Not All Nightmares... (A Ten-Thousand-Word Chapter-Wishing Everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and All the Best)

The mysterious hall, at the end of the world of Theros.

Here, the ocean cascaded down steep cliffs that rose almost vertically, forming a sight more magnificent than any waterfall.

At the end of the waterfall and cliffs, a massive olive tree grew from the water and soared into the sky.

According to legend, this tree was the altar of Kruphix, God of Horizons, and also symbolized the health and fate of the entire world.

But now, the olive tree's once-lush green leaves had been dyed black, shrouded in dense, chilling black mist.

Within the mist, twisted, terrifying insects of all sizes could vaguely be seen clinging to the olive tree's trunk, sucking its sap or gnawing its once-dense foliage into a complete mess.

Without question, that black mist and those twisted, horrifying insects were signs that Theros was continuously falling toward becoming a Nightmare world.

At this moment, Ashiok stood before the tree, the corners of his mouth slightly raised in undisguised delight. The strange shadowy strands framing his head in a V-shape from his nose looked like black flames burning.

His Planeswalker's Spark had completely connected with the core of the world beneath his feet. Countless mortals and even gods were sinking into fear, endlessly offering nearly infinite Black Mana and Blue Mana.

Once Theros completely became a Nightmare world, he could use a spell at any time to plunge mortals from any plane into eternal sleep and nightmares from which they could never escape.

"Tremble...

Despair...

Release every fiercest emotion within your hearts!

Then become my mental nourishment completely!

Not all nightmares can be escaped by waking up!

And not all fear can be conquered through courage!"

Accompanied by that chilling whisper, Ashiok slowly spread his arms as though he intended to embrace the olive tree.

Although