Killing and reaping the runes from others… These words echoed in Ulrich’s mind, like a pesky bone stuck between his teeth.

  The nature of Weavers and runes spooked him, perhaps more than he’d admit. Fortunately, the category of things that possess runes wasn’t just human, but all ‘beings’. In that sense, he could simply kill animals, hunt sea beasts, or explore the realms beyond to collect lesser runes.

  Gathering these thoughts, he walked to the Repository and requested a meeting with Rosaline. When he tapped the giant gate, a gentle, soothing voice slithered through the shallow gap.

  “State your purpose.”

  “I wish to step through the Shadow Gate and explore the Shadow Realm.”

  There was a moment of silence. After about two heartbeats, the gate opened with a loud crashing noise.

  “It’s good to see you again,” Rosaline said, a smile worn on her pale face.

  She wore a loose, dull-gray coat. It covered most of her body, though Ulrich couldn’t help but notice her eyes, which remained visible. Those pair of eyes were lacking in color, almost lifeless like a corpse.

  Rosaline noticed his scrutinizing gaze and let out a soft chuckle, yet it came out short as she coughed, “Just a temporary side effect of staying in the Repository. I’ll return to normal when I leave in a couple of days.”

  With that said, she closed the gate and led him down the hall, explaining small details about the rules and custom one had to follow inside the shadow realm. Evidently, this wasn’t her first time having to perform this rehearsal for their new Watchman member.

  In general, it was very simple. He was free to explore the shadow realm, so long as he followed the proverb—don’t look and listen to things beyond one’s understanding.

  Why do I feel like the Dream Realm is more dangerous…

  The shadow realm, unlike the dream realm, is inhabited by an unknown number of Weavers. Within this realm, there are many settlements built by humans and other races. In fact, some even end up residing in the shadow realm permanently for one reason or another.

  Wandering in the wilderness of the shadow realm was unwise—Rosaline suggested that he find the nearest settlement as soon as possible. Since he was just a Rank 1 Shadowmancer, the danger will only increase with passing time.

  At this moment, they stopped at the memorial hall once again. He was given a map, a silver whistle, and one umbra shard.

  How wonderful… It’s a whole camping kit!

  The map was detailed, filled with painted landmarks, as well as various geographic locations and settlements. As a matter of fact, this map was one of the greatest advantages of the Ministry. Ordinary Weavers will often perform their descent to the shadow realm blind.

  As for the silver whistle, it was the same one that Victor had. However, it did not let Ulrich summon Rosaline—rather, it allowed him to ‘notify’ her through a certain ritual.

  If he needed to return to the surface world, then this silver whistle is the key to open that door. It must be noted that there is more than one way to return.

  Finally, the umbra shard. Within the shadow realm, this shard is the highest form of currency. Ordinary currency is also used, but it is not as valuable as an umbra shard.

  By the time Ulrich finished his preparation, Rosaline had already completed the ritual for opening the Shadow Gate.

  She opened her mouth, wanting to speak, but was caught by a cough. Clearing her throat, she smiled and said, “Remember my advice. Your first descent into the shadow realm is entirely random. Use the map, see where you are, then find the nearest settlement.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  He nodded.

  “Is there anything else I should worry about?”

  Without thinking too much, Rosaline shook her head. After which, she glanced at Ulrich one last time, then closed her eyes and knelt against the floor.

  Right… Why do I feel like you’re forgetting something?

  “I, Keeper of the Great Mother, request the Night’s watchful gaze.”

  Ulrich subconsciously gripped his small rucksack tighter.

  “The Great Mother beyond the stars, I pray for your loving grace, eternal blessing, and the fortune to his lowly lamb.”

  Suddenly, ‘their’ shadow twisted and deformed, as though it was granted life. Even without activating his Shadow Vision, Ulrich could see their tangible form, distinct and ‘colorful’.

  In that moment, every single shadow in the memorial hall converged in front of Rosaline, forming a giant, ominous gate. The gate was dark, so dark that it made white look black.

  Looking at it, he subconsciously glances at Rosaline. She was smiling and waiting patiently. However, to not embarrass himself, he took a step forward and faced the gate.

  Soon, Ulrich couldn’t wait any longer, so he took that initial step and entered the gate. Behind him, Rosaline tilted her head as her voice crashed against the gate's membrane.

  “Yes. I remembered, avoid heading toward those bright trees.”

  What?

  His body already passed through the gate, so her voice was dampened, muffled like bubbles rising from a hot lake.

  …

  Shadow Realm, Margrave.

  Ulrich felt sticky, and it wasn’t just his body that bore this muddy sensation, but his mind as well. It was as though his entire being was doused in honey and placed inside a swamp.

  The first thing he did was check for the sack on his shoulder. Seeing that it was intact, he stretched his muscle, then looked at his surroundings.

  This… So many tombstones!

  Even the most populated graveyard in Belham paled in comparison to the number of tombs circling him. Luckily, it didn’t shock him as much as that Leviathan in the dream realm.

  Wait, let me not jinx myself…

  In this new environment, there was a lack of light. In fact, it was even worse than the night in the northern outer district.

  My blessings of the shadows are the ideal talent for exploring the shadow realm. He noted, seeing that it worked perfectly. His eyes caught a golden brilliance in the distance, so he raised his head.

  What a massive tree! The trunk of that thing must be a city-wide… right?

  In the far horizon stood a giant tree, a golden tree to be more exact. Rosaline had mentioned it in passing, and it had an ancient name—Odetree.

  The concept of ‘light’ is absent in the shadow realm, and this Odetree is the only source of light within this realm. To say that the Odetree is the sun is no exaggeration. In fact, there is a day and night cycle within the Shadow Realm, governed by the movement of the Odetree.

  Clearing his throat, Ulrich patted his clothes and glared at the golden tree.

  It should be… night-time? No, more like dawn, it will be morning soon.

  The golden tree light pulses like a heart, as though it were alive. The stronger the pulse, the more light, thus indicating the time of ‘day’. When this pulse is at its weakest, then night had arrived.

  Looking at it, morning is about to arrive. For Ulrich, this was a godsend blessing.

  Perhaps Rosaline's prayers to the Night Mother have some effects… With that thought, he took out the map from his rucksack and noted the surrounding characteristics.

  Tombstones, a giant ruined castle… What else is around here? He turned around, but froze halfway.

  A crimson mountain.

  There was only one place marked on the map that matched this description—“Margrave”. It was also known as “The Tombs of the Fallen Knights”.

  Fuck!

  With that, Ulrich stuffed the map into his sack and sprinted toward the nearest source of light.

  Unknowingly, it was a big, tree.