Chapter 69 - 66: Is This Still the Safe Zone I Know?

Chapter 69: Chapter 66: Is This Still the Safe Zone I Know?

"???"

The two Dream Descenders nearby were completely baffled.

They had abruptly fallen into a dream, and now they were both unsettled by the sudden change in environment and worried about what dangers this Nightmare would hold.

And then they heard the outrageous claim that "being in a Nightmare is like coming home."

’Where did this lunatic come from?’

’Oh, they’re from a big organization. Better not to mess with them.’

But Xi Xue called out to the two of them.

She had a gut feeling that the Manager liked a lively atmosphere.

By her own "astounding wisdom," she deduced that the Manager was something of a powerful but lonely young man who would naturally want his shop to be a bit more bustling. It was only logical.

"Come on, come on, let’s find the Safe Zone first. Once we’re there, we won’t have to be on guard against every little thing."

With that, Xi Xue took out her Member Card, which was imprinted with the profile of a Witch.

She activated it immediately, and a faint path appeared in her vision, winding its way toward a certain location in the Nightmare Area.

"Let’s go~!"

The other two Dream Descenders exchanged a glance and ultimately decided to follow.

There was no other reason; this person from the Wizard’s House was simply too calm, as if she had some incredible backing.

Having fallen into the Nightmare, they had no idea where to go anyway, so they decided to tag along for now.

They proceeded with caution along the way.

Xi Xue wasn’t careless either, remaining vigilant of her surroundings.

This Nightmare Area was much larger than the previous Nightmare Dormitory, and before reaching the Safe Zone, their journey was no different from any other Nightmare exploration.

They moved cautiously and slowly.

They couldn’t just reach the Safe Zone in a few steps.

"If we just follow you like this, we’ll find the Safe Zone?"

Peaches couldn’t see the guiding path; she was worried Xi Xue had no sense of direction.

Xi Xue glared. "Are you looking down on my intelligence?"

"Then tell us more about the Safe Zone."

"Fine~ I’m a regular at the Safe Zone. As long as we follow the rules of the shop, we’ll be under the Manager’s protection."

Xi Xue said, "Let me tell you, the Safe Zone is way more amazing than you can imagine. It’s not some crude, protective camp at all, but a warm, comfortable, and safe place. Once we’re there, it’s just like being back in the real world—totally relaxing."

"Ahem, of course, we’re all ambitious people, and the Manager has promised that we can use the Safe Zone as a base to conquer the Nightmare."

"We can use the Safe Zone to escape dangerous moments in the Nightmare World."

"We can also use it to escape from the pursuit of aberrations."

"So, tell me, isn’t that awesome~!"

"That really is awesome!"

Peaches exclaimed in admiration.

If it can even block aberrations, what’s to worry about not being able to clear the Nightmare?

’I’ve got to latch onto the Manager’s thigh even tighter now.’

The two other unaffiliated Dream Descenders were also shocked and skeptical. ’A Safe Zone?’

’If the Safe Zone is really that miraculous, doesn’t that mean this Nightmare is a sure thing?’

They had no aspirations of conquering the Nightmare; they just hoped to lie down and get through it easily for once.

Their thoughts drifted in different directions—some with anticipation, some with skepticism, some with impatience.

Finally,

ahead on the forest path, which was covered in dead branches and rotten leaves, a shop appeared out of nowhere.

It was as if it had been forcefully and domineeringly embedded into the Nightmare World.

Without Xi Xue even having to say a word, the other three could guess that the storefront before them was the legendary Safe Zone.

"We’re here, we’re here! Come with me, I’ll show you around."

Xi Xue pushed open the door.

The inside of the shop seemed a little different from her last visit.

It had looked different from the outside, too; the storefront was at least twice as large as before.

The interior was larger as well, with many more tables and chairs.

’Maybe the Manager expanded the Safe Zone?’

’That’s not really surprising, though.’

she thought.

After entering, she saw three other Dream Descenders inside the shop.

The three of them were sitting at a table, brewing tea and cracking melon seeds.

Seeing them arrive, one of them raised an eyebrow. "More Dream Descenders have arrived. Are you new? Need me to show you the ropes?"

"No need. I’m no newbie. I’m an old hand when it comes to the Safe Zone."

In truth, no introduction was needed.

As soon as you entered the shop, you could see a large sign posted on the side.

"This establishment offers safe and reliable sanctuary, aiming to provide passing Dream Descenders with a place to catch their breath within the Nightmare World."

"This sanctuary is provided by the esteemed Manager. All patrons should proactively maintain order within the shop and work together to build a harmonious and orderly Safe Zone."

"The Safe Zone contains supplies, special Treasure Medicines, and numerous facilities, which Dream Descenders may purchase as needed."

Xi Xue didn’t see the Manager.

So, she and Peaches found a table, sat down, and began using the touchscreen on the tabletop as instructed.

"Whoa, just like you said, there’s a lot of food here."

"Y-Yeah, there is."

"So which ones are good? Give me a recommendation."

"Ahem! Are we here to just eat and drink? We’re here on business!"

Xi Xue absolutely could not admit that there hadn’t been this many drinks and snacks the last time she was here.

She had just been bragging about being a regular.

If she admitted it, her junior sister would laugh at her for a whole year.

Peaches was not short on Dream Dust, carrying several kilograms of it as pocket change. She ordered a dozen or so items on the spot, mainly because the prices were a bit cheap and she couldn’t help herself.

Compared to the real world, over ten grams of Dream Dust for a single item was of course expensive.

But this was the Nightmare World.

"There’s also an appraisal service. 50 grams for a single appraisal, 20% off for a bundle of ten, and an additional discount for members."

Peaches looked at Xi Xue. "This appraisal... it seems like it can even identify a Curse Object’s effects, usage methods, and side effects!"

The Dream Descender community also had the profession of "Appraiser."

It was just that their appraisals weren’t this convenient or affordable.

Especially when appraising Curse Objects, you couldn’t get results in just a short while.

"Hey, how long does an appraisal take, and how accurate is it?"

she asked Xi Xue.

Xi Xue averted her gaze.

Peaches: "???"

Peaches: "Didn’t you say you were a regular? This is it? This is all you’ve got?"

Xi Xue coughed dryly. "Well, the Manager expanded the Safe Zone and added some new things. That’s normal, right?"

"Then what about these? The special items for sale: Flaming Torch, ’Get Fired Up’ Special Drink, and the Witchcraft Flying Eye... what are they? And the Witchcraft Flying Eye is for rent only, not for sale, and it’s currently out of stock?"

"Um, about that..."

Just as Xi Xue was racking her brain for an excuse, she spotted a familiar figure.

It was the Hair Ghost.

The Hair Ghost retrieved a Witchcraft Flying Eye and its accompanying equipment from the stock area and brought it to the three Dream Descenders at the other table.

"Your rented Witchcraft Flying Eye."

"Alright, thank you, Mr. Hair Ghost. With this powerful tool to open our Celestial Eye, conquering this Nightmare is a sure thing~!"

The three Dream Descenders, who were clearly only at the Fusion Stage, cradled the eyeball-shaped creation, looking completely confident.

They were even more confident than she had been back when she was at the Fusion Stage.

There were so many things she didn’t understand, things she’d never even heard of.

"Is this even the Safe Zone I know anymore!"