The room fell silent as the atmosphere grows colder and time moves slower. It almost seems as if time stands still.
The resurrected king did not bother to speak further. Without a word spoken, two soldiers caught my arms and raised me to my knees, walking towards the exit.
I had no hope to fight back against the identical soldiers, suspecting their coordination would be as identical as their faces, much less the difference in ranks.
Approaching the exit, I had a glimpse of hope they'd let me go as a gesture for benign intentions towards a straying awakened. However, my hopes were lost, for outside the exit did not stand the cemetery I got lost in, but an entire living civilization.
Buildings were placed in squares to form streets and roads. Walls surrounded the distant skies to form borders and protections. Structures for food resources and water placed in a among crossing rivers passing through the streets. Markets spread across, seemingly full of life.
And looking behind me beyond the soldiers leading me out stood the tomb from before, however, the fog was nowhere to be seen and the tomb was revealed to be a size of a palace, standing on a high hill leaving the sight of the king's kingdom.
The hill's ground was made by the very same soil from the graveyard and but seems to cover much less space.
A frightening thought passed through my mind. Could a time travel have been the cause?
'No, that's not possible, is it?'
I learned about nightmares which recorded the past into an illusion, giving the challengers a conflict they'll have to solve in order to pass, but it wouldn't be possible.
For starters, I did not come into contact with a Seed of Nightmare.
I also did not receive any information or interaction from The Spell that could indicate the start the challenge.
Another possibility would be related to the strange environment of the space I appeared in.
The teacher for Wilderness Survival taught us some special environments the Dream Realm had to offer, and most were even considering death zones. Surely, an unexplored area in this giant realm wouldn't out of question.
So, this zone has properties related to terraforming or the flow of time?
As thoughts and ideas keep occupying my brain, the guards brought me to another part of the castle at a higher level of the hill, seemingly leading to the dungeons.
However, I'm not being captive inside a cell, instead I get pushed into a captive room with a wooden table with handcuffs on top and simple chairs on both ends.
The walls seem to be carved with runes as well, each one giving different enhancement or mechanistic attributes to the walls.
Inspecting closer, the cuffs at the table also held similar symbols indicating they're not just to keep me restrained.
'An investigation room.' I say inwardly, sitting down and place my hands on the built-in metallic handcuffs.
Almost naturally, the locks close and leaving me tied to the table.
Few minutes pass and a person with identical face and abnormal, lifeless eyes stare at me while taking the seat across.
Even though the face was the same as any I've seen today, it held unique traits.
The stranger's face wears scars and cuts, making him look like war veteran or a skilled assassin.
His hair is also short, leaving no strand of hair lose but instead curly pixie hairstyle in white.
"Good afternoon. I'll be investigating you today. First, you seem to have some confusions, so I'll make everything a bit clearer.
"You are in the kingdom of Helios. Our lord and the rightful ruler is Emperor Helios himself, but you may refer to 'him' as His Majesty
"You were trespassing and somehow got pass our securities and reached the throne room.
"You're an anomaly, outsider, if you may, and it was decided to arrest you until further notice and undergo background check.
"I will ask you sequence of questions and you will answer truthfully and obediently.
"On the side note, I am not threatening but stating a fact. As you may have noticed the handcuffs holding you captive hold runes, those of which will make you incapable of lying.
"Please nod with your head if you acknowledge your situation and confirm the information I just represented to you."
I nod with my head, with hands tied down and uncanny circumstances I got a bit flabbergasted.
The investigator lacks the immense aura emitted in the throne room. The chill of the room seems to grow warmer, and my heartbeats also calmed down.
In that moment, I stared at the investigator, but I did not find any Regret Spirits. I don't know what I'm seeing. It's as this man never regretted anything in his entire life.
Aside from the unusual phenomenon, I had no access to The Nightmare Spell and my aspect was limited.
Aside from glancing into the Spirits of Regrets I could not command nor use their help.
Without much choice I co-operate with the investigation. If those 'people' had the means to cut me off from the only means I have to defend myself, making enemies is the last thing I need to aim for.
I nod silently with cold sweat dripping off my chin. Speaking loud and clear, I make sure to make myself as clear as possible.
"I understand."
"You said you arrived by chance, due to 'The Nightmare Spell'. Elaborate further on your situation and 'The Spell'."
I try to calm my mind and organize my thoughts. However, I don't know how to reply. The Nightmare Spell remained a mystery up to this day. Even the best researchers can only make up with theories and assumptions.
"No one really knows much about where it came from. But one day it just... appeared. People who are diagnosed with The Spell experience abnormal fatigue and tiredness.
"Once the infected falls asleep they experience their first nightmare. I'm sorry, but I can't tell much because of my Flaw. However, with each trial The Nightmare Spell presents strengthen the dreamer into the next rank of ascension."
After the brief explanation, the investigator seemed lost in thought. However, shortly after his focus returned as if nothing happened.
"Such information is fascinating indeed. My lord's interest is piqued as well. In return, his majesty grants you one answer. You can ask anything."
The investigation seems to take a sudden turn. The investigator seems to communicate with his monarch.
'Does it have something to do with the identical faces?'
In any case, an answer to one of my questions is not nearly enough. As I remain inside this foreign land my questions just multiply.
However, if the ruling monarch is indeed pleased by this basic information could it mean those people are not even related to Earth?
'There goes another question to my list.'
First thing first, I must find out how I can get back.
'Maybe they could at least give me access to a Gateway.'
They could have one without even realizing it, perhaps.
'Or maybe I need to defeat the monarch to activate it to begin with?'
No. That is out of question. This monarch seems too out of reach for a sleeper like me! he is more terrifying than anyone else I've met at the academy, including the staff.
Making up my mind. I finally decided on a question.
"I don't know how I got here, but maybe you could help me find away back. I don't know if you know what Gateways are, but I need one to return back to the waking world."
The investigator looked me up and down, as if just now he's noticing my strange characteristics.
I have the feeling the investigator's interest just raised significantly.
"That is not a question but a request. However, you might be able to find an equal ground with my lord. But that will have to wait for after we're done here."
Of course, the investigator talks about negotiation. The king is probably willing to help in the right price.
"You still have one question."
Finally, I ask the next question in line.
"Who are 'you'?"
The investigator smiled gently. His tone and the atmosphere were masked by the change of his personality.
With a chuckle he lays back and says, "Why, I'm just an investigator of the royal army."
With a smug face he looks at me and continues, "However, I have a feeling we'll see each other more often in the future so why don't you just call me Lioh?"