In the Forgotten Shore.
The terrain stretched out into the horizon, the desolate beauty of the place disturbed only by the faint rustle of movement.
From a distance, a silhouette, small and swift, was being relentlessly pursued by massive, crab-like horrors with twitching pincers, their beady eyes glowing with hunger.
The creatures moved with unnatural speed, their clawed legs digging into the ground as they closed in. The silhouette before them kept running, but the gap was quickly closing.
The air crackled with the tension of the chase, and as the distance between pursuer and pursued narrowed, the details of the scene came into sharper focus.
Closer still, the movements of the silhouette became clearer. A blonde boy carrying a blonde girl on his back. her arms tightly draped around his shoulders as he moved with all his strength.
***
"Dam-it why did I have to go and shoot those oversized crabs" Ivan cursed inwardly as he tightened his grip on Cassie's legs which were wrapped around his hip.
Cassie's voice pierced through Ivan's frantic thoughts, "Ivan what's chasing us?" panic laced her words.
As Ivan moved through the coral labyrinth, he glanced over his shoulder at their pursuers. One of the Carapace Scavengers, its chitin armor marked with a massive scar, chased them with blind fury.
"Oh, just a bunch of oversized crustaceans," Ivan muttered, his mind already working to formulate a plan to throw them off the trail.
Cassie opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, Ivan veered sharply to the side and darted into a narrow cave hidden behind a curtain of seaweed. The sudden shift in direction nearly threw Cassie off his back, but Ivan caught her just in time.
Cassie barely had time to yelp before Ivan's arm wrapped around her, his hand quickly covering her mouth as he shushed her softly. Holding her close, he peered out through an opening in the cave entrance, hidden behind the thick seaweed.
The Carapace Scavengers slowed, their glowing eyes scanning the area. After a tense moment, one of them let out a sharp screech, and the pack turned, sprinting off in the opposite direction.
Despite her blindness, Cassie squeezed her eyes shut, as if trying to block the noise.
When the last of the scavengers disappeared into the distance, Ivan slowly pulled his hand away from Cassie's mouth, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps.
The tension in his body eased just slightly, but exhaustion quickly set in.
"They're gone," he murmured
wiping the sweat from his brow. "We'll rest for a bit before we move again, before nightfall."
Cassie, equally drained, gave a weak nod before her body gave in entirely. Without another word, she collapsed against Ivan's chest, her breathing steadying almost immediately as she fell into a deep, exhausted sleep.
[Visionary's Survival Tip: In the Dream Realm, never engage with nightmare creatures unless absolutely necessary.]
Several Hours Ago…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Welcome to the Dream Realm, Ivan.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just as Ivan opened his eyes, he found himself falling from at least a hundred feet in the air, the wind whipping past him as the world blurred around him.
For a brief moment, panic surged, but the instinct brought about by the [Sailor] attribute kicked in. With a quick, controlled twist of his body, he oriented himself mid-fall, arms and legs streamlined, preparing for impact.
The black waters of the sea rose up to meet him like a dark abyss but Ivan's concentration held.
With a powerful thrust, he dove straight down, breaking through the surface with a perfect entry, the shock of the cold water momentarily numbing his senses.
His body cut through the murky depths, and as he swam higher, the crushing pressure of the water gradually eased.
Ivan's head broke through the surface, gasping for air, his body rocked by the relentless waves that threatened to drag him back into the dark depths.
In the midst of the darkness, Ivan's night vision, granted by his [Sailor] attribute, flared to life, illuminating the world around him with sharp clarity.
Looking around while floating on the water body. Ivan gave an exasperated "tch"
"Looks like i am getting the sunny treatment plus getting thrown a hundred feet from the air"
Floating on the water, Ivan glanced around, letting out an exasperated "Tch."
"Great. Looks like I'm getting the Sunny treatment—plus being thrown a hundred feet from the sky."
Ivan looked for a surface when his eyes landed on a faint shadow beneath the water's surface—a large pillar like rock formation jutting up from the depths.
Instantly, Ivan kicked his legs as he swam as fast as he could towards the rock formation but the relentless waves kept throwing him off course.
The strength boost from his [Sailor] attribute became more pronounced, as if it had finally found its true element in the water.
As Ivan swam toward the rock formation, something caught his peripheral vision.
Turning his head to the northwest, about 25 meters away, he saw a silhouette. The figure was struggling to stay afloat, failing miserably against the relentless waves of the dark sea.
Ivan's eyes narrowed as he finally made out the figure in the distance. It was Cassie, the blonde girl he'd spent the past month with at the academy. The blind seer was struggling desperately to stay afloat, her face twisted in fear and pain, tears nearly spilling from her eyes. Without hesitation, Ivan began swimming toward her.
But just as he neared, another silhouette caught his attention. His heart froze. It was a creature, an unholy mix of an eel, mole, and squid.
Its writhing tentacles were adorned with blades the size of kitchen knives. Ivan's hair stood on end, and for a moment, he hesitated. The instinct to flee surged within him, but he stopped him. "No, I can't leave her". He gritted his teeth and swam harder, pushing himself toward Cassie.
Ivan knew he was making a huge mistake—facing a creature like that was nothing but a suicide.
But he also knew he had no choice. His mind raced, quickly formulating a reckless plan.
It was dangerous, but it was the only chance they had. When he was five meters from Cassie, Ivan wasted no time. He activated his aspect ability.
New runes appeared before him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[ Would you like to envision the abilities of a Light Supplicant? ]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes
The runes shifted, morphing into a new set.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attempts: [6/7]
Currently envisioned: [Abilities of a Light Supplicant]
Timer: [4:59]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In an instant, Ivan summoned a blinding white light.
His plan had two parts: the first was to blind the monstrous creature, and the second—something that could very well be the last straw for him—was to attract every creature in the depths.
If this squid-like horror was terrifying, then he would summon something even worse to scare it off. (courtesy of the fool)
As the light exploded outward, the creature's tentacles recoiled, its senses overwhelmed. Ivan could already hear the approaching creatures—some bigger, some faster, all coming from every direction.
without wasting a moment, he closed the remaining distance to Cassie, his enhanced senses guiding him through the chaos.
Ivan immediately closed the distance, his hands wrapping tightly around Cassie's waist.
Cassie flinched violently, her body stiffening in panic. She instinctively resisted, her nails digging into Ivan's skin, leaving thin scratches that trailed blood.
Though physically weaker than Ivan, she was still a sleeper—stronger than an mundane person—and the relentless waves only made it harder for her to stay still.
"I've got you, Cassie," Ivan muttered, using all his strength to pull her into an embrace.
He held her tight, one hand securing her waist, while the other gently stroked her back.
He murmured something low, followed by a short, soothing song.
The sound of his voice seemed to cut through the fear that gripped her, and she finally stopped struggling, her body relaxing into his arms.
"Hold on tight," he said softly, locking his arms around her and pushing with all his might against the waves. Dragging both of them through the water was no easy feat, but Ivan kept going.
The splashing sounds of fierce underwater battles filled the air as he swam, but he couldn't afford to focus on them now.
As he neared the rocky pillar formation, however, his heart sank. It was much higher than he'd thought. Cassie, exhausted and shaken, wouldn't be able to climb it. He needed a solution—and fast.
Without hesitation, Ivan released one arm from around Cassie's waist. He raised his hand and envisioned an item—a grappling hook gun.
The runes shimmered before him as he activated the ability.
With a sharp pull, the grappling hook shot out, finding purchase on something solid.
"Cassie, hold on tight to me," Ivan instructed, securing her to his back. His voice was steady but urgent. She wrapped her arms around him, gripping tightly.
Ivan didn't waste another second. He began climbing, the waves crashing against him as he pulled himself up, Cassie clinging to his back.
It was slow, grueling work, each move requiring every ounce of his strength. But eventually, after several exhausting minutes, he reached the top.
He collapsed onto the rocky surface, pulling Cassie with him. Both of them lay on their backs, too exhausted to move or even think.
The only sound was the crashing of waves below them and the pounding of their hearts, as they fought to recover from the brutal ordeal.
Shortly after, Ivan woke up to find the sky still dark. The waves crashed violently against the jagged, pillar-like rock formation where they had taken refuge. He turned his head, scanning the area, before focusing on his runes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attempts: [5/7]
Timer: [2:35] [2]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He sighed, frustration sinking in.
Ivan had expected the Dream Realm to be a challenge, but nothing could have prepared him for the sheer terror it held. It was nothing like in the novel he had read.
It was far more horrifying.
Up until now, he'd allowed his aspect and attributes to give him a false sense of confidence. But facing the true horrors of the Dream Realm, the nightmare creatures that lurked in every shadow, had shattered that illusion.
His face twisted into a grimace, and he buried it in his arm, his breath hitching as light sobs broke through. The sound of his soft cries was almost inaudible, drowned by the crashing waves. It was a moment of weakness—one he couldn't afford to indulge in for long.
---
Pulling himself together
After a few moments, Ivan gritted his teeth.
He couldn't afford to break down. Not here. Not now. There was too much at stake. He took a slow, steadying breath, wiping his eyes with the back of his arm.
His body felt heavy, the weight of exhaustion and fear pressing down on him, but he refused to give in. He forced his mind back into focus.
He turned his head to the sleeping girl's direction. There Cassie was depending on him. This wasn't the time for self-pity. He could wallow later—right now, survival was all that mattered.
Ivan decided to scout the surroundings, the memory of his harrowing experience in the water still fresh in his mind, leaving a deep sense of unease.
As he pushed himself up, he realized with a jolt that he was completely naked. The cold wind bit at his skin, sending a shiver through him.
While his [Sailor] attribute helped dull the effects of the chill, it couldn't completely ward off the biting cold. He still couldn't help but shiver slightly, his body reacting instinctively to the harsh elements.
He unconsciously turned his head toward the blonde girl. His gaze fell on her sleeping form—her delicate features, her modest chest, her fair skin... He immediately whipped his head in the opposite direction, heat rushing to his face.
"No, no, you can't look, Ivan," he scolded himself, his cheeks burning crimson. "It's absolutely forbidden. Do not reach for the forbidden fruit."
Memories of reading about Cassie's transcendent ability flashed through his mind—an ability that let her peer into the memories of anyone who met her gaze. Their secrets would be laid bare before her, stripped from them against their will.
Of course, he couldn't avoid looking at her forever, but he reminded himself to stay vigilant.
Besides, he didn't even have memories to draw on. despite arriving in this world equipped with a ludicrous amount of power. Not that it truly mattered. Envisioning could deal with such inconveniences.
After a moment of focus, he envisioned a practical set of clothing for himself.
Runes shimmered before his eyes, glowing faintly before solidifying into a functional outfit.
The attire was simple yet efficient: a fitted black shirt beneath a lightweight armor vest, durable enough to withstand minor strikes without sacrificing flexibility. The pants were made of a reinforced yet breathable fabric, with plenty of pockets for carrying essentials. Sturdy, lightweight boots completed the outfit.
Satisfied with the result, he turned his attention to Cassie. Concentrating again, he envisioned a set of clothes suitable for her. A neatly folded bundle materialized in his hands.
Stepping closer to the sleeping seer, he was careful to avert his gaze. With a quick gesture, he envisioned a sturdy tent around her, the translucent top to allow light to filter in.
The tent shimmered into existence. He crouched, unzipping the entrance quietly, and slipped the folded clothes inside, placing them near her. Ensuring he didn't disturb her, he zipped the tent closed again and stepped back, his movements as silent as the breath of wind.
"It's Better this way," he muttered to himself, casting one last glance at the tent before turning his attention to the surroundings.
Ivan then turned his attention back to himself or rather his aspect ability.
Ivan focused on the runes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Name: Ivan
True Name: Adam
Description: ???
Rank: Sleeper
Class: Devil
Soul Cores: [4/7]
Soul Fragments: [23/4000]
Attributes: [spectator], [Secrets Suppliant], [Sailor], [Bard], [Reader]
———————————
Aspect: [Visionary]
Aspect Rank: [Divine], ???
Description: [The Visionary is a master of thought and imagination, you are able to shape the flow of time and history itself through foresight. With unparalleled clarity, they can perceive and determine the emerging trends of the world, molding the future with their will.]
Innate Ability: [Envision]
Attempts: [7/7]
[Envision]
Ability Description: [You possess the power to shape reality by envisioning it. You can create grounds, objects, and even powers from your imagination. What you see in your mind will come to life, transforming the world around you, though each creation is limited by your mental strength and vision. Your imagination holds the key to the future, and the future bends to your will.]
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Attempts: [5/7]
Currently envisioned: [clothing], [tent]
Timer: [ 1:46 ]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ivan had recently discovered a new nuance to his Aspect—he could envision as many items as he desired with a single attempt, so long as they didn't require continuous power to function. Clothes, food, and tools were simple enough to create and maintain.
However, items like weapons or abilities demanded an additional *attempt* and could not coexist with other creations.
This meant the clothes and tent he had just envisioned would persist as long as he could maintain focus, requiring no further attempts to sustain them.
Sleepers are those who couldn't yet harness soul essence, Ivan's creations didn't rely on essence but rather on his mental strength. This would have been an overwhelming limitation had it not been for his [Reader] attribute, which greatly enhanced his mind and intelligence.
The memory of his recent escape with Cassie flickered through his thoughts—the moment he had used his Bard pathway ability to sow chaos in the sea, giving them a chance to flee.
"That was the Reader attribute at work," he murmured. "I didn't even notice it before."
The pathway had been silently working in the background, strengthening his mental acuity without drawing attention to itself. It wasn't a bad thing, though—intelligence was what set humans apart from the nightmare creatures. Without it, he and Cassie would never have made it to safety.
Ivan's mind, sharpened by the Reader attribute, had become his greatest weapon, and he intended to wield it wisely.
Despite the enhancements to his mind, the constant use of Envisioning was taking its toll. The mental fatigue it caused was compounded by the persistent, inaudible ravings echoing in his mind. Thankfully, since he was only maintaining the clothes and the tent, the strain from his flaw was far less pronounced. Even so, it remained mentally exhausting, like an itch he couldn't quite reach.
His thoughts were interrupted by movement from within the tent.
Inside the tent, Cassie moved frantically, her hands sweeping across the ground in a blind panic as her breathing grew rapid and shallow. Her disorientation only worsened as she failed to remember where she was or how she had arrived there.
From outside the tent, Ivan's calm voice rose above her panic. "Cassie! It's okay. You're safe. You're inside a tent I made for you. Just breathe."
The soothing tone cut through her turmoil, and Cassie froze, her head tilting slightly as she focused on the familiar voice.
***
Cassie's POV
Fear still gnawed at her, but the voice steadied her trembling hands. She dropped to all fours, tracing the ground in a desperate search for something—anything—that felt safe. Then the voice spoke again, clearer and closer this time.
"Cassie, are you alright? It's me, Ivan," the voice said, gentle but firm.
Ivan. That name stirred something deep within her. Memories rushed back: the boy who had befriended her at the academy, the only one who didn't abandon her when the others shunned her for being blind.
He had been there for her when she was alone, right before she entered the dream realm. Her only friend…
Her thoughts broke off as Ivan's voice came again. "You're safe here. Don't worry about anything. I left some clothes beside you—get dressed, and then we can talk about what to do next."
Cassie's breath hitched as his words registered. The bare feeling of her exposed skin suddenly became all too apparent. Her cheeks flushed, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, trying to cover what she could.
"D-Did you…" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, her face burning.
"No, I didn't see anything," Ivan assured quickly, his tone resolute and respectful. "I stayed outside the tent the entire time.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
He paused before adding, "Take your time. I'll wait out here until you're ready."
Reassured by his words, Cassie reached out, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric of the folded clothes Ivan had left for her. She picked them up, her movements slow and deliberate. As she felt the material.
"He really saved me… He really came to help me," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling.
Struggling slightly, she began to dress, her mind a whirl of emotions—embarrassment and relief.
***
Ivan stood a short distance from the tent, his arms crossed as he waited. The zipped entrance rustled, and then slowly opened.
Cassie stepped out, her hands trailing along the tent's wall to guide her movements. He let out a relieved breath—at least now he wouldn't have to keep awkwardly turning his head away every time he checked on her.
The dress she wore fit her to perfection, the lace-up front adding a subtle touch of elegance that accentuated her slim figure. The deep purple fabric cascaded down in soft, flowing folds, It wasn't extravagant, but it made her presence quietly captivating.
In her hand, she held a piece of lace cloth, rectangular in shape, with an intricate design, over which she ran her fingers as if it offered her a sense of comfort.
"Ivan…" she began, her voice uncertain. She held up the lace cloth. "I-I think … I ruined the clothes you made for me?"
Ivan's gaze shifted to the intricately laced cloth in Cassie's hand. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he stepped forward.
"You didn't ruin anything," he reassured her gently. "That piece is separate—it's for a different purpose."
He reached out, taking her hand to retrieve the cloth. Moving behind her, Ivan carefully positioned the lace over her eyes. "It's to cover your eyes," he explained softly, tying the cloth securely but comfortably under her hair. His fingers adjusted her dress slightly to ensure everything fit perfectly.
Circling back to face her, Ivan's smile brightened, almost radiant despite the dim surroundings. "You look great, Cassie.
That blindfold adds a touch of mystique—it makes you look like a true seer. Plus," he added cheerfully, "it softens the blank look your eyes have, which can sometimes make people uncomfortable. Now, they'll see you as someone to admire, not to fear." Ivan then stopped abruptly.
Cassie stood still, her fingers brushing against the edge of the blindfold as his words sank in. Her lip quivered, and before she could stop herself, she took a tentative step forward, then another. She reached out, her hands finding Ivan, and suddenly wrapped her arms around him tightly.
"Thank you… Thank you so much, Ivan," she whispered, her voice trembling. "For everything—for saving me, for helping me, for… being here."
Her gratitude spilled over, tears streaming down her face as her emotions overwhelmed her. She buried her head in his chest, her sobs wracking her small frame. Her knees buckled beneath her, and Ivan followed her descent, lowering to one knee to hold her steady.
Cassie's tears came in waves as she clung to him, releasing all the fear, loneliness, and pain she had carried. "I-I don't know what I would've done without you," she sobbed, her voice muffled against his chest.
Ivan said nothing. He held her close, one hand resting on her back in a comforting gesture. His expression, however, betrayed no emotion. His golden eyes stared past her, distant and unreadable, as though they were fixed on something far away—or perhaps on nothing at all.
The two figures, one trembling, the other silent and still. Behind them, the first rays of the rising sun pierced the horizon, casting a golden glow over the surreal landscape. The dark sea began to retreat, its inky waves slinking away as if fleeing from the encroaching light.
In its place emerged a sprawling coral labyrinth, twisting and reaching like veins of some ancient, otherworldly creature.
The corals' vivid red hues shimmered eerily under the sunlight, their strange luminescence adding an unearthly glow to the scene. It was as if the world itself was revealing the hidden wonders in the wake of the night's darkness.