"Is that your flaw? Acting like a fool?"
It might seem that Fang Yuan was merely playing around, but in reality he wanted to confirm his suspicion.
"...no" Sunless said with a grimace, before Fang Yuan could say anything, master Jet interrupted him and asked them to take a shower saying that they "reeked of Nightmare". The unnatural slumber of the Spell would slow down the body's metabolism, and the medical apparatus he had been strapped into was supposed to take care of the rest, but he was still asleep for three whole days.
Fang Yuan was still amazed at his aspect, runes shimmering in front of him as he took a shower.
Name: Fang Yuan.
True Name: Heaven refining demon.
Rank: Dreamer.
Shadow Core: Dormant.
Soul guts: [0000/infinite].
Soul cores: [0/infinite].
Potential lifespan left: [70 years]
"I can plunder at least six awakened, I should not try to plunder any ascended however, the risk is too great for I can not fight them. But I can plunder anyone if they are on the verge of dying. I should first check how much soul essence it takes to plunder someone of their properties first."
He was also checking his physique. He was already strengthened by the attribute [Otherworldly Physique] but awakening also changed his body. The changes in his physique were subtle, but noticeable. His muscles were a bit more pronounced, his skin seemed to be smoother.
***
A few minutes after that, Fang Yuan was wearing a clean police-issued tracksuit and heading for the cafeteria. Master Jet was waiting for him at one of the tables, with three trays full of steaming synthetic food in front of her.
"Help yourself."
Fang Yuan started to eat — it was weird to eat without chopsticks but he did not care, instead he was pondering whether he should plunder master Jet's properties or not. He could either plunder people of their everything or plunder people of their properties.
His abilities worked in a way that plundering properties meant copying a lesser version and plundering people of their everything meant getting a copy of everything.
As he was eating, Sunless too walked in and started to eat enthusiastically.
"What are you thinking about?"
Fang Yuan noticed how Sunless had a pained expression before saying "I was thinking that it would be a perfect moment for you to ask me about what I am thinking,"
While Fang Yuan asked "Is there some sort of lie detector here?"
"No… why would you ask that?"
Fang Yuan nodded calmly then asked "Is there an auction for memories?"
Master Jet looked at him with a weird expression before shaking her head. "Where did you get that idea, there is a market for memories."
"Ah, the gu world was far more primitive than this world, I will need some time to adjust to this future world" Fang Yuan thought
"Alright. Are you two finished with your food?"
Fang Yuan nodded.
"Then I'll begin. As per protocol, I am obligated to inform you two of a few things. It is mostly a formality. First of all, concerning your Nightmare…"
She glanced at them and sighed.
"You two are entitled to receive free psychological counseling. No matter what traumatic experience you have encountered, there is no shame in asking for help. Your mind is as important as your body — it's only right to keep it healthy. Are any of you two interested?"
Fang Yuan and Sunless shook their head, Jet shrugged and continued:
"As you wish. You can also talk to me. Was it very hard?"
Fang Yuan stayed quiet, checking if there was something forcing him to answer, while Sunless said
"It was simultaneously much worse than I expected and exactly as bad as I expected."
Jet nodded and looked at Fang Yuan,
"It was quite hard." Fang Yuan lied. He was checking if there was something forcing him to say the truth, now that he knew that he could lie he had more or less figured out Sunless's flaw.
The first Nightmare was nowhere near his hardest trails, it was merely a test of his character as if checking that the man was indeed Fang Yuan.
"That's a good attitude. I won't pry any further. Us outskirt rats are way more resilient than people think."
Fang Yuan was never an outcast in his early days, but he had been an outcast for most of his life, which directly helped him to become a demon. Fang Yuan sighed and activated his aspect ability, plundering Sunless's properties.
Fang Yuan felt his soul essence dwindling and exhausting. Grimacing, he felt extremely weak and lifeless, his metabolism changed instantly as he grew much more hungry. He hurriedly finished his plate and went to get another one.
Essence exhaustion and... nutrition deficiency?
Master Jet looked at him weirdly and talked to Sunless, Fang Yuan quietly ate; uninterested in talking.
As his hunger faded runes shimmered in front of him.
Attributes: [Will of Fate], [Sorcerous Soul], [Child of Divinities], [Otherworldly Physique], [Flowing Water], [Stone Skin], [Air bubble], [True shadow].
[True shadow] Attribute Description: "Your shadow is a little more independent than normal."
By the time Fang Yuan calmed down, he heard
"So… what happens now? What else are you obligated to tell me?"
Sunless was asking with a curious look to Master jet, sensing his gaze Sunless grinned in triumph
Jet leaned back and answered:
"That's basically it. There are some additional hoops to jump through, mostly having to do with both of your families, but… well. I've read both of the file, so I know it doesn't apply. The only thing left is to decide how you two will be preparing for your first journey into the Dream Realm."
She looked at her communicator and grimaced.
"I must say, both of your's luck is exceptionally bad. There's not a lot of time at all. First of all: you two are free to do what you want. No one is forcing you to make a certain decision. That is to say, you can choose to prepare on your own, or not prepare at all. Party until the lights go out."
Fang Yuan did not think his luck was bad, considering his experiences he was confident in going to the dream realm
"However, I would advise against that. As a Sleeper, you are also entitled to enroll in the Awakened Academy. You'll be provided with food, lodging and a wide choice of preparatory classes. This late into the year, you won't be able to learn a lot. But it's better than nothing."
She was silent for a few seconds, then added:
"More importantly, you will get acquainted with most of the people who will enter the Dream Realm with you. Some of them might become your companions for life."
"In this world, because of the restriction of attributes and aspects one cannot survive alone, however my divine aspect counters this.. However, if my essence was exhausted when I tried to use my aspect ability, what would happen if I used my innate ability, would my soul core get destroyed?" Fang Yuan thought.
"So, what do you say? Do you want me to take you to the Academy?"