"Also, during that 'Punishment,' most of the Mental Pollution Xio had accumulated through deep Acting was cut away. After all, she was in a dream constructed by Angel-level power, and the 'mystical' story behind A Dream Within a Dream was meant to temper the mind. Though it worked differently from Bishop Utravsky's Mental Terror Candle, the effect was much the same.
"As for the little that remained, she'll have to rely on regular treatment and overcome it herself...
"Come to think of it, Xio's experiences are quite extraordinary. Not only has she 'interrogated' the Lord of Mysteries, she's now 'punished' me, the Unknown...
"No wonder she digested her Potion so quickly!
"I wonder what effect a Mystical Reenactment based on this incident would have once Klein ascends to the Fool's divine throne and I reach a similar height..."
As Abner's imagination wandered, boundless Gray Fog suddenly appeared before his eyes, and the World's plea sounded in his ears.
He wants to meet me Above the Gray Fog now?
I was just about to settle accounts with him... Wait, it was Mr. Fool who gave Xio that blessing. Is that why Klein's so fearless?
Has he decided I can't do anything to Mr. Fool?
Abner's mind raced. After a moment's consideration, he came up with a broad plan for getting even.
Whatever Klein wanted to do, Abner would steer him toward that plan.
With that in mind, Abner accepted the World's request and soon appeared in the Ancient Palace Above the Gray Fog.
"Happy birthday, Mr. Tower. I'm a day late, but I still want to offer you my sincerest wishes," Klein said with a smile from the seat at the far end of the table.
You can keep your 'sincere' wishes. I can't afford them. Abner grumbled inwardly, but his