I dip my pen into the ink with a shaky hand, my fingers trembling as I begin scribbling everything I can recall from the dream. The images remain vivid—strange, confusing, and deeply unsettling. My handwriting is messy, but I don't care. I need to capture these memories, even if they terrify me.
It's difficult to know where to start. Should I describe the dry, rocky landscape? The crowded, impoverished town? Or the fact that I was flying?
I can't help but wonder—does anyone else here in the mansion know anything about this?
Everything felt too real to be just a dream. It has to be something more. For a moment, I thought I was going to die. What stands out most is the shrine, an ominous presence that seemed to drain my very sanity.
Did the shrine send me there? Why did it urge me to leave?
My thoughts are too scattered to write coherently. For now, I'll simply record everything I saw and felt—nothing more, nothing less. I can sort through the meaning later. Perhaps someone like Rina might know something about it. Even Yumiko might have some insight, though I doubt she'll be helpful. She'd probably mock me for being scared, call me pathetic, and then hit me. Still, it might be worth asking—she knows this world far better than I do.
With that, I begin writing, starting with: "I found myself in the sky, floating above a desolate desert filled with rocky cliffs and dangerous creatures…"
As I recount the details, I jot down side notes and questions:
Do I want to find this place?What towns or people might be connected to it?What about the shrine? What is it, and why did it try to kill me?
The shrine itself is the most pressing mystery. Even though I never want to encounter it again, I feel compelled to understand its nature. Was it cursed? Are there other shrines like it?
The memory of its crimson glow and the three white voids carved into its stone surface makes my chest tighten. There was a heaviness in the air, a suffocating despair. Its presence was overpowering, almost demonic.
Even now, the thought of it makes my skin crawl and my eyes itch, as if its malevolent energy has left an imprint on me.
I can't shake the feeling that the shrine is deeply connected to this world—a powerful, intrinsic part of it. It feels like a mystery I'm destined to uncover someday. But for now, I know I'm too weak, both mentally and physically, to face such a challenge.
Thinking back to the trauma I experienced in that shrine, fragments of thoughts come to mind. There was something stirring inside me then, a clash of opposing desires. I wanted to give up, to let go. But at the same time, I had an overwhelming urge to live, to survive. Why?
Was it the drive to achieve something meaningful? Yes, I remember now—I wanted to live for a purpose, to pursue my ambitions and reach a goal I once believed in. This second chance at life cannot be squandered. Yet, I've spent my time here so far indulging in comfort, thinking only about staying in luxury for as long as possible.
That has to change. I need to change. I need to shift my mindset and focus on growth, on becoming someone worth respecting. I don't want to be someone others look down on anymore.
But for now, I'll take it one step at a time. I have lessons to focus on, small goals to mark my progress. I don't want to rush into grand aspirations too quickly—it's only been six days since I arrived here. Slow progress is still progress.
Still, what I've written today feels significant. Perhaps it's worth sharing with Yumiko or Rina. Who knows? They might see something in these reflections that I've overlooked.
Part 2
"Hi, Yumiko."
"Hi."
She's punctual, every day. That's a good habit at least.
"Thank you for coming on time, Miss."
"Well, of course."
Alright, time to see if she knows anything about this.
"Yumiko, I need to ask you something."
I still doubt she'll have any answers, but it's worth a shot, right?
"Yeah, what?"
She looks as uninterested as ever, her gaze sliding away like she's trying to dodge the conversation altogether.
"I had a nightmare last night," I begin, gauging her reaction. "I was flying through the air over a town, surrounded by dead, rocky land—like a desert. I couldn't feel the heat, but I knew it was there, with the sun blazing down from a cloudless sky."
Her expression shifts. Curiosity flickers in her eyes, though she quickly looks down at her textbook, pretending to read. She's terrible at hiding her interest; her sparkling eyes give her away.
"Ah, well… sounds cool, I guess."
She says it nonchalantly, but I know better. She wants to hear more—she's just too stubborn to admit it. This side of her is unexpected; maybe she isn't always as harsh as she seems.
Then, she surprises me. She finally lifts her head, meeting my gaze directly. "Anyways, what's a desert?"
Wait—really? She doesn't know what a desert is?
I suppose it makes sense. She's probably never seen one before, and I doubt there's much information about them in this world.
"A desert is a land filled with sand and sparse, dead vegetation. It's hot, with almost no water. But this desert was different—filled with jagged rocks. It felt like a dangerous wasteland where merchants and travelers venture to seek fortune."
Her eyes light up, brimming with mystery and joy. She leans forward across the table, hands pressed against its surface, raising her body slightly. Her wide eyes glimmer with excitement as a radiant smile spreads across her face.
"What? That sounds amazing! I want to go there! What kinds of animals were there?"
Her body language screams adventure, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Her hands firmly planted on the table show how eager she is to hear more.
Watching her excitement stirs something in me. I can't help but think: I want to see this world for myself, to go on adventures just like she dreams of.
"Tell me more! What was the town like?"
Is this really Yumiko? Her joy and openness feel so different from her usual demeanor. It's like a completely new side of her has emerged.
"It was a sprawling town made of tightly packed stone houses, their walls brushing against one another. The streets bustled with merchants showcasing their wares, guild members filled the taverns, and adventurers from across the land passed through on their journeys. Dusty clouds rose as horses and carriages rolled along the sunlit streets. Children ran through the alleys, laughing and playing games, oblivious to the harshness of the surrounding desert."
"Ahhhh!" she exclaims, practically glowing with amazement.
I never imagined she could be so animated. It's as if a hidden layer of her personality has cracked open, one that thrives on wonder and the promise of discovery.
"And the desert," I continue, leaning into her excitement, "is teeming with dangerous creatures: griffins, giant eagles, enormous lizards, packs of wild wolves, and others I haven't even seen yet."
"Oh, really?!" Yumiko's voice rings with excitement.
"Yeah, I could use help researching it. Would you want to help?"
"Of course!" she replies with a determined nod.
"Thanks. Do you think Rina might know something about it?"
"I don't know for sure, but she used to be an adventurer and traveled the world. She might have some answers. Let's go ask her right now!"
"I see your enthusiasm, but no, we can't ask her now—you've got studies to focus on!"
Yumiko's face scrunches up in disappointment. "Study? Ugh, boring! Tell me more about the dream instead!"
She leans forward across the table, her curiosity shining as she gazes at me intently.
I chuckle softly, giving in. "Alright. When I was flying, I saw a griffin soaring beside me. Its sharp eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I thought it would attack. Luckily, I changed direction and dove downward. The griffin flew off toward a massive skull—a skull so large, it could have belonged to a dragon. Birds had built their nests inside its empty eye sockets."
Her eyes widen with wonder as she hangs onto every word. "Ohhhhhhh…"
She stands up abruptly, her face lighting up with excitement. Pointing at me dramatically, she declares, "If I were you, I'd fight that thing! I'd be like—hiya! Yah!"
She swings an imaginary sword through the air, mimicking battle moves with such energy that I can't help but laugh.
A giggle slips from my lips as I watch her antics. This side of Yumiko—playful, curious, and full of life—is something I never imagined I'd see.
Time flies as we continue talking, her endless questions about the animals and the crypt filling the moments between our laughter.
Before I know it, we're heading to sword practice with Rina, walking side by side. Yumiko chatters on, her enthusiasm undimmed.
We didn't get any studying done today, but that's fine. I already have an idea for the next lesson, something I think she'll enjoy.
For the first time, I feel like we've made real progress—both in understanding each other and in building a connection that might just lead to something meaningful.
Part 3
"Rina! Kaito told me about something amazing that happened to him! We're wondering if you might know what it could mean or where it might be located!" Yumiko exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.
Amazing? I wouldn't really call it that. Honestly, it felt more like a near-death experience. Still, I can't shake the feeling that the dream holds some deeper meaning, as if it was more than just a dream.
"Oh, I see," Rina said, her tone calm and composed. "Tell me about it. I'd be happy to help."
"Thank you!" Yumiko beamed.
I recounted the details of the dream—the desolate, rocky landscape, the vibrant yet dangerous town, the looming shrine, and the massive skull. As I finished, Rina tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"It sounds like it could be the Dead Lands, a region to the east. The description fits—rocky cliffs, blistering heat, and sparse water. It's a harsh place, filled with danger."
That made sense. I'd read a little about the Dead Lands. It was a barren, perilous area where only the brave or desperate dared to tread. But Rina didn't know anything about the skull, the crypt, or the shrine. She vaguely remembered hearing about a shrine in her youth but couldn't recall any details.
"If you're truly interested, the only way to learn more is to go there and see it for yourselves," Rina advised. "But for now, you should focus on your training."
Rina's mention of her upbringing in the Dead Lands piqued my curiosity. When I asked about her childhood, she only said, "It was tough," promising to share more another time. For now, training took precedence.
Without further delay, Rina and Yumiko grabbed their wooden swords and began sparring.
part 2
"On your feet, Yumiko!" Rina's sharp command jolted Yumiko into action.
"Yes, Rina!" she replied, scrambling to her feet and gripping her practice sword tightly.
Yumiko moved like lightning. Her footwork was impossibly quick, her attacks precise. Every strike seemed calculated to exploit her opponent's weaknesses. But Rina, though slower, countered every move with flawless technique. Watching their duel was mesmerizing.
I couldn't help but marvel at Yumiko's unorthodox fighting style. She incorporated kicks, objects from the ground, and unpredictable moves to keep her opponents off balance. It was almost artistic. If only she applied this level of focus to her studies…
"Kaito, your turn," Rina announced. My heart sank.
Great. Sparring with Yumiko never ended well for me.
"Yes, ma'am," I muttered, gripping my sword tightly.
As I faced Yumiko, I silently begged her to take it easy on me. She smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
The fight began. She disappeared from view, reappearing in a blur, her sword aimed at my side. Was it a feint? No, she was targeting above! I tried to block, but I wasn't fast enough.
"Idiot, why'd you block like that?" Yumiko scolded as I hit the ground.
"Yumiko, go easier on him," Rina chided.
"Fine, but only because you told me to!" Yumiko huffed, crossing her arms.
I groaned, pulling myself to my feet. At least she'd go easier. Maybe I'd manage to block a hit this time.
"When you block, Kaito, don't rely on strength. Use your body and sword to deflect the attack and move away from your opponent," Rina instructed.
"I'll try," I said, though it sounded much easier than it felt.
Yumiko charged again, slower this time. Her sword swung toward me in a deliberate arc. Timing it carefully, I raised my sword. The wooden blades clashed, the impact jolting through my arms. But I held my ground.
"Yes!" I thought triumphantly—until her foot connected with my stomach. I stumbled backward, gasping for breath as she followed up with another strike. Somehow, I managed to block again before her next move sent me sprawling.
"Kaito, much better this time," Rina said, her words a rare encouragement.
Despite the ache in my ribs, I couldn't help but smile. Blocking those hits, even if it hurt, felt like progress.
"He's still weak," Yumiko said dismissively. "And he'll stay weak."
Classic Yumiko. She always had something snarky to say. But… was she actually holding back this time? It didn't hurt as much as it usually did.
Part 4
After practice, we returned to the mansion for dinner. The meal was hearty, and the chatter around the table lively. But my thoughts kept drifting back to the Dead Lands, the shrine, and the crypt. After eating, I retreated to my room.
For an hour, I pored over the magic and mana book I'd been studying every night, hoping to uncover something useful. But as the room grew darker, the soft glow of my lamp casting long shadows, I closed the book with a sigh.
I prepared for bed, my body aching from the day's exertions. falling into the void of nothing as I began to sleep.
23 days left.