บท 1: Dreamer's Awakening

The morning sun had barely begun to cast its golden rays when Orion found himself jolted awake, his skin slick with sweat, the remnants of nightmares clinging to him like a second skin. He could still feel the phantom pains of the tragedy that haunted his dreams, a relentless specter that refused to let him be. With a heavy sigh, he pushed the damp sheets away and swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet finding the cool floor.

Orion paused at a small table near the entrance, where his essential belongings were neatly arranged. Standing tall, his lean but muscular build hinted at both agility and grace, a testament to the countless hours spent training and honing his skills. His skin is a pale canvas, untouched by the sun, providing a stark contrast to his deep azure eyes that hold a kind of wisdom and mystery that seems way beyond his years. He picked up the Iron Slicer, a sleek yet potent weapon that had been his reliable companion in numerous battles. Its cold, metallic surface seemed to hum softly, resonating with his heightened emotions, echoing in his deep forest green eyes that held an enigmatic blend of wisdom and mystery, seemingly beyond his years.

Next, he grabbed his translator, a device indispensable in navigating the diverse linguistic landscape of their world. His wild mass of dark curls, usually pulled back to keep it out of his face, gave him a rugged and untamed look, a stark contrast to the calm force that seemed to emanate from him. He didn't forget to pocket a small pouch containing various other essential items - a compact first aid kit, a fire starter, and a tiny notebook filled with scribbles of important information and sketches. With a final glance to ensure he hadn't missed anything, he slung a weathered leather bag over his shoulder, ready to face the day with all he might need to be tucked securely at his side, his movements echoing a silent confidence that naturally drew people to him.

He wandered out of his room, the scent of spices and simmering curry guiding him to the kitchen. There, Grimshaw, his mentor and guardian figure, stood as a beacon of wisdom and nurturing strength amidst the warm glow of the kitchen. His stature, a blend of rugged endurance and grace, was accentuated by a cascade of silver threads that flowed gracefully back like a river of time itself, telling tales of countless moons witnessed. Immersed in the art of cooking, his gnarled yet gentle hands skillfully maneuvered through the ingredients with a pair of floating gloves, a manifestation of one of his dream skills. The lines on his face, etched deeply from laughter shared and battles faced, formed a map of a life richly lived, now a canvas of concentration as his whiskey-hued eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint, holding depths of kindness and an untamed spirit, as he added a secret ingredient to the boiling pot.

"Curry again?" Orion asked, his voice tinged with amusement and a hint of anticipation for the fiery meal that awaited him.

Grimshaw grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yeah, but with a secret ingredient that's gonna knock your socks off. Brace yourself, kid."

Orion could only shake his head, a smile tugging at his lips as he settled at the dining table. The floating gloves gracefully served him a plate piled high with steaming curry and rice. But as he dug in, his eager bites were met with an unexpected fiery surprise. A large cayenne pepper had found its way into his mouth, setting his taste buds ablaze.

"HOT! I KNOW YOU HID IT ON PURPOSE!" Orion exclaimed, his face turning a comical shade of red.

Grimshaw's laughter filled the room, a hearty sound that echoed warmly against the walls. "I knew you couldn't resist diving in like a wolf. Slow down next time, yeah?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

The laughter subsided, and Grimshaw's expression turned a tad serious, a hint of concern seeping into his warm eyes. He leaned in, his voice taking on a more solemn tone. "Orion, I know this is a bit sudden, but not everything in the Dream Hub is as it seems. There are shadows lurking in the most unexpected places. You've got a good heart, kid. Don't let the darkness swallow it, alright?"

Orion met Grimshaw's gaze, the weight of his words settling in. A solemn nod was his response, a silent vow to heed the warning.

Still nursing his burning tongue, Orion could only nod, though a smile was slowly returning to his face. It was these moments, filled with laughter and light-hearted banter, that made the darkness of his nightmares recede, if only for a little while.

Later, as Orion stepped out into the fresh morning air, the vibrant hues of the park greeted him, a stark contrast to the dark shadows that had clouded his dreams. The world was alive with color and sound, a vivid tapestry that seemed to pulse with life. It wasn't long before he felt a familiar presence approaching from behind, a playful energy that could only belong to one person.

"You got me good!" Orion exclaimed as Vale, his best friend and confidant, appeared from behind a tree, a wide grin on his face. Vale's sturdy and robust build showcased his physical strength and endurance, a testament to the many hours spent training outdoors. His skin bore a sun-kissed tan, a canvas narrating tales of relentless pursuits under the sun. His eyes, vibrant pools of amber, held a fiery spirit and determination that seemed to ignite the very air around him. A thick, unruly mane of chestnut locks crowned him, often falling into his eyes in a carefree, rebellious manner, adding a touch of wildness to his warm, inviting smile. Despite his formidable physique, there was an easy grace about him, a harmonious blend of power and agility that made him approachable, a beacon of friendship and camaraderie in Orion's life.

Vale's laughter rang out, a sound as refreshing as a cool breeze, echoing the joyous symphony of their friendship. "Couldn't resist, man!" he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief, a playful glint that mirrored the vibrant hues of the morning sun.

Together, they wandered through the park, their footsteps in sync as they lost themselves in conversation, their words flowing as easily as the river that wound its way through the green expanse. It was during this peaceful stroll that Vale brought up an idea that had been simmering in his mind for a while.

"What do you think about starting a guild, Orion? We've got the strength and the Lucids to pull it off!" Vale proposed, his eyes shining with excitement.

Orion paused, his expression turning serious. The thought of managing a guild at their age seemed like a monumental task, one fraught with responsibilities and challenges. "I don't know, Vale. We're only 17. Managing a guild is a massive undertaking." he reasoned, his voice tinged with doubt.

But Vale wasn't ready to back down, his determination burning bright in his eyes. "You know what, let's go to the Dream Hub this time, I want to show you something," he suggested, his voice filled with conviction.

Orion hesitated, Grimshaw's earlier warning echoing ominously in his mind. The shadows lurking in the Dream Hub, and the potential dangers that awaited them, it all seemed like a recipe for disaster. But as he met Vale's eager gaze, he couldn't bring himself to dampen his friend's spirit.

With a resigned sigh, Orion agreed, and together they made their way to the bustling heart of the Dream Hub, a place where dreamers gathered to trade, learn, and forge alliances. The marketplace was a hive of activity, with stalls offering a dazzling array of armor and items, all available in exchange for Lucids, the currency of this dream world.

"Imagine having enough Lucids to snag an S-rank chest plate," Vale mused, his eyes scanning the bustling stalls with a dreamer's ambition.

Orion shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "Those are reserved for the elite and supreme guild masters, Vale. And besides, you can't just find one here."

Vale's determination only seemed to grow, his spirit undampened by Orion's realism. "Which is exactly why we should start our own guild!"

Orion sighed, his amusement mingling with a growing sense of curiosity. "You're relentless, you know that?"

Their conversation was interrupted as they reached the Nexus Tower, a towering structure that stood at the center of the Dream Hub. From their vantage point, they could see the supreme guild masters congregating at the top, figures of power and influence in this dream world.

"Hey! That's Forunn, the supreme guild master of Red Dragon! Did you know he created his guild at 18?" Vale exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe.

Orion couldn't help but roll his eyes at Vale's persistent enthusiasm. "Don't start this conversation again. Besides, that guy has a very good Dreamsign. He's lucky he awakened with a Dreamsign that could turn him into a humanoid dragon," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of envy.

"Speaking of Dreamsigns, did you awaken one yet?" they asked, their voice tinged with concern.

Orion could only shake his head, a wistful smile on his face. "Haha, no not yet," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of sadness.

Vale's expression softened, their voice filled with understanding. "Y'know, it's pretty weird, people usually awaken their Dreamsigns at 13, and you're 4 years late." he mused, his eyes filled with empathy.

Orion's smile widened, his spirit buoyed by Vale's unwavering support. "Grimshaw said I gotta be patient. It'll come someday," he said, his voice filled with hope.

Vale nodded, his eyes shining with faith and friendship. "Yeah, he's probably right. After all, Grimshaw looks like the type of guy who knows all the questions you ask. You're very lucky to have someone like him to always get your back, AND YOU'RE LUCKY TO HAVE ME TOO!" he declared, his voice ringing with conviction.

Orion couldn't help but chuckle at Vale's enthusiastic proclamation, his heart swelling with affection for his friend. "I know I'm lucky to have Grimshaw. As for you... well, the jury's still out on that one," he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Vale's expression morphed into one of mock outrage, his eyes narrowing in playful indignation. "Oh, you'll pay for that!" he threatened, his voice filled with feigned anger.

Their banter was interrupted as they reached the dueling arena, a place where dreamers gathered to test their skills and earn Lucids. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd buzzing with excitement as two formidable opponents faced off in the center of the arena.

A host stood at the sidelines, their voice booming as they narrated the intense battle unfolding before them. The stakes were high, with a substantial amount of Lucids on the line, a prize that would bring wealth and prestige to the victor.

Orion and Vale were engrossed in the duel happening in the arena, a spectacle of raw power and finesse that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The atmosphere was electric, a pulsating rhythm of collective awe and anticipation that reverberated through the stands.

The duelers in the arena were in their element, a dance of fire and ice that unfolded with a choreographed grace that belied the deadly force behind each move. The woman, a fiery spirit with hair that mirrored the flames she wielded, was a force of nature. Her control over the element was masterful, each flick of her wrist sending waves of fire dancing across the arena, a mesmerizing display of power and control.

Her opponent was her polar opposite, a calm and composed figure who moved with a grace that was almost surreal. His dreamsign allowed him to manipulate ice with a finesse that was breathtaking. With fluid movements, he conjured barriers of ice to counter the fiery onslaught, his defensive strategy a mesmerizing dance of frost and snow.

As the battle intensified, the duelers showcased a wider array of dream skills that left the audience spellbound. The fiery woman unleashed a skill known as "Flame Serenade", where she conjured a symphony of fire that moved with a life of its own, a swirling vortex of flames that sought to engulf her opponent in a fiery embrace.

But the ice wielder was not to be outdone. With a serene expression, he activated his skill named "Glacial Fortress", a defensive maneuver that summoned towering walls of ice, a fortress that absorbed the fiery attacks with a chilling grace.

The arena transformed into a battlefield of contrasting elements, a vivid display of fire and ice that clashed in harmonious chaos.

The crowd was entranced, their cheers and shouts fueling the duelers as they pushed their skills to the limit. Orion and Vale were no exception, their eyes wide with excitement as they witnessed the breathtaking display of dream skills.

The duel reached its climax, a crescendo of power and skill that had everyone holding their breath. In a final, desperate move, the fiery woman unleashed her ultimate skill, "Phoenix Blaze", a towering inferno that threatened to consume everything in its path.

But the ice wielder met her attack with a skill of equal power, "Arctic Sovereign", a wave of freezing energy that clashed with the fiery onslaught, a collision of elements that created a spectacle of steam and mist, a visual feast that had the crowd roaring in approval.

But amidst the excitement, Orion noticed a shadowy figure exploiting the chaos, stealing Lucids from unsuspecting spectators. Without a moment's hesitation, Orion sprang into action, his sense of justice propelling him forward.

"I'll be right back, Vale. Don't move," Orion instructed, his voice firm as he pursued the thief.

Vale frowned, their attention torn between the duel and Orion's sudden departure. "But you'll miss the best part!"

Orion only shook his head, his determination clear. "Meet me at the Nexus Tower if I'm not back in time."

With that, Orion slipped away, his footsteps silent as he followed the shadowy figure through the bustling crowd. His heart pounded in his chest, a rhythmic drum that echoed the urgency of his mission.

The chase led Orion to a secluded alley, a narrow pathway flanked by towering, moss-covered walls. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant echoes of the bustling Dream Hub. The thief finally halted, his piercing gaze meeting Orion's determined eyes. He was a striking figure, with golden hair cascading down in waves, framing a chiseled face marred by a jagged scar. His eyes held a dangerous glint, a promise of violence that sent a chill down Orion's spine.

"I know you've been tailing me. You think you can play hero and walk away unscathed?" The thief's voice was a venomous hiss, his stance predatory.

Orion's grip tightened on his weapon, the Iron Slicer, a dagger that bore the engraving, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." He wasn't about to back down, not when justice was at stake. "Return what you stole, and we can end this peacefully," Orion replied, his voice steady despite the palpable danger.

A mocking laugh escaped the thief as he transformed, tendrils erupting from his arms, a grotesque display of power and control. The tendrils lashed out, seeking to ensnare Orion in their vicious grasp. Orion dodged, his movements a blur as he evaded attack after attack, his heart pounding in his chest.

But the thief was relentless, his attacks growing more ferocious with each passing moment. Orion found himself pushed back, his body taking blow after blow as he struggled to keep up. Each punch from the thief felt like a hammer, the force enough to send him crashing into the grimy walls of the alley.

Orion's breath came in ragged gasps, his body a canvas of bruises and cuts. The thief was a whirlwind of violence, a storm that seemed impossible to quell. Each punch, a thunderclap, echoed ominously in the confined space, a relentless reminder of the thief's power.

Orion was thrown against the wall, his vision swimming as pain radiated from every fiber of his being. But within him, a fire ignited, a fierce determination that refused to be extinguished. He staggered to his feet, his gaze fixed firmly on the thief, a silent vow that he would not yield.

The thief smirked, a cruel twist of his lips as he unleashed a flurry of tendrils, a grotesque display of power that sought to ensnare Orion in their vicious grasp.

...

But Orion fought back, his movements fueled by a desperate need to protect, to fight against the injustice before him.

Orion was thrown against the wall.

As he slumped to the ground, a cascade of memories engulfed him, bringing with it a torrent of emotions. Images of his parents flickered in his mind, their warm smiles, their comforting embraces, all echoing in a distant yet familiar past.

....

Pain and nostalgia mingled, fueling a fire deep within him, a fierce determination that refused to be snuffed out. His body screamed in protest, but his spirit, fortified by the love and teachings of his parents, urged him to stand, to fight, to honor their memory with unyielding resolve.

With great effort, he rose, his legs shaky but steadfast. His gaze locked onto the thief, a silent promise that he would not yield, not while the essence of his parents lived on within him, guiding him, giving him strength.

!!!

Then, a celestial map blossomed on his palm, the awakening of the All-Sight, a beacon of hope amidst the engulfing darkness. Tears mingled with the dirt on his face, a testament to his journey, his loss, and his newfound determination. With a cry that held the echoes of his past and the promise of his future, Orion lunged forward, ready to carve a path of justice, fueled by an unyielding spirit and a legacy of love.