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(Now, the next phase of your training begins.)
"Wait, am I going to train in my dream?"
(Kinda. This is your Mindscape, the representation of your mind. See that sun over there? That represents your core, and in this place, you have no limits on controlling somnium here since it all belongs to you. There's no better place to practice.)
"How will what I do here affect me? I'm asleep."
(It's not about the physical here. It's about knowledge, experience. Nearly the entire process of controlling somnium is mental. Training in this place improves your technique. You won't see physical results, but it'll give you a deeper understanding.)
As Kran explained, I began to comprehend the potential of this space. I raised my right hand, summoning a flame, and conjured a ball of water with my left. Channeling somnium here required no effort—everything was immediate.
(You don't need to bother with basics in the Mindscape. It was hard in the outside world because of the process of channling somnium from your core. But here, you're free. Let's focus on refining your natural affinity.)
"You mean the sun? I thought it wasn't good to keep it in its natural state."
(No, it's not bad to keep it. What's bad is being unaware of its true nature. Its current shape is the most suitable for you. Yes, you can change it, but nothing will ever be as powerful as your natural form. Your affinity is the sun. That's where your real strength lies.)
"Alright. That makes sense. So how do I start? Do you have any tips?"
(Forget everything. Imagine how you'd like to wield the sun. Let your mind do the rest. Once you're comfortable doing it here, it'll be easier to do it outside.)
I paused, picturing how I'd always imagined controlling such power. A simple idea took shape, and the space around me responded immediately.
(Hm? Seriously? It's simple, but well, it looks effective.)
Hours passed as I practiced. Time seemed irrelevant in this place, but eventually, my curiosity got the better of me.
"How long have I been here? It feels like half a day."
(For you, it's been 14 hours. But outside? It's only been two. We've got plenty of time.)
So time moved slower here—42 more hours of practice in just six hours of sleep. It was incredible. I pushed myself further, continuing for what felt like another half day.
Then Kran suggested something new.
(You're doing well, but let's cover healing next. Your body already heals faster than most, but you can push it to another level. You'll need to know your body in detail—every muscle, every bone. When you know yourself like that, you can direct somnium to any injury and heal faster.)
"Does anything here affect me when I wake up?"
(Physically? No. You're safe. But the pain will feel real.)
That was all I needed to hear. I materialized a blade from somnium and cut deeply into my arm.
(What are you doing?!)
Channeling somnium, I visualized the tissues, fibers, and muscles knitting back together perfectly. The pain was intense, but I could feel every detail as the wound healed.
(I was talking about learning the theory, not—)
"It's easier for me this way."
Without waiting for his response, I drove the blade into my stomach. Blood pooled at my feet, but I focused on each injured organ, every ruptured fiber, and forced somnium into them, imagining every detail until they regenerated.
(You really plan to train like this? There are less...masochistic methods, you know. How do you know your body that well already? It takes years to gain this level of detail.)
"I trained for years, Kran. Since I was young, my body was honed to become a warrior. I already knew how to control every inch of it. I just needed a deeper understanding of the usage of somnium. This is the perfect opportunity."
He remained silent, and I pressed on. Each wound I inflicted became more severe, but each time, I learned how to heal faster and more efficiently. I tried severing limbs, shattering bones—healing such wounds would be impossible outside the Mindscape, at least in my current level. But here, I could experience the process and master it without consequence.
Finally, after what felt like days, I woke up. My body felt rested, but my mind was another story.
(That's your fault for torturing yourself under the guise of training.)
Maybe. But I did manage to learn a lot, especially how to heal. And my technique for wielding somnium is ready too. I just need real-world experience now.
(Heh, you're right. I can't wait to see that technique in battle. Let's go fight someone!)
I won't cause trouble just for your amusement. Besides, I promised Rem I'd help with shopping. But how are we going to afford it? She said she lost all her money, and I don't have any. We're only staying here thanks to the gnomes' hospitality.
(Haha! You've forgotten about the coins in the bracelet. Show them to the little snack; she'll explain everything.)
Wait, those coins are actually worth something?
(You'll see~)
I stopped questioning him and got dressed. As soon as I opened my door, I found Rem hovering just outside.
"You're already awake? I thought I was early!" she exclaimed, her wings fluttering nervously.
"I'm surprised too. It's only six in the morning. What are you doing here?"
"Well, I got too excited and woke up early. I couldn't just sit in my room, so I came to check if you were up." She fidgeted with her clothes, clearly embarrassed.
"Good timing. I just got up. There's something I wanted to ask you about, though. What are these?" I pulled out one of the pearlescent coins from the bracelet and held it up for her to see.
Her eyes widened. "Where did you find that?!"
"There are about a hundred of them in the bracelet. Kran said I should ask you."
"A hundred full coins…" Rem looked like she'd just seen a treasure hoard. "That guy is full of surprises. You've got a lot of money on your hands."
"Wait, this is actual currency? But the bracelet is ancient. How is it still valid?"
"It's a bit of a long story. Do you know how the Dreamscape was created?"
"A little bit."
"Alright. When the worlds of the First Plane merged and traveling between the realms of the Second Plane became possible, the economy—alongside many other things—went into chaos. To stabilize it, the Mouths of Dreams introduced oneiric coins, like the one you're holding. These coins can't be destroyed or recreated by anyone, and they're used across the entire Dreamscape."
"So they're essentially a currency with absolute value."
"Exactly! They've been around for thousands of years, and their value has never changed. There are three kinds: silver coins, which are used for everyday transactions; gold coins, worth ten silver; and full coins—like yours—worth ten gold coins."
I was stunned. Not only did Kran possess ancient knowledge about dragonlords, but he was also rich? Who was this guy?
(Not telling. I'll reveal it in a dramatic fashion later.)
"Well, at least we won't be worrying about money anytime soon."
"Luckily, yes! I was planning to get us into debt and then work it off, but we don't have to do that anymore." Rem visibly relaxed.
We spent the day visiting countless shops, picking up supplies—food that wouldn't spoil, camping equipment, ropes, and clothes for both of us. Rem seemed to know what she was doing, even if I didn't understand half of what she bought.
Everything went into the bracelet, which somehow fit it all. I noticed a slight weight shift, though.
(The bracelet can take much as you want, but it distributes the weight across your body. You'll feel the difference if you overfill it, so be careful.)
That explained the sensation. Still, the weight wasn't an issue. I could handle this much easily. By the time we finished shopping, the sun was setting. We were heading back to the inn when Rem suddenly stopped.
"Oh! I forgot something important. We need to get one last item."
"Lead the way, then." I wasn't sure what it could be, but I didn't question her.
We found ourselves at the edge of town, in front of a small, crumbling shop. A faded sign read 'Realmbound Relic Store', and it looked like it hadn't been touched in years.
(This place looks like they sell things stolen from graves.)
Rem's excitement was obvious. Whatever was inside, she was clearly eager to find it. We stepped inside, and a rusty bell rang as the door creaked shut behind us.
Inside, the shop was chaos. Every available surface was crammed with crystals, strange metals, enchanted weapons, and armor pieces. Rings and bracelets dangled from nails driven into the walls, and potions bubbled on shelves. The shop seemed much larger inside than its exterior suggested.
"Hey! Old Man, are you there?" Rem's voice echoed through the dusty, cluttered shop.
A wrinkled face slowly emerged from behind the counter, startling me. It was a bizarre, unsettling creature with a head that was a strange blend of human and tortoise. Wisps of mossy green hair hung from its chin like a tangled beard, clinging to the folds of its neck. Its torso was encased in a tortoise shell adorned with countless necklaces, each one glimmering faintly in the low light. The creature's four long, gangly arms hung down from the shell like a monkey's, covered in bracelets from wrist to shoulder, and its lower body was a massive serpent's tail coiled with gleaming scales that shimmered under the dim lamps.
The Old Man—if that was even the right term—had an air of agelessness about him, as if he had existed since the dawn of time itself. His movements were slow but deliberate, each shift creaking like ancient stone grinding against itself.
"Remistia Somnira," he rasped, his voice grating like rocks being crushed in a mill. "It has been seven months, twenty-three days, and five hours since we last met, according to thetime measurements decided by Rule of Time."
Rem let out a laugh, her wings fluttering with amusement. "Has it really been that long? It feels shorter!"
I stared at the strange being, wide-eyed, trying to process what was going on. The Old Man's sharp, beady eyes flicked toward me, studying me with a calm yet unsettling gaze.
"This friend here," Rem continued, pointing at me, "has an astral being following him, and we need something that allows us to see and hear it. Got anything that can help?"
The Old Man reached up with one of his spindly arms, scratching at the moss-like hair that clung to his chin. He tapped his chin thoughtfully with a long, claw-like finger, then motioned for us to wait as he disappeared into the back of the shop.
"Who is he?" I asked Rem in a low voice, glancing around at the curious relics and trinkets scattered throughout the store.
"Just call him Old Man. That's how he introduces himself. He's the owner here," Rem said nonchalantly, before adding with a grin, "I told you I was going to keep an eye on Kran, didn't I?"
(Very explanatory... but more importantly, what does she mean by keeping an eye on me? There's no way this old tortoise will figure me out.) Kran's voice hummed with amusement in my mind.
If he does, you're on your own. I'm not missing this opportunity to learn more about you.
(Heh. I'm not worried. Let him try.)
After a few minutes, the Old Man returned, carrying a gleaming small silver egg in his hand. It shimmered faintly, catching the light as he cradled it in his long, spindly fingers.
"Found it," he said, holding the egg out in front of us.
"What's that?" I asked, confused by how a simple egg was going to help us learn about Kran.
The Old Man didn't answer. Instead, with a deliberate crack, he broke the silver egg in his hand. A sharp, metallic snap echoed through the shop, and suddenly I felt a powerful tug, as if something was being drawn out of me.
(Wait, no! Not that! Noooooo!) Kran's voice shrieked in my head, but it was being pulled away.
I watched in shock as the remains of the silver egg trembled in the Old Man's hand. From the shattered shell, a small creature emerged—a tiny, intricately crafted metal dragon, its polished body gleaming in the dim light. The dragon stretched its wings, blinking its black jewel-like eyes, before letting out an indignant roar.
"How dare you!? This is an affront to my majesty!" the mini dragon—Kran, apparently—bellowed in a voice that was far too familiar.
I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. "I think you look better this way."
Rem, eyes wide with surprise, let out a small gasp. "So, he was a Dragonlord after all..."
"Look at me... I'm smaller than the little snack!" Kran fumed, flapping his metal wings in frustration.
"Who are you calling a snack?!" Rem screamed, her temper flaring as she kicked Kran's tiny metal body. A dull clang echoed through the shop, and Rem let out a yelp of pain, clutching her foot.
"Hahaha! At least I'm not the weakest one around!" Kran taunted, a smug grin curling on his metallic face.
"Alright, calm down, both of you," I said, scooping Kran and Rem into my hands before the situation escalated further. I turned to the Old Man, who was watching the scene with mild amusement, his mossy beard twitching slightly.
"Thanks for the help," I said. "How much do I owe you?"
The Old Man blinked slowly, as if considering the question. "Hmm... Just tell me what he said his name was. That will be enough."
His name? That seemed like an odd request, but it was a simple enough payment. And since Kran wasn't his real name, there probably wasn't any harm in telling.
(Just tell him. I'm not hiding from anyone!) Kran's voice echoed smugly in my mind.
Wait, I thought, you can still speak to me?
(Yup. You're stuck with me, no matter what happens.)
"He says his name is Kran," I told the Old Man.
The ancient creature nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. I see. Then, if there's nothing else you need, I wish you both a pleasant day."
We left the shop, Kran still grumbling in my hand.
"I guessed you were a dragonlord anyway," I teased, glancing at the tiny, metal Kran.
"Still! This is not how I imagined my glorious reveal! I was supposed to get my real body back, not this... this joke of a form!" Kran huffed, glaring at his miniature limbs.
"You can eat now, can't you? Weren't you complaining about that just yesterday?" I reminded him.
There was a pause, and then a reluctant sigh. "...Honestly, this might not be so bad."
Rem was looking between the two of us, still processing the bizarre scene that had unfolded. "Was he always like this in your head?"
I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. She looked at Kran with a newfound, disappointed understanding.
"Oh, and I'm not a dragon. Or a dragonlord," Kran added, puffing out his tiny chest. "I just look like one."
"Wait, what?" I frowned. "Then what are you?"
"Heh! You can wonder all you like. I'm not revealing anything just yet," Kran replied smugly, his metal tail swishing.
"I think he's just sulking because he's still mad," Rem rightfully muttered, rolling her eyes. She was most probably correct.
(Hey! Agree with her out loud if you dare!)
Stop talking to me from my head when it's unnecessary. It is causing confusion. I shot back at Kran, my patience thinning.
"Will do," he grumbled in agreement. We made our way back to the inn, eager to rest after an eventful day.
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Meanwhile, the Old Man slithered to the back of the shop, his serpentine body coiling as he opened a heavy metal door. The corridor beyond stretched endlessly, with doors spaced at regular intervals along both sides. He moved silently, stopping before one of the doors and pushing it open.
Inside was a vast two-story library, its shelves lined with countless ancient tomes and scrolls. The room was illuminated by a warm, magical glow, casting long shadows across the white marble floor. In the center of the room, a large marble table was cluttered with stacks of open books, clearly the remnants of someone's research.
At the table, a young woman with vibrant blue hair was fast asleep, her head resting atop one of the open volumes. She had likely fallen asleep while reading.
"If you care to listen, I have interesting news for you," the Old Man called out, his gravelly voice echoing in the quiet library.
The woman jolted awake, startled by the sudden noise. "What is it, Old Man?" she asked groggily, rubbing her eyes as she yawned.
"You were right, He was really alive... and he has returned," the Old Man said, his words slow and deliberate.
The woman's sleepy expression vanished instantly, replaced by a look of shock and excitement. She scrambled to her feet, knocking over a few of the books in her haste.
"Wait, are you talking about—"
"Yes," the Old Man interrupted, his eyes gleaming.
The woman quickly threw on a dark blue cape and pulled her large hat over her head. She darted toward the exit, her movements swift and purposeful.
"Not going to ask for more details?" the Old Man called after her, amusement in his voice.
"Are you going to tell me more?" she shot back, pausing at the door and casting a glance over her shoulder.
The Old Man merely smiled, his wrinkled lips curling into a knowing smirk. The woman sighed, shaking her head before disappearing through the door.
"Hehe... it will be worth witnessing," the Old Man muttered to himself, his serpentine tail shifting as he slithered back to his shop.
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