Before setting off, Simon had one important task to complete: replenishing his Soul Energy.
There were two methods: one was meditation, restoring energy through the Dream World; the second was the old method, devouring residual dreams.
In terms of efficiency, the second method far surpassed the first and could even increase the upper limit of Soul Energy. However, it carried significant risks due to too many chaotic memories, which would excessively strengthen Simon's subconscious, leading to severe effects including distraction and madness.
Simon's plan was to decide whether to devour souls after obtaining the Vessel mask, which would be safer.
Finding a safe, clean corner, Simon lay down, closed his eyes, and began to sleep.
The golden Dream World expanded, engulfing Simon.
Upon entering, he felt a sense of disintegration. He transformed into a pure white sun, projecting nearly ten thousand sub-consciousnesses.
The final stages of absorbing a massive amount of residual dreams in the Colosseum of Fools were not yet complete, and many of these sub-consciousnesses still lacked direction.
The scale of the Dream Gladiator Arena was becoming too small, so Simon decided to make further plans.
Based on the eighteen ranks divided from the main consciousness, every three ranks of sub-consciousnesses would share one arena, bringing the total number of arenas to six.
The lower the rank, the more sub-consciousnesses there were, as the memories extracted during their creation were too fragmented. Therefore, lower-rank consciousnesses had limited intelligence and chaotic personalities, which wouldn't cause too much trouble for higher-rank administrators.
For example, the lowest rank, "Junior Gladiators," numbered three thousand, but only twenty "Intermediate Gladiators" were responsible for managing them. The Intermediate Gladiators totaled one thousand, managed by only fifty "Senior Gladiators," and so on. Of the total nine thousand nine hundred and twenty-three sub-consciousnesses, there were only ten "Top Generals" who all participated in managing the next-highest rank of "High Commanders."
In terms of strength, naturally, the higher the rank, the stronger the individual. However, as the personalities of lower-rank sub-consciousnesses continuously improved, they could also be promoted to higher ranks.
Simon's Dream World had indeed formed a kingdom, a Kingdom of Fighters!
The six arenas were the battlegrounds and promotion sites for the fighters, with a system of elimination for selection. The number of individuals in each rank was fixed: if someone moved up, someone else moved down.
Sub-consciousnesses would grow through combat, enhancing the overall strength of Simon's soul, and simultaneously serving as an excellent method for him to sort and integrate chaotic memories.
The six Dream Gladiator Arenas were built on six platforms, progressively shrinking from bottom to top, like a pyramid, with the main consciousness as the sun hanging in the sky, illuminating everything.
The main consciousness perceived the vast Dream World.
How did this place come into being?
Why did all the bugs' dreams merge into one? Was it an instinct of the species? Or a creation of some great being?
A profound gaze interrupted his thoughts.
Deep within the Dream World's firmament, there was a brilliant light. Even the inherent splendor of the Dream World itself could not conceal the magnificent aura of this golden radiance.
"SURRENDER!" A bursting will surged forth, breaking through the barriers between dreams, transforming into a blurry, winged ball of light, emitting a terrifying roar that echoed relentlessly within Simon's dream.
It was The Radiance!
She had noticed Simon, perhaps finding such a powerful soul to be a delightful hunt. The Radiance's will carried an unquestionable majesty, compelling one not to resist, to prostrate oneself before the great light.
Simon's dream erupted into chaos. Many of the lower-tier sub-consciousnesses were infected by The Radiance's will, beginning to emit an orange-red glow, and the infection started to spread.
The main consciousness transformed into a pure white Nail, condensed from light, and plunged downward into the Dream World, destroying the infected sub-consciousnesses. Simultaneously, the remaining sub-consciousnesses transformed into rays of light, pouring into this sharp, massive Nail.
The Nail, imbued with the great will of countless warriors, charged at the god!
A single strike pierced directly into The Radiance's avatar that had entered the dream, sweeping away all obstacles and hitting a vital spot!
The Radiance let out a cold roar, "I! WILL! NOT! BE! DEFEATED!"
Subsequently, The Radiance's avatar, torn apart by the sword energy, shattered. As The Radiance's true form was about to continue its assault, it was restricted by a seal and had no choice but to withdraw its gaze.
A massive amount of dream essence gushed from the shattered avatar, integrating into the battle-hardened Nail, causing mystical, iridescent patterns to appear on its surface, as if it were a divine weapon forged through a thousand trials.
This time, it was a blessing in disguise. Simon's main consciousness re-separated the sub-consciousnesses; their number had decreased by nearly a thousand, primarily lower-rank fighters, but the overall quality had improved significantly. Those previously sluggish and chaotic sub-consciousnesses became intelligent and clear-minded.
Simon sensed that his Soul Energy was completely replenished, and had even increased substantially. He no longer wished to linger in the Dream World and promptly woke himself up.
Opening his eyes, he still saw the scenery of the Queen's Gardens. Simon stood up, feeling a bit tired. This nightmare was quite perilous; if The Radiance hadn't been blocked by the seal, he might not have escaped this time. It seemed he couldn't enter the Dream World recently, unless it was to specific locations.
After the danger, Simon quickly adjusted his mood and, following his plan, headed to the Fungal Wastes to meet the three Mantis Lords.
Arriving at the tribe, Simon keenly sensed the oppressive atmosphere. There were no warrior guards on the path, and a few hurried figures vaguely leaped quickly between platforms, rushing towards the center of the village.
Simon followed the figures ahead, arriving at the battle arena where he had originally fought the three Lords. The gate here was lowered, and a fierce battle was taking place inside.
Dozens of Traitor Mantises were being besieged by the three Lords. Although they were stronger than the tribe's warriors, they were far inferior to the Lords.
The death of the Traitor Lord had a profound impact on the Mantis tribe's inner circle. It seemed that some of the traitors decided to return to the tribe and accept judgment.
These traitors had regained their honor, but their actions had caused irreparable pain, so the tribe decided to grant them a warrior's death, an honorable execution personally carried out by the Lords.
The traitors fell one by one. Simon could see them fighting desperately; their clear minds gave them more agile combat techniques, but this could not compensate for the power gap between them and the Lords. It could only be said that their resistance made this closing ceremony of death more spectacular.
That was all.
It didn't take long for the traitors to be completely annihilated. The gate rose, and the three Lords emerged, meeting Simon.
They spoke in unison, "Thank you for your help. From today, the tribe's honor is once again complete!"
Simon said solemnly, "Before the Traitor Lord died, he wished for me to convey a message to you all, and I agreed. So, do you wish to hear it? If not, I will record these words, and you can read them whenever you wish."
The three Lords' expressions froze. After a long silence, the Great Chief softly said, "Under honor, all hatred dissipates. Please speak, we can accept it."
"He said he missed the days of flying and hunting in his youth, and expressed his apologies, also saying that power was not at fault. Finally, as he was completely consumed by the infection, he shouted, 'Light! The Radiance! Protect! Attack!' After shouting, he completely collapsed."
The three Lords turned their backs, softly sobbing. The Second Lord remained still, and the Great Chief whispered, "Thank you. You will always be a honored guest of the tribe."
Simon shook his head, said nothing, and turned to leave.