"Okay Lucas, tell me about yourself," asked Hypnos, his voice waking Lucas from a daze
Lucas, still adjusting to the surreal setting, looked up at Hypnos, momentarily taken aback.
"Well, uh, I'm Lucas," he began, his tone casual. "I'm from a world that's, you know, different from this one. It's got its own chaos and problems, but it's also got things like electricity, cars, and smartphones. Not as magical, but it has its perks."
Hypnos's eyes flickered with interest as Lucas continued to share snippets of his life, anecdotes from his world that seemed almost fantastical in the context of Hypnos's realm. The lord of Dreams listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions that revealed a genuine curiosity about the intricacies of Lucas's experiences.
Hypnos chuckled, the sound echoing through the dining area as Lucas shared more tales from his world.
"So, you come from a place where you have these 'cars' that run on their own and little boxes that show moving pictures? You must be quite insane, my dear Lucas," Hypnos remarked with a playful glint in his purple eyes.
Lucas grinned in response, "Well, some might say so. But I prefer the term 'eccentric.' Life back there has its own set of craziness, but I guess I brought a bit of it with me."
Hypnos continued to engage Lucas in conversation, weaving humor into his inquiries and making light-hearted jests about the peculiarities of the modern world. Adara, overhearing their banter from the kitchen, couldn't help but be relieved that Hypnos seemed to be in good spirits.
The jovial atmosphere took an abrupt turn as Hypnos's mood shifted. With a casual wave of his hand, the ornate dining table disappeared in a flickering purple flame, leaving Lucas and Ronan momentarily stunned.
The room transformed into a surreal space, with floating embers casting an eerie glow. Hypnos's eyes, now emanating a deeper shade of purple, bore a seriousness that hinted at a change in the tone of their encounter.
Hypnos, his gaze piercing, spoke with a gravity that contradicted his earlier jests. "Lucas, you find yourself here not by chance but by design. There's a purpose, a thread of destiny that intertwines with your presence. The dreams have spoken of a convergence, a meeting that echoes through the realms."
Hypnos continued, his voice echoing through the ethereal atmosphere. "Lucas, your mind, it's a labyrinth of chaos and unpredictability. I sense the touch of madness, an erratic dance that mirrors the flickering flames before you."
Lucas scratched his head, a mix of confusion and amusement on his face. "Well, yeah, I've been told I'm a bit crazy. Is that a problem?"
Hypnos's eyes gleamed with a mysterious intensity. "Oh, no, my friend. Madness is not a problem; it's a gift. In the realms of dreams and nightmares, your unique essence holds potential, an untamed force waiting to be unleashed."
In the midst of the mysterious shifting of energies in the dining area, Hypnos turned to Ronan with an expression that carried a sense of mischief.
"Ronan, my loyal servant, it seems we need to test our newcomer's mettle," Hypnos said with a sly smile. "Why don't you give Lucas here a little challenge? If he survives your attack for a minute, he can stay."
Ronan, though usually composed, couldn't hide a hint of sadness in his eyes. Nonetheless, he stood and approached Lucas, who was still trying to grasp the unusual turn of events.
"Survive? What are yo-" before Lucas could finish, Ronan had kicked forwards with his leg, catching Lucas in the stomach and sending him back several meters.