Epic Dungeon: Nightmare Paradise/Story

Epic DungeonStory

Story

The Ruins of Kunlun

In the aftermath of the battle in Shangri-La, Baekyeon – sealed within the hanging scroll of autumn by Shensung – sensed the presence of not only Shensung and Maolang, but the four other traitorous elders of spring and autumn: Chenyuan the dragon elder, Yinshuai the tiger elder, Xula the dog elder, and Youzhen the rooster elder. Though Baekyeon was furious to realize that the elders had kidnapped Ara as well, he realized that there was little that he could do while sealed away and resolved to wait until the right moment arrived. Shensung then suggested that they leave Shangri-La and report to Darmoor that everything had gone according to plan, laughing off Maolang's warning for him to stop acting like he was their leader. Yinshuai agreed and pointed out that they were all equals, while Youzhen told Shensung not to go off on his own, as they were all in the same boat. Chenyuan suggested that they continue according to plan, with Xula remaining silent as Shensung laughed off the elders' admonishment before opening a portal away from the realm of the sages. Soon after, Baekyeon awoke to find himself trapped inside an enormous green crystal, with an Apostle of Darmoor named Ymir experimenting upon him. As Baekyeon demanded to know what Ymir was planning to do to him, Ymir merely told him not to be afraid, as he merely needed to watch what she was about to show him. As Ymir continued her work, Baekyeon felt his mind growing dull as he wondered how long he had been captured for, as even Ara's energy had grown quite faint to him. As Baekyeon began to lose consciousness, he overheard a furious Maolang protesting over Ymir and the other elders using Baekyeon and Ara as test subjects, noting that she had already said many times that there was no need for it. Yinshuai pointed out that though they had enough data, there were still quite a number of variables to work out, with Chenyuan adding that they still needed to see whether Darmoor's tricks would work on someone as powerful as the Four Symbols. As Maolang reluctantly agreed, Youzhen noted that though he was indifferent to it, he couldn't help but wonder why she was so strongly against it, and whether Shensung was right about her feeling guilty over their betrayal. Yinshuai chided Maolang and told her to wake up, reminding her that there was no turning back for them, with Chenyuan adding that there was nothing more they could do about it. Ymir then broke up their argument as she suggested that they get started. She then turned to Baekyeon as she began the experiment and told him to show her his inner self.

As darkness overtook Baekyeon, he soon awoke to find himself in the burning ruins of Kunlun – the mountainous region where the elders had hidden the original hanging scroll that led to Shangri-La. Baekyeon was shocked to find himself in Kunlun, as he had believed that the entire region should be sealed away. Suddenly, he noticed that the hanging scroll of Shangri-La was burning in the flames. As Baekyeon's head began to throb in pain, he realized that the traitorous elders must have broken the barrier to Shangri-La in order to escape their prison and spread their contamination to the outside world. Realizing that the barrier around Kunlun had been breached, Baekyeon concluded that the Four Symbols had failed in their duty to guard Shangri-La. Just then, he looked up to see that a barrier had been created by the traitorous elders using red thread and talismans. Sensing its energy, he realized that the elders weren't far, causing him to wonder what they were after. He noted that the other Symbols were safe, though Ara's energy seemed to be rather strange. Nevertheless, Baekyeon realized that not all was lost yet, as the elders had created the Scroll of Purification as a failsafe in Kunlun in the event that Shangri-La fell. As Baekyeon charged forward, he realized that the barrier had likely been constructed to hinder him from reaching the hidden pavilion where the scroll was kept. He then proceeded to fight through the contaminated monsters in the area as he began to destroy the scrolls sustaining the barrier. Nevertheless, he quickly realized that he wouldn't be able to make much more progress without defeating the one who had created the barrier, noting that the barrier's immense power meant that its creator had to be nearby to sustain it.

As he began examining the barrier's magic, he realized that the source of its power was split into multiple places, causing him to conclude that the combination of barrier and cloning magic meant that only Shensung could be responsible. Baekyeon then recalled a memory of Shensung watching him train in Shangri-La, with Shensung laughing that there was no point to him training so hard when it was impossible for any intruder to ever breach Shangri-La. Nevertheless, Shensung had asked to be Baekyeon's sparring partner, to which Baekyeon had replied that it was the Four Symbols' job to protect the elders, adding that Shensung would lose face if he were to be beaten in combat. However, Shensung had merely laughed and claimed that Baekyeon seemed to be implying that he would lose easily before creating multiple clones of himself. Baekyeon had then effortlessly sliced through only the clones, with Shensung noting that he was impressed with how quickly Baekyeon had seen through his technique. Waving the memory aside, Baekyeon demanded that Shensung reveal himself, adding that he didn't want to hurt him. Just then, a fully-contaminated Shensung appeared engulfed in dark energy, with the light having disappeared from his eyes and his heavenly sash. Shensung noted that Baekyeon's arrogant tone never changed, adding that he had originally planned to watch from afar a bit longer before realizing that his tricks wouldn't work on Baekyeon. He then asked whether seeing Kunlun brought back old memories, adding that their first meeting there was now just a distant memory. Baekyeon retorted that he hadn't come to reminisce before demanding to know what had happened to Shensung's appearance, and whether he had abandoned his noble will as a sage. Shensung laughed and wondered whether Baekyeon was still deluding himself about his ‘noble will' in such a situation before reminding him about what had happened to them after the Ancient War had ended. He noted how the sages had been so afraid of the contamination created as a side effect of their research that they had sequestered themselves from the outside world entirely. Shensung admitted that throughout the entire war, he had been forced to fight against his fears that he would be contaminated and ruined, to which Baekyeon reminded him that it had been his choice entirely.

Shensung bitterly admitted that while he had indeed chosen it, he hadn't chosen the pain that came with it. He noted that they had all locked themselves in paradise, believing that they could avoid the contamination by doing so, though he added that it had all been a big mistake, as the contamination had already taken hold inside them. At Baekyeon's shocked expression, Shensung amusedly asked him whether he hadn't known, explaining that with their unaging bodies and minds that grew sicker and sicker every day, they had been eating away at themselves from the moment they had become sages. He explained that it was a curse, but that the solution had been surprisingly simple: to accept it. He explained that the contamination they had feared so much was actually the power that would save them. Baekyeon retorted that Shensung was mistaken and told him to look at himself now, claiming that the contamination was a force that would destroy them, and perhaps even the whole world. However, Shensung laughed and told Baekyeon to accept the contamination, adding that he was the only one who had not yet done so, as both the elders and even the other Symbols had accepted its power. Though Baekyeon refused to believe it, Shensung claimed that Ara, especially, had enjoyed its effects, causing Baekyeon to realize that the contamination was likely why Ara's condition seemed to be getting worse than the others.

Shensung then told Baekyeon that no matter what he did, the contamination would eventually swallow him whole, causing Baekyeon to realize that Shensung and the other traitorous elders indeed intended to spread the contamination to the outside world. Shensung laughed and confirmed Baekyeon's suspicions, claiming that he had no reason to hide it. He then added that he already knew about Baekyeon's intention to find the Scroll of Purification, warning him that he was too weak to achieve his goal. He then entreated Baekyeon once again to accept the contamination and strengthen himself with its power, though Baekyeon merely grasped his blade and declared that things wouldn't go the way that Shensung expected. The pair then engaged in a fierce battle, with Baekyeon slicing through Shensung's clones as they fought. An impressed Shensung noted that Baekyeon truly was the strongest of the Four Symbols, just as Baekyeon realized that Shensung was trying to stall him with his trickery until the contamination's power could spread even further. Shensung amusedly asked whether Baekyeon had only now figured it out, pointing out how the elders had hidden the hanging scroll of Shangri-La and sealed Kunlun forever, and that it required time to break the seal. He then added that when that time came, the Scroll of Purification – which he called Baekyeon's last hope – would become useless. Laughing that their game had only just begun, Shensung flew away on a nimbus cloud as Baekyeon chased after him.

Finding the Key

Arriving deeper in Kunlun, Baekyeon realized that the contamination was already beginning to spread outside the temple and that its power would be unstoppable if it continued. Shensung then appeared floating in the air and asked Baekyeon to change his mind, to which Baekyeon retorted that he wouldn't before demanding to know where the other Symbols were. Shensung once again reminded him that the others had already accepted the contamination and that they may even be looking for an opening to kill him. However, Baekyeon immediately saw through Shensung's lies, noting that he could sense their energy within the Guardians' Temple, where the key to activating the Scroll of Purification was hidden. He then added that he was certain that the other Symbols were working to achieve the same goal as him. Shensung confirmed that the other Symbols were indeed at the Guardians' Temple, though he then asked whether Baekyeon really thought that they were trying to find the key as he believed. He revealed that they intended to destroy the key and await Baekyeon's arrival, though a shocked Baekyeon refused to believe him. Realizing that Baekyeon was even more stubborn than he had thought, Shensung prepared to attack him in order to make him truly understand the reality of his situation. After a fierce battle, however, Baekyeon managed to defeat Shensung, who collapsed in defeat. Furious, Shensung asked whether Baekyeon truly intended to cut him down, reminding him that the duty of the Four Symbols was to protect the sages. However, Baekyeon calmly retorted that it was not his duty to protect those who had become contaminated, adding that he would pay the price of his sins once he finally fulfilled his mission. Immediately after being struck down, however, Shensung's heavenly power was immediately drawn away, causing a surprised Baekyeon to wonder whether it was the work of Zigang. Realizing that Shensung's power had been pulled into the pavilion, Baekyeon realized that Zigang likely awaited him inside. However, he then realized that the energy of the other Symbols had grown rather unusual, with their powers appearing to be in conflict.

Refusing to believe Shensung's words, Baekyeon rushed ahead and discovered a contaminated Ara facing Gaon, with Shuli having been struck down already. As Gaon begged Ara to come to her senses, Ara apologized before striking Gaon down, with the contamination having doused the light inside her eyes, just as it had done with Shensung. A shocked Baekyeon demanded to know what was happening, with Gaon begging him to stop Ara with his final breath. Ara then turned to an aghast Baekyeon and told him that Gaon and Shuli had been killed because they had refused to accept the contamination. However, she told him that it wasn't too late for him to accept its power, claiming that it would all be over soon. Baekyeon refused to listen to Ara, reminding her of Gaon and Shuli's final request. Vowing to protect her from herself, Baekyeon drew his blade and declared that he would restore her back to her old self. The two Symbols then clashed, with Baekyeon easily defeating Ara before demanding to know where the key to the Scroll of Purification was. A wounded Ara then revealed that she had consumed the key and that the only way to get it before it could assimilate with her body was to strike her down. She explained that both Gaon and Shuli had known it, and that they had failed to kill her before she had struck them down. She then asked Baekyeon whether he would kill her or allow himself to die at her hands, causing a devastated Baekyeon to wonder how things had ended up in such a way.

Consumed in despair, Baekyeon recalled a memory of when the four Symbols had first met, recalling how Ara had asked Gaon whether he was truly the last black tortoise Anima left. Gaon had confirmed her words and explained that he, too, wouldn't have survived if it hadn't been for his dear friend. Though Gaon had regretted not being strong enough, Shuli had reminded him to take heart, as he was one of the chosen Anima. She had then noted that it seemed as though all four of them had left a bit of their burdens behind in the world. Baekyeon had expressed his surprise that both Shuli and Ara, too, had left behind burdens of their own, with Shuli confirming that she had had things to protect and much to lose, and Ara adding that she had also failed to protect someone, which was why she had followed the call to gather and become stronger, with Baekyeon noting with approval that it was a good mindset to have. He had then turned to Gaon and told him that his humble personality was a strength, though he needed to be more determined. Gaon thanked Baekyeon, addressing him as a mentor, though Baekyeon told him not to address him so formally. However, he then turned to wonder why Ara addressed him much more formally than she did with Gaon. Pushing past the memory, a distraught Baekyeon noted how they had all sworn an oath that day to never again lose that which they were meant to protect and asked Ara whether she remembered too. His words caused Ara to push past the contamination and come to her senses for a moment, to which she entreated Baekyeon to kill her before it was too late. She reminded him that it wasn't her that he needed to protect now and begged him once again to cut her down before it was too late. Though Baekyeon was hesitant, Ara told him that she wished to be by Gaon and Shuli's side, to which Baekyeon tearfully told her to rest in peace before stabbing her with his blade, causing her body to disintegrate, leaving behind the talisman key to the scroll.

The Scroll of Purification

Vowing to end things once and for all, Baekyeon rushed forward towards the pavilion, noting that the contamination was spreading more and more. Thinking back to Shensung's words about how his duty was to protect the sages and how he had struck down Shensung and Ara with his own hands, Baekyeon wondered to himself what he was doing, with his doubts causing the contamination inside him to take hold. Realizing that its power was slipping through the cracks in his heart, Baekyeon resolved to steel himself and carry on in the name of his fallen comrades. With the contamination's power causing the mountains of Kunlun to crumble, Baekyeon fought past the contaminated monsters and dodged the rubble as he scaled up the cliffside, only to find the pavilion in flames. Paralyzed by the sight of it, Baekyeon momentarily thought to himself whether he would wake up from the nightmare that he found himself in by walking into the flames, praying that it was only a dream. Suddenly, however, Zigang appeared, completely engulfed by the contamination. Looking at the aura of power around Zigang, Baekyeon realized that Zigang had absorbed the power of the other elders and the three Symbols who had fallen. Though Zigang offered his hand, claiming that things weren't too late, Baekyeon drew his sword and refused, to which Zigang asked him why he struggled. Baekyeon replied that it was because he was willing to sacrifice everything, to which Zigang declared that he would watch over the coming of a new world before facing Baekyeon in combat.

After a fierce battle, however, Baekyeon managed to defeat Zigang before turning to the lamp where the Scroll of Purification was kept. However, Zigang then asked Baekyeon whether he understood what it meant to use the scroll, causing Baekyeon's mind to suddenly throb in pain as he recalled the truth – that the scroll didn't have the power to purify contamination, but rather, it was a failsafe meant to destroy all of Shangri-La and eradicate all the contamination sealed inside it, including the sages themselves. Zigang noted that if Baekyeon activated the scroll, he would not be able to survive the explosion, adding that there was no way to restore things to how they were. However, he then offered Baekyeon the choice once again to accept the contamination, claiming that with its power, they could revive all the elders and the fallen Symbols. Though Baekyeon considered Zigang's offer sincerely, he ultimately turned away, claiming that no matter how much he wished it, he could not run away from reality anymore. Pulling out the key, he noted that the spark of all living things ultimately came to an end, and that from the ashes, new life was born, adding that Zigang himself had taught him that long ago. He then declared that just as Zigang had taught, he would choose to move forward, even if it meant sacrificing everything he had. With the key, Baekyeon opened the Scroll of Purification, whose light burned away everything in its wake.

As Baekyeon passed away, he recalled a memory of himself speaking with Zigang long ago, in which he had reported that he had successfully sealed away Shangri-La behind the barrier. Zigang had congratulated Baekyeon on his good work, to which Baekyeon had asked whether they were truly doing the right thing by sequestering themselves away from the world. Zigang had reminded Baekyeon that they were Sinners and that what had transpired could not be undone. He had then told Baekyeon that all life had a spark that would someday go out, and that new life was born from the ashes. He had then noted that though they were immortal, he believed that such a moment would someday come for them, too, before adding that he hoped that Baekyeon would someday understand his intentions. In his final moments, Baekyeon realized that the memories flashing in his mind meant that he had reached his death. However, as darkness came for him, he suddenly realized that it wasn't death that he faced. He then opened his eyes to find himself back inside the green crystal as he wondered what exactly had happened to him.

Around him, Baekyeon saw Ara and countless other test subjects trapped inside crystals of their own as Maolang told him that she was relieved that he had survived the culling. In the research laboratory, Chenyuan noted his amazement at Ymir's power, which created stronger illusions proportional to the strength of their target. Youzhen noted that things were getting interesting and asked what had happened to Ara, with Yinshuai noting that she was glad that they had performed the experiment, as Darmoor would be satisfied with the data they had gathered. As Baekyeon came back to his senses, Ymir noted that the experiment had ended sooner than she had anticipated before asking the elders whether they had recorded all the data. Ymir then appeared before them, wielding a floating crystal and a halo of divine power around her head, adding that she shouldn't be surprised, as it had been her own magic at work. She then looked up to see Baekyeon staring furiously at her through the crystal, to which she reminded him that, though he seemed angry, it was physically impossible for him to harm her. She noted that things were like how they were in the Ancient War, as he had no way to hurt her unless he had a Godsphere like the Adversary. Maolang then asked Ymir what she thought, to which she replied that it would be better for Baekyeon to be put to sleep again, as she was uncomfortable with him staring daggers at her. Using the power of her crystal, Ymir put Baekyeon back to sleep as he wondered whether he would be forced to repeat his nightmare once again.