When the storm finally ceased, the night was already deep. The cold lingered, but Sunless, Nephis, and Cassia lay huddled together, sleeping soundly, as if nothing could rouse them. I remained awake, keeping vigil beside the gloomy shadow that accompanied me.
We have maintained this strange camaraderie for some time now, born of the long, tedious nights we share in silence.
...
An unfamiliar melody slipped from my lips almost involuntarily. There was something comforting in the simple act of humming into the void.
...
I smiled faintly as I once again appreciated the Nameless's Mantle's remarkable ability to keep everything dry—even the body beneath it.
...
I ran my hand through my hair, feeling the length of the long braid down to the small silver pendant at its end. It still felt strange to think that, hours before, I had been practically bald, my appearance ruined by the lightning strike that felled me.
The braid now was an illusion that had gradually formed over the ruined strands, not a gift of Nephis's healing. Miraculous? Certainly. Disquieting? Perhaps a little.
I sighed with relief, letting the pendant slip through my fingers, toying with it as though I could brush away the lingering echoes of pain.
...
Seated upon a manifestation I had shaped to be more inclined and comfortable, I summoned my rune page. The Spell made its secrets gleam before me.
===
Legacy of the Aspect: [Tear of Fantasy].
Legacy Description: [From imagination's bitterness, where real and unreal intertwine, emerged the Tear, whose threads carried the power to impose will upon the world.]
First Relic: image — Nameless's Mantle — formed.
Second Relic: image — Oneiric Element — in formation.
Third Relic: image — no concept — to form.
Fourth Relic: image — Aria of Remembrance — in formation.
Fifth Relic: image — no concept— to form.
Sixth Relic: image — Black Mirror — in formation.
Seventh Relic: image — Terminus Est — in formation.
===
I let out a crooked laugh at the irony of it all. Sunless's Innate Attribute, [Fated], was indeed both a blessing and a curse. Nothing like receiving a devastating electric shock to, as a bonus, earn two Relic concepts.
Of course, it wasn't only the lightning that brought this about—the Spell's whisper arrived only after Nephis's healing. I still don't fully understand the criteria my Legacy uses to forge a Relic. I only know it involves a curious collaboration between Spell and skill, relying on factors like subconscious imagination, lived experiences, needs… and, of course, no small amount of persistence.
"Well…" I murmured to myself with a sigh. What next? What next? Watching the night pass to the rhythm of the sea felt like a waste of time. Since the second day on this God-Forgotten Shore, sleep had become all but impossible.
...
— Haaah...
...
— Ugh...
...
"O Long Night!" I lamented inwardly. The gloomy shadow regarded me with… what was that feeling?
...
My Legacy could pamper me with an imaginary friend…
...
"No, wait."
Suddenly, a bold thought struck me: what if I practiced the conscious use of soul essence? What really stops me? I already possess a soul core and know that ascension without the Spell's aid is entirely possible.
So why not?
"If I succeed, perhaps I can use it to strengthen my body before I even leave the Dream Realm… or even awaken before facing the Bright Lord."
"Hmh!" I exclaimed with excitement.
I manifested Refraction, summoned my bow, and, watching with Mental Sense, focused on the [Kaleidoscope], trying to feel essence flow through my form.
I dispersed the bow; summoned the bow; dispersed the bow…
...
Morning came, and none of my friends seemed in a hurry to plan or suggest we leave the cliffs. They merely gathered some meat from the dead carapace centurion and the scavengers, and collected the two soul fragments. Then we moved to the far side of the small island, wary that the remains might attract some creature's attention.
As I had expected. Shortly after we left the battlefield, a dark blot appeared in the sky. It grew in size as it approached the cliffs, finally settling near the carapace centurion's corpse in a swirling vortex.
The Cursed Herald — Messenger of the Crimson Spire. Despite its malign nature, I found the creature strangely beautiful.
It swallowed the carapace centurion and snatched one of the scavengers before departing the cliffs, flying back the way it had come.
Westward.
Watching the black shape vanish into the distance, Sunless sighed.
"Friends, what do you think that was?"
After a few seconds of silence, I ran my fingers through my hair and replied, "A Fallen Monster."
Nephis tilted his head slightly, while Sunless merely nodded and went on with his routines. He still had his thousand strikes to complete, so I sent Refraction to keep him company.
Once they had kindled a fire, they roasted the centurion's meat and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Sated, the three lay down and rested lazily.
Meanwhile, I brooded a little more:
Perhaps my true Flaw is that I do not need to eat or sleep…
How must Mordret feel in his prison? I can imagine how tedium could drive one mad…
I sighed and, in silence, watched my companions. I hope they may become my dearest friends in this dreadful world (Nephis is questionable). The lament for those I have forgotten and the ache of loneliness grow sharper in these idle moments, when my formidable mind finds nothing to occupy itself.
It is as if my heart is cut by icy winds, and my spirit must resist the numbing freeze.
I sighed again, and with a subtle motion, the Nameless's Mantle began to reshape itself, transforming into dark charcoal leather armor over burgundy-red fabric. The lightweight, intricately tooled leather plates molded to my body with precision, almost like a second skin, offering protection without hindering my mobility.
Discrete silver-metal accents gleamed along the shoulders, chest, forearms, and boots, tracing lines of strength and elegance. A matt-black leather belt with silver buckles, both functional and aesthetic, cinched the lower edges.
A short cloak, hoodless, draped softly over my shoulders, while a burgundy sash wrapped my waist. The sash, slit into three panels falling to my calves, guaranteed fluidity and freedom of movement with each step.
I shifted slightly, feeling the comfort and warmth the new form bestowed. Content, I decided that from now on I would always wear leather armor. The electrifying shock I endured taught me to respect the elements.
… I revoked that decision.
Then I met the eyes of my arrogant twin, which now reflected the world like polished gold mirrors—tiny iridescent golden crystal fragments imperceptibly glittered within his pupils.
The Spell announced in its ever-gentle, unvarying voice:
[Second Relic of the Tear of Fantasy: Oneiric Element — conceptual image formed.]
[Receive Attribute?]
"Yes, please."
With that, something within me revealed itself.
===
Name: –
True Name: Ariandel
Rank: Dreamer
Class: Monster
Oneiric Soul Cores: [2/7]
Oneiric Fragments: [20/2000]
Memories: [Ariandel's Maturity Bow], [Evertwine], [Starlight Legion Armor].
Echoes: –
Attributes: [Peregrine], [Soul Watch], [Light of Divinity], [Oneiric Element].
Aspect: [Bizarro Sorcerer]
Aspect Rank: Divine
Aspect Description: [You are a miraculous being whose memories, aspirations, and fears were united by the persistence of your spirit into a dispersed soul. Now, revived, you weave imagination into fantastic powers.]
Innate Ability: [Unreal]
Ability Description: [Of indescribable feelings and forgotten memories, you are made extraordinary… and uncommon:
Your perception can pierce heart, mind, and soul;
Your body sustains itself on the oneiric essence of your soul.]
Aspect Ability: [Lyric Soul Manifestation].
Ability Description: [Your soul manifests the form of your heart: the purest of frosts, a power capable of lacerating flesh and subduing will.]
Flaw: [Ache]
Flaw Description: [Your desires are intense.]
==
[Oneiric Element]
Attribute Description: [Lost and solitary, a dispersed soul wandered among the fragments that once formed it…
Your soul is the source of your power.]