...Sunny could not compete.
Not that he needed to!
'I have my charms, as well...'
Really, he looked quite good. It was just that anyone would feel that comparing themselves to Kai was simply unfair.
It was a cruel injustice!
While Sunny was staring at him sullenly, Kal landed softly in front of Morgan and bowed. Then, he looked up with a refreshing smile.
"Lady Nephis. Lady Morgan. Are you here to help?" Morgan remained silent a split second longer than usual, then reciprocated his smile.
"Ah, yes. As I was saying, we were nearby."
Kai's smile widened a little.
"Please accept my deepest gratitude. I've just returned from the Western Quadrant and happened to be in NQSC by chance. Truly, what a fortunate turn of events! This Gate won't disturb the citizens with such distinguished warriors protecting them."
Nephis looked at him and asked with a faint smile:
"How is Effie doing?"
He chuckled.
"Everything is well. The battle was a tough one, this time, but we pulled through. Little Ling already has a new favorite bedtime story."
With that, he turned to Sunny, lingered for a moment, and asked politely:
"It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. I am Saint Kal, with the government forces. And you are?"
Sunny hesitated, considering how to answer. Eventually, he decided to do some mischief. Staring at Kal emotionlessly, he said in a calm tone:
"You can call me Shadow, I am your best friend.”
Kai blinked a couple of times. Slowly, a funny expression appeared on his face. His thought process was rather clear...
'My best friend? I clearly have never met this person before.’
'But he doesn't seem to be lying?’
‘No, but it can't be true! I would have remembered having a best friend.’
'So if he's not lying, but also not telling the truth...'
‘I see! This man is insane! He sincerely believes his lie.’
‘Wait. Oh, gods! He's not a sasaeng, is he?!'
Kai's magnetic smile dimmed a little.
At that moment, Nephis gave Sunny a strange look and intervened.
"This is Saint Shadow. He is... a bit eccentric. He is also here to help."
Kai hesitated for a bit, then nodded dubiously.
"I see. Thank you for volunteering, Lord Shadow."
With that, he turned to the Master in charge of the government forces,
"Scrap the battle plan and move the your people back. We will take care of the Gate - with some luck, you guys won't even have to put down the stragglers"
The Master nodded gratefully.
"Yes, Saint Kall"
By then, the wind was stirring, and a strange dimness was spreading over the park. The air above the frozen pond was trembling more Intensely.
The descent of the Nightmare Gate was not far.
Kai turned to Morgan and Nephis, asking politely:
"How do you want to handle this?"
Morgan lingered for a few moments, then gave Sunny a teasing look.
Her red lips twisted into a smile, and she said pleasantly:
"Lord Shadow, would you like to do the honors? My sister was so eloquent when describing your prowess. I must admit, I am a little jealous at not having had the pleasure to witness it myself."
Sunny stared at her coldly.
‘...Want to measure my strength, do you?'
He remained silent for a while, then shrugged.
"Sure, Stay here, then. I'll handle it."
'Well, then you'll have to be disappointed!’
As the reality split, torn apart by a dark fissure, a graceful figure of a stone knight rose from his shadow, two ruby eyes igniting with cold crimson flames.
Sunny looked up at Saint, pointed at the Gate, and said evenly:
"Go deal with it."
His taciturn knight tilted her head slightly, then turned around and looked at the Gate.
Although she did not say anything, somehow, it felt as if her aloof gaze was full of disdain.
Summoning her black blade and a round shield, she gave its rim two lukewarm blows and headed toward the frozen pond with graceful, unhurried steps.
Morgan, Nephis, and Kai were left staring at her in bewilderment.
Sunny crossed his arms and said in an even, indifferent tone:
"That should do it. Everyone... relax and enjoy the show.”