All I can say:
"He's unlocking me! HE'S UNLOCKING ME!!!"
Made me laugh too hard.
My guess for Ardon's round:
SpoilerAll three of the other party members decide to get it over with and slaughter Ardon. But then it turns out to be real... Well, maybe not (if it's a nightmare spirit it might not have any power over individuals that are awake, kinda like the Dream Lord. But I doubt the party is going to have much hesitation in killing Ardon regardless.