"And this change doesn't only happen when you come into direct contact with pollution. Pollution's boundaries are strange. Sometimes, even when you're some distance away from it, it can still slowly change you. Any means of isolation is ineffective."
In other words, simply approaching pollution came with risks?
Theus suddenly shuddered and snapped back to his senses. "Wait, then all those Clamorers of mine that burn pollution..."
?
"Those are fine." Chloe waved her hand. "Did you forget? I summoned those Clamorers with Steel Prayer. I've been keeping an eye on them for you. All that pollution has been suppressed by either the Clamorers or the Machine Souls. Though I don't know why, as long as either of them is present, the reality distortions caused by pollution can be ignored."
Chloe's expression grew much more serious. "In other words, they're all anchors."
"Anchors. I've heard you mention that word many times, but I still don't really understand. Aren't anchors only needed in the Sea of Unconsciousness? Why are anchors needed in reality too?"
"The Sea of Unconsciousness naturally requires anchors. The world there is unstable—there is neither distance nor direction. If you lose your anchor, the Sea of Unconsciousness will instantly wash away all your consciousness. Your flesh will become an empty shell. You already know that. But reality still needs anchors as well."
Chloe rested both hands on the railing of the church's second floor and lowered her gaze toward the islanders in the hall, who were slowly making their way to their various shelters.
"Anchors in reality exist to prevent the world from shifting."
"The world shifting?" This was the first time Theus had heard that term. How could the world shift?
Or rather, wasn't the world itself the origin of the reference frame? Shouldn't everything else be