The debrief room was quiet, save for the soft hum of machines lining the walls. Alice sat at a long table, her alarm clock resting on her lap, still feeling the lingering warmth from the power spike. Across from her stood Terra Luna, the Director of the Sleep Restoration Institute, clipboard in hand and a cool, calculated expression on her face.
The battle had ended hours ago, and Alice had been rushed back to the Institute. The weight of what had happened was still sinking in. She had merged with her Sleep Totem for the first time, but that surge of power had left her utterly drained.
"How are you feeling?" Terra asked, her voice even, though her eyes showed a flicker of concern.
Alice shifted in her chair, rubbing her temples. "Like I ran a marathon in my sleep… while fighting nightmares. I'm exhausted."
Terra nodded. "That's to be expected. Merging with your Sleep Totem for the first time causes an intense power spike, especially when it happens under high-stress conditions. The energy surge you experienced was a natural reaction."
Alice slumped in her chair, her eyelids heavy. She had spent the past few hours alternating between feeling like a superhero and wanting to crawl into bed for a week. "So, what you're saying is, I basically overclocked my powers?"
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Terra's mouth, though she kept her composure. "That's one way to put it. Your body wasn't used to channeling that much Sleep Energy all at once. You exceeded your natural limit, which is why you feel so drained now."
Alice chuckled, though it was weak. "Overclocking… that actually feels like a good hero name, doesn't it?"
"Perhaps," Terra mused, setting her clipboard down. "But I don't recommend making a habit of it. Merging with your Sleep Totem is a delicate process. Using it improperly, especially under duress, can lead to burnout—both physically and mentally."
"Great," Alice muttered, glancing down at her clock. It looked so innocuous now, like any old relic you'd find in a dusty attic. But she knew the power that lay within it, the same power that had nearly wiped her out earlier. "So, what happens next? Do I just… rest?"
"For now, yes," Terra said, sitting across from her. "Your body needs time to recover. The first merge always takes a toll, and the fact that you were able to use such an advanced technique—like summoning the Waking Hour sword—means you were pushing yourself far beyond what your current limits can handle."
Alice blinked, still trying to wrap her head around everything that had happened. "The sword… it felt like it was always there, like it was waiting for me. Does every Sleep Totem come with some kind of weapon?"
"Not exactly," Terra explained, folding her hands on the table. "Each Sleep Totem is unique, tied to the person's connection with their own sleep energy and memories. The Waking Hour sword is a reflection of your affinity. From what I've seen, it's a natural counter to the Nightmares—likely because of the specific bond you've formed with your Sleep Totem."
Alice's mind spun as she processed Terra's words. A natural counter… something about that clicked. It made sense why the sword had felt so powerful in her hands, why it had cut through the Nightmares like they were made of smoke.
"So, I guess I should focus on controlling that power before I go running into another fight," Alice said, her voice lighter, though she still felt the weight of the exhaustion pulling at her.
"Exactly." Terra stood, pacing slowly as she spoke. "The fact that you've already unlocked a weapon like the Waking Hour shows that you have strong potential, but potential without control is dangerous. You'll need to train, slowly this time, to build your endurance and your connection with the Sleep Totem. Rushing into another battle without that control could leave you vulnerable—or worse."
Alice shivered at the thought. The power spike had felt incredible, but it had also been overwhelming, like standing in the middle of a raging storm. She didn't want to find herself caught in that surge again without knowing how to control it.
"So… recovery, then training?" Alice asked, her tone more serious now.
Terra nodded. "Exactly. For now, you're on a strict recovery protocol. No merging with your Sleep Totem, no field assignments until you've regained your strength."
Alice groaned but nodded in agreement. "Fine, fine. I'll rest. But," she added with a sly smile, "does this mean I get to hang out in the research division and be a non-combat geek for a while?"
Terra raised an eyebrow. "Non-combat geek?"
"You know," Alice said, leaning back in her chair. "The whole brains-over-brawn thing. Research, strategy, supporting the real heroes." She gestured vaguely with her hands. "Since I'm benched for now, might as well make myself useful."
"Yes," Terra replied, her tone dry. "You'll be assisting with research and development for the next few weeks. We'll monitor your progress closely to ensure you're ready when the time comes to return to the field."
Alice made a mock salute. "I'll do my best not to overclock again."
Terra shook her head, but there was a trace of amusement in her eyes. "Just remember, Alice—your power comes from balance. You'll learn to control it in time, but rushing the process will only set you back."
"I get it," Alice said, her voice quieter now. "I won't push myself like that again… not unless it's absolutely necessary."
Satisfied, Terra gathered her notes and prepared to leave. Before she stepped out of the room, she glanced back at Alice. "Rest up. We'll check on your progress tomorrow. And don't worry—Maple's been asking after you. She'll drop by soon."
At the mention of Maple, Alice felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the alarm clock. "Good. I could use some company while I'm stuck in recovery."
Terra nodded and left, the door clicking shut behind her.
Alice sat alone for a moment, the hum of the machines filling the quiet. She stared down at the clock in her hands, its brass surface reflecting the dim light of the room. The first merge had been overwhelming, sure, but it had also been exhilarating—proof that she could really do this. That she could make a difference.
But Terra was right. She needed control. If she pushed too hard, she might lose more than just a battle.
With a sigh, Alice leaned back in her chair, cradling the clock in her hands. "Overclock, huh?" she muttered to herself with a small grin. "Maybe I'll keep that in my back pocket."
As the exhaustion finally caught up with her, Alice closed her eyes, letting the steady hum of the machines lull her into a peaceful sleep. For the first time in days, there were no Nightmares lurking in the shadows—just quiet, dreamless rest.
And in that moment, she knew she was on the right path.