Chapter 487: Gloom and Anxiety
Chapter 487: Gloom and Anxiety
Undoubtedly, this was an enemy.
Lindsey's only encounter with the Illusionary Dream was the young beast that had blocked the world's entrance before.
The dropped material from that creature had transformed into the camera in Lindsey's hand.
At this moment, the Puzzle Module was still in operation.
Lindsey's gaze sharpened as he read:
"Dark Horn Shepherd—A robust creature with the ability to manipulate flames and a deep-seated animosity towards humans."
Lindsey took a deep breath.
At the same time, the Dark Horn Shepherd's face contorted with malice, and Yaostar's eyes widened in shock.
In the brief moment when no one could react, Lindsey's left foot stomped heavily on the ground, and the next second, his body was propelled forward by an immense force, appearing before the Dark Horn Shepherd as if he had teleported.
Lindsey's empty right hand waved, and a sharp jet of lava accompanied a blade, slicing through the air with a piercing screech.
The Dark Horn Shepherd's body was instantly torn apart.
The creature, which had just threatened them, fell backward, leaving only its two legs and lower abdomen standing in place, with a faint aroma of grilled meat wafting above.
Lindsey glanced at his Hunt Journal.
"Dark Horn Shepherd: 1/50"
He confirmed the appearance of the kill count.
Only then did Lindsey approach the corpse to collect materials, while turning to the stunned Yaostar and asking:
"This creature is indeed intimidating, but its strength should be around the third to fourth stages. And its threatening behavior... Do all the creatures in this Illusionary Dream world speak so poetically and classically?"
Yaostar finally came to her senses.
A seemingly powerful monster had been slain by Lindsey so effortlessly?
This was completely different from the scenes she had witnessed during Lindsey's previous battles.
Perhaps this was the reality of life-and-death struggles?
"This is one of the oldest Illusionary Dreams in Thousand Sails City. From the perspective of modern people, it's naturally..." Yaostar's hands were still trembling, and she struggled to find the right words, "...naturally, it's quite characteristic of that era."
Lindsey furrowed his brows and asked:
"Are all the other creatures in this Illusionary Dream of this caliber?"
Yaostar replied:
"Ordinary mobs or local lords are usually around the third to fifth stages."
"But that demon lord, the one who was transformed into a demon god, definitely possesses the power of a seventh-stage creature!"
In a created world, a seventh-stage life could emerge.
Was this something an Eighth-Stage Awakener could achieve?
Lindsey shook his head slightly and continued, "What about the way out of here?"
Yaostar was very clear on this point:
"To leave this Illusionary Dream, you can either find the entrance and exit freely or defeat the demon god, completing the world's main script."
Defeating the final boss of the seventh stage.
Even with Lindsey's significantly improved strength, this level of enemy remained an extremely challenging opponent. He chose the former option:
"Yaostar, where is the entrance and exit to this Illusionary Dream?"
This time, Yaostar couldn't provide an answer:
"I've only heard rumors about this world; I don't know the exact location of the entrance."
Lindsey frowned, deep in thought, his head bowed low.
Misinterpreting Lindsey's emotions, Yaostar assumed he was worried about their safety:
"Lindsey, don't worry. We'll be fine."
"The Art Association will definitely have specialists handling matters involving Illusionary Dreams, especially when it affects the entire city. We just need to stay put, ensure our safety, and wait for rescue."
Lindsey shook his head immediately:
"That's like entrusting our fate to others."
"And what about this so-called rescue? If we were ordinary people, facing that Dark Horn Shepherd earlier, do you think we'd have a chance to escape and wait for that rescue?"
Yaostar spoke with a puzzled tone, "But we're Awakened, right?"
Lindsey replied, "In the context of a world."
"We're no different from ordinary people, and we have no control over the dangers that may arise."
Yaostar opened her mouth but couldn't find the words to respond.
Logic told her that Lindsey's analysis was sound, but the habits formed from living in Thousand Sails City for over twenty years created an internal conflict within her.
"If this is an accident, then it's fine. But if someone is plotting behind the scenes, then waiting here for help might not bring us rescue, but instead, misfortune."
Lindsey added another explanation to Yaostar.
Then, he promptly opened his skill panel and poured in a large amount of essence, rapidly expanding the scouting range of his skill towards the distance.
Mountains, rivers, and land—every detail of the terrain was laid bare.
Lindsey's thoughts were straightforward.
This Illusory Dream was a classic traditional challenge against the Demon King's script.
So, the location where people entered would definitely not be in front of the Demon King's castle but should be near the beginner's village.
Finding the passage to enter and exit this world might be a solution.
The map reconnaissance was swift, and soon, Lindsey discovered a village to the west, filled with symbols representing neutrality and friendliness.
His intuition told him that this was the place they had left this world.
"Found it!"
Lindsey waved to Yaostar.
He led the way in the corresponding direction.
As he walked, he casually opened his bag, and the materials contributed by the Dark Horn Shepherd earlier were indeed unique.
[Oddity: Dark Flame Venom Blood]
[After merging with the body, there's a chance to increase Dark Horn bloodline, significantly altering appearance, enhancing Constitution, and gaining a fire-related talent. Can also be used as a material to create the Blasphemy Flame Potion.]
[A unique and peculiar blood with low value.]
Lindsey checked the synthesis formula.
[Dark Flame Venom Blood] mixed with clear water and Dragon Grass, plus a glass bottle, can create a potion called [Blasphemy Flame].
This can be used directly as poison.
It can also be applied to weapons to increase fire and poison attribute damage during attacks.
Seeing Lindsey in action, Yaostar followed him.
The inherent understanding of living in Thousand Sails City made her deeply aware of the dangers of the Illusory Dream, and her face was filled with worry.
"Lindsey, isn't taking action too risky?"
Lindsey continued walking without stopping.
"Yaostar, the timing of the Illusory Dream's outbreak is too coincidental.
"On the first day of the Art Festival, such a big incident occurs—compared to an accident, I think it's more likely that someone is doing this on purpose. Not to mention that we've experienced similar situations before."
Yaostar became even more puzzled.
"There are several Eighth-Stage Awakened individuals in Thousand Sails City, as well as guests from other worlds."
"Who would dare target them at a time like this?"
Lindsey countered, "Do you think a Fallen Artist, in their pursuit of creating twisted works, would dare to do something like this?"
"..."
Yaostar couldn't deny the possibility.
She could only follow Lindsey with a worried expression as they headed west.
As Lindsey led the way, a shadow of concern clouded his mind.
The Eighth-Stage actress, Fenna, had advised him to stay in the theater before she left.
But now, being sucked into the Illusory Dream, did that still count as staying in the theater?
And what about Seraphina, who was currently unconscious?
When she was in full control of her abilities and clear-minded, what fate had she altered?
Could it be related to this Art Festival?
(End of Chapter)
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