Chapter 379: Dream Lantern (Part 1)
Chapter 379: Dream Lantern (Part 1)
"Not bad."
The old investigator looked up at the sun in the sky, nodded in satisfaction, and then turned back with a smile.
"Although the majority of the enhancement effect comes from the Abyss of Fallen Souls, it's still impressive to have come this far... How many people are in this dream?"
"Around... about three hundred thousand, I'd say?"
The female reporter, wearing a wide-brimmed soft hat, checked the black glow within the glass lantern and replied,
"Many people are dreaming tonight, but not all of these dreams involve the Capital City. Most of the dreams don't take place within the city itself, so the Dream Lantern has only combined the dreams of these three hundred thousand people... Should we try again?"
"No need, this is sufficient."
After hearing the reporter's response, the old investigator chuckled confidently, then averted his gaze from the sun and began to look down upon the dream Capital City before him.
In this false city, formed by the dreams of three hundred thousand people, most of the streets and alleys retained their original appearance, with little significant changes.
The green foliage surrounding the wealthy district remained lush, the sewage river cutting through the old town still stank, and the industrial parks along the riverbanks emitted the same non-stop, acid-filled white smoke as they did in reality during the day.
Although the dream world need not adhere strictly to reality, the three hundred thousand dreamers who formed this dream world all came from the real world. The Capital City before them, with little difference from reality, was a collective perception of the city that they all shared...
Except for one place.
...
"What's going on over there?"
The old investigator frowned as he observed the strange building in the center of the Capital City, constantly twisting and changing shape without ever settling into a definite form. He asked with some dissatisfaction:
"Why hasn't the Palace stabilized yet? Have these three hundred thousand people not reached a consensus on their perception of the Palace?"
"Let me check..."
The female reporter examined the palace, which was constantly distorting and transforming. At times, it appeared ancient, dilapidated, and on the verge of collapse, as if a gust of wind could bring it down. Then, it would transform into a magnificent, golden, and splendid palace, exuding royalty, luxury, and supremacy. After a careful inspection of her glass lantern, she furrowed her brows and shook her head.
"The Dream Lantern is functioning properly. It hasn't been influenced or invaded. It seems that among these three hundred thousand people, some have a different and particularly strong impression of the Palace, which is why its appearance can't stabilize."
"Quickly filter them out!"
Without hesitation, the old investigator stood up and walked to the edge of the clock tower, pointing at the Palace.
"Check the dreams related to the Palace and identify those with significantly different perceptions. Don't let them influence the Palace's appearance in the dream world."
"When the Abyss of Fallen Souls fully descends, I want to swap the dream Capital City with the real one. We can't afford any discrepancies during the exchange. This part must go smoothly!"
"Understood."
The reporter silently acknowledged, and the lantern in her hand flickered twice, illuminating numerous dark specks within the glass lampshade, which quickly extinguished.
As the numerous star points were eliminated, the distant, constantly shifting Palace finally stabilized somewhat, taking on a more fixed form.
Unfortunately, before the old investigator could nod in satisfaction, the palace, which had just stabilized, began to twist and contort once more.
This time, not only did the palace alternate between ruin and splendor, but a third scenario emerged—most of the structures were flattened, transforming into a lush and verdant garden landscape.
"Just now, some people dreamed of the capital city and entered this dream realm."
Without waiting for the old investigator to ask, the female reporter checked the Dream Lantern and explained, "The two people who have a different impression of the palace compared to others are mainly two individuals. Their dreams of the capital city are vastly different from everyone else's perception. Moreover, their situations are quite unique, and I can't drive them away."
The old investigator frowned, "What did those two dream about? Take me to see their dreams."
"Okay."
After glancing at the old investigator's back, the female reporter nodded slightly, then tightly gripped the handle of the Dream Lantern and shook the lantern in her hand again.
The capital city before their eyes trembled slightly, and in an instant, it transformed. From a once-lively bustling city, it became a scene of post-war desolation.
The once-busy streets in the commercial district were now covered in rubble and ruins. Buildings had collapsed into piles of dilapidated remains, and skyscrapers had turned into heaps of worthless bricks and stones.
The air throughout the entire capital was filled with the scent of dust and scorched earth. On the remaining walls of the surviving structures, there were still traces of the bombardment they had endured, almost completely destroyed by the fires.
Even the clock tower beneath their feet had been half-destroyed, and behind the female reporter, the enormous clock face, standing over two people tall, still had an unexploded giant shell embedded in it.
"This should be Prince Joshua's dream."
After examining the palace, which, although not completely destroyed, was left in a terrible state by the fires and seemed on the verge of collapse, the old investigator pondered for a moment before confidently stating, "This is the Nightmare King's curse. The royal family members of this country will relive their greatest regrets in their dreams. And Nathan... yes... he is the future Joshua, so his nightmare has been synchronized as well."
"I also know why you can't drive him away." The old investigator turned to look at the lantern in the female reporter's hand, gazing at the interconnected black dots inside the lampshade. He sighed, "The power of the Dream Street Lantern has been enhanced by the Abyss of Fallen Souls, which is essentially stealing its power indirectly.
As the true master of the Abyss of Fallen Souls, the Nightmare King's curse on the royal family has a very high priority. It's normal for it to affect the Dream Street Lantern you're controlling.
We can't deal with his problem right now, but it's not too complicated. When the Abyss of Fallen Souls truly arrives, I'll find a way to prevent him from falling asleep...
Let's go. Take me to the dream of the other person you can't drive away, and let me see what their dream is like."
The female reporter nodded in agreement and located the faintly glowing red star in the lantern, moving it to the center of the lampshade. She then shook the Dream Lantern forcefully.
The world spun.
As if an ancient mural had been painted over, the dim and dilapidated capital city before their eyes suddenly shed its yellowish and charred appearance, becoming bright and vibrant.
(End of Chapter)
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