Chương 3: Chapter 3 - Between Dreams and Reality
Best read with Aria of the Soul playing in the background.
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Hero, still seated in the captain's chair of the spacecraft that seemed to drift through the vast sea of souls. The endless expanse of stars, each one a unique soul, twinkled in the infinite distance.
Taking in the grandeur of the stars and the infinite sea of souls, Hero let the moment settle within him, as though absorbing strength from the vastness of it all. His resolve was stronger than ever, strengthening with each passing second.
He knew what he had to do, and his purpose had never been clearer.
Hero took a deep breath and turned around, slowly but surely, and saw them, two figures he knew all too well.
His eyes fell upon two familiar figures. The sight of them instantly brought a smirk to his face, people he hadn't seen in a long while, but they felt like old friends, always present when the journey got strange or difficult.
chuckle
A soft chuckle echoed through the room, familiar and almost comforting.
Sitting across from him, in a velvet-clad chair that was as timeless as the figure who occupied it, was none other than Igor.
"Marvelous! Truly marvelous!" A nasal voice chuckled, unmistakably rich with amusement. It was Igor, of course.
"Igor, Lavenza... long time no see." Hero said casually, as if he hadn't just woken up in a surreal velvet-colored spaceship.
Igor, the long-nosed master of the Velvet Room, sat in his usual stately manner, positioned like a true overseer of fate, his lanky frame leaning forward ever so slightly, his long fingers steepled as if eagerly watching over some grand scheme.
Seated opposite him in this strange spacecraft, Hero felt the odd power dynamic—like a captain acknowledging his superior but with a mutual respect.
He smiled with that ever-present mischievous glint in his enormous, bulging bloodshot eyes. His long nose pointed down toward Hero as if assessing him, amused by what he saw.
Beside Igor, standing attentively like always, was Lavenza, the Velvet Room attendant. Her petite frame contrasted with Igor's towering, unsettling presence, but she held her own with a quiet strength. Her small stature belied the immense role she had played in his journeys.
She gave a polite curtsy, her expression gentle yet attentive, though there was a flicker of warmth in her eyes that was impossible to ignore.
Hero couldn't help but reminisce about how these two had guided him through his past journeys.
'A talking nose and a girl who can split into twins... not the weirdest thing in my life anymore.'
In truth, they were more than guides to him. Igor, the master of the Velvet Room, had shepherded him through multiple lifetimes of trial and tribulation.
The Velvet Room's master and attendant had guided him through so much already, from his early days stumbling through the mess of Persona 5, to his more recent escapades in the spin-offs. They had been his companions in the most abstract, otherworldly sense, yet as real as any confidant he'd met along the way.
Igor had been a constant presence in Hero's journey. In fact, no one knew more about the long-nosed master of the Velvet Room than Hero himself—except maybe his gaming buddies from his past life.
The enigmatic man with the unnervingly long nose was like a bizarre yet reliable mentor, always watching from the sidelines, waiting for the right moment to intervene. Always seemed to know more than he let on, dropping cryptic hints and ominous warnings.
And Lavenza—well, she was different. She'd gone from being two troublesome wardens, and now, as a whole, she had become something more... more human, perhaps. She had been at his side during humanity's darkest moments.
Hero couldn't help but remember a time when she had been two separate entities, Justine and Caroline, who'd loved nothing more than to put him through the wringer.
He had to admit, he preferred her in her current form, especially given how their relationship had evolved. There was a quiet closeness there, something unspoken yet undeniable.
Together, they had seen him grow from a nameless prisoner into the Trickster, humanity's ultimate savior.
Glancing at her—maybe there's something more? Hero couldn't deny the strange connection he felt with her now. There was something about their interactions that had shifted. Maybe it was just his imagination—or maybe it wasn't.
It didn't help that she always had this subtle way of glancing at him, not quite flirting but close enough that it was hard to ignore. He kept his thoughts playful though. After all, what kind of guy would he be if he didn't wonder whether Velvet Room attendants were into guests who saved the world on the regular?
But Hero wasn't about to dwell too much on that. After all, what would Igor say if he caught on? Probably something like, "Marvelous!" in that knowing tone of his.
"Long time no see, indeed." Igor replied with that signature chuckle of his.
"It's been quite a while since we last met, hasn't it?" Igor continued, his voice carrying the weight of the many journeys Hero had taken.
Lavenza gave a polite courtesy, her voice soft but firm. "It is an honor to see you again, Trickster."
Hero couldn't help but smile, leaning back in the chair—well, captain's chair, as if he owned the room, because, in a way, he did.
'Of course they gave me the captain's seat. I just hope they don't make me pilot this thing.' He couldn't help but snicker inwardly.
The Velvet Room had always been a reflection of it's guest, but this? A spacecraft, complete with the twinkling stars and the entire Earth below him. It was like some wild blend of sci-fi and metaphysical dreamscape.
"You have been truly the most wonderful guest. You have exceeded all expectations." Igor continued, his tone filled with genuine admiration. "Your journey has been one of unparalleled growth and discovery."
Hero raised an eyebrow. "Exceeded expectations? Don't give me too much credit, Igor. I've just been... playing my part."
"Your part." Igor echoed. "Has been pivotal. The bonds you've forged, the resolve you've strengthened—they all lead to this moment."
Lavenza chimed in, her voice bright but with a hint of fondness. "You've grown in ways no guest has before. And to think, all of it began with a simple contract."
Igor's strange yet familiar smile widened as he praised Hero's growth. "You have continued to grow, to overcome trials that would have broken most. Truly, you have been the most wonderful guest, surpassing all expectations. Defying the odds and fate itself. Your resolve is stronger than ever."
Hero leaned back in the captain's chair, raising an eyebrow. "What can I say? I don't like letting people down. Plus, I kinda like the idea of shooting gods in the face."
Lavenza smiled softly at his playful arrogance, her eyes lingering on him. "You have grown in more ways than just power, Trickster. Your heart, your understanding of the world around you—it has all led you to this moment." She added, her voice carrying a hint of something more—admiration, perhaps? She wasn't as good at hiding her emotions as Igor.
Hero smirked, catching her gaze. "Lavenza, you're too kind. But let's not forget, I couldn't have done it without your excellent assistance." He threw in a subtle wink, watching her reaction.
For a moment, her eyes flickered, just barely betraying a tiny blush before she resumed her formal composure.
"Speaking of which." Igor interrupted with a nod. "I must apologize for my absence during your most recent journey. I trust that Lavenza was more than capable of aiding you in my stead."
Hero glanced at Lavenza, a grin playing on his lips. "More than capable, huh? I'd say 'perfect' is more fitting."
Lavenza's cheeks colored ever so slightly, and she looked away. "I-I was merely doing my duty."
Igor chuckled softly, amused by their banter. "What a fine job she did."
Igor chuckled again, this time a bit more amused. "And my, oh my, look at the state of the room now."
He gestured to their surroundings with a grand sweep of his hand. "It seems the Velvet Room, once again, reflects the ever-changing soul of its guest. A spacecraft, no less."
Hero took a moment to absorb his surroundings once more.
The spacecraft had a sleek, futuristic design, but it still carried that unmistakable Velvet Room ambiance. Everything was bathed in blue hues, from the polished metallic walls to the velvet seats.
The spacecraft, the stars outside the windows—it was strange, yes, but it made sense. This wasn't just some random aesthetic shift; it was a reflection of his journey.
The Velvet Room had always been a mysterious place. Its purpose was to nurture and guide the soul of those who entered, helping them realize their true potential.
And right now, the endless expanse of space seemed fitting for the Fool, a symbol of the infinite possibilities and challenges ahead.
"Igor... it's good to be back." Hero said, feeling a wave of nostalgia as the words left his mouth.
Igor let out a deep laugh. "Welcome, once again, to the Velvet Room. A place that exists between dream and reality, mind and matter."
Hearing those words made Hero feel a strange nostalgia. It was a line he had heard countless times in the games of his past life, and yet, every time Igor spoke them, they carried the same weight. The Velvet Room had always been a constant, a sanctuary where ones soul could be molded and tested.
Hero thought back to the many times he'd entered this mysterious space. 'Always something weird, always something blue.' But there was comfort in its strangeness. It was like a favorite coat—odd in color, but it fit him perfectly.
"It is a room that only those who are bound by a contract may enter... and 'you', my dear guest, are no exception. Your journey is far from over, Hero."
As Igor snapped his fingers, the contract before Hero shimmered briefly before taking form. Hero's eyes widened in surprise—it was a contract he had signed in his previous life.
"This..."
Hero began piecing together the gravity of the situation. "This contract means I wasn't chosen at random, was I? You actually... chose me."
Igor nodded, his wide grin widening. "Indeed. It was not chance that brought you here, but destiny. Every challenge you faced, every bond you formed... all led to this. Your true purpose has been slowly revealing itself."
Hero's heart pounded in his chest as the realization hit him.
He hadn't just been some lucky reincarnated soul playing through a life he once controlled on a console.
This wasn't some random isekai situation where fate had accidentally thrown him into another world.
He had been chosen. From the very beginning, they had seen him as the one capable of fulfilling this role.
It wasn't just Joker's story—it was his story.
Igor's voice swelled with pride. "While you wore the mask of Joker and took on the mantle of humanity's Trickster, it was your past self who was truly chosen for this path."
Hero let out a slow breath, the weight of the revelation settling over him. It wasn't just the role of Joker that mattered—it was him, the person he had always been, the one chosen to bear the weight of saving humanity.
Lavenza looked at him, her eyes softer than before. "You were meant for this journey, Hero. You were always meant to be the Trickster."
Hero blinked, his mind racing. "So you know… you know about my previous life?"
Igor nodded slowly. "We have always known. It is not often that one is given a second chance, a new beginning. And yet, you have embraced it fully. Your tenacity, your courage… It is a rare thing to see someone accomplish so much. "
Igor smile widened laced with approval. "You have proven time and again that you are the right choice, Hero. The past, the present—it all led to this moment. You were always meant to be more than just the Trickster."
Hero let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. "Well, that's a hell of a reveal."
Hero felt a surge of pride, but also a sense of responsibility. It was one thing to be chosen; it was another to live up to the expectations that came with it.
But if there was one thing he was certain of, it was that he wouldn't let anyone down.
Not his friends, not his allies, and certainly not himself.
Igor's voice softened, losing some of its formality. "My duty, dear guest, is to provide assistance. And now, I can finally do so properly, without interference from... less benevolent forces."
Hero's mind raced. For so long, Igor had been more of a cryptic observer than an active participant. But now, it seemed, things were different. "You mean, no more watching from the sidelines?"
"Precisely." Igor replied. "The threat you now face is far greater than anything you have encountered."
"But all those Confidants, the bonds you've created, have shaped you into the Trickster you are now." Igor continued, his tone filled with pride.
"Your journey thus far has prepared you well, and you have surpassed every expectation. But what lies ahead is much more vicious, far greater than you have faced before. They affect more than just Earth… perhaps, even beyond."
Hero frowned, catching onto Igor's cryptic words. "Beyond? As in...?"
"Let us just say, the stakes are higher than ever." Igor replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "But you have grown strong, Hero. Stronger than you realize."
Before Hero could ask more, Igor waved his hand, and a small, ornate box appeared before him.
"A gift." Igor said cryptically. "One that you will receive upon waking. It will assist you in the journey ahead. Consider it... a token of my admiration for all you have accomplished. I think you will find it quite... explosive."
Hero's curiosity was piqued, but he decided to play along. "A surprise, huh? Alright, I'll bite. Thanks, Igor."
Lavenza's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I cannot wait to see your reaction."
Igor's eyes twinkled with amusement. "You have always been a fascinating guest and your journey is about to take a most fascinating turn. It will be... interesting to see how you handle what lies ahead."
Ding!
Suddenly, the spacecraft chimed with a soft, rhythmic tone, much like an airplane's announcement bell.
"Ah." Igor's gaze turned toward the source of the sound. "It seems our time together is at an end—for now."
Hero felt a wave of sleepiness wash over him, as the spacecraft hummed quietly.
"But know this, Hero... your true journey is about to begin."
As his eyes grew heavy, Igor added cryptically. "You will receive another reward for completing this part of your journey. It will reveal itself in time, when the moment is right. The reward you receive will also mark the beginning of your true journey."
"We shall meet again once you claim this gift." Igor said, his voice soothing as Hero's eyelids grew heavy. "Until then, Trickster... good luck."
Hero's vision blurred as the warmth of sleep pulled him under. The universe seemed to dim around him, and a gentle warmth enveloped him like a comforting embrace.
The last thing he saw was Lavenza's soft smile as the stars outside the spacecraft twinkled one last time.
Night night.
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A hint for the next chapter. A song from Persona 3 Reload.
Disturbing the peace
Look into my eyes
Now tell me the things
You know, laughing about behind my back
The tenacity I hold
I hope it's hard to break down
It's too late for apologies
It's going down now
(Do-down, do-do-do-down now)
(Do-down, do-do-down, do-do-down)
(Do-down, do-do-do-down now)
(Do-down, do-do-down, do-do-down)
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
Aeogical
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