The landscape before the seven aspects is transformed into a breathtaking expanse– an endless verdant meadow stretching as far as the eye can see. Amelia recounts the curious sight she noticed nestled in the midst of this vast pasture.

Kanji "Interesting... a jester you say. Perhaps it is the next Executioner. Though I have to wonder if this is a sudden shift in the terrain it's the fault or the one outside this world."

Gwen "Theorizing will only keep us guessing. I propose we take our chances to Flora's heart. Mina, if you please?"

Mina "Of course. Just let me know when to stop."

As the RV ventures forth, the wheels traverse over what seems to be a circular end of the jester's peculiar, pointed hat. Mina momentarily halts, seeking a tip from the others, but their thoughts are clear— they must go deeper. Claire, curious, reaches out and senses a notable shift in the wind currents.

Claire "Kaney! Guys! I got a bad feeling about-

Suddenly, the earthen patches are overrun with swift-growing grass, cloaking the jester from the view of mere mortals.

Amelia "Hold on! There's something in the center!"

Emerging from the spot where the jester's maw once was, a translucent golden pillar rises, its craftsmanship so intricate, it looks as if the finest artisans sculpted it. Amelia taps Mina's shoulder, urging for a closer view of the intriguing edifice. Without hesitation, Mina revs the engine.

Amelia "Bloody heavens! Dear Mina, that was a tad fast!"

Mina "Oops! Got a bit carried away there, haha."

Sarah "That is fucking weird reaction seeing what our shit we are going through right now."

Claire "Hey! Show a bit of optimism, Sarah!"

Diana "You guys seriously can't handle the acceleration. Pft!"

Sarah "Dude. Easy for you to say, when you're nearly molded into the door frame! Of course, you didn't feel it!"

Kanji "Alright. Alright. Calm down, ladies. Gwen has picked up something interesting."

Gwen "I sense a biosignature coming from the structure."

Kanji "... Ummm. You're right. Though my life sensor says it isn't from within but behind the structure."

Emerging from the pillar's shadow is a creature with a grotesque appearance. Stooped with age, it possesses a hunched back, disproportionately long but muscular limbs, its skin a sickly green hue resembling mucus, and its visage is reminiscent of goblins from ancient tales. Adorning its body is an undersized jester's attire, striped in hues of purple and gold cloth, which unintentionally accentuates its unsettling features– a dormant third eye on its forehead and two long tapeworms piercing through its belly button and encircling its thigh.

Suddenly— Its face turns toward their direction. The eye's gold lay firm on the party before the creature burst into laughter.

Amelia "Dear god, that creature's appearance is the very definition of revolting. Also, why is laughing and... Wait. There’s a label on its neck. It says 'Dreamborn'."

Claire "Damn. Does that mean it can do something with dreams? Ew! Hell no!"

Kanji "Let’s approach it with caution. I have a strange feeling that the crystal is the actual core of this world."

Gwen "What led you to such a hypothesis?"

Kanji "Multiple factors, actually. First, its resemblance to the smaller crystals from before which lack any apparent impact on the world. Secondly, the shift of the world is followed by that pillar or cylinder if you want it. Finally, the fact that these two are placed close to each other, screaming 'Protect this core!'."

Diana "Err... boss? What is it doing now?"

Dreamborn, with a flourish, materializes a massive sack, swiftly stowing the pillar within before slinging it over its back.

Mina "Damn it! It's making a break for it. Everyone! Brace yourselves!"

In a scramble, Kanji, Claire, and Gwen squeeze into the front seat beside Mina, while Diana gathers the others, anchoring herself against the doorway. Mina floors the accelerator, aiming to ram Dreamborn, who hears the sound of wheels and aggressive honking. In its hand, the creature readies a triad of swirling, vibrant energy composing yellow and purple forces.

With a swing of its right arm, the shots are fired granting Dreamborn the chance to run away.

Unable to evade in time, the mysterious blasts strike the trio up front. They're shortly overwhelmed by a visceral sensation, which fades almost as quickly. Gwen, puzzled, inspects her allies for any evident changes but there is none physically.

Gwen "It appears those strange bolts had no lasting effect."

Kanji "No, it sort of did. For a brief moment, an image flashed in my mind. It was something I could remember when I was younger. It was a dream... no it was-

Claire "A nightmare. I had a nightmare where thousands of wild foxes came to life and ate me alive. It was the worst."

Sarah "Guys. D-Did you hear that?"

The group's united gaze is drawn rearward, where an approaching crimson tide of foxes is visibly approaching them from a distance. Kanji quickly directs everyone into a defensive formation around the RV, with Diana and himself taking charge while the others provide support.

Kanji "Amelia. I want you to make a clone of us to the far right as far as you can away from the RV. At the same time, Diana you will hit the ground just enough to create a dust cloud. I say make use of that new arm."

Mina "Wait.... so you want to make it seem like we teleported. Why though?"

Kanji "If that bastard can manifest nightmares come to life then we have a greater issue at hand. We're not just dealing with foxes but armed foxes with miniguns."

Sarah "Wait! You had a nightmare about miniguns?! How?!"

Kanji "The ravages of war can scar a person deeply. On that note, Gwen, what was your nightmare?"

Gwen "What nightmare? No image transpired for me."

Claire "Bestie! Now is not the time to act brave!"

Gwen "I'm merely speaking the truth. Never once have I had a nightmare."

Kanji "Alright, for now, we'll take you at your word. It appears that our imminent concern is an impending region of foxes armed to the teeth. Here’s the strategy."

The team huddles as Kanji outlines his plan.

At first, the girls raise their brows as the strategy seems absurd, but as he explains further, their faces alight with approval. Diana comes forward and raises her tentacle hand up high. The region of squirrels spots her gesture, pausing the march and aiming their guns in caution. The creature's eyes are blood red and filled with madness, their little claws shaking upon the triggers.

As Diana's tentacle swishes down in a dramatic arc, a colossal cloud of dirt billows around. Across the battlefield, the militia catches sight of lurking clones on their right and unleashes a barrage of gunfire.

Seizing this golden opportunity, Sarah quickly hands Diana a rugged shovel. With determination, Diana starts digging, and like a rehearsed dance, the group descends into the hole. With unerring accuracy, Sarah fires her ring through the earthy walls, adjusting slightly left with each shot. Taking her cue, Diana intensifies her digging, and with Mina's ability to accelerate time, the soil ages rapidly. Their combined efforts allow them to burrow under the enemy's location in mere seconds.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Kanji wields his chain, slashing a tiny hole just big enough for a hand to fit through. Over at the initial entrance, Amelia grapples to maintain her intricate illusion. Observing this, Claire takes her fractured thermal suit from her inventory. It pulsates with a warm, orange energy, morphing suddenly into... a chocolate bar?

Amelia "What in the bloody fuck is that?"

Claire "It's chocolate. Well, a really weird kind I once had as a kid. It packs a lot of energy that you believe it."

Amelia "It doesn't even have a label, lass. A bit sketchy, ain't it?"

Claire "... Nah. I'm sure it's fine."

In a flash, she pops the bar into her friend's open mouth.

A surge of energy rejuvenates Amelia, invigorating her to intensify her illusions. Their movements are now more nimble, they dodge and taunt the fox-like enemies, drawing even more fire. Below the surface, Kanji gives Gwen a discreet nod. Positioning her hand through the hole, she prepares for her next move. Kanji stands nearby and fill any gaps, ensuring no air through from the surface.

Kanji "I really just hope this works..."

Gwen's grip tightens, and the lack of air ensnares their opponents, bringing immense suffering to half of the fox army.

Sarah "Holy shit! I can't believe that worked! We didn't die!"

Kanji "I'm glad but we have to hurry before they decide to split off."

Claire, catching the tail end of their exchange through the echos, spins towards Amelia with a proposal.

Claire "Alright! This might sound crazy but trust me. We don't want them to spread out, right? And they are scared right now so... what if we create giant versions of ourselves around them and make them go into one place."

Amelia "That's the most ludicrous idea I have ever heard!... Let's try it!"

Harnessing the remnants of her explosive energy boost, Amelia dissolves the mini replicas, conjuring instead seven towering apparitions to surround their foes. The sight sends shivers down the foxes' spines, prompting some to drop their weapons as they huddle together in fear.

Kanji "Hold on! The sensor is telling me that they are clumping together right now. Gwen! Hurry!"

Unhesitatingly, Gwen thrusts her hand through the earthen hole once more. As her energy pulses, the fox army starts sinking, one after the other, into oblivion. The team regroups near their fine RV, finding Amelia almost incapacitated from her reckless exertion. Claire tenderly carries her inside and to her room, placing a blanket over the lass.

Claire "You did really well, lass."

Amelia "Heh. It is odd when you say it. But, I can still help you know."

Claire "I know, but only once you recover. Stay out of the next fight!"

Amelia "Fine. A little rest can't hurt nobody."

Descending to the RV's ground floor, Claire stumbles upon an intense debate.

Kanji "Tell me honestly that you at least had a single nightmare, Gwen. Do not lie."

Gwen "I have never experienced such a thing! You're getting off-topic! We need to decide our next destination. I say we go to Stogan."

Kanji "But what if that bastard's powers scale up with terrain? I say we go to Wata just in case."

Gwen "Really? The place where our last foe and the most powerful version of itself was created. You're undoubtedly contradicting yourself!"

Claire "Kaney! Bestie! Now is not the time! I hate it when you two fight! I expect you guys to be more mature irl."

The two geniuses become silent as a sign of agreement. With a truce formed, they focus on an expertly drawn map of the world which Claire lays down on the floor. Deciding together, they set a course for Stogan. But upon arrival, a grim scene unfolds— much like Flora, the landscape is flattened into an unyielding stone plain. Mina steers southward, searching for Goral's lair.

Mina "Oh no! Where is it?! Is he... is he gone? This can't be. It's too soon. I wanted to give a proper goodbye."

Sarah "Fuck! That sucks! He was such a cool old man."

Diana "May you rest in peace. Old farmer."

Gwen "It is his unavoidable fate. Let's not tarnish his will by stalling. I see a structure in the distance."

All eyes follow her lead. A gargantuan silhouette looms on the horizon, shrouded by a lavender haze. Their intrigue piqued, they draw nearer. Gradually, the mist thins, revealing a stone statue sculpted in Dreamborn's head, a twisted grin etched onto its face. Kanji's eyes narrow on a yellow cylinder perched on the monument's tongue. Determined, the group dismounts the RV, cautiously inching closer to the tongue.

Kanji "That's odd. On the device, there is no signal suggesting it's nearby."

Mina/Diana/Sarah "Guys! Watch out!"

They turn forward, facing the direction of the statue but... there is nothing there.

Kanji/Gwen/Claire "... What? There's nothing there-

But unbeknownst to these, Dreamborn has been charging at them since leaving the RV. As Diana dashes to intervene but it's a split second too late. The creature performs a wide kick knocking everyone including Diana off their balance. Panic merges with confusion as they spot three spiraling energies manifesting on its palm.

The creature gleefully hurls its projectiles at its new targets. It then escapes with a haunting, mocking laughter that echoes in the misty atmosphere.

Diana "Fuck! That clown got us! I won't let you go that easy!"

With adrenaline pumping fiercely through her veins, Diana springs into action, moving with an uncanny speed. She zeroes in on the clownish figure, which is now darting toward the cylindrical core. Observing closely, Sarah sees that its target is the cylinder and, with precision, throws her ring at it. The ring sails with deadly intent. However, at the last moment, Dreamborn reacts, executing a defensive kick that mutilates its foot but successfully diverts the ring's trajectory, cutting off a small section of the cylinder.

Diana "Nice job Sarah! That fucker's feet look messy! We have a chance!"

Emerging from the periphery, Mina catches up to Diana.

Mina "Whew! I made it!"

Diana "Wow! You are a fast runner! We should do something now before that fucker disappears like last time!"

Mina "We need to stop it from going close to the cylinder, right? If only, I could get close enough to age its feet."

Diana "... Okay. I got an idea but you have to trust me."

With a surge of newfound trust, Diana swiftly takes hold of Mina and launches her toward the creature.

Mina "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Mina’s descent finds her grappling onto the creature's leg, fervently dodging the hideous tapeworms threatening her grasp. Harnessing her unique abilities, she ages the creature's limb, rendering it fragile. However, Dreamborn retaliates, delivering a blow to her liver that knocks Mina off. As the creature makes its way inches closer to the cylinder, Diana lunges and strikes a powerful straight punch.

Dreamborn evades, but the impact severely damages the structure.

Diana "Yes! I got it!"

The creature panics and touches the cylinder before vanishing once more. Diana turns around and carries Mina who is still holding on in pain. The party feels a strange presence around and decides to head into the RV in refuge.

The creature, overtaken by panic, interacts with the cylinder once more, fading from sight. As the dust settles, Diana rushes to Mina's side who is still holding in the pain. The party feels a strange presence around them and decides to head into the RV.

Kanji "Good job you three!"

Mina "N-No-No... p-problem."

Sarah "You okay, dude?"

Mina "Of course! A little hit in the liver wouldn't knock this girl out!"

Kanji "It was very brave of you. Anyway, the danger is still there. But first, I discovered a strange occurrence when you struck that cylinder."

Claire "Oh yeah! The sky flickered and glitched for a bit!"

Gwen "Wait. You spot it, too. It was quite brief. I'm honestly impressed!"

Claire "You're speaking to an artist. I know a thing or two about frames."

Kanji "The frame we saw was a night sky. It might be the outside world but there was something else there. Something bright and fast approaching and there was... a timer? No more like a cluster of stars, forming a timer. How long since this world shifted?"

Gwen "About 6 six hours in terms of real hours but from our standpoint... it is only one hour."

Kanji "The timer outside was counting down from 6 hours. That means we only have one hour left."

Claire "Wait! Are you telling me that the bright thing is maybe a meteor?!"

Gwen "Stating the obvious, Claire. John Calsion is hoping to destroy us along with the Executioners."

Diana "Now, that is some bullshit tactics! Then we should hurry!"

Kanji "Alright. But first, what are your nightmares?"

Diana "... steroids. I had a dream once where my muscles would explode overusing it."

Sarah "... My little kittens. Dear god those things were disgusting. The way they hug and kiss you without permission still scars me."

Mina "... Mine is weird. It is a large endless wall full of people slowly approaching me which I could only run from until I dropped out of stamina. Then I joined them."

Gwen "A bit philosophical and with a pinch of trauma. I would like to analyze you sometimes, my dear Mina."

Claire "Hey! Leave her alone! That was hella scary!"

Kanji "And it only getting scarer! Look!"

Their contemplation is rudely interrupted as a real nightmare takes form— a menacing wall of muscular cats charges at them.

Kanji "Starts the engine now!"

With a determined grip, Mina floors the accelerator, pushing their transport ever deeper into the eastern reaches towards Wata. The looming wall, however, is unrelenting in its pursuit and steadily closes in. As the pressure mounts, Kanji sifts through his options, before attempting to summon his portal. Shock ripples through the group as, against all odds, it flares to life.

Gwen "Huh. It seems that the broken core allowed access to your subspace."

Claire "This is great we can put everyone in there."

Amelia "Umm... Fellas! WHAT IN BLOODY FUCK IS THAT?!"

Claire "Amy! Can you move right now?!"

Amelia "Y-Yes! Hold on! I'm going down!"

Rejoining her comrades, Amelia's legs betray a bit of shaking.

Sarah "Dude. You are definitely not okay."

Amelia "They're just a little numb! That's all!"

Kanji "Good to see your fighting spirit hasn't waned. Mina, We are abandoning ship. It would be faster to fly to Wata."

Mina "Got it!"

A sense of urgency pervades as they disembark from their transport. At a swift touch on Kanji's device tablet, their hefty transport vanishes into subspace. Leading the charge, Kanji and the wielders unfurl their majestic wings, leaving the encroaching wall behind in a burst of speed. Wata soon unfolds below them, an eerie landscape of a seabed uplifted. What once lay hidden beneath the waves now stretches out— a vast, rock-studded plain adorned with bizarre coral formations, eerily reminiscent of jesters. But amidst this unsettling panorama, Dreamborn awaits, its cylindrical companion curiously absent— unless, of course, the group can see it.

The creature engages in a somewhat mocking dance.

Ameliah "Ugh! Why is that Buffon prancing about with his arse?!"

Kanji "That's right! You're the only that can see him. Everyone guard Amelia! She'll be our guide!"

Dreamborn's confidence shatters, realizing it has been seen. Quickly identifying Amelia as the source, a grin breaks out on its face, before dissolving into outright laughter. In its palm, a swirling vortex of purple and yellow materializes. Dreamborn gives it a playful juggle before launching it skyward with a kick.

It quickly drops and flies through the group's defense, hitting Amelia.

Amelia "Oi, what was the bloody hell?! That didn't even sting. And by the way, I can still see you, you complete dumbarse!"

The Jester's jaw drops and its eyes stretch outward in shock.

(To be continued)