That feeling...
The feeling of deep exhaustion, a drowsiness that would not fade even after hours of sleep.
No matter how much he tried to rid himself of it, the fatigue persisted, clinging to both body and mind as if it had a will of its own.
Kaelis had felt this before, in the first days after being infected by the Nightmare Spell.
Even though he was familiar with this sensation, the fear that accompanied it never failed to manifest.
The Spell was calling... like the cold embrace of imminent death, silent, inevitable.
Today was the day of the winter solstice, and there was nothing Kaelis or the other Sleepers could do. The Spell would pull their souls into the Dream Realm that very night.
Kaelis tossed and turned in bed, trying to force himself to sleep, but it was impossible. His body trembled involuntarily, as if his very anxiety had taken physical form.
This would be his last day on Earth... at least for now. By nightfall, the Spell would drag him into the vastness of the Dream Realm.
What awaited him there? Fortune and allies, or only death and destruction?
These thoughts would not let Kaelis rest, and his body, sore from combat lessons, begged for respite, but his mind refused to obey.
'Ugh.'
Questions rose and faded, but there was no point in seeking answers. Kaelis had already done everything he could to prepare for the inevitable.
He had studied, trained, explored every detail of his Aspect and memories. He had learned the proper way to use his powers, and understood strategies and techniques to survive in the merciless Dream Realm.
He had trained with the sword until his body protested, perfecting his defense and his ability to strike when necessary. Even without a defined combat style, Rock had acknowledged that Kaelis could protect himself — and, possibly, kill when needed.
All his effort, every training and every study, was tempered by the love for his family. They were the reason for his will to survive, the reason he would not allow himself to succumb to the danger that awaited him.
With that, Kaelis was ready.
Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the phone lying at his side on the bed. When he turned it on, he saw that it was 4:47 AM.
'I woke up in the middle of the night...'
Thoughtful, he wondered if he should try to sleep again, but sighed and made his decision.
He stood up, felt the cold of the floor beneath his feet, and walked to the bathroom, his muscles still sore, his body tired, but his mind alert.
The day that would change his life forever had not yet begun, but Kaelis already knew that nothing would ever be the same.
If this was to be his last hot bath for a long time, Kaelis wanted to enjoy it to the fullest.
Carefully washing every part of his still aching body, he spent a good twenty minutes under the hot water, feeling each muscle release the fatigue accumulated over the past weeks.
After drying himself completely, he grabbed his toothbrush and began brushing, noticing that his right hand was still sore and sensitive. The memory of the injuries and the reason his hand was still weak immediately came to mind, along with the other wounds that still marked his body.
In the last combat training, Kaelis had dueled against Awakened Rock, as he had been doing every day since he asked to train with him.
During the battle, Rock had struck a devastating blow that broke his arm… but even so, Kaelis did not retreat. He kept fighting, applying the strategy he had been working on for days, and came dangerously close to defeating the Awakened.
The simple thought of the reactions of Caster, Nephis, Maelis, and even Rock himself made Kaelis smile to himself, remembering the intensity and challenge of each training session.
'I'll definitely miss these trainings.'
After finishing brushing his teeth, Kaelis left the bathroom, opened the wardrobe, and grabbed his clothes. He put on white sweatpants, a simple shirt, and a sports jacket over it. He picked up his phone, connected his earphones, and opened one of his playlists, allowing the music to fill the silence of the room.
Putting on his sneakers, he opened the dormitory door and went out for a solitary walk in the early hours.
The white lights of the corridor reflected strongly in his eyes, but he walked in silence, watching the floor and letting himself be carried away by the songs playing in his earphones.
When he reached the end of the corridor, near the elevator, Kaelis encountered none other than Maelis.
"Ah…" — he said, surprised to see her.
She turned to watch him approach. She wore clothes similar to his: sweatpants, a leather jacket to protect herself from the cold that lingered outside.
For a few moments, they remained in silence, just watching each other. Both removed their earphones upon seeing one another, as if that gesture were necessary to truly acknowledge each other's presence.
Kaelis noticed the tired look and the dark circles marking the beautiful young woman's face. The exhaustion caused by the Spell was in both of them, but sleep stubbornly refused to come.
There was a silent understanding between them, a connection perceived only in that moment, only in that gaze.
"You couldn't sleep either?" — he asked.
"Yes, you could say that."
Kaelis took a deep breath. Despite the fatigue and the slight weight of melancholy, he gathered the courage to invite her.
"You… want company for a walk?"
Maelis was thoughtful for a few moments, even though she already knew what her answer would be.
She took a deep breath, and her expression, usually cold and serious, now revealed a slight calm and tranquility.
"Yes, I accept."
In silence, the two entered the elevator and left the Dormitories complex.
They walked through the Center's lobby in complete silence, until finally leaving the building behind.
Through the snowy streets and parks, they walked without a defined direction, simply allowing the quiet of the early morning to envelop them.
The purple sky, tinged by the yet-to-rise dawn, mixed with the snow falling gently, creating an atmosphere of melancholy, but also a strange sense of calm.
The silence was deep, almost tangible, broken only by the crunch of snow under their steps. There was no one else in the park; just Kaelis and Maelis sharing that moment, side by side, with no need for words.
Both listened to music at a low volume, respecting each other's presence, letting the melodies fill the space without interfering.
As they walked, Kaelis sighed, removed his earphones, and lifted his gaze to the starry sky, asking the girl:
"You…"
Maelis also removed her earphones and turned to him.
"How much do you think our lives will change when we return as Awakened?"
She looked at him in silence for a few moments, her gaze filled with contained sadness, before responding.
"I don't know… If we manage to survive the Realm of Dreams and return alive, I have a feeling our lives will follow paths we never imagined."
Maelis' gaze darkened as she finished the sentence.
"But of course, that will only happen if we survive."
Kaelis remained silent, watching her. Like him, all the Dormants probably felt the same anxiety and uncertainty. And more than that, each carried the weight of not knowing which hell they would face in the Realm of Dreams.
The fear that hovered over each of their shoulders was unsettling, almost suffocating. For a moment, Kaelis wished he could push that feeling away, even if only briefly.
His eyes scanned the path ahead and noticed a small kiosk at the edge of the park: a table with two benches under a roof that would protect them from the falling snow.
"Hey, do you want to talk there?" — he asked, pointing to the shelter.
Maelis looked in the indicated direction and nodded, and the two walked to the spot.
She sat down first, removing the hood of her jacket and brushing off with her hands the little snow that had accumulated on the hood and her shoulders.
Kaelis did the same. Before sitting, he shook his head and patted his white hair, removing the accumulated snow.
As he did this, a strange and contained sensation ran through Kaelis, as if someone nearby was holding back a laugh. It was an amusing feeling, but it didn't come from him — and that intrigued him.
'Weird… I'm sure there's no one else here besides us…'
And as if responding directly to his thought, the Choir of the Silent spoke through Maelis, its ghostly voice flowing with lightness and grace:
'He looks like a little puppy…'
Kaelis immediately raised his gaze, only to find Maelis turning her face away, a restrained smile playing on her lips.
"Hey, what was that? Remembered a joke, huh?" — he asked, a little embarrassed, a crooked smile appearing on his expression.
Maelis let out a short chuckle before facing him again.
"Yeah, well… you could say that."
Kaelis smiled and moved closer, sitting beside her.
They settled with their backs to the table, Kaelis resting his arms and letting his wings lay gently on the surface.
Silence settled in, but it was not uncomfortable. Only the snow falling before them, filling the world with the serenity of the early morning. A rare moment of calm, which both seemed to absorb silently.
Kaelis diverted his eyes from the snow and looked at Maelis for a while. There was a question he had kept for some time, a curiosity that had arisen from the moment he first heard her name.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
Maelis furrowed her brow slightly, surprised by the hesitation in his tone.
"Yes, go ahead."
"Your name is very similar to mine… Actually, our names are almost identical."
"What is the meaning of your name, Maelis?"
Upon hearing the question, Maelis' gaze became nostalgic, a small gentle smile appearing on her face, as if fond memories were being summoned.
"My name… my mother gave it to me poetically, inspired by ancient religions. As for the meaning, it can be interpreted as 'the devoted' or 'the one who follows a higher ideal.'"
Kaelis smiled, excited, feeling an even stronger connection between them. Even their names seemed to carry meanings that resonated closely.
"Interesting! My name also has a similar origin."
"The origin of my name comes from Kaeliel and means 'he of pure heart' or 'God's purity'."
"Oh… That's really interesting, Kaelis." — Maelis replied, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm, her small smile reflecting a mixture of curiosity and tenderness.
And then, the two continued talking for much longer. They spoke as if they had known each other for decades, sharing memories, experiences, and thoughts they rarely shared with anyone.
Kaelis talked about his family, about the humble life in the outskirts before the wealth they achieved when he survived the First Nightmare and received his True Name. He spoke enthusiastically about his siblings, describing the brightness and kindness of Michael, his little brother, and the impressive intelligence of Zoe, his older sister. Every word conveyed affection and pride, and it was impossible not to notice how much they meant to him.
Maelis, in turn, spoke more reservedly about her own family. It was a complicated relationship, so full of tension that she preferred not to go into details. However, she revealed how exhausting it was to deal with events and corporate parties of her family's company, as well as the constant pressure of attending a prestigious school. Each of her words revealed the frustration and fatigue she carried silently.
They exchanged musical tastes, sharing the songs they most enjoyed at the moment, savoring the simple pleasure of listening together, feeling close without needing too many words. For a moment, it seemed as if they had completely forgotten that, that very night, they would be dragged into the infernal and merciless Realm of Dreams.
At one point, silence settled over them. They simply looked toward the horizon, where the sun was beginning to rise, dyeing the purple morning sky with golden and orange tones. The sunrise announced that a new day was coming, and Kaelis wondered if he would have the chance to see that same sun rise again.
He glanced at his hands for a moment, a dark sensation enveloping him. How much blood would fall on his hands in the Realm of Dreams? What would he need to do to survive? What would he have to kill? How much would he have to suffer? How many people would he see die? And himself… would he survive?
These questions swirled in his mind like a hurricane, destroying the calm that still tried to remain within him.
And, even with the weight of all these uncertainties, Kaelis felt a small calm arise in his heart.
That calm came from Maelis.
She was serious, focused, but also determined. Like him, she was willing to do whatever was necessary to survive and return alive. Even if she had to spill blood. Even if she had to kill, suffer, or watch others perish. She was determined, and Kaelis felt strength in that silent determination.
Closing his eyes tightly, Kaelis sighed deeply.
"Hey."
Maelis raised her gaze to him, waiting for him to continue.
"Speak."
Kaelis looked at the horizon again, appreciating the sunrise, but his voice carried a mixture of fear and sincerity.
"You know, since my First Nightmare, I've faced internal struggles…"
"Sometimes, I wonder if the Realm of Dreams will be so merciless that it destroys even the person I am."
"If the blood that has fallen and will fall on my hands will corrupt me so much that I forget all the teachings, convictions, and the kindness my parents taught me."
Maelis looked at him attentively, serious, almost as if she were reading every thought he tried to hide.
"I understand…" — she said, her voice calm but filled with empathy.
"What are you afraid of, Kaelis?"
He clenched his fists tightly, as if forcing himself to admit a fear he had held for a long time.
"I… I am afraid of the Realm of Dreams."
"Not just afraid of dying, but terrified of losing myself, of succumbing to the wickedness of that cursed Realm."
Upon hearing those words, Maelis turned her gaze back to the sunrise, the sky tinged with gold and purple reflecting a somber calm.
After a few moments of silence, she finally spoke, and every word seemed to come directly from her heart.
"You know…" — Maelis began, her voice low but firm, as if each syllable had been carefully chosen — "what you feel is not weakness, Kaelis. It's human. We all feel fear, even if we don't admit it out loud."
She rested her elbows on her knees and intertwined her hands, her gaze fixed on the horizon illuminated by the rising sun.
"The Realm of Dreams is a hell… a hell that will test us until nothing is left. It will demand more than we can give, it will take from us what we don't even know we can lose. And, yes… it will force us to get our hands dirty. We will have to kill. We will see people die. And maybe… maybe we'll never be able to look at ourselves the same way after that."
The silence between them grew heavy, almost tangible, but Maelis did not look away from the horizon.
"But that's exactly why we have to keep going. No matter how much they break us. No matter how much we get dirty. No matter how much we scream in despair." — She clenched her hands firmly, as if holding onto her own determination. — "We have to move forward."
Kaelis watched her intently, feeling the weight and strength of every word she spoke.
"Kaelis… we are not heroes. None of us are. The Spell did not choose heroes. It chose the Dormants. And, if we're lucky, we'll survive long enough to become Awakened."
She turned her face toward him, and the serious look she gave seemed to pierce his soul.
"A hero fights for glory, for ideals. We fight because we have no choice. Because if we don't fight, we will be swallowed by darkness. You, me, Nephis, all the others… in the end, we only have one real goal: to survive."
Maelis took a deep breath, as if her own words were a reminder to herself as much as to Kaelis.
"And if surviving means bleeding, suffering, and carrying scars that will never disappear… so be it. At least we'll be alive to see the next sunrise."
Kaelis felt his heart grow heavy with each sentence, but at the same time, something inside him strengthened. He closed his eyes for a moment, engraving those words as if they were anchors against the abyss that awaited him.
When he opened them again, the sun had already fully broken the horizon, pouring golden light over the Awakening Academy.
He breathed deeply, clenched his fists tightly, and opened them again, relaxing just a little.
"Thank you for the words." — Kaelis said sincerely.
"You're welcome…" — Maelis replied, her voice low but firm.
After a few minutes of enjoying the sunrise, Kaelis stood up and turned to Maelis, staring at her with a serious look that made her momentarily uneasy.
"What is it?" — she asked, curious, as Kaelis raised his hand toward her.
His fist was closed, firm, as if offering her both a greeting and a pact at the same time.
"Let's make a promise!" — he declared, his voice firm and determined.
"Let's promise that, no matter what happens, we will fight against the Spell and do everything necessary to not lose ourselves to the evils of the Realm of Dreams."
"As Dormants, future Awakened, our mission is to fight against the evil the Spell has brought into the world, and we must never break that code. That's what the Awakened Rock taught us, and that is what we must follow."
"So, let's promise… that we won't break this code!"
Maelis just watched him for a few moments, surprised by Kaelis' sudden action.
The way he spoke, the sudden seriousness, the devotion contained in every word… all of it was so unexpected that Maelis couldn't help but laugh.
Kaelis' expression crumbled as soon as he noticed the girl's laughter.
"H-Hey! Did I say something funny?" — he asked, embarrassed, a crooked smile on his face.
"Sorry, sorry. It's just that you…" — she said, slowly regaining her polite and serious posture. — "You really are an incredible boy, Kaelis."
Kaelis widened his eyes for a moment, surprised by her declaration.
"Why do you think that?"
A calm and genuine smile appeared on Maelis' face, leaving Kaelis speechless.
"It's just that you… Your actions are always so genuine and without falsehood that you stand out."
"In my life, I've met all kinds of people because of my family, and all of them… had falsehood in their hearts."
"They use each other for their own benefit and discard them when they are no longer useful."
"Living surrounded by this kind of people made me think that… kind people like you no longer existed."
Maelis paused briefly, her gaze lost in the golden horizon rising before them. Her eyes reflected a mixture of melancholy and tenderness, as if each word carried years of bitter memories.
"I grew up surrounded by masks, Kaelis. I saw smiles that meant nothing, hands extended only when there was something to gain in return. I saw alliances form one day and be destroyed the next, because there was never real affection, only interest. It's suffocating, you know? You start to believe that all humans are the same… that everyone is capable of anything to satisfy their own greed."
She took a deep breath, her voice faltering for a moment before steadying again.
"Over time, I simply stopped believing in kindness. I stopped thinking there were people who would put others before themselves. And then… I met you."
Maelis turned to Kaelis, looking at him sincerely. The smile on her lips was different this time — it wasn't a social mask, but something genuine, soft, that warmed the cold morning air.
"You are incredible for who you are. You fight to protect your family, fight to protect your principles, fight to not lose yourself. And that… that is rare, Kaelis. Rare and precious."
Her words fell on his heart like a sweet weight, almost taking his breath away. Maelis' sincerity, so raw and honest, struck him fully.
She raised her hand, closing her fist in front of him in response to the gesture Kaelis had made before. The movement was firm, decisive, yet full of emotion.
"So let's make this promise." — her voice was softer now, but every syllable seemed eternal. — "Promise me that, no matter what happens, you will keep being this incredible person you are. Even if the Realm of Dreams tries to break you… even if the world tries to extinguish your light, don't stop being you."
Kaelis swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. He stared at her closed fist and slowly raised his own, touching it against hers. A warmth spread across his skin, not just from the contact, but from the meaning behind the gesture.
"I promise." — his voice came out firm, almost solemn. — "But you also have to promise me one thing."
Maelis raised an eyebrow, curious.
"And what would that be?"
"Promise me that you'll smile a little more." — Kaelis replied, a small, shy smile forming on his lips.
For a moment, Maelis blinked in surprise. And then, unable to hold back, she truly laughed — a light, clear laugh, unlike any she had ever let out before. It wasn't mocking or formal; it was a pure laugh, born from the soul.
"You're impossible, Kaelis…" — she said, shaking her head, but keeping that sincere smile.
And there, under the golden light of the rising sun, the two sealed a promise that transcended words. A promise that, even in the face of blood, pain, and despair awaiting them in the merciless Realm of Dreams, would serve as a silent beacon, guiding them back to themselves, reminding them of what they could not lose.
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Or so believed the Angel, innocent and foolish, who had not yet fully come to know the true nature of the darkness that was to come.
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After a few hours, Kaelis and Maelis headed to the cafeteria where breakfast was being served.
Upon entering, Kaelis was met with an almost utopian sight, yet one filled with silence and strangeness.
The same cafeteria, which every day echoed with laughter and lively conversations, was now quiet.
The place was full of Sleepers, but all remained introspective, lost in their own thoughts. Not a single word was exchanged, and even the descendants of the Legacy Clans seemed unwilling to interact.
The cold, the anxiety, and the fear growing in so many hearts penetrated Kaelis's soul like a silent poison, slowly spreading through his body.
He clenched his fists tightly, took a deep breath, and, together with Maelis, headed to the buffet to get his plate.
After collecting their trays, Kaelis led Maelis to the table he frequented every day. As he approached, he noticed that Sunless and Cassia were already seated.
To his surprise, he saw Cassia exchanging a few discreet words with Sunless. Sunny seemed surprised, even slightly frightened, by what Cassia had said to him.
"Uh… Thank you." — Kaelis heard Sunny reply, with a slight tone of shyness.
Appearing behind Sunless, Kaelis discreetly greeted the two before sitting next to the pale young man.
Maelis, in turn, asked Cassia if she could sit beside her, receiving an affirmative nod.
In silence, each of them began to eat. None seemed willing to speak, and the silence felt even heavier.
Kaelis stared at his plate for a long time, without appetite. His thoughts and fears already consumed him completely, and now feeling and hearing the silent anguish of all the other Sleepers weighed on him even more.
He ran his hand through his hair, squeezing his eyes shut.
'Ugh… What hell. The worst part is thinking that this might be my last breakfast for a long time.'
Even so, he forced himself to eat. To his surprise, the food was excellent — both the meats and the sweets — showing that the cooks had really put effort into it that day.
While eating, Kaelis thought of his family, imagining when he might see them again. For a moment, he considered calling them, but he didn't want the conversation to feel like a final goodbye. He opted to send only a short message.
When he finished, he grabbed his phone and opened the messaging app. He navigated to his mother's contact and began typing.
'My mother must be very worried… Better just send her a message.'
In the message, Kaelis said his day was going well, that he was feeling good and optimistic about the journey to the Realm of Dreams. He warned that he would probably be away for up to three months but that he would return as soon as possible.
At the end, he expressed all his love: to his mother, his father, and his siblings, wishing them the best while he was away.
Before sending it, he read the message more than three times, staring at his mother's profile picture and feeling the anticipatory longing already tightening his heart.
Finally, he sent the message, closed the app, turned off his phone completely, and put it away.
A dark and sad expression spread across his face, reflecting the anguish and weight of what was to come.
Sunless, who had been watching Kaelis out of the corner of his eye, remained silent for a few moments, taking a sip of his coffee while recalling the conversation they had when they "made peace."
Even for him, it was striking to see that Kaelis — the optimistic and energetic boy — seemed tense and downcast that day.
Sighing, Sunless finished the last sip from his cup. Despite his own heavy mood, he made an effort to start a conversation and invite him to what he was going to do.
"Kaelis."
Hearing his name, Kaelis lifted his gaze, confused.
"You can speak."
"In a little while, I'm going to visit the Jungle Survival classroom to say goodbye to Professor Julius. Do you want to come with me?"
Kaelis's reaction was immediate and, for Sunless, both irritating and surprising at the same time.
The young man with angelic wings looked at him with a fragile expression — incredulous, quiet, and slightly startled. Sunless felt embarrassed.
"What's wrong?"
Kaelis took a moment to answer, still looking odd.
"It's nothing, Sunny… I'm just surprised by a few things. First, you started a conversation with me. Second, you're inviting me to go to the same place as you."
He put his hand on his head, staring at Sunless with a small, childish, and slightly snobbish smile.
"Indeed, today is turning out more unusual than I imagined. Even you are acting like a normal guy..."
"So, are you coming or not?" — Sunless asked, holding back his patience to avoid losing his temper.
Kaelis laughed softly, finding it amusing to tease the dark and dangerous Sleeper.
"Relax, I'll come with you. I just need to finish a few things here first."
Sunless looked at him for a moment, his expression unreadable, before standing up.
"I'll wait for you at the classroom door. Don't be too late."
And so, Sunless left the cafeteria, leaving Kaelis, Cassia, and Maelis at the table.
Kaelis looked at Cassia in silence. The unease caused by her mysterious words that night, along with the Silent Choir speaking through her, still occupied his mind.
But somehow, Kaelis felt it wasn't the time to question the blind girl. Considering everything she had been through and that today would be one of the most feared days for all the Sleepers, he decided to spare the questions.
"Cassie, how are you?" — he asked, causing the girl to turn her blue eyes toward him.
Cassia took another sip of tea before answering, with calm restraint.
"I'm… okay. Scared, but okay."
"That's great. I'm praying for you… me and my family, of course." — Kaelis replied with a polite smile.
Cassia brightened at hearing that. A small, genuine smile appeared on her face.
"I didn't know you were religious, Kaelis. I appreciate that… and also everything you've done for me. Thank you very much."
After that brief conversation, Kaelis and Maelis left the cafeteria. As they walked through the courtyard of the Sleepers' building, they felt the weight of the imminent farewell on their shoulders.
Still, Maelis seemed content with the morning they had spent together, and Kaelis shared the same feeling, pleased to have gotten to know her better and enjoyed her company.
A small smile appeared on his face as he recalled the conversations from the early morning.
"Thank you so much for this morning. I had a lot of fun."
Kaelis smiled gently.
"No, thank you. You're great company… and it's very pleasant talking with you."
They continued walking until they reached the center of the courtyard, now filled with Sleepers and workers of the Awakened Academy.
"So… what are you going to do for now?" — Kaelis asked, looking away from Maelis, slightly embarrassed.
"I… I'll go back to my dorm, rest a little, and prepare."
"That's great. I'll talk to my professor now and then also rest a little in my dorm."
They remained silent for a few moments. There was something in the air between them that even Kaelis couldn't name… It was as if there were unspoken words, contained feelings, thoughts that stubbornly refused to reveal themselves.
But finally, Maelis broke the strange atmosphere by raising her hand, fist closed, toward him.
"Well, I don't know when I'll see you again… But I wish you luck and hope you survive. And, of course, we won't forget our promise, right?"
Kaelis smiled at hearing that. He closed his fist and bumped it against Maelis's, sealing the gesture with strength and firmness.
"Yes. I wish you all the luck too. It may take time, but I feel we will meet again in the Realm of Dreams. And when that happens, I believe it will be good for us to form a cohort with the other Sleepers."
Maelis smiled lightly before responding.
"Yes, let's do that."
After the farewell, Kaelis headed to the Jungle Survival classroom.
When he arrived, he found Sunless leaning against the wall, arms crossed. Even before Kaelis fully entered his field of vision, Sunless was already watching him, slightly irritated by the delay.
"Sorry for the delay, I ended up talking a bit longer than I expected."
Sunless raised an eyebrow but did not complain. They had no reason to fight, and, in any case, no one knew if they would leave the Realm of Dreams alive.
"All right. Very well. Let's just get inside."
The two of them crossed the classroom door, where Professor Julius was already there, focused on a book with his left hand while making detailed notes on the large board.
As soon as he noticed Kaelis and Sunless, the old professor placed the book on the desk and walked toward them, visibly moved.
"Sunless, Kaelis! What a joy to see you!"
Feeling the sincerity of the professor's emotion, Kaelis smiled, being the first to greet him with a firm handshake.
After the greetings, the three of them sat down and began talking for a long time. Professor Julius asked countless individual questions on a wide range of topics regarding the Realm of Dreams, covering survival, Nightmare Creatures, regions of the realm, and combat strategies. No question was answered incorrectly.
Kaelis and Sunless demonstrated that they were extremely well-prepared. Both the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience, gained from virtual reality simulations with Julius, were consolidated.
Even so, Kaelis knew that all that preparation did not guarantee survival. In the Realm of Dreams, they would be alone, at the mercy of unimaginable dangers.
During the conversation, Professor Julius repeated his "final tips" a dozen times, reinforcing crucial advice for their survival. He even mentioned that, if they became Awakened, he could offer them a position as research assistants, a valuable opportunity.
At the end of the long conversation, Julius accompanied the two to the classroom door to say goodbye.
To Kaelis and Sunless's surprise, the professor's face displayed an expression different from usual. The methodical, serious, and patient explorer, normally so composed and passionate about his work, now showed a countenance filled with sadness and near-depression.
That silent, heavy gaze conveyed more than words could say: a foreboding of what was to come, and the bitter awareness that, no matter how prepared they were, the Realm of Dreams would be merciless.
"Boys…" — Julius called, holding firmly onto each of their arms.
"Please, be careful with this dead and cursed Realm."
"I have already lost other students, as promising as you… And it always pains me to remember that not all managed to return alive."
"That is why I ask you… Survive. Do whatever it takes to come back alive."
"If I lose more students, especially precious students like you two… I don't even know how my old heart will endure it."
Julius's words carried a deep melancholy. There was an intense, heavy, sad look that neither Kaelis nor Sunless had ever seen in their professor.
Professor Julius was an older man, an Awakened with decades of experience. It was not hard to imagine that he had had to watch many of his students depart for the Realm of Dreams and never return.
Looking at the professor, Kaelis let out a gentle smile.
"Professor…" — he said, placing his hand on his shoulder. "It's going to be okay!" — he affirmed, with confidence and warmth in his voice.
Both Julius and Sunless looked at him, surprised and confused. How could Kaelis speak like that with such conviction?
"Professor, even if many horrible things might happen to us… I guarantee we won't die easily."
"You taught us everything we need. You showed us paths, prepared us to survive in any kind of environment, in different climates, facing challenges I can't even fully imagine."
"You did everything in your power to ensure we could survive, and that's all that matters."
Professor Julius widened his eyes, taken aback by the depth of the boy's kindness. Even on the verge of facing the hell of the Realm of Dreams, Kaelis still sought to reassure his professor.
This kind of attitude, this generosity, was rare in the current world — and Julius knew that better than anyone.
The old professor smiled, gave a few pats on the arms of Kaelis and Sunless, and thanked them both for attending his classes and studying with such dedication.
Kaelis and Sunless returned the thanks before leaving the room.
After that, there wasn't much to do but wait.
While waiting for the elevator, Kaelis looked at Sunless, thoughtful.
"What are you looking at?" — Sunless asked, furrowing his brow.
Kaelis scratched the back of his head before responding.
"I don't know… I was just thinking that I still don't have a cohort formed. And you? Do you already have a group or someone you can trust? Honestly, I don't think so." — His voice carried a teasing, almost challenging tone.
Sunless clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed by the provocation.
"No, I don't have a cohort or a group I can trust."
Kaelis remained silent for a few moments, pondering that, before murmuring:
"All right…"
When the elevator finally arrived, the two Sleepers stepped inside. Kaelis pressed the button for the ground floor, the destination that would take them out of the classroom complex.
He leaned against the cold elevator wall, relaxing his wings against the metal.
"If you still don't have a cohort, Sunny…" — Kaelis began, averting his gaze for a moment before looking back at him.
Sunless raised an eyebrow, waiting for what was coming next.
"I want to be in the same cohort as you, Sunny."
Sunless looked at him in surprise, leaving Kaelis slightly confused by the intensity of that gaze.
"What's that supposed to mean?" — Kaelis asked, furrowing his brow.
"Why me?" — Sunless replied, his voice low but full of surprise.
"And is it so strange that I want to be in the same cohort as a classmate I've studied with?" — Kaelis retorted, keeping his tone light but firm.
"No, it's not strange at all. It's a rational choice. It's just surprising that you want to choose me, even knowing so many other Sleepers."
Kaelis smiled naturally, his eyes shining with sincerity.
"Of course. I even know a few other people whom I believe are indispensable for a powerful cohort. But they are few. Most of the Sleepers… it seems they've already given up."
"There's fear embedded in the hearts of many… fear enough that they disguise their insecurity with arrogance. Many were having fun instead of training seriously… And you're not one of them, Sunless. You also prepared to the maximum."
"And it's precisely because of your diligence… that I see you as indispensable for a cohort."
Sunless remained silent, surprised. Being praised, being recognized, was rare for someone like him, a true outskirts rat.
But what left him most speechless wasn't just Kaelis's praise — it was the total absence of malice in his words.
Sunless had always had a suspicious instinct toward people who seemed too good or too perfect… and that instinct had saved him more than once.
With Kaelis, however, there was no mistrust. Nothing seemed false. Nothing hid ulterior motives. It was genuine, authentic.
Sunless sighed, and the elevator doors opened. The two walked side by side, silently.
"Thank you for that. I wish you luck."
Kaelis looked surprised, smiled, and extended his hand for a firm shake.
"Thank you. Good luck to you too."
And then… they parted ways.
Kaelis returned to his dormitory, closed the door behind him, and let himself fall onto the bed, feeling the weight of the imminent departure.
He summoned the Sword of the White Priest, holding the bastard sword in his right hand, his fingers wrapping around the pulsating ruby crystal, and spoke softly to the demon that dwelled within the blade.
"It's just a few hours away, demon."
The ruby crystal glowed for a moment, as if recognizing Kaelis's consciousness.
Kaelis smiled, easing the tense air around him.
"Look… you know I'm scared, but somehow it doesn't feel so lonely knowing that you'll be by my side in the Realm of Dreams."
To his surprise, the crystal remained silent afterward, emitting no additional glow.
He opened his status window, reviewing each rune, each attribute, memories, and his Defect. Time passed as he concentrated his mind, aligning his thoughts and preparing his focus.
After a few hours, Kaelis sat on the floor with his legs crossed, beginning meditation. He followed the breathing exercises his mother had taught him, breathing slowly, finding serenity amidst the growing tension within him.
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And then... The time has come.
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As the sun was about to set, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, Instructor Rock gathered all the Sleepers in the lobby of the Sleepers' Center. Without saying much, relying only on his austere presence and stern gaze, he guided them outside.
In the snow-covered parks surrounding the white building, the same scene repeated: other Awakened, in separate groups, led their own Sleepers toward the same destination. Everyone was heading to the medical center of the Awakening Academy.
Kaelis lifted his eyes forward, following Rock's long strides. The man walked with determination, clearing the path toward the hospital where the young ones would undergo their first crossing.
Nephis was at the front of the line, her posture straight and gaze fixed. Right behind her was Kaelis, and behind him, Caster. The remaining Sleepers completed the line, each silently carrying the weight of what was to come.
At first glance, the medical center did not look like a hospital. Its architecture resembled more an ancient chapel—solemn, imposing—a sanctuary where science and the sacred met.
Inside, the contrast was striking. The walls and corridors were adorned with state-of-the-art equipment and shimmering runes, supported by some of the most renowned healers among the Awakened.
During the journey to the Realm of Dreams, the fragile bodies of the Sleepers would be placed in special capsules, protected by these technologies and kept alive by healing enchantments. But, as everyone knew, that support only reached the body. Awakening—or death—would depend entirely on them.
To Kaelis's surprise, Instructor Rock did not take them directly to the capsule wing. Instead, he led them down a side corridor to an empty floor, where he opened a heavy door. Inside, a large room was bathed in the last rays of the setting sun, casting the space in a blood-red glow.
As soon as he crossed the threshold, Kaelis was overcome by a strange wave. The invisible weight of that atmosphere made him falter, almost losing his balance.
He brought his hand to his chest, gripping the collar of his Academy uniform tightly. His breathing quickened, uneven. The Defect had awakened, and with it, a flood of others' sensations.
But this time… there was nothing.
Kaelis gasped, trying to compose himself, but the emptiness he felt was worse than any pain. The absence of emotion was absolute—cold, dead. As if there were no humans here at all, only hollow shells.
In front of him, rows of wheelchairs filled the hall. In each one, a person sat motionless, with an expression too peaceful, almost grotesque, etched onto their inert faces.
Eyes open, but lifeless. Slow breaths, but without purpose. No sound, no movement, no flicker of awareness.
Kaelis felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Cold sweat ran down his forehead, mingling with the chill of the room.
He tried to deny it, but he knew what had happened to these people… They were all empty. No soul remained within their bodies.
Instructor Rock remained silent for a moment, his hard eyes fixed on the hollow figures, and the solemnity in his expression confirmed what Kaelis feared.
"I brought you here… so that you can look and never forget these people."
Instructor Rock's deep voice echoed through the silent room, heavy like a sentence.
"Some of you may already know what happened to them. For those who do not yet know…" — he paused, his eyes scanning the rows of empty human shells — "they are called Hollows."
A shiver ran down Kaelis's spine, and his teeth clenched involuntarily.
"Each one of these people, at some point, was like you." — Rock's voice hardened even more. — "Sleepers who dreamed of power, or Awakened who believed they had already achieved everything. Some were weak. Others, average. And some… some were incredibly powerful. And yet, all of them perished in the Realm of Dreams."
Kaelis felt his chest tighten, his breath shallow. He already knew the truth, but hearing it spoken aloud made the weight unbearable. Those motionless bodies, with expressions too peaceful to be natural, were dead in life. He didn't need anyone to tell him—he had felt it. Their emptiness was like a wound in his own soul.
"Their souls… are gone." — the thought reverberated inside him, horrified, as cold sweat ran down his neck.
Instructor Rock shifted his gaze to Kaelis, as if he could read his anguish. Then his eyes lingered for a moment on Nephis, then on Caster, and finally on the entire group.
"That is why…" — his voice cut like a blade — "do not die out there."
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Half an hour later, the Sleepers were led to their individual rooms, where they would prepare to face the fate awaiting each of them inside the pods.
Even after all that time, the memory of the Hollows' room still haunted Kaelis. The emptiness he had felt in those people was not something that could simply be forgotten — it was like a cold shadow that still lingered over his mind, corroding his soul.
He stood before the sleeping pod that would be his bed that night — or perhaps, his tomb. The metallic structure gleamed under the artificial light of the medical center, serene and threatening at the same time.
Kaelis took a deep breath, trying to steady his heart. His eyes scanned the surface of the pod, and for a moment, he saw himself reflected in the polished metal — a sixteen-year-old about to surrender his soul to the abyss.
Closing his eyes, he relaxed his tense shoulders and exhaled slowly, as if bidding farewell to everything. Then he lifted his face upward, murmuring a prayer:
"God… if this is my destiny, if this is the mission that has been given to me… I pray that You will be by my side."
The words left his mouth like a fragile whisper, yet heavy with both hope and fear.
With one last breath, Kaelis stepped forward and entered the pod. The cold metal embraced him, and the structure began to close slowly, enveloping him in a mechanical hug. The inner bed was cooled, as if the cocoon itself wanted to strip away all human warmth, preparing him for the crossing.
The translucent glass descended over his body, lit by lines of data and statistics scrolling across it's surface — heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure. Each number was a reminder that he was still alive.
Kaelis let out one final trembling sigh. Then, he closed his eyes. An invisible force began to pull him from the inside out, as if unseen threads were coiling around his soul, gently wrenching it from his body.
The world dissolved into a formless whirl.
And then, amidst the nothingness, an ancient and inevitable voice echoed:
[Welcome to the Realm of Dreams, Kaelis!]