Nova awoke to a strange sensation. His vision was blurred, the world around him shifting between clarity and distortion. He blinked and rubbed his eyes, trying to piece together his surroundings. Slowly, the room came into focus—a luxurious bedroom adorned with intricate tapestries, gilded furniture, and a massive, plush bed on which he had been lying.
Sitting up, Nova scanned the room, his heart racing. He knew this wasn't real. It couldn't be. These dreamlike illusions had become his new reality, each one pulling him into unfamiliar roles. Despite the lavish setting, a sense of unease crept in. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, his bare feet sinking into the thick carpet.
"Alright, where am I now?" he muttered, stepping toward a tall, ornate mirror. His reflection stared back at him—a young man, dressed in fine silk pajamas, with an air of nobility he had never associated with himself. The face was his, yet something was off. His features were sharper, his posture more regal, as if the illusion had molded him into someone else entirely.
"Who am I supposed to be this time?" he wondered aloud.
He began searching the room, opening drawers and cabinets for clues. There were papers, but nothing he could recognize as helpful. As his curiosity grew, the sound of approaching footsteps halted him. He froze, instinctively looking toward the door.
A tall, confident figure entered. The moment Nova saw him, a strange familiarity washed over him. He couldn't place the feeling, but it was there, nagging at the edges of his mind.
"There you are!" the man said, a broad smile on his face. "Ready for the festival? Don't tell me you overslept again after one of your magical experiments. Seriously, brother, you have to start acting like a prince. People expect us to lead, not just play with spells all day."
"Brother?" Nova echoed, startled.
"Yes, brother," the man replied, shaking his head in exasperation. "Today is your day, remember? The festival of unity. All four kingdoms are gathering, and you need to be there. Father and Mother are waiting for you. Don't mess this up."
Nova stared blankly, struggling to process the words. Four kingdoms? A festival? Royals? Before he could respond, a maid entered the room, bowing respectfully before bustling about, preparing clothes for him. More servants followed, surrounding Nova as they helped him dress in extravagant ceremonial robes. The attention made him uncomfortable, but he let it happen, unsure of how to navigate this illusion.
"This is so much effort just to look fancy," Nova grumbled under his breath. "Even if this is just a dream... it's a pretty good one."
Once dressed, the maid guided him to a set of double doors that opened to a grand balcony. Nova stepped out and gasped. His room was perched high atop a castle that overlooked a sprawling, bustling city. The streets below teemed with people preparing for the festival. Magic-powered carriages zipped along intricate roads, and glowing runes adorned towering buildings. The blend of technological and magical advancements took Nova's breath away.
"Where is this place?" he whispered to himself.
The same nagging familiarity returned, tugging at his thoughts. He shook it off and turned to find his brother, who had waited for him in the hall. This time, another figure stood beside him—a man who looked just like his brother. Nova realized they must be twins. Behind them stood their parents, regal and composed, their presence commanding respect.
"Finally," one of the twins said. "Let's go."
The group descended to the castle courtyard, where a royal horse-drawn carriage awaited them. Guards in gleaming armor stood at attention, saluting as they boarded. Nova kept silent, unsure of what to say or do, as the carriage began moving through the city.
The streets were alive with celebration. Nova marveled at the sights—the enchanting mix of magical displays and advanced technology. This city was nothing like the places he had known in his real life. Yet, despite the beauty and grandeur, a heavy feeling weighed on him.
He sighed deeply, leaning back in his seat. "It's going to fall apart," he thought bitterly. "Just like that battlefield. This can't end well. How many times do I have to die in these dreams?"
As the carriage carried him deeper into the heart of the city, Nova couldn't shake the growing sense of dread. The people around him smiled and waved, oblivious to the storm he knew was brewing. He clenched his fists, steeling himself for whatever nightmare awaited him in this illusion of royalty.