The instant that voice rang out, Shen Yu's soul trembled violently. Every E.G.O., including the Crimson Scar, shook in terror and let out agonized wails.
"Sorry. It looks like I frightened your little toys. Honestly, suppressing my own existence is a nuisance. Here is my apology."
As soon as the other party finished speaking, a ball of scarlet flame appeared in Shen Yu's hand. At the same time, a piece of information appeared in his mind.
Obtained: [Nightmare Flame]
"Careful. My flame is dangerous, but you can use it to unleash those little toys of yours in another way. If you want to learn how, go find my vessel.
"And be careful not to be consumed by the divinity that pursues [Nothingness]. Farewell, little one."
In an instant, the scarlet light faded, plunging the entire space into utter darkness, and Shen Yu gradually lost consciousness.
When he woke, he found himself lying before Godhome's first gate, with Godseeker standing beside him.
"%#￥...!... Cough!" Shen Yu pressed a hand to his throat and asked her:
"Did you sense anything just now?"
(Kuoluo) "Why do you ask? We perceived nothing whatsoever."
"Really?" Shen Yu chuckled awkwardly and briefly recalled the being he had just encountered.
Judging by that distinctive color scheme, the being was definitely connected to nightmares. Add in that final remark about "my vessel," and the one he had just met had to be the god of fear and flame-the Nightmare's Heart.
Damn, I was just doing Godhome fights. How did I end up catching his attention? And he seemed to know about E.G.O., Abnormalities, even the primordial river.
And... he was so polite? Hiss... wasn't he the god of fear? Why suppress his power and speak as though he were negotiating? What did he mean by the divinity that pursues [Nothingness]?
Couldn't he just do what Cthulhu did, reveal a fraction of his existence, drive me insane, and take control? Was he worried about Little Knight?
(Sikari) "How does it feel to shed the form of a Fool?" Godseeker chuckled, interrupting Shen Yu's thoughts.
"How does it feel?" Only then did Shen Yu come to his senses. He closed his eyes and examined himself.
His five senses had become extraordinarily sharp, and his control over his body was nearly absolute. Not only could he feel his blood flowing, but every muscle was under his conscious control.
Power surged from every corner of his body. It did not come from his E.G.O. equipment, but belonged entirely to him.
Now, a whole new world had unfolded before his eyes.
If the flame of his life had once been a feeble candle, it was now a blazing inferno.
Uh... there really was a ball of fire burning inside me now.
When Shen Yu picked up the [Crimson Scar] at his waist again, he found that its damage had risen from a base of 9-12 to 19-22. His understanding of it had changed completely.
Was this what Lock Mom meant when she said it would grow stronger as my sense of self grew?
It would be nice to improve my combat arts too, but knowing Masters Oro and Mato, I'd probably have to fight them again if I went to the Arena.
If only I could visit their homes directly, like Little Knight...
At that thought, inspiration suddenly struck Shen Yu, and he looked up at Godseeker before him.
"Since you can bring other living beings here, can you send me into someone else's dream?"
(Kasa) "In days past, that would have been impossible. But now this place is ruled by void and soul. Through the power of the latter, we can send you into another's dream."
"Good." Shen Yu nodded. "Can you send me to Oro?"
(Magas) "We do not understand. Why do you wish to visit the master?"
"Well, I'd like to visit him after our battle to pay my respects."
(Kalai) "Such humility. We must apologize for our words yesterday. We shall send you into the master's dream at once. Should you wish to return, simply call our name."
Godseeker bowed to Shen Yu, then straightened and began to chant.
Hearing Godseeker's words, Shen Yu couldn't help laughing awkwardly.
Really, I just wanted to get Dash Slash up to proficient.
"Wait." Shen Yu stopped her. "Do you have any Geo? Or rather, can you bring Geo into the real world?"
At his question, Godseeker lifted her head proudly and chuckled:
(Karolas) "Yesterday, the God of Gods intended to use our lowly shell to tear through the barrier of dreams and descend into reality.
"Yet the Delicate Flower soothed the divine wrath, and the god returned to nothingness. What a pity. Ah, God of Gods, why would you not descend into reality and let all living beings witness your miracle..."
"Can you get to the point?" Shen Yu interrupted.
Godseeker gave Shen Yu a displeased look and frowned:
(Dos) "Inanimate things may pass, but living beings may not. This is your reward for the previous contest."
As soon as Godseeker finished speaking, a pile of Geo appeared in Shen Yu's arms.
"Good. Send this Geo to Oro's home in the real world in a moment."
The instant Shen Yu finished speaking, a ding rang out, and golden light filled his vision.
When he opened his eyes again, he stood before a small house covered in frost and snow, with sharp teeth serving as pillars.
This was a dream too, so Bug Language should work here, right? Shen Yu pondered as he carried the Geo into the house.
Violet curtains draped overhead and fell along the walls, revealing intricate patterns through the gaps.
The room held black furniture, all meticulously carved. The tables and chairs had simple, flowing designs that complemented the walls' colors, but their tops all ended in clusters of spikes.
Oro sat crouched in the center of the room. To his left stood pure white flowers in an exquisite vase.
Shen Yu swallowed at the sight. Just as he was about to speak, Oro raised his head and fixed his pitch-black eyes on him.
(Hmph, galamaqu) "Yes, I know why you've come. You wish to learn the Nail arts of the legendary Nailmaster Oro.
(Sigh) "What's going on? How do you know Mato's Cyclone Slash as well?"
"Um..." Shen Yu chuckled awkwardly. "I actually figured them out after fighting you masters."
(Gou, lameiqueluo) "What extraordinary talent. It seems I am not qualified to teach you."
"No, no. It's because of Godhome's unique nature. It let me resonate with you masters, and that's how I gained these techniques. This is a gift of thanks. Godseeker will deliver it to your home in the real world shortly."
As Shen Yu spoke, he set the pile of Geo in his arms down before Oro, then asked:
"Master Oro, my swordsmanship is still unpolished. Could you give me some guidance?"
At his words, Oro rose and drew the Nail at his waist.
(Feilailuo) "Your humility is admirable. Take up your weapon and prepare yourself."
Shen Yu nodded and drew the Meat Cleaver at his waist. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I'm ready, Master."
The instant Shen Yu finished speaking, a streak of white light slashed toward his neck. He immediately raised the Meat Cleaver to block.
Clang! The weapons collided with a ringing cry, but this time Shen Yu stood firm, his right hand completely unharmed.
Yet in the next instant, Oro's downward slash was already upon him, and Shen Yu responded at once.
Each clash of their blades was like another brushstroke, painting an image in Shen Yu's mind. As the Nail fell one final time, that picture finally took shape.
Combat art: Dash Slash (beginner) → (proficient)
Seeing this, Oro put away his Nail and looked at Shen Yu.
(Galamaqu) "It seems I have witnessed the birth of another master."
"Well, thank you for the praise." Shen Yu chuckled, put away the Meat Cleaver, and called to Godseeker in his mind.
With a ding, Shen Yu returned to Godhome.
(Kara) "It is time for you to return. Without a new E.G.O., we will not allow you to fight."
"All right, but can you keep sending me into other beings' dreams? You know, I brought three new E.G.O. this time."
(Luoxi) "Yes. Where do you wish to go?"
Shen Yu took a deep breath, felt the flame within his body, and slowly spoke:
"The Nightmare King-Grimm."
Before you continue