Shadow Slave - Paralyzed Demon

When Morpheus returned from his exploration, he saw Sunny sitting on the ground, focused. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that Sunny had no shadow.

"So this is how you use your shadow?" Morpheus asked.

Sunny turned to him upon hearing his voice. "Yes, it's useful for scouting."

Morpheus then examined the blood on the throne before making it disappear. In its place, he created a wall of blood to lean against and sat down across from Sunny. To prevent his body from sinking, he used his own blood to keep himself stable.

"There are hundreds of crab-like creatures around. They were devouring the corpse of a shark like creature. As long as we avoid them, we can explore the area," Morpheus said.

"I saw them too. Let's do as you said," Sunny agreed, recalling his shadow.

"By the way, why don't we just fly across this whole place? Why bother exploring?" Sunny asked.

"We can't. My blood control is still at a low level. I'm already slow when flying alone, and carrying you would make it even worse. Walking is simply faster," Morpheus explained.

Sunny nodded in understanding. "Then, when should we begin our exploration?". Sunny glanced at the sky. "The sea disappeared when the sun rose. It will likely return when it sets. So, starting at dawn tomorrow would be best."

Morpheus nodded in agreement. The sea's return was inevitable.

"What do you want for dinner? Our options are crab, shark, or octopus," Morpheus said casually.

Sunny stared at him in disbelief. "What?"

"I'm asking what you want for dinner. There aren't many options. I only saw sea creatures around," Morpheus replied.

Sunny widened his eyes. "Are you crazy? Did you not see how strong those creatures were? How do you plan on hunting them? We're still Dormant!"

"Don't worry about it. I killed a Fallen Demon during my first Nightmare. These things are nothing in comparison. Trust me," Morpheus said confidently.

Sunny didn't know how to react. For the first time, he understood how other students felt when he told them about his own Nightmare back at the academy.

"Bullshit," he thought.

"You don't believe me, huh? Fine. Just wait here," Morpheus said when he saw Sunny's expression. He shaped his blood into a seat and then flew away from the statue, heading toward the crab-like creatures. He spotted a few stragglers away from the large carcass they were feeding on. With a mere thought, he lifted them into the air and returned to Sunny's side, dropping them at a safe distance.

The creatures, confused but still hungry, lunged at Sunny. In an instant, all but one exploded. The last one remained intact but suddenly collapsed to the ground, unable to move. The blood from the others merged with Morpheus's controlled blood.

"See, I really am strong," Morpheus declared.

For Sunny, his new companion's power inspired more fear than assurance. He couldn't oppose him. If they were enemies, he would be reduced to a puddle of blood before even realizing what happened.

"I understand why you're scared. You have every right to be. If I were in your place, I'd feel the same way," Morpheus admitted. "But don't worry. I won't use my power to harm people for no reason."

Using his blood control, he dismembered the remaining crab, separating the edible parts. Then, he started a campfire to cook them.

Sunny, deep in thought, watched him. Morpheus was far stronger than he had expected. But he seemed genuine in his words, easing Sunny's concerns. He wouldn't trust him completely, but he had decided to accept him as a companion.

Sitting by the fire, Morpheus remained still, using his power to cook the meat. Sensing Sunny's gaze, he finally spoke.

"Can I ask you something, Sunless?"

Sunny approached the fire and grabbed a piece of meat. "I'm listening."

"Would you like me to teach you how to fight? No matter how much we want to leave this place and find the others, everyone's main goal is to grow stronger," Morpheus said. "I can teach you how to wield a sword."

Sunny considered his words. Morpheus was right—everyone's goal was to grow stronger. But then, he eyed him with suspicion.

"Right now, I can confidently say that I'm the best sword user in the world," Morpheus said, recognizing Sunny's doubt. "I might not be able to spar with you right now, but once I fully control my body, I will."

Sunny decided to stop being surprised by anything he said. "And what do you want in return? This is too good of an offer for you not to want something."

He then noticed something unexpected—Morpheus's usually emotionless face turned red.

"I used to spent most of my time training, so I never really had anyone I could call a friend. I was hoping you could be my friend," Morpheus admitted, his voice betraying his embarrassment.

Sunny was stunned. Of all the things he expected, this was not one of them. He burst into laughter.

Morpheus's blush deepened. He turned away, ready to fly off, but Sunny stopped him.

"You can call me Sunny. The people I consider close to me do," he said.

"Thank you, Sunny," Morpheus replied. His face was blank, but his voice carried unmistakable happiness.

After eating, night had fallen. The sea returned just as swiftly as it had disappeared in the morning. With nothing else to do, they decided to rest. But something caught their attention—a small orange light, standing out in the starless night.

"There could be other survivors. I'll go check it out," Morpheus said. He shaped another seat with his blood and flew toward the light.

After some time, he arrived at the source. It was a campfire. Around it sat two girls. One of them he recognized—the white-haired girl who had been with Sunny on the first day at the academy.