Dense is a synonym of Thick. Thick is a synonym of Extreme. Extreme is a synonym of Severe. Severe is a synonym of Brutal. 
Story is related to Text. Text can be used for Reflection. Reflection is related to Shade. 
Dense <--Synonym--> Thick <--Synonym--> Extreme <--Synonym--> Severe <--Synonym--> Brutal 
Story <--RelatedTo--> Text --UsedFor--> Reflection <--RelatedTo--> Shade 