Night fell over Questland, and silence wrapped the dorms like a soft veil. Edward lay still, his breath slow, his body resting—but his soul stirred.
In sleep, he ascended.
The Vision
He found himself floating above Questland, far beyond its skies, in a realm of cosmic outerspace. Stars pulsed like ancient memories. Nebulas curled like divine breath.
From the horizon of light, a radiant figure emerged—dressed in flowing robes of starlight, eyes golden and infinite.
"You've forgotten me, Astros," she said.
"I am your mother—Illumina."
Her voice echoed through the void, both tender and vast.
"I created you three: the Creator, the Destroyer, and the Protector. You are the Protector."
Edward's breath caught. The stars around him dimmed slightly.
"I will soon expand Questland. I will send my incarnation—Questzee.
Wait for her, my sons. She will guide you… to become deities once more."
Her form began to fade, light scattering like petals.
"Goodbye, my child."
Awakening
Edward jolted awake, sweat on his brow. The room was quiet. He reached for his water and drank slowly, staring at the ceiling.
"We made this Questland… without telling Mother."
His voice was low, filled with weight.
"Maybe she'll punish us. Maybe she already has.
I don't know if the others remember.
But she… she made worlds beyond this one."
He sat in silence, the guilt pressing against his chest like gravity.
"Even after reincarnation… I feel it."
He lay back down, eyes open for a moment longer, then drifted into sleep again—this time, heavier.
Morning light spilled across the academy courtyard. Edward stood ready, his gear packed, his mind still echoing with fragments of last night's dream.
From the dorm balcony, Angel Sako called out to the team.
"Tech Tunes, gather up! I won't be joining you today—I've got duties in the northern archive."
She smiled briefly, wings folded.
"Instead, your quest guide will be someone new. Meet Elzia, sent from the academy."
The Arrival of Elzia
A soft shimmer rippled through the air. Time slowed. Leaves froze mid-fall. Footsteps paused. Even wind held its breath.
From the light stepped a woman cloaked in silver and gold, her eyes glowing with cosmic depth.
She turned to Edward, and only he could hear her voice.
"Edward… or should I say, Astros."
Edward's breath caught.
"I am Elzia, but more truly—I am Questzee, the incarnation of your mother, Illumina."
Her voice was calm, celestial.
"I've come to guide you. You were made as Protector. You forgot. But now… you must remember."
She reached out, touching his shoulder gently.
"Come now. The path to divinity begins again."
Time resumed.
Elzia turned to the rest of Team Tech Tunes, her tone now bright and instructive.
"Today's quest is simple but vital: Swimming Trial."
She gestured toward the academy's shimmering lake, its surface glowing faintly with enchantment.
"Let's begin."
Edward remained quiet, the weight of cosmic truth pressing gently behind his eyes.