The Shadow Demon's slaughter left no corpses behind for the giants to resurrect.
Or rather, it had swallowed all the corpses itself.
Aside from the Antlers, the monks and Red, who had been resurrected by the Antlers, were also torn apart and devoured by the Shadow Demon.
The Shadow Demon seemed particularly adept at dealing with these resurrected dead—it always attacked their hearts and heads at the same time with pinpoint accuracy. A single effortless thrust was enough to kill them outright, executed as skillfully and elegantly as an experienced diner stripping a crab of its shell.
Watching the Shadow Demon liquefy once more and drip out of the hole before flowing back into the Shadow Pool beneath it, Iver asked curiously, "Are the killing and devouring you carry out in dreams also real and effective 'nourishment' for you?"
"Of course."
The Shadow Demon's voice was low and hoarse, like a lion's growl. "If anything, this is food that's easier to digest.
"These lives are phantoms formed from the power of the Pillar Gods. The reason humans can serve as sacrifices and food for demons is that humans are a race directly influenced by the Serpent Father and Constant Self. Just as Supreme Heaven influences giants, Candle Holder influences elves, and Twilight influences the undead... humans are born with an affinity for the Paths of Transcendence and Love. The strength of that affinity simply differs from person to person.
"Humanity's desire to transcend becomes fuel and food for demons. However, the process requires digestion.
"But the beings in the Dream Realm, these illusory bodies you use, and the other lifeforms, including giants, may look human, but in essence they are genuine phantoms... our weak, mindless kindred.
"Although I'm somewhat disappointed that the Serpent Father didn't personally construct this ritual, and