"Night has fallen outside. The nightmare has awakened from its long slumber. Like a ravenous living thing, it gulps down the will of all living beings. This dream realm is churning and growing, spreading ever farther. With every advance, it scatters filth into the world."
Casper's rather religious-sounding description echoed in Little Rich Bro's ears, leaving Mo Ni Qiong somewhat helplessly lowering the beast tamer's whip in his hand.
His "granny companion" was great in every way. It was just that she liked to speak in riddles a lot of the time.
"Can't you just tell me how the Nightmare Realm is changing?"
Little Rich Bro grumbled,
"How much farther is it to Baphomet's Nightmare Palace?"
"Not far, but the rest of the way won't be safe."
Casper leaned on her thornwood staff and told Little Rich Bro,
"You really shouldn't have come along, kid. With your strength, you won't be able to help me or that damned Kudel in the fight ahead.
"Look. The closer we get to the nightmare's heart in East Prussia, the more chaotic spawn gather on this Ashen Plain, woven from mortal memories and emotions. It's obvious that Baphomet, the Nightmare Tyrant, has decided to join the forces of Chaos.
"It and Chaos have developed a new way of waging war.
"Hmm. If this continues, no dream in the material world will be safe. Every time a mortal gets lost in a dream, it could trigger a small-scale Chaos corruption.
"This realm of power, so unlike reality, really does need a gatekeeper."
"I feel like you're hinting at something."
Little Rich Bro said uneasily,
"But I'm still curious. Why are you so hostile toward Lord Kudel? In every legend, the Nant Rangers are the embodiment of justice and righteousness. As far as I know, even