Chapter 962 Arrangement
?The current Walpurgis was but a shadow of its former glory, lacking the power it once held. After the most powerful witch fell to the Commandments' blade, they scattered, hiding from the relentless pursuit that decimated their ranks. Even their most formidable practitioners faced the same fate, nearly driving them to extinction.
In the game, the remnants of Walpurgis met their end. Souta remained ignorant of the details, piquing his curiosity. Dispatched to the demon battlefield by the Mechanic Country, he had little knowledge of events in God's Continent. Though he could access information as part of Athen's Champion and the Mechanic Country, he chose not to delve deeper.
"They were indeed formidable," Alice reflected. "Their organization rivaled that of entire nations, and their leader was deemed mighty even among gods."
"Indeed, Le Fay is formidable, though the extent of her strength remains uncertain. Their actions have certainly drawn the attention of the Commandments," Souta acknowledged.
"The God's Will. They're the ones responsible for the destruction of the Hall of Power."
"That's correct. The full details of its demise elude me," Souta admitted with a shake of his head. "But dwelling on it won't help. We lack sufficient information. I'm somewhat surprised you haven't experimented with the Nightmare Mask first."
"Eilish is handling that. Besides, I have reservations about the Dream Power. My father's proficiency in dream control raises concerns about his intentions," Alice explained.
"The Great Demon Emperor. While powerful in dream manipulation, his abilities have limits. If he could locate you in dreams, he would have done so long ago. His influence is formidable but not all-encompassing," Souta reassured her.
The one who will be capable of that in the future is the Sea King. At that time, the Sea King will be able to manipulate all the dreams of almost every living being, except for a few like gods. The gods even set up a formation to protect their people from dying in their dreams.
Mortals are too vulnerable in their dreams without the protection of the gods.
"So you don't have to worry unless you meet your father in your dream. I'm sure that your father could pull you out of your dream and bring you to his position if you ever meet him," Souta reassured.
"I see," Alice nodded in understanding.
"For now, you can try to gain the Dream Power. I'll enter the Nightmare Dream once all of you succeed," Souta concluded.
...
Souta strolled through the streets, eliciting respectful greetings from those he passed.
"Good afternoon, My Lord!"
Returning their salutations with a wave, he continued until he reached the area inhabited by the Toxinum Goblins. Holes in the ground led to their underground caves, their preferred habitat.
"Yes, we'll give it a try. Yenxa's tribe will also settle here, and this territory will be under my jurisdiction," Souta affirmed.
"If you say so..." Doranjan resumed his observation of the goblins.
Souta descended and pressed his palm against the ground. Closing his eyes, he followed his instincts, drawing upon the knowledge of the Crimson Twilight Emperor.
Ohm!
His energy surged, causing the ground to tremble. Blood began to seep from his pores before ascending into the sky. Moments later, a rain of blood fell, drenching the entire area in red.
Souta slowly opened his eyes, taking a deep breath before rising to his feet.
"W-What was that?!" Doranjan exclaimed.
"It's something like a ritual. From now on, this land is my territory. This place will enhance any of the goblin-type monsters, especially those of the Crimson Twilight," Souta explained with a smile. He glanced at Doranjan and added, "Stay here for a while. Ensure they don't cause any trouble. You can eliminate any who refuse to comply."
"Fine..." Doranjan agreed.
"Okay, I'll head back now," Souta said, waving his hand.
He stepped through the portal, reappearing on the Astros side, where the guards bowed upon seeing him.
Souta pondered his next steps. With some time before his departure for the Walpurgis, he decided to check on the progress of the others to see if they had acquired Dream Power. Success would mean they could enter the dream realm without relying on the [Nightmare Mask].
However, those of lower levels weren't qualified; attempting the trial of the Nightmare King without sufficient strength would likely result in their demise.
Arriving at his manor, Souta found that Alice, Eilish, Yuko, Eztein, Franklin, and Vashno had successfully gained Dream Power. Isabella, Gragas, and Torkez, lacking in strength, hadn't attempted it, their focus directed elsewhere.
Using Dream Power was challenging, especially immediately after acquiring it. Even Souta himself could only utilize it for brief periods. The last time he employed this power was during his battle with Nine Yin.
"Try it. Enter the Dream Realm because I'll enter too. I'll see you on the other side," Souta instructed them as he picked up the [Nightmare Mask]. He then sat down and closed his eyes.
Ohm!
In the next moment, Souta felt his surroundings change. Opening his eyes, he found himself in a different landscape. No longer in his manor, he stood in his territory within the Nightmare Realm.
This land, called Vanko, was divided into nine zones, each containing different regions. Souta's territory lay in the Vorr Zone, specifically the Ming Region, where he held sovereign authority.
"I'm back," he remarked with a smile.