Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
A dream shared by everyone? Klein repeated Cattleyas words inwardly as he slowly realized the situation he was in.
Nighttime in these dangerous waters would connect the dreams of all living creatures!
And any creature that didnt sleep would lack the necessary protection, as their Soul Bodies werent in the dream. As such, they would suffer an unknown attack.
As for why such an attack would lead to ones disappearance and not instant death, Klein, who hadnt actually experienced it, had no grounds for speculation.
As his thoughts raced, Klein retracted his gaze from Cattleyas body, recasting them onto the magnificent city on the opposite cliff. He thought out of curiosity.
If this world can really be formed from the connection of dreams from all the local creatures, who couldve imagined such an unimaginable city?
He observed for a few seconds before asking, What is its name?
Whats the name of this city that can only exist in myths and legends?
Cattleya stared ahead in a daze as she spoke as though she was in a reverie, No idea... There will be a chance of seeing it every time we enter the dream, but its impossible to approach.
She said that it resembles the Great Twilight Hall in Feysac.
She likely has her own guesses, but she has never told me.
She? That Queen Mystic? The Great Twilight Hall is where the Church of the God of Combats papal chair is... Klein surveyed the area and deliberated before saying, I plan to look around.
He believed that the Future wouldnt leave these waters anytime soon. He would definitely encounter more nights and enter this dream world several times. Therefore, to defend against any accidents and to obtain intel, it was necessary for him to explore the area.
And the exploration no doubt needed a partner.
Cattleya remained sitting there, hugging her knees. Her tone remained ethereal as she said, Not interested.
... This isnt what a mature pirate admiral should say. You couldve been more euphemistic. Maam Hermit, you resemble a young petulant lady... Klein was taken aback as he suspected if he had misheard. This was in conflict with the Admiral of Stars he had in his mind.
Thinking of how Gehrman Sparrow also had his side of not being afraid of dirt and hardship, he came to a realization. He quickly made a guess.
Cattleya isnt completely awake in the dream. She is able to know that shes in a dream, but shes unable to effectively control it!
That is to say that she would unknowingly depict the feelings buried deep in her heart and reveal some of her personality which she usually suppresses.
Its no wonder she said that she was never able to approach that miraculous city. Its because she never had the intention of exploring it herself... Klein thought for a moment and deliberately probed, We might be able to discover something over there.
Not going, Cattleya didnt hesitate to reply, but she never shook her head. Ill be here waiting! Waiting!
She really is in a semi-unconscious state... Klein made the judgment based on her reaction and tone.
He didnt waste any more time and turned to leap off the boulder.
Pa!
Kleins feet stepped on the ground as he subconsciously looked back.
Cattleya remained sitting there hugging her knees. There wasnt anyone around, and the congealed sunset from the city opposite her shone over, producing a long shadow for her, blending with one of the shadows produced by withered trees.
A gentle mountain breeze blew as the black figure gently shook. Cattleya didnt move as she stubbornly waited on the spot.
At such times, theres a need for a Psychiatrist to interpret the dreams emotions. This has nothing to do with the revelations obtained from divination... Klein curled his lips and surveyed his surroundings to seek a direction in which to explore.
He discovered that regardless of the direction he took, he would end up at the black buildings formed from the cloisters. There was a towering wall that isolated it from the cliff. No matter how the exploration was made, one had to pass by the cloister unless once jumped down the cliff.
Since there was no other choice, Klein went directly to the pitch-black door of the cloister.
The door was nearly ten meters tall, and it didnt look like it was prepared for human use. Klein sized it up for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and extended his hands to push at the ends of the door.
A creaking sound followed. The doors weight far exceeded Kleins imagination. His muscles bulged as his face flushed red. Yet, he was only able to move the door by a tiny bit without being able to push it open.
Thankfully, its only a dream. As long as theres reason to believe, I can raise my strength without truly activating Creeping Hunger... Klein exhaled and made his left glove be tainted with a paleness.
In the midst of dark green sparkles, he obtained the strength of a Zombie. His arm turned thicker as his legs swelled.
Screech!
A deep grinding sound boomed as the door slowly opened to reveal its interior.
The two dark spires and the black buildings were connected by covered bridges as they surrounded a vast grayish-rock square.
There were plenty of holes in the square. Embedded in them were huge arrows. There were flaming stacks in various spots as if they had previously encountered an attack.
Klein passed through the caves entrance and entered the square. Unsurprisingly, he saw Frank Lee, Nina, Ottolov, and company there.
This is their dream? It doesnt seem so... Or should it be said that everyones dream is limited to themselves? They will then be randomly placed somewhere in this world? Klein guessed without confidence.
Frank Lee was the closest to him. He was holding a shovel and digging at some rubble. Beside him were the white bread, toast, and roasted fish which had previously fallen to the floor.
He plans on using them as fertilizer? Hes planting things even in his dreams... Klein went over and casually asked, What are you doing?
Frank didnt stop, but he revealed a smile.
Im cultivating some little things. They need to sleep in the soil for some time before they can grow big and proliferate.
Whats their use? Klein asked, both worried and curious.
Frank beamed and said, Theyre a crossbreed of fungus. It can make bulls produce milk. This way, we can obtain more milk, allowing more people to drink good milk.
Spare those bulls... Kleins face twitched as he asked, Will it succeed?
Theres no problems with the effects, but Im very worried that they cant reproduce, Frank said with a frown.
May Death forever favor them... Klein prayed as he walked pass Frank Lee and headed for the black buildings entrance across the square.
Along the way, he passed by Nina and Navigator Ottolov, who were drinking beside a collapsed pillar.
Have you ever thought of leaving the pirate crew after youre older to find a man to marry and settle down? I dont think anyone wishes to drift out at sea their entire lives. Ottolov took off his pointed bonnet and revealed his slightly hoary hair.
His eyes and tone informed Klein that in between the lines, he meant: if you wish so, why not consider me?
Mr. Navigator, you are old enough to be Ninas father. You need to consider your health... Passing by, Klein couldnt help but lampoon when he heard the conversation.
Nina gulped a mouthful of beer and looked in a particular direction.
No, thats not the life I wish to lead.
Before joining you, I once attempted to settle down in the east coast of Feysac and not be a pirate again, but I was unable to bear with the boredom. I have to lug wood and move things every day, and I can only stay at home at night. Im not allowed to go to the bar or go out hunting in the wilderness. Such a life seems constant and unchanging! Furthermore, I suffered all kinds of criticism, tolerating those irritating people. I have to worry about the cops even if I wished to beat them up!
Its still better on the ship. Although its boring most of the time, we can often go to different places and encounter different matters. Heh heh. Even the most boring times can wreck those fellows, training them into passable pirates. I can also tell them that the one who performs the best every month can spend the night in my room. Then, Ill watch them excitedly enjoy the torment. Of course, spending the night and having sex are different. It depends on my mood.
A true female pirate... Everyone wishes for something different... Klein neutrally gave a comment and didnt believe that there was anything wrong with Ninas ideas.
I wont disagree with her choice, but if she often kills, engages in arson, and plunders, I dont mind using her head to exchange for a bounty the next time we meet... Klein retracted his gaze and arrived at the suspected entrance of the black buildings and spires.
Subconsciously, he turned his head and realized that the shadows in the corner seemed normal, but there was something different about it.
Bloodless Heath Doyle? He hides in the shadows even in a dream? According to my limited knowledge of psychology, this is a result of greatly lacking a sense of security... Klein pushed another door which was similarly almost ten meters tall.
Amidst the grinding sounds, his gaze suddenly froze.
Behind the door was a vast hall which had two rows of stone pillars supporting it.
The hall was abnormally dark without any candlelight. As the main door opened, the light from outside shone in, lighting up the interior to make it clear.
Klein saw that there were murals of various colors, with gold being the main color of choice on the dome. They were connected to one another without any gaps. It gave him a magnificent and sacred feeling.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
A figure had its back facing Klein, using the axe in its hand to chop at a long and huge tree; its motives were unknown.
The figure was dressed in a white shirt and a black vest. It didnt look like any of the pirates on the ship.
Theres someone else in these waters? Or could it be the mysterious pair of eyes that had been observing the deck and me? Kleins heart sank as he slowed down. He warily approached and came to the figures side where he discerned the figure.
It was a man who looked young. He had blond short hair that was split seventy-thirty. His emerald-green eyes looked focused and serious.
What are you doing? What is this place? Klein carefully asked.
He intuitively believed that the person wasnt the owner of the mysterious eyes.
The young man raised his hand to touch his earlobes without turning his head.
Why are you asking these questions? My ship has sunk, and Im busy making a canoe for myself. I dont have time to speak to you.
...
Klein thought before asking, Who are you?
Who am I? Im the unlucky Anderson. Ever since I saw that mural, Ive been plagued with bad luck. The young man pointed in a direction.
Tracing his finger, Klein saw a mural.
The mural depicted a sea of fire that split in the middle to produce a path.
On the path, there was a long line of people. The members either held their heads low with pious devotion or prostrated to the ground. Their destination was in the depths of the sea.
Their leader was a lanky man with long silver hair. His facial features were mild and his eyes were tightly closed. On his back were layered wings.
This... Kleins pupils constricted suddenly.
He recognized the leader on the mural!
It was the Angel of Fate which Little Sun had once depicted!
It was the Tail Devourer, Ouroboros!