“Alright then, Aiden…
I’m ready to give you my final assessment.”
Marcus sat inside an isolated evaluation room opposite the psychiatrist.
Ever since finishing his shower, he had been subjected to an exhaustive psychiatric consultation.
The session was dominated by targeted psychological evaluations focusing on his memory, cognitive function, and retrograde amnesia, along with probing questions about his First Nightmare, details Marcus deliberately chose to omit or deflect.
Throughout their session, a faint flush remained on the doctor’s cheeks, a lingering remnant of the absurd incident in the bathroom.
Fortunately, Marcus had maintained his composure.
While the situation made things somewhat awkward, it had worked in his favor: to compensate for the intrusion, the doctor had willingly answered most of his questions about the world.
She had explained the fundamental mechanics of the Nightmare Spell—specifically detailing Memories, Aspects, and the nature of Nightmares.
It was vital intelligence.
Marcus now had a baseline understanding of his environment.
Still, he had zero intention of putting himself in harm’s way.
He had been granted a second chance at life, a clean slate to live differently and pursue the quiet, peaceful existence he had been denied in his previous life.
Yet, as he watched the doctor flip through her ledger to deliver her final assessment, he had a sinking feeling those hopes were about to be shattered.
“So, based on my evaluation, Aiden,” the doctor began, adjusting her glasses.
“Your situation is undeniably difficult.
Amnesia on this scale leaves you completely vulnerable; you’ve forgotten everyone you ever knew, even yourself.
But it isn’t entirely grim.
You are lucid, sharp, and possess a level of intelligence well above average.
In fact, this could be your chance at a fresh start.
According to your official file, your life wasn’t a pleasant one anyway.”
Marcus stared at her in silence, internally unimpressed by her bedside manner.
‘Aren’t psychologists supposed to uplift their patients instead of casually roasting their tragic pasts?’
Unbothered by his glare, the doctor continued.
“Furthermore, your record indicates you have an older sister.
Although she officially reported you missing over four years ago, I’m sure she will be thrilled to hear you’re alive.”
Marcus’s eyes narrowed subtly.
‘This kid has a sister?
Who reported him missing four years ago?
“Unfortunately,” the doctor added with a sigh,
“a family reunion won’t be happening anytime soon.
Your sister is Ascended.
We attempted to contact her the moment you were brought into the precinct, but she is currently on an extended expedition deep within the Dream Realm.
She won’t return before the Winter Solstice.”
Marcus leaned back slightly, processing the information.
‘An Ascended…
A Master who conquered the Second Nightmare.
She must be powerful.’
Folding his arms, Marcus shifted the topic to the phrase she kept repeating.
“You’ve brought up this ‘Winter Solstice’ several times now.
What exactly makes it so significant?”
The doctor looked at him for a quiet moment, then rested her clipboard on her lap.
The expression on her face immediately put Marcus on edge.
‘Nothing good, obviously.’
“The Winter Solstice,” she explained calmly,
“is the threshold.
Do you recall what I explained about the Dream Realm, the alternate dimension inhabited by Nightmare Creatures and connected to those afflicted by the Spell?”
“I remember,” Marcus replied flatly.
“Frankly, a man would have to be insane to willingly set foot in a place like that.”
The doctor let out a dry, somber chuckle.
“Well, at least you won’t be entering willingly.
When the Solstice arrives, the Nightmare Spell forcibly pulls every Sleeper into the Dream Realm.
You don’t get a choice.”
Marcus’s eyes widened slightly.
It was a contingency he hadn’t anticipated.
But instead of arguing or erupting in frustration, he simply let out a bitter, silent scoff.
He had wanted to stay far away from the front lines of this world.
With a Flaw as devastating as the Life Stone, entering the Dream Realm meant risking a fate far worse than death.
The doctor’s voice broke through his thoughts.
“Look, Aiden, I know this is overwhelming, especially with your memory loss.
Normally, having an Ascended sibling would give you a massive advantage in navigating the Dream Realm.
Even with limited time left before the Solstice, the foundational training will prove invaluable.
More importantly, you’ll meet other Sleepers.
Finding capable allies is your best chance at survival.”
Marcus remained silent, calculating the variables.
He slowly stood up from his chair, fixing the doctor with his cold, analytical gaze.
“Tell me one thing, Doctor.”
She nodded, gesturing for him to speak.
“Hypothetically…
if I survive the Dream Realm and make it back, are there subsequent events that will drag me back into that meat grinder?
Am I forced to keep risking my life forever?”
The doctor sighed softly.
“In a sense…
yes.”
‘Unbelievable.
What’s the point of surviving the first trial, then?’
“However,” she quickly clarified,
“the process follows a structured cycle.”
“Elaborate.”
“Once you find a Gateway and use it to return to the real world, you become Awakened.
From then on, whenever you fall asleep, your consciousness enters the Dream Realm again, appearing near the Gateway you used to return.”
Marcus stared at her, processing the absurd mechanics of this dual existence.
“So in order to simply get a night’s sleep…
I have to commute between two different realities?”
The doctor gave a sympathetic nod.
Marcus stood up, stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders.
He tested the physical limits of his new sixteen-year-old body a frame that was surprisingly dense and agile, reinforced far beyond normal human limits.
“Well, Doctor…” Marcus muttered, his tone settling into quiet resolve.
“It seems I don’t have much of a choice.
Sign me up for the Academy.”