Chapter 1076: Know Yourself

Nephis nodded. The source of this content no/v(el)bi((n))

"Song and Valor are going to be in a race to conquer it. They will search for Nightmare Gates that can be used to establish a beachhead in the unexplored region of the Dream Realm where the black pyramid is located. Once they find a comparatively safe fort, they will use the Call to transport their Saints, Masters, and Awakened there, establishing temporary outposts."

She paused. Looked at him, and continued:

"These outposts will be used to launch expeditions toward the pyramid. The end goal is to find a relatively safe place in close proximity to it, build a true fortress there, and then use that fortress as the staging ground for the conquest of the Tomb."

Changing Star lingered for a moment.

"It might be easier to think of it in terms of the Forgotten Shore. Each Gate is connected to a Seed of Nightmare somewhere in the region. Some Seeds might be in the depths of the Crimson Labyrinth, and everyone who follows the Call to the area around them will be drowned by the Dark Sea. Some Seeds, however, might be located on higher ground-those who enter the Dream Realm near these Seeds will be able to survive, and then slowly make their way through the labyrinth. lіghtnоvеlcave. The end goal is to find a place like the Dark City, build a fortress akin to the Bright Castle, and then use it to conquer the Crimson Spire."

"What an apt metaphor."

Sunny couldn't help but smile darkly.

"They might find out that this task is much harder than they imagine it to be."

In theory, such a plan seemed solid. Each of the hundreds, if not thousands of Nightmare Gates in East Antarctica was connected to a Seed of Nightmare in the region surrounding the Tomb of Ariel. By relying on the Call, these Gates could be used to enter the Dream Realm somewhere near the corresponding Seed.

Then, by pinpointing a suitably safe area and the Gate connected to it, the great clans could transport their forces into the Dream Realm without risking instant annihilation. These forces would then explore and fight their way toward the black pyramid.

The region could contain several Citadels, even by conquering one, Song or Valor would be able to establish a safe and stable corridor to ferry fighters and supplies over. if there were no Citadels except for the Tomb of Ariel itself, though, the Saints would have to play the role of ferrymen.

But... the mysterious desert was utterly lethal. It was much worse than even the Forgotten Shore. And the forces of the great clans would not only have to fight against the endless flood of Nightmare Creatures populating it - they would also have to fight against each other.

Sunny couldn't help but shiver. Nephis, meanwhile, simply nodded.

"I guess there is none. So, we are going to meet in the Southern Quadrant?"

Changing Star shrugged.

"If you wish. Or... you can stay out of this mess entirely. You have made it very clear that you don't want to have anything to do with the great clans and their war, so... it's up to you if and how much you get involved."

Sunny smiled darkly.

"Up to me, huh?"

'Yeah, no... that ship has sailed.'

He really could hide in some remote siege capital, use his service record and exalted status to get himself a cushy assignment, and spend the rest of the campaign relaxing... as much anyone could relax in Antarctica. However, was he willing to?

Did he want to?

...Not really.

'If I do not go to hell, who else will go?'

Sunny had once told the Sin of Solace that the great clans were free to act with impunity because there was no one around to hold them responsible. He did not wish to teach anyone lessons in responsibility... But he did want to teach those bastards a lesson in humility. The harsher and more painful the lesson, the better.

'I'll make them pay... if I go to hell, I'll drag them with me...'

Sunny looked at the boundless blue sky, then turned to Nephis and smiled.

"See you in Antarctica, then."