Welcome to my Dream World || (deukae)

Chapter 16: Resurge of the Nightmare

The air of the Passage of Enchantment hummed with an ancient melody, a song of battles fought and won, as the steadfast group of seven made their way through its winding embrace. Handong strode at the forefront, her gaze fierce and unyielding, while Minji's steady presence at the rear ensured none were left behind. The walls around them shimmered with a faint iridescence, casting their determined faces in a spectral light.

"Remember," Handong's voice cut through the silence, "the Nightmare thrives on our fear. We cannot let it divide us."

"United we stand," Yoohyeon echoed, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, the determination in her voice as sharp as the blade she wielded.

Bora nodded solemnly, her eyes reflecting the weight of their impending confrontation. "Together, we've come this far. Together, we'll see the end of this."

"Watch each other's backs," Siyeon added, clenching her fists. "We are stronger than any shadow that dares to darken our path."

"Let's weave the dream that will trap this Nightmare once and for all," Dami chimed in, her strategic mind already turning the wheels of war.

"Hope is our greatest weapon," Gahyeon murmured, a soft smile gracing her lips despite the gravity of their situation.

"Plans are nothing without action," Minji stated from the back, her voice resonant with leadership, urging them forward. "Keep moving, keep vigilant."

Handong led them through the serpentine roads, her steps measured and purposeful. Each curve in the passage revealed new patterns etched into the stone, symbols of enchantment that whispered of old magic and untold secrets. The air seemed to thicken with expectation, each breath they took laced with the tang of possibility and the unknown.

"Stay alert," Handong instructed, her keen eyes scanning the path ahead. "The Nightmare could be laying traps for us even now."

"Understood," Bora replied, her own senses heightened to catch any sign of ambush or deceit.

"Handong, you think it knows we're coming?" Dami questioned, her fingers tracing the outline of the Dream Caster concealed within her cloak.

"Without doubt," Handong responded, her tone leaving no room for uncertainty. "But our will is ironclad. We cannot falter now."

"Then we walk into the heart of mystery with eyes wide open," Siyeon declared, her resolve as unwavering as the stone beneath their feet.

"Every step we take is a step toward victory," Gahyeon added, her youthful optimism a beacon of light in the dim corridor.

"Remember, the Nightmare has never faced a force like us," Minji said confidently, bringing up the rear with the poise of a queen leading her army into battle. "We have each other, and that's more than it can handle."

Their voices melded together in a chorus of courage, a testament to their unity. As they delved deeper into the Passage of Enchantment, the very air seemed to hold its breath, anticipating the clash of wills that would soon echo through its hallowed halls.

As they continued on, a wide river, which seemed to flow darkness infected by the Nightmare, lay before them like a dark chasm, its waters rushing with an urgency that could sweep away even the sturdiest of warriors. The Passage of Enchantment had thrown them into the jaws of yet another challenge, and the seven companions came to an abrupt halt at its edge.

"Looks like the Nightmare isn't making this easy for us," Yoohyeon observed, peering into the murky depths where the water churned and frothed.

"Easy was never part of the plan," Handong said, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. "We need to find a way across."