their claws on a city that was once populated by immortals? All the things that we want to find there are the things they would want to consume, desecrate, or make their own."

Leaning forward a little, the young Saint said in a quiet voice:

"You showed us a way to the Eternal City when you ignited the stars, Lord Shadow. But I am afraid that you also started a race among those who can interpret the celestial map... and the participants of that race would not hesitate to rip each other to shreds to make sure that they get to the prize first. So, this expedition is going to be even more dangerous than it was supposed to be, since we will have to contend against dreadful beings making the same journey."

Sunny remained silent for a while, then leaned back with a somber expression.

Eventually, he sighed.

"Ah, but you are forgetting something, Saint Aether."

A pale smile split his face apart.

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