Author Note: Hello! I'm thrilled to share my first novel with you, and I hope you'll enjoy the journey. I'm always open to your suggestions and opinions as we explore this story together. Thank you for joining me on this adventure.

PS: I edit some chapters for better content.

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Chapter 1: The Beginning

"Von, wake up! How can you sleep so much?"

The soft afternoon light crept through the window, stirring me from a deep sleep. I was abruptly awakened by the sound of my name, accompanied by someone persistently shaking my shoulders and a voice full of impatience.

"What time is it?" I groggily muttered, my voice still drowsy, while I stretched my sleepy limbs. Ren, my best friend, was standing right in front of me.

His face lit up with his usual wide grin. "How can you sleep so peacefully without a care in the world? Do you have any plans for today?"

I gave a lazy shrug, moving slowly to gather my things. "Well, I don't know. I might just go back to sleep when I get home."

Ren's grin widened with enthusiasm. "Hey, I know you've been feeling bored lately. How about we go to a net cafe, and then we can have dinner at my place? My mom has been asking about you. It's been a while."

A warm feeling washed over me as I looked at him. Ren and I had been friends since we were kids, and his family had been a source of support after my parents' tragic accident.

"I guess, I don't have other plans anyway. I miss your mom's cooking, and I wouldn't want to say no," I replied as we began our stroll down the school hallway.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from our fellow students.

It was clear why. Ren was popular, known for his skill in kendo, his cheerful personality, and his smile that charmed everyone, especially the girls. In contrast, I was known for my love of sleep and my perpetually bored expression.

Finding something that truly interest me was a challenge, and Ren's past attempts to get me involved in his kendo club had failed.

"Sometimes, I feel like their looks could pierce through me," I remarked with a chuckle, playfully mimicking a stabbing motion.

Ren laughed and put his arm around my shoulder. "They just don't know how awesome you are, Von. You should give socializing a try; everyone would like you!"

"You're pushing an introvert to socialize. I might just 'stab' you." I couldn't help but joke in return. 

"Ouch! You know I just want to see you make friends with someone besides me. Anyway, are you still having those nightmares?" Ren asked, wincing as he rubbed his side.

The mention of my recurring nightmares brought a shadow to my thoughts. I'd been haunted by them since the day my parents passed away.

The world had changed, marked by the arrival of angels on Earth. They promised humanity a chance after a significant sacrifice.

People now had incredible powers, but only a few were chosen to use them. The most disturbing part was the sudden appearance of portals unleashing monsters and a colossal tower that reached into the sky.

"Yeah, those nightmares still keep me up at night," I admitted. "Before you woke me up, I was already standing at the boss's door on the 99th floor."

"What? You're already on the 99th floor? Last time we talked, you were only on the 55th floor. It's like you're playing a game in your dreams," Ren marveled.

As we made our way to the net cafe we often visited, a sudden wave of pain and dizziness overcame me.

Ren, lost in his excitement, said, "I feel like I'm on fire today, Von. I think I might reach the immortal rank."

But something was terribly wrong. My hands clutched my throbbing head, as if it were splitting in two. Suddenly, my nightmares flooded my mind.

"Hey Von, what do you want to eat? I'm in the mood for noodles," Ren inquired, turning toward me, only to find me writhing in pain on the ground.

Ren's excitement turned into worry as he knelt beside me, concern etched across his face. The pain was intense, like a storm raging within my mind. I could feel the nightmares trying to break free, clawing at the edges of my consciousness.

"Von! Talk to me!" Ren's voice sounded distant, as if it were coming from underwater. I struggled to respond, my hands gripping my head tighter.

The images from my nightmares played out vividly before my eyes.