A315 Base, Special Observation Ward.
Harsh white fluorescent lights cast a cold glow from the ceiling, making the entire room seem lifeless.
Miles followed Nick Fury into the enormous observation ward, which looked less like a hospital room and more like a morgue.
Rows of neatly arranged beds stretched as far as the eye could see, each occupied by someone sleeping silently.
They came from different races and age groups. Their only common traits were their eerily steady breathing and the peaceful... almost "happy" expressions on their faces.
"That's the situation."
Dr. Simmons hurried over, her expression grave. "After the Shadow King triggered the New York 'dream-entering' incident, similar cases began appearing around the world. We've named it Morpheus Syndrome."
She swiped across an EEG chart. "At first, patients merely become increasingly lethargic, then they quickly fall into a sleep they cannot wake from. Once asleep, their bodily functions, including their heartbeats and metabolism, gradually approach a standstill... as if they've entered some kind of forced 'hibernation.'"
"Can't they just be woken up?" Miles asked.
"I tried."
Sophie Frost spoke to Miles from the side. "I tried using telepathic abilities to wake them, but they would soon fall asleep again. It was their own choice."
"According to those who woke up after falling asleep, they saw a 'real kingdom' in their dreams. There, they could live another life however they wanted and do anything they wished."
"That's the Dream Kingdom, Mulpus."
Miles murmured to himself, then asked, "Are there many cases?"
"Very many." Dr. Simmons nodded heavily and pulled up the next page of data. "There have already been tens of millions discovered in North America alone, and the number is still growing. On a global scale, the figure will be far greater."
"Mulpus's influence has already spread across the