August 18th, 2015, a major calamity befell the city of Munich. A false reality that separated the outside world from "the true horrors going on" inside the city, shielded them from whatever may be within. This "barrier" kept expanding at 5km/h and had been expanding since 10:39 am. Within four hours its borders expanded from the borders of the city to an area of 880km². After another four hours, it expanded to 900km². This sudden development meant a meeting was imminent not only for the leaders of Bavaria but also for the entire world. The illusion of no supernatural or magical beings inhabiting their world and human limits being as fragile as they are for most could be shattered depending on how this is handled. Suspicions are arising as satellite images show the city as it usually looks like, but with no people on the streets while the doors and windows have turned into dark empty spaces no one could peek through. It seemed like a ghost town and likely will remain so. As requested by Raven, the leader of the council of Bavaria, has requested a meeting with the rest of the council. Elena, as a leader of Swabia, known for her speed and great intuition, Phantom, leader of upper Bavaria, one whose form remains unknown to most and seems to hold endless gadgets, Sylvia, leader of lower Bavaria, leading an orphanage full of abandoned kids teaching them how to awaken magic without the help of Zs, Daisy, leader of the upper palatinate, known for her versatility and being quite territorial, and Raven, leader of the ten plagues, known for letting his members be hired to help Dream Catchers whose allies have passed thanks to the increase in Demons and the Coordinator have gathered to discuss important matters. His accountant and secretary also had come to record the decisions and pacts made within this meeting. Meeting within a Basis Barrier, a barrier that could be bought within one of the bases Dream Catchers had built as secret societies, one Franky hadn't visited yet, is a simple barrier where your imagination and the will to manifest something reigns over the barrier. It's an empty world with what seems to be an indestructible platform anyone could stand on, a few, plain and white floating cubes and artificial lighting used within hospitals. Its silence and the neverending radiation of light from somewhere above them could be therapeutic to some, terrifying to others. Phantom, Sylvia, and Raven's accountant were missing as of now but it was a sudden decision to call them all in. Elena decided to chat with her old friend Daisy to pass some time and catch up. "It's been a while, Daisy! How are you?", she asked. "Not so great...", her friend answered before stretching her arms. Her messy, braided, and honey-brown ponytail, her brown, irritated eyes with the eyebags beneath them, and her green pajamas made her seem like she barely slept and had a hard day right before they met. Daisy was sleepy but could only rest until the others have arrived. "I've lost one of my dear members, had to interrogate two stubborn teens from India claiming that they were passing through to head to New York and dealt with an increase in Demons lately. How come you're never tired?" "That's a secret." Daisy let out a deep breath as she genuinely wanted to know why Elena was full of energy. "To be honest... It's because of my rookies. One of them has the ability to use pure light magic, the other seems to be able to construct anything he wills to like Emilia and the last one seems to create and control sweets. Maybe one day she'll create a cracker sword or something like that." Jealous but in a joking manner she punched Elena in the arm. "Sounds promising, especially the first one. Maybe he could heal those infected by Devil Seeds? Maybe he could reverse Demons into humans?" "Unlikely, but it would be amazing if he could do so." Another one arrived, it was Sylvia, the same Sylvia whom Franky had met. Popping into existence like it was a normal occurrence, at least for those familiar with Basis Barriers, she heard a part of their conversation. "Wow... I wish my kids would be just as good as your rookies within a month. The one that could construct anything... is King, right?" "Yeah," Elena answered. "How'd you find out about him?" "Leo met him today. Because of the news, I had to drop out early." Both Daisy and Sylvia let out a deep breath. "What's wrong?", Elena asked. "It's so tiring... Things are tense you know. Every day is another day where I could be surprised by bad news. Now we have to deal with other leaders of the country bothering us and dealing with the strange abnormality. My kids are scared because shady men were eyeing them down when some of them went shopping for sweets... likely government officials that wanted to send me a message knowing how hard it is to contact me." "You think contacting you is hard?! Phantom is never available himself only sending Harpocrates to talk with us!", Raven said irritated. "Honestly... He pisses me off. I haven't even met him and he seems so arrogant," Daisy added as both revered him. "I've only seen him once and his entire body was within some kind of weird suit. He wore a mask and I can't even guess his age properly. Maybe 18?" Even Sylvia wasn't too happy about meeting him again. They kept ranting about him until both Ravens accountant and Phantom himself arrived. This time, it was him that came to attend the gathering. His black gloves, his robe, and his mask make it hard to make out any information about him while the accountant seems to be the same child Franky had met before taking part in the tournament. "Those comments of yours were interesting. Let's start the meeting, shall we?"

Today, four important matters interconnected with each other had to be discussed. The first one would be the Coordinators growing presence not only in Germany but also in the rest of the world. Not only was he first sighted in China but also has he been growing stronger. It wasn't a matter of few Dream Catchers in Germany, but a matter that concerned even the Top 20 Dream Cathers, seven of which rule over each continent within the shadows. If it weren't for the pact made several hundred years ago, they would be the ones leading the world. However, they are unable to act as of now, as they either have been dealing with other anomalies still unknown to human thanks to their actions and raising a stronger generation as the future looks bleak. The second topic is the anomaly that had occurred within Munich and who will deal with it. Deemed as a lesser threat than expected, it could be dealt with without getting a lot more people involved. Todays third problem is the leakage of information to the internet. Several Dream Catchers, all of which are experienced enough to never be caught off guard and captured without informing others, vanished which directly correlates to the growth of Demons as few have been found. Then there's the last point to be discussed, the election of another leader as Raven has to resign over unknown reasons. Even if all the other topics would be far more interesting to discuss, Raven wanted to get straight to the point and elect a new leader. The one who was supposed to replace him, at least temporarily, was supposed to be Elena, but Phantom, Sylvia, and Daisy objected as she was seen as indecisive and immature even if she seems to fend off those far stronger than her with ease. "Why are you against it?", she asked with a smug face. Sylvia, agitated but keeping calm, simply and with one breath told her, "We cannot allow someone who lacks both skill and patience, to decide to make major decisions." "If that's the case then you shouldn't lead either... Quick to irritate and a simpleton. The only thing you described is your hypocrisy and your stupidity." With her chin raised into the air and her eyes closed she ridiculed Sylvia who wouldn't take it. "You can't even defeat me by using your brawns and brains! It's a clear indicator-" "I guess that's why you always visit that base... Constantly looking for a fight with others like now." Raven knowing her schemes and knowing how easily Elena can manipulate others into lashing just watched them argue. He couldn't be bothered to get involved with this. "Calm down. If fighting her is all you want, why not settle it now? I've been planning to beat some sense into her as well so let's go," said Daisy. Even she doesn't think highly of Elena. "I too am interested within her. A quick brawl would definitely benefit me. I could judge how well she fares in battle and how she deals with stressful situations." Phantom is interested in fighting her too but not to establish where she stands but to measure how useful of a fighter she could be to him in the future. "I don't mind. Just make it quick and don't bitch and whine when Elena beats your ass." Raven however is confident that none of them can defeat her and let them go.

Daisy's barrier, a barrier that contains a lot of trees, lakes, and open spaces untouched by humankind, was the perfect stage for the battle between Elena and Sylvia. "Don't worry. I won't kill you. I'm not as barbaric as you are." "I'm flattered but I advise you don't hold back too much. Daisy, Phantom, and the accountant were spectating from above. With the use of a gadget, Phantom summoned a silver floating platform that is invisible for those not in contact with it. Sylvia, awaiting Elena's first move, summoned liquid metal to create a polearm. Elena wouldn't budge knowing very well what Sylvia is capable of. After spinning her polearm in circles, several liquid metal droplets emerged. Aiming her polearm at Elena and spinning it around its axis she forms needles covered within her spiritual power. With a thrust, she sent them flying at her target one after another. Erecting a stone pillar, Elena tried to defend herself only to be pierced several times. Her body falls apart as the strings loosen up. "A fake?!" Right above her, was Elena just about to dropkick her. Ramming her head into the ground, Elena grinned as it is clear that she can't lose. "Come on! I expected more from you...", Elena stated seeming more and more hostile. Creating her own polearm, she attempted to copy Sylvia letting her get back up. "Let's continue!" Rushing in, she relentlessly attacked Sylvia. Sylvia could only block her attacks as she kept walking into plants behind her. Striking her with the backside of the polearm, Elena sends her flying through a tree severely harming her back. Her nose bled and she felt dizzy but covering her body in hardened metal she had hoped to at least deter her. Elena, kicking her in the stomach and using multiple threads, demolished her armor leaving behind small pieces and leaving cuts all over her body. The parts were turned into even bigger spikes infesting the earth. Extending them to the point that they pierce her body, none of them truly hit her enemy as Elena herself put holes into her body that avoid anything trying to hit her. "Let's end this," Elena said with a horrifying but also monotone voice. Terrified by her threat, Sylvia released massive amounts of metals that infested the earth, tore apart trees, and broke the ground beneath them. With whatever magic she had left, she created a massive block of metals to sling at Elena who was located a couple of hundred meters away from Sylvia. Elena's fist changed color. Her hardening, currently far superior to anyone else's in Germany, was slightly yellow. With a single punch, she not only stopped the massive block but also did it burst open and shatter into thousands of pieces. It blew Sylvia off her feet and sent her flying into an area surrounded by pillars constructed by Elena. Interconnected by webs, they tied down Sylvia rendering her unable to fight. Behind her stood Elena. "At least, by that logic of yours, we've proven how you don't deserve to lead. I win." Elena's powers are far off from what she always tells others. Her ability to control strings and air almost seems like a lie none of them can disprove as whatever magic she uses contains one or the other. Daisy wanted to look into what her ability is and jumped off the platform. With a few swift motions, she burned Elena's threads allowing Sylvia to leave. "I guess that's all you're good for, fighting like a bitch." "You shouldn't be talking, Sylvia. What if your kids saw that ugly side of yours?" Vanishing, Sylvia traveled back to Raven so that she could cool off not being within the presence of Elena.

Instead of starting the fight, Daisy wanted to question her abilities first. "That magic of yours... Is it really air and strings?", she wondered. With a grin, she held out her palm. "You could find out by touching it. Will you touch my hand or never find out, Daisy?" Hesitant and filled with fear, but curious and afraid of what may happen if she doesn't find out, she stretched out her hand and attempted to place her palm on Elenas only to be met with resistance. Some kind of force is acting between them and not allowing her to get closer. "What did you do?!", she asked completely unnerved. Daisy was shaking in fear as Elena started taunting her. "Come on... Let's shake hands," Elena said in a spiteful tone as her hand neared Daisys. Slowly but surely their palms aligned and touched each other. "I refuse" Daisy couldn't contain her anger much longer and was about to lose her cool. "Don't be shy. You're embarrassing me." "I refuse!" Elena started to embrace Daisy's hand fondling it. "Fuck you!", she yelled before inevitably losing the fight. Something struck her in the stomach. Something within her raptured as she was lifted off the air. "What was that? What just happened?! I want to find out what she's doing! I want to know! I need to know!" Vomiting blood she remained in the air as Elena struck her again a few times. None of the blood ejected from her mouth touched Elena. "One more!", she yelled as she gave Daisy an uppercut. As a Dream Catcher that controls the "four elements", a whirlwind kept her afloat as she looked at Elena. Elena, pointing her finger at Daisy, created a sphere consisting of compressed air. Shocked, Daisy only could watch as the next attack hit her. Sent flying, she crashed into multiple trees, unrooted several of them, and let dust and dirt rise into the air. Before she could stop herself from flying further, a knee was rammed into her right cheek. Somehow, Elena had appeared behind her, broke her jaw, and also sent her flying above the trees before reappearing in front of her, grabbing her by the neck and flying into the ground. Her back was broken but her neck remained intact. They slid along the ground unrooting several dozens of trees. With fire, she intended to scare off Elena as something flung her into the air, above a lake as Elena vanished again only to dropkick her into the lake effectively knocking her out. While it was Elena that nearly killed her, it also was her that kept her alive by applying magic that would protect her from dying. With the second battle coming to an end, Elena fished Daisy out of the lake and woke her up. Instead of awakening to her forest with hundreds of fallen trees, she awoke to a warzone created within the battle of Elena and Phantom. The entire forest was destroyed within their wrath as only ashes, a few burning trees and trenches remained. She couldn't question what had happened as she honestly couldn't care enough or fathom what went down. It's clear that she was outmatched and the shy and weak Elena she had known, had turned into a monstrous force to be recognized. With her wounds healed and having enough of fighting, she calmed down and let her barrier dissipate. They returned to the Basis Barrier with Sylvia mouthing off at Raven about Elena and Raven having enough of her yammering. The unnamed accountant kept on writing what he had witnessed, but he had nothing to write about Elena's and Phantom's fight.

"Since you've taken out your frustrations on each other, we can continue discussing what we've initially gathered for. If no one has any complaints about Elena being the next one to lead the council, we can move on to the next topic," Raven announced. The Coordinator, an individual who is gathering not only Demons but also putting out a massive amount of dark magic, is one everyone knows of. The problem was whether or not they could deal with him. While it is true that Elena, Phantom, and Raven are masters within their elements allowing them to fight foes far stronger than them, the same seems to apply to Coordinator. His ability to create and control pure dark magic allows him to subject Demons to his will. They'll follow him wherever he goes. They'll do whatever he wants them to. They even would attack people that they cannot beat because of one reason. Because he's supplying them with dark magic, they never get intense cravings which set them off and send them on a rampage. Without having to worry about going back to their instincts, they don't have anything they must fear but someday his dark magic could bring consequences. "We're all well aware of what Demons are and the fact that people and animals need despair to turn into one. We're also aware of the fact that Demons can evolve into more terrifying versions of themself that cannot control themself," Raven said. "Which means whoever is behind the attraction of Demons could be trying to save them, right?", Elena asked. "Yeah... There's a chance. Maybe he's driven by revenge and wants to kill people. Maybe he wants to threaten people into backing down. But his motives don't matter. One day, he himself may turn into a Demon and becoming threat humanity can't deal with ultimately ending the world. His presence alone is responsible for a trail of despair that is stretching across the continents." "Then... let's not deal with this. We're dealing with an anomaly that is spreading as we are talking. Unless Sylvia, Daisy, and you want to deal with him yourself and potentially get yourself killed, I don't see a way to counteract him crossing into our territory. It's wiser to let him pass through since he's already somewhere in Bavaria." "It seems logical to do so but also means that others would have to deal with a stronger version of him. He may head straight to France, then Spain, and vanish overseas where we could be blamed for letting him go. Maybe we should all deal with the anomaly and then head straight for him?", Sylvia offered. "I could have a few of my kids supporting us and at least support us three while we stall him while you and Phantom deal with the anomaly. Then you could come in and aid us to take him down. We could inform the Top 4 of France. Maybe they could meet us in Strasbourg? He'll likely pass through there." "Absolutely not... Your kids, as of now, aren't capable enough to fend him off or support you. I know at least a few of them are strong, but I'm not willing to let kids get involved. They're mostly innocent and should enjoy their last few years as heroes that don't need to make sacrifices," Phantom stated. Unexpected but understandable for the rest. They never could have guessed someone that constantly sounds arrogant and often seems apathetic would say something like this. "I know this may be far too hopeful, but the Royals, as the Top 4 in France call themself, are fairly young. They're just stand-in leaders as of now at least until they could potentially lead the nation. I'd rather not get them involved at all. We'll have to deal with this ourselves and make sure we make up for the mistakes we made. Maybe we'll kill two birds with one stone. The anomaly may attract him. This may heavily backfire but it's worth gambling over." Elena instantly agreed as she had met the four mentioned a few times and saw them as an innocent bunch of teenagers who were gifted with great skills. She would describe them as slightly eccentric while also as kind and a mentally struggling bunch of teens. They look up to her as she had aided them and still is aiding them after the disaster that befell them just a year ago. Surprisingly one of them originated from Germany. He and his boyfriend decided to head for France just so that they can live on their own. Failing to stop the Demon that would eventually kill his boyfriend, he has retracted into his shell and hadn't used his powers since. Elena acts as a counselor as she had gone through a similar loss within her life. "I and Phantom can deal with it. We'll retreat as soon as one of us runs out of magic. He probably knows what we're dealing with too, so we don't have to worry about anything!" Everyone seemed to agree with her sentiment to some degree. While it is a huge gamble, it's worth gambling over if they don't want to get any more people involved. They could always get a few drugs to enhance their abilities but also to aggravate Demons as a last-ditch effort so that they may attack their leader. The only thing that guarantees him passing through, is the fact that this abnormality definitely meant that fewer people would be out for his head. Those that he considers a threat and has a chance of beating, he'll engage and take out. Deliberately leaking info and letting him know that they're split up is going to get him out of hiding.

Moving on to the next topic, their growing presence and rumors spreading around, they seem puzzled. They knew that one of them would slip up one day and be seen basically breaking the oath held by two people several hundred years ago. The oath they inherited, the oath that binds them down to their duties, and the contract they'll have to hold onto puts a lot of baggage on their shoulders but as experienced Dream Catchers, they could always abandon their average life, travel the world, and still slay Demons. The only ones suffering would be the rookies that cannot deal with all this pressure yet and the revolting mobs that may be created because some people, out of moral or religious reasons, don't agree with how few Dream Catchers act and attack those that weren't involved. Elena had proposed a ridiculous idea that could only frame them as the good people as long as the government doesn't interfere. Even if it did, the problem wouldn't be the government itself, but Elena herself. If she feels as if they're crossing the line, she'll singlehandedly take all of them out without any remorse. Bavaria, Krista, and France are well aware, just like the US and Canada. Her notoriety as Railgun is known throughout the western world. Elena herself isn't concerned with the leak of information, but in the rest areas, they wish to live a partially normal life. "What's so bad about pictures being leaked? It'll happen either way and Phantom can't stop the leaks within Bavaria forever. So why not reveal it to the world?" "We didn't want you to know that people were being picked off the streets to question wherever those pictures came from! They'll pick Dream Catchers off the streets as well at this rate!", Sylvia stated. With Elena herself being a factor to be considered within this problem, everyone has to carefully choose their words. "I could tell. I witnessed it and took a few of those out government slaves out. Anyone stupid enough to work for something as corrupt as any government is an idiot, right?", Elena said with arrogance. "Not everything can be solved by plowing your way through and with anarchy!", Raven countered. "I know... but either way, sooner or later we'll be enslaved. It's either protect ourselves or dying as Demons." None of them can counter her argument. While it is true that, through some unknown methods they've been using, drugs and taking families and friends hostage to make Dream Catchers submit, get rid of their family, frame them for it, and let them turn into Demons, their methods to get what they want may become more extreme. "Humanity is ignorant but also arrogant thinking that they reign above all other species. Anyone that comes to power, someone that's high up in the government body, is corrupt. Few are good-hearted people that are fighting for the people while most got there by undermining the efforts of others and using them as stepping stones. Why should the "average person" not be allowed to know about us?" "So you intend to bring chaos?!", Sylvia asked. "ANDE is clear proof that people can't handle a world where they might turn into monsters that devour others!" "Those weren't Demons," Elena calmly stated despite being hurt by her words. "Those were far stronger than anything I have encountered so far. I had to use an Ultima Key to survive that event. Katarina, the leader of Northern America, passed because of one of those beings. Don't disrespect her legacy just because you've had one of your kids snatched off the road." Since no other options were left, they had to reveal themself before they could be caught, seen as something malicious, while they have the option.

"So, it's settled. We have the drugs and weapons necessary to fight Coordinator, have Elena and Phantom engaging the anomaly in Munich, have Elena as the new leader, or rather representative as this is supposed to be mostly democratic and they'll use the chaos the Coordinator will cause as a means to gain positive publicity. With all of this clear, we can finally disperse even if it was a rather short meeting, right?", Raven's secretary said. Raven seems satisfied as the rest have already left to prepare for what is about to come. "That's all. Our three-phase plan can't fail us now."