Border City, a secluded alley.
Even in the bright light of day, the alley seemed dim and damp. Discarded trash was scattered about, and a drunkard slumped on the decidedly uncomfortable and dirty ground, mumbling incoherently in his sleep.
His body reeked of alcohol, repelling anyone who got close.
Passersby would occasionally walk by, only to wrinkle their brows at the sight of the squalid, filthy drunkard and quickly depart.
But nobody noticed the shadows under the drunkard unnaturally rippling, like ripples on water, seemingly leading to a secret realm hidden deep within.
The Nightmare Sage was curled up in this rare reprieve of dreamscape, grasping at every moment to catch its breath.
