The lights flickered, shifting colors every second, my eyes slowly closing as everything around me turned to black.
When i woke up the building was in flames. A familiar scene i only ever imagined was in front of me.
Flames were closing in on me. I stumbled backwards desperately trying to get away from the fire. Unfamiliar screams filled the air from every direction.
Gaining my composure i stood up and stared at the agonizing scene before me, getting frozen in place. A mysterious hand pulled me back and dragged me to a carriage nearby.
"Leave now! Master you aren't safe here!" a man dressed as a knight pushed me into the carriage.
Master? What is he talking about? Why does this feel too familiar? And why is he in cosplay right now?
"Come back and help us!" another man commanded
"I'm going!" The man left but soon another person came by. He was tall and had a good amount of muscle. He had blond hair and gold eyes. Wearing a classic tuxedo, torn and filled with blood stains he approached me.
"You! You're just gonna escape and leave the rest of us to survive!?"
"Ha… what did i expect anyway from a spoiled brat like you! You claim to be the best and you are the first to run away!"
"I hate people like you." With a cold stare the man left to help the survivors. I stared back with a blank face, somehow regardless of how confused i was, my face showed no signs. The carriage started to move and the image of a burning building faded away until only trees could be seen.
…
The place was quiet as i started to gather my thoughts. It was him, the guy that confronted me is my protagonist. I could never forget a face like that, i made him but what was he doing here?
Where even am i? Why was the building on fire? why did that guy call me 'master'?Where am i going? Who… am i? I don't understand anything that's happening.
Wait, i went to sleep not long ago. Oh, its just a dream. I subconsciously let out a large sigh i didn't know i held in. Its just a dream, I'll wake up soon enough. If i don't miss my alarm.
That guy, my protagonist—Nathan Clerk. I remember my first sketch of him. I was horrible at art before, it wasn't till i had made up my mind to write a novel that i learn to paint and draw.
the story wasn't that original, it's just a story on how a nobody becomes an important person to the entire empire, becoming it's protector.
Hm… No wonder the scene looked familiar. It was the cult's invasion arc. My favorite part of the entire story because it was stage meant for Nathan to shine.
The carriage came to a stop, looking out the window i was met with an enormous mansion. Hundreds of maids and butlers lined up at the entrance.
"Welcome back master" they all said in unison.
I stepped out of the carriage and walked straight, i knew exactly where i was going even though i don't remember ever coming here at all.
This is like a lucid dream, no it is a lucid dream. It's my first time experiencing one, i read once that the dreamer has full control of everything, i wonder how true that is?
I came to a stop and looked to my side, a maid that was following me stopped as well.
"I'll have dinner in my room tonight. Bring art supplies."
The maid left and i continued walking to 'my' room.
She left without a single question, i like that. I wonder what she will bring for dinner. Wait, I can decide what i get to eat in this dream.
Soon after the maid arrived with the food. A juicy medium rare steak with a lettuce salad was brought. It wasn't what i imagined. I wanted a quesadilla, i hate my steak pink. why isn't it going my way?
"Where are my art supplies?" I asked, my voice cold and fierce.
"T-there are n-n-no a-art supplies in the m-mansion master…" shivering, why is she shivering i just asked a regular question.
"you're saying there is not a single art supply in this entire mansion"Shaking even more she fell to her knees and bowed down on the floor.
"Stop shaking" i said trying to calm her down.
"My a-apologies master"
Does she have a stuttering problem? It doesn't matter.
"Leave"
The maid stumbled back up and rushed to the the door. A few seconds after she left i got up from the desk and started to walk around the room.
I glanced at the mirror and came to an abrupt stop. That is not me. This isn't my face or my body… I look like, like… Zephar.
This is impossible. It can't be… This isn't me at all. Taking in the feature i couldn't help but admire this body. It was strong and lean. Long black hair tied in a mid pony tail cascading down to my lower back. Grey eyes, fair skin and a sharp jawline. He is incredibly handsome.
When will i wake up? This feels like a suspicious amount of sleep. It's almost dawn here. Forget it I'll make myself wake up. I pinched myself to wake up but nothing happened. I slapped myself across the face. Nothing.
No, no, no, no this can't be happening.
Wake up, i need to wake up. Wake up.
"Wake up Yukio, wake up." hitting myself again i looked at the mirror.
"Wake up!"
*Smash!*
*Crack!* cracks started forming on the mirror, my reflection multiplying. less than a second later it all dispersed.
*Shatter*
the sound of glass falling was a relief to me, i don't have to see that face anymore, a strangers face. staring at my bleeding knuckles i murmured.
"It's still not me"
"This isn't my body, its not mine."
The sting from my knuckles dragged me out of my thoughts.
Pain… it was painful, incredibly painful. This isn't a dream is it? no, it's not a dream, dreams aren't painful, uncontrollable and unreasonable.
Dreams belong to one person to control. I have no control.
"Ha ha…. i must be losing mind"
......…
System Activated!
Welcome host! You were brought here to complete a mission. The master's last wish!
During Zephar's past life his last wish was to experience what absolute power was and to experience love and warmth.
The host has to fulfill his wishes before the story ends in his death.
Once those wishes are complete you will be granted a wish of your own.
......…
"Okay… I'm definitely going insane"