The Archduchess

Darkness. That's the only thing I can see when I opened my eyes.

I look around and see that I'm in that familiar place; my mindscape. 

Now I just have to wait until-

"You're here again." says a very familiar voice; the other me. Or at least the other me inside my head. "I wouldn't call myself another you to be honest. So! It's been quite some time since you visited."

Not like I can actually choose when to drop by, you know?

"True. But every time you end up here something important is happening outside."

Hmm… He's got a point.

Right. Straight to the point then. 

We fought a giant centipede in a desert and it turned into dust after we killed it. That has never happened to any monsters I've faced before and the only place I've seen it actually happen is in the [Penalty Zone].

What the hell's going on?

"Hmm… good question. But as you can see I am stuck here so it's not like I'm a big help."