Domain

For Awakened Humans, a Domain is a physical manifestation of a Sovereign's Aspect, a territory where their rule was supreme. It relies on external factors like authority, influence, and power, which are intertwined in Citadels created by the Spell. These external factors influence and grow the Sovereign's personal strength.^[2]

Each Sovereign rules over a Domain which is an expression of a function of the Aspect, distinct from Abilities, but sharing a lot in common with them. In practice, it is synonymous with their authority, the territories they control, and the people serving them. The Sovereigns are already immensely powerful but within their Domains, they are practically invincible.^[3]

In Chapter 1367, Nightmare's [Dream Curse] was referred to by the Spell as a lesser dream domain.

Note: This indicates that a domain can be acquired even without an Aspect

Note: The information below is about the Domain acquired by Awakened Humans.

To people who know about the existence of the Sovereigns, Domains are synonymous with their rule. If one says that they belong to a Domain, it means they serve one of the Supremes.^[4]

However, they are not abstract concepts but rather real extensions of a Sovereign's Aspect.^[4]

A Supreme could build a Domain through two ways — one natural, one provided by the Spell, with the Spell's method overshadowing the natural one in most cases. Spreading one's authority far and wide was connected to the mechanism of a Domain.^[5]

Once a Transcendent becomes Supreme, they do unlock another Ability, one that is tremendously powerful which might be called a supreme, ultimate, or pinnacle Ability.^[4] In Chapter 1073, it was revealed that a Domain is separate from the Supreme Ability. It is another innate function of the Aspect, like controlling soul essence or accessing the Soul Sea, a natural progression of one's power expression. Within their Domain, a Sovereign is nearly invincible.^[4]

The Supremes took another step toward Godhood and seemed tied to authority, similar to Nightmare Creatures' growth in Class, where Tyrants focused on rule and authority.^[6]

The term "start" to coalesce their Domains implies a process rather than a one-time gain. Domains are not set in stone, as they can change and be altered. Supremes must grow their Domains to realize their potential; therefore, a Domain can also be diminished.^[6]

Once the Gateway was bound by a Saint who has allegiance to a Sovereign, their Domain would manifest in the area.^[7][8]

There were two ways to build a Domain:^[9]

Before becoming Supreme, an individual often develops a nascent Domain, representing their growing influence over reality. This Domain is a manifestation of their authority and the precursor to full Supremacy.^[1]

Domains can be different in nature.^[10]

The territory of a Domain is determined by the power of its ruler and the locations of loyal Citadels. The influence of a Sovereign is akin to a sphere that expands outward from its source. In Supreme Domains supported by the Nightmare Spell, the Sovereigns themselves are the source of this power, with Citadels acting as relays that extend their authority.^[11]

However, the reality is more complex. Citadels not only channel the Sovereigns' power but also involve each subject anchored at those Citadels as a vessel of the Domains. This means that as soldiers gain ground and establish strongholds, the Domain's reach gradually extends, albeit less significantly than with a Citadel. This process explains why the armies of Anvil and Ki Song have been meticulously conquering territory, as it allows their Domains to extend further.^[11]

All Domains and Aspects are unique, but they likely share common things. There are two ways:^[6]

• The natural way, as seen in the ancient people of the Dream Realm, where they spread authority and built their Domains.^[6]

The number of mundane people in the two Domains is increasing, with Sleepers increasing yearly. There should have been more but those who entered the Dream Realm through one of the Sovereign Gates are protected from having to undergo the First Nightmare as long as they stay within their Domain, the Spell won't call upon them.^[12]

If a Sovereign falls and their Domain collapses, all mundane people will be taken by the Spell, decimating the nascent human civilization. To avoid this, another Supreme must replace the fallen one and a new Domain must rise from the ruins of the destroyed one.^[12]

• Domain was first mentioned by Nephis in Chapter 91 which was speculated to be possibly the expression of the fifth Aspect Ability that one can receive from the fourth Nightmare, a special one, just like the special Transformation Ability the Saints possessed.^[13]
• According to Morgan, only a powerful Domain can withstand the future (Refer to Chain of Nightmares). That is why the Song and Valor needed to control more Citadels, hence the reason for the war.^[14]

• Dream Domain
• Shadow's Domain
• Daemon's Domain
• Gods
• List of Domains