Volume 10 - Dream Eater: Chapter 49 – Illusory Realm

Volume 10 - Dream Eater: Chapter 49 – Illusory Realm

The trio had weathered numerous storms together. Attempts to sway them through deceit and lies proved futile. It wasn’t solely because they were well-informed and astute women. Their bond, devoid of any animosity, ensured that no scheme could ever pit them against each other. No tactic would succeed where there existed no discord.

Over time, the pestering voice ceased its onslaught, perhaps recognizing its efforts as fruitless.

The enveloping darkness consumed them, and Ayaka felt as if she treaded upon an endless snowy expanse reminiscent of her childhood home.

Gifted from an early age, Ayaka’s exceptional abilities fostered her sense of superiority and subsequent isolation. Her younger self wasn’t as adept at the intricate social dances of the Imperial court as she was now. Loneliness was her consistent companion.

Even when she rose to the position of Chief Advisor, genuine allies were few and far between.

Navigating through the snow, a mixed sentiment of nostalgia and sorrow washed over her. The barren landscape, though bleak, resonated with her. Her inherent solitude, being unparalleled in many respects, meant friendships were rare.

Lack of self-assurance drove her to undertake the challenge of Izumi Mountain while still young. There, she lost her precious Jade and her dreams. Political pursuits, initially seen as a means to mend her fractured spirit and contribute to the world, proved fruitless.

The chilling desolation seemed unending.

Overcome with exhaustion, the thought of resting her eyes became increasingly enticing. As darkness began to close in, a sudden grip on her hand pulled her back to reality.

“Lily?” Amidst the snow, the striking figure in red stood out, anchoring Ayaka’s focus.

“Sister Ayaka, you mustn’t sleep!” Lily’s voice, although close, echoed as if from a great distance. “If you sleep, you’ll dream, giving Baku the upper hand!”

Realization struck Ayaka. The snow, the familiar surroundings... it was all an illusion. Unknowingly, she had been ensnared in a fabricated realm. Deprived of her dreams by Baku, she was now particularly vulnerable.

Lily, too, experienced a mirage. She found herself on a bustling, ancient street. Clad in a vibrant indigo kimono and holding a crimson parasol, she stood alone amidst the looming shadows. This cold, unpredictable world seemed ill-suited for a fragile girl.

Yet, with a defiant smirk, she mused, “So, you try to bewilder me with sights from my past, yet fail to even grasp the essence of my childhood Alll latest novels on novelbin/(.)com

1?” With her unwavering stride in Kamakura City, she declared, “Break!” and the illusion crumbled back into obscurity.

Baku owed its immense power to the countless denizens of Ashihara.

As the mountainous beast lunged, Lily’s primary concern was for Shimizu and Ayaka. While she could evade its onslaught, they might not fare as well. Shimizu lacked the requisite power, and Ayaka seemed too disoriented to react in time.

Without hesitation, Lily decided to confront the beast head-on. Her hair flew wildly as she declared, “Your size might be impressive, but inside, you’re hollow!” Launching herself into the air, cherry blossom petals dancing around her, she employed her domain to mitigate Baku’s impending assault. Simultaneously, her blade, Yasutsuna, slashed through the air.

A torrent of purple Lunar Force cut through the engulfing blackness. In defense, Baku unleashed a dark aura, forging a barrier to thwart her attack. As her strike penetrated the barrier, its force diminished with every layer it encountered.

With a swift motion, her attack landed on Baku’s massive visage, unleashing an eruption of black mist and carving a canyon-like gash. From this wound, a viscous purple fluid seeped out, revealing within it the distorted shapes of tormented humanoid figures, each writhing in pain and despair.

Baku’s response was an ear-piercing, high-pitched scream, reminiscent of a gargantuan pig’s squeal. The sound sent waves of pain through Lily’s head, while Shimizu and Ayaka also writhed under its torturous pitch.

Emerging from the black fog surrounding Baku were apparitions, part demon and part human, their lower forms dissolving into tendrils of smoky shadow. These dream demons lunged at the trio.

Though Lily summoned her Domain to counter them, each dream demon proved resilient, demanding considerable effort to vanquish. As they descended upon Ayaka and Shimizu, Lily cried out, “Sister! Remember who you are! The strong, determined Ayaka we know!”

Her words resonated in the engulfing blackness, pulling Ayaka from her daze. Facing the embodiment of her years of torment, Ayaka was filled not just with fear, but with a burning resentment. “It’s time to shatter my nightmares!” she declared. Wielding her weapon, she unleashed waves of stellar energy that decimated the approaching demons.

Conversely, the dream demons attacking Shimizu found themselves entranced by the haunting melody emanating from the ancient jade pendant on her chest. As they drifted towards her, ensnared by the music, they dissipated into black mist, which was then absorbed by the pendant. One by one, the dream demons were consumed.

Astonished, both Lily and Ayaka watched the scene unfold. With each dream demon absorbed, Shimizu’s aura intensified, growing more formidable.

Stammering with disbelief, Baku’s voice echoed through the abyss, “Impossible! You were nothing but a minor nuisance, beneath my notice. Yet now, you dare to absorb my power? Who are you

2?”

Footnotes:

Robinxen: To be fair to the poor thing, how is anything supposed to replicate the vibe of another world?

Silva: And suddenly, their weakest link now became their trump card against Baku