Chapter 2: Entering the Academy
(Nix's Perspective)
Nix woke up from a long sleep to her mother's voice, a mix of warmth and seriousness:
"Come on, dear. Wake up. We need to talk about your and your brother's future."
She rose slowly and made her way to the table, where a delicious meal was waiting. Sitting down, she began to eat as her new father and brother sat across from her.
"M-my future? What future?" she mumbled, gripping a piece of bread.
Her mother replied with visible worry:
"You both need to decide if you're going to the academy. You must face your first nightmare. The winter solstice is near, and there are only four weeks left."
Her father chimed in calmly, trying to reassure her:
"Don't worry. Our children are well-trained. They have the strength to overcome any obstacle. They're smart and brave."
Draco interrupted with a burst of enthusiasm and confidence:
"My dream is to become a Saint. No nightmare will stop me from achieving that!"
Nix chuckled, teasing him playfully:
"Really? Well, let's see how strong you are, future Saint."
Their father joined in the laughter, brimming with pride:
"My son will become the greatest Saint in the world. No doubt about it."
They avoided mentioning the king, knowing that the government wouldn't easily allow them to face the Fourth Nightmare. Nix remembered that her father worked for the government that ruled the waking world, while the dream world was under the clans' domain. However, she also knew that events would unfold just as they did in the novel.
After a moment of contemplation, Nix declared:
"We'll go to the academy."
Draco added immediately:
"And I'm going with her."
Their father smiled and gave them a quiet piece of advice:
"Remember, don't share your flaws or unique abilities with anyone. And never reveal your real names, especially before surviving the first nightmare."
Both nodded in agreement.
(Draco's Perspective)
Draco quickly dressed and headed to the bathroom to stand before the mirror. He examined himself, grinning broadly:
"So handsome. Ha-ha!"
His father's voice echoed from downstairs:
"Come on, I'm waiting in the car!"
Draco joined his father and Nix in the car. The ride to the academy took about an hour, and throughout the trip, Draco couldn't stop thinking about the grand academy he had read about in the novel. Upon arriving, it exceeded even his wildest expectations.
While scanning his surroundings, his eyes fell on a girl with shining white hair and a face so beautiful she looked divine. Beside her stood a pale, frail-looking boy who appeared utterly powerless. But Draco knew better—this was the protagonist, who would one day become the strongest Saint.
Nix snapped him out of his thoughts:
"Let's go."
After bidding their father goodbye, they entered the academy. They found a seat in the cafeteria to discuss their plans.
Draco spoke first:
"The first nightmare won't be easy, even if we have knowledge about the future."
Nix nodded calmly:
"I know, but it's a challenge we have to face."
After an hour of discussion, they decided to return to their rooms. But before leaving, Nix stopped and said:
"There's something important we need to discuss."
Draco nodded, and Nix sat beside him.
"We have unique powers. You and I have what it takes to survive, but we need to think about how to use these abilities effectively. For me, I'll focus on refining my sword skills. What about you?"
Draco answered confidently:
"I've mastered the Shadow Dance sword style. I'll make sure to use it to keep myself safe. But… should we talk to Sunny?"
Nix replied sharply:
"No. Don't you know he's trying to avoid everyone so no one discovers his true identity?"
"Right… Well, if we end up in the same place during the nightmare, it'll help."
Nix spoke with certainty:
"We're lucky. I believe we'll wake up near the Forgotten Shore and the castle."
Draco nodded, then asked:
"What about Nafis? Can you talk to her? You're both girls, after all."
Nix retorted curtly:
"No. I won't."
(Four Weeks Later: The Winter Solstice)
On the morning of the winter solstice, Draco woke up feeling sluggish and drained. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake off the drowsiness. He knew what it meant—the first nightmare was approaching.
He went to Nix's room and knocked. She opened the door, her expression calm.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
"Yeah, I think so," he replied hesitantly.
They headed to the cafeteria, which was crowded with sleepers. But the atmosphere was unusual—no laughter, no lively chatter. Instead, a heavy silence hung in the air. Everyone was preparing for their first nightmare.
After a short while, the sleepers were escorted to their rooms. Each entered a designated capsule where their nightmare would begin.
Draco stood before his capsule, his heart pounding. It was his first time entering a nightmare, and anxiety gripped him tightly. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.
In the vast darkness, a voice greeted him:
"Welcome to the Dream World, Draco."