Taking a deep breath, Abel reached out his right hand and touched the Altar of Dreams. The feel of the crystallized essence was like touching expensive diamonds. The moment his fingertips touched the altar, his whole body glowed a lavender color, from the roots of his black hair to the soles of his feet. His entire body was warm as if a noonday's sun shone down on him. It was odd, but his butterflies were flying around him. Moments later, the glow faded. Hearing clapping, Abel looked to his Receiver and found it smiling joyfully.
"Congratulations Dreamer. You have just taken your first step into Awakening."
Puzzled as to what that warm glow was, Abel asked Labradorite. "What was that warm glow I felt? What does it do exactly?
Labradorite smiled even more comprehensively, pleased its assigned Dreamer was so intelligent. "The Glow of Sweet Dreams. It is a cleansing of sorts. Once the Sleeper enters the Dreamworld, a residue clings to you all. The Glow of Sweet Dreams washes away that residue. As for the warm feeling you felt, every Dreamer feels something different. Some feel cold under the Glowing, and others feel hot. I once had a Dreamer who felt like they were being struck by lightning. Another said they felt like they were being hugged. May I ask what it felt like for you?"
Abel thought about what he felt precisely during the Glowing. "I felt like I was standing underneath sunlight in noon surrounded by butterflies. It reminded me of the times when I was in my butterfly conservatory. It was nice." He smiled a little.
The Receiver's face was contemplative. Abel admitted it looked rather cute. "Sunlight in noon with butterflies, you say? Hmm, fascinating. Very interesting, indeed." It was quiet in thought for a bit.
Clapping their hands once when they escaped their thoughts, the Receiver smiled down at Abel. "Well, onto the exciting parts, hm?"
Closing its eyes and reaching its hand's palm up, a glowing cloud of pure light appeared, floating just above the Receiver's palm. The cloud pulsated gently, shifting through a spectrum of colors before settling into a soft, inviting lavender hue that matched Abel's earlier glow. The Receiver looked at Abel with an encouraging smile.
"This, Dreamer Abel, is your System Cloud. It will guide you through your journey and help you navigate the complexities of the Dreamlands. Each Dreamer receives one upon arrival, tailored to their unique essence and path. It will morph into any shape or form that your heart desires."
Abel stared at the glowing cloud, a mixture of curiosity and excitement bubbling within him. He reached out hesitantly, and as his fingers brushed the cloud, it expanded into a swirling mist that enveloped his hand. The fog felt cool and refreshing, like a gentle breeze on a warm day. It swirled around him before merging into a small, ethereal creature—a delicate fairy with translucent butterfly wings and a serene demeanor.
"Hello there, Dreamer!" the fairy chirped, her voice high-pitched and melodic. "I'm your System Cloud! I'm here to assist you with all your needs during your Dreamer's Trek."
Abel blinked in surprise, taking in the fairy's vibrant form and animated expressions.
The fairy was a small, ethereal creature no taller than a hand's span, with an aura that exuded playfulness and wisdom. Her delicate, translucent wings resembled butterflies, shimmering with iridescent hues that changed color depending on the light and her mood. When she moved, her wings created a soft, melodic hum, adding an enchanting musical quality to her presence.
Her hair was a cascading waterfall of silvery-blue strands, flowing down her back and often swaying gently as if caught in an invisible breeze. Tiny sparkles glinted among her hair, making it look like it was woven with stardust. She had a petite, heart-shaped face with large, expressive eyes that captured light and reflected a spectrum of colors ranging from deep violet to bright emerald green. Looking closely, he could see her antennae have an elongated, curved tip to the club. Her eyes were curious and intelligent, always twinkling with a hint of mischief.
Her skin was a soft, luminous shade of lavender, smooth and glowing with an inner light that gave her an otherworldly appearance. A pair of high cheekbones and a small, pert nose accentuate her delicate features. Her pointed ears peek out from her silken hair, adding to her fae-like charm.
She wore a dress made of gossamer fabric that appeared to have been woven from moonbeams and mist. The dress was light and flowing, adorned with tiny, intricate patterns of flowers and leaves that seemed to shift and change as she moved. The fabric mesmerized the light, making her seem like a living piece of the Dreamlands' magic.
Around her wrists and ankles, she wore delicate bands of woven silver thread embedded with tiny, glowing gemstones that pulsed gently with her heartbeat. These decorative bands served as conduits for her magical abilities, allowing her to interact seamlessly with the Dreamer she guides.
"It is nice to meet you. Do you have a name?" Abek replied, his voice tinged with wonder and curiosity. He stuck his hand out, palm up, so the fairy could land on it.
Understanding what her master offered, she gracefully fluttered above Abel's palm and sat elegantly. "I do not have a name at present, Master. Would you like to grant me one?"
Abel considered it hard. His father told him, and Asher that names held power, so giving another creature a name must be handled with the utmost care and consideration. "Remember, boys, a name is something that shapes you. It is what defines you—your identity. Without it, there is no way to form a soul." Father's words went through Abel's thoughts. He looked at the fairy's wings and then her antennae. They reminded Abel of Skipper butterflies. 'Skipper… Hesperiidae… Hesper.'
"Hesperia. That will be your name. It means Evening Star." Abel liked it quite a bit. And coming from the way his System cloud was glowing with joy. Literally, her 7-inch body was glowing a pretty lavender silver color while she danced and flew around him. It was quite cute. Once she calmed down from her happiness, the now-named Hesperia sat on Abel's left shoulder.
"Thank you for the lovely name, Master. I will cherish it always." When happy, her voice was high-pitched and melodic, with a musical quality that could soothe or energize, depending on her intent. Her words carried a particular enchantment when she spoke, making even the most mundane information feel magical and essential.
Labradorite, watching their meeting, smiled, pleased that this little Dreamer would adequately care for his System cloud. Labradorite had heard stories about Dreamers in the past who showed cruelty and disrespect towards their Reciever and System cloud. It was never pleasant for the Reciever to deal with a Dreamer with a bad character.
Clapping its hands to get the boy's attention, Labradorite smiled excitedly for what was next to come. "Now that you have been acquainted with your System cloud, please follow me to the Path Chambers to see what Path best suits you. Come, come." Turning and heading deeper into the temple. They walked through a long hallway with white marble statues of significant creatures of the Dreamlands, such as the god Pan, the Nymphes, Charon, goddess Vor, Endymion, and The Baku, aligned on each side of the walls of the grand hall.
At the end of the grand hall was a striking, enchanted door set within an ancient, twisted tree trunk. The door was painted in rich shades of deep purple and teal, which blended seamlessly to create an ethereal effect. The wood grain of the door was subtly visible, adding a touch of rustic charm to its mystical appearance.
Surrounding the door were thick, gnarled branches and roots of the tree, which twisted and curled in intricate patterns. Some of these branches had small, glowing purple orbs hanging from them, like magical fruits or lanterns. The branches seemed almost alive as if they could move or grow at any moment.
A radiant golden star was prominently displayed at the top center of the door. This star appeared to be a source of light, casting a gentle, warm glow that contrasted with the door's cooler tones. The star was detailed with fine lines and points, giving it a delicate, almost celestial quality.
The door handle was a beautifully crafted piece of ornate brass hardware. It had an antique look, intricate designs, and a well-worn patina, which suggested it had been used many times. The handle's elegance added to the overall sense of mystery and wonder.
Labradorite extended a hand toward the enchanted door. "Beyond this door lies the Path Chambers, where you will discover the path that best suits your essence and abilities."
Abel nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, his fingers brushing the intricate handle. The moment he touched it, the door responded, glowing with a soft light and swinging silently. Beyond the threshold was a vast, circular chamber filled with a shimmering mist that seemed to pulse with a life of its own.
The chamber was unlike anything Abel had ever seen. The walls were adorned with vibrant murals depicting various paths—mages casting spells, warriors in battle, healers tending to the wounded, and many other fantastical scenes. Each mural seemed to move as if alive, drawing Abel into the stories they told.
A large, ornate pedestal of gleaming crystal stood at the chamber's center. Upon it rested an ancient tome bound in leather, its cover embossed with symbols that glowed faintly in the dim light. Surrounding the pedestal were twelve smaller altars, each representing a different path a Dreamer could take.
Hesperia fluttered excitedly on Abel's shoulder. "This is it, Master! This is where you will choose your path!"
Labradorite gestured toward the pedestal. "Place your hand on the time, and it will reveal the path that resonates most with your essence. Don't worry, you still have the choice to choose one of the four basic classes if you don't like what the tomb chose for you."
Abel approached the pedestal, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced at the twelve altars surrounding him, each calling to him differently. With a deep breath, he reached out and touched the tome.
When his fingers touched the ancient book, it began to glow brightly. The light spread from the tome to Abel, enveloping him in a radiant aura. The symbols on the cover pulsed with energy, and the book's pages began to turn of their own accord, flipping rapidly until they stopped on a blank page.
Suddenly, the blank page began to fill with glowing runes and symbols, forming intricate patterns that seemed to dance and shimmer. Abel watched in awe as the runes rearranged themselves, merging into a clear image: a butterfly with wings outstretched, surrounded by a circle of arcane symbols.
Labradorite's eyes widened with recognition and admiration. "The Path of the Arcane Naturalist. It is a rare and powerful path that bridges knowledge of magic with understanding nature. You can harness and blend the natural world's power with arcane energies."
Hesperia clapped her tiny hands in delight. "Oh, Master! This is perfect for you!"
Abel felt a surge of excitement and purpose. The butterfly image on the page glowed brighter, and he felt a connection deep within himself as if the path had always been a part of him, waiting to be discovered.
The glow around Abel intensified, and he felt a warm, comforting presence envelop him. His butterflies, which had accompanied him through the journey, also began to glow, their delicate wings shimmering with magical energy. They swirled around him, merging with the light and becoming part of his newfound power.
Abel looked at Labradorite as the light faded, who was beaming with pride. "You have chosen well, Dreamer Abel. The Path of the Arcane Naturalist is a noble and challenging one. It will require dedication, wisdom, and compassion. But I do not doubt that you will excel."
Hesperia nodded enthusiastically. "And I'll be here to help you every step of the way!"
Abel smiled, feeling a sense of peace and determination. "Thank you, Labradorite. Thank you, Hesperia. I won't let you down."
Labradorite placed a gentle hand on Abel's shoulder. "Your journey is just beginning, Dreamer. The Dreamworld are vast and full of wonders. Embrace your path, and you will find your true purpose."
Abel followed Labradorite out of the Path Chambers with renewed confidence, ready to embark on his Dreamer's Trek. The butterflies that had been his constant companions now felt like an extension of his being, and he knew that he carried his mother's legacy and love with him.
As they stepped back into the grand hall, Labradorite spoke. "Next, you must meet with the Sand Veterans and begin training. They will help you understand your new abilities and prepare you for the challenges ahead."
Abel nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "I'm ready."
Labradorite smiled. "Then let us proceed. The Dreamworld await your exploration, and your path is just beginning to unfold."