Since this is the first dream we’ve seen where the world is far from ideal for the dreamer, I’d like to emphasize that the dream worlds aren’t largely dependent on the individual’s subconscious needs; rather, they’re dependent upon what Malleus believes they need.
Ortho states in the Pomefiore chapter of Book 7 that Malleus crafts the dream world based upon a “superficial and shallow” understanding of what he believes will bring the dreamer happiness. In this most recent chapter, Idia explains the issue further, stating the following:
“While the dream world Malleus creates seems to bring someone the happiness they desire, in reality he may be trying to eliminate discomfort, like sadness or anger, all together… But for some, failure and defeat can lead to a happy ending, just like success and victory can lead to a bad ending.”
“No matter how clever Malleus is, he can’t predict or control what happiness means to someone. In other words: the system Malleus provided here doesn’t match Floyd’s play style.”
So while the dreamer’s memories and preferences are blueprints for Malleus to go on, ultimately control of the overall dreamscape—the “system”—belongs to Malleus. These dreams and ideals aren’t 100% true to the dreamer’s own. Instead, they’re highly exaggerated, and highly manipulated.
Yes, Floyd wants to explore land. Yes, Floyd wants to fight strong people, taste new food, and wear new clothes. But Floyd doesn’t want to be given these experiences; he wants to take them, on his own terms, with struggle and failure included.
Unfortunately, Malleus assumes “struggle and failure” are sources of discomfort for everyone, and therefore a means to a bad ending. So, for Floyd, he eradicated them completely.
And effectively left him in a nightmare.
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