James laid on the cot, staring at the ceiling while recalling what had happened. His body ached from the day's chaos, but he could not sleep as his mind was alive with thoughts of the Domain. The Overseer's mocking words replayed in his head, that creepy grin promising more trials, or death. Astor's disappearance weighed on him like a stone, but James was determined to change that. He'd get stronger, braver, enough to rescue his friend. Deep down, though, a twisted excitement bubbled up, the kind he didn't want to admit. This place was a nightmare, but it was also an opportunity, a chance to gain power he never thought possible. It was thrilling.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Sleep finally took him, pulling him into the unknown.
The world shifted, and James found himself standing on sand that was cold and sticky under his feet, the air thick with salt and mist. Waves crashed endlessly, and the sky was a swirling mass of gray clouds.
I'm back on the beach.
Before he could get his bearings, a system screen popped up in front of him, blue text glowing sharply:
Nightmare Challenge: Defeat the Echo - Drowning Specter
His pulse quickened. This was it, the daily ordeal the system had warned about for his Oracle class. A shape emerged from the surf, rising like a shadow from the depths. The Drowning Specter was a humanoid figure made of swirling water, its skin translucent and rippling, eyes empty black voids that seemed to pull at him. It moved slowly, each step deliberate, like it was dragging the ocean's weight, but it locked onto him with unnerving focus.
James backed up, raising his hands on instinct. "Barrier!" he shouted, and a glowing dome shimmered into existence around him, the air humming with energy. The Specter lunged, its watery claws slamming into the shield. The impact sent vibrations through James's arms, but the barrier held. He exhaled, steadying himself.
Okay, I can do this.
He had to. For Astor, and for that growing hunger inside him to become more than he was.
The creature swiped again, slower than a normal attacker but relentless, its claws scraping the dome like nails on glass. James tried to counter, stepping forward and punching through the barrier's edge. His fist connected with the Specter's arm, but it just splashed like hitting a wave, reforming instantly. The cold seeped through his skin, numbing his hand. He shook it off, circling the thing. It was slow, he could outmaneuver it. He dodged a grab, the claws missing by inches, and kicked at its leg. His boot sank in, unbalancing him, and the Specter grabbed his shoulder, pulling him close. Freezing water flooded his senses, like drowning without going under. He twisted free, gasping, the barrier flickering under the strain.
"Come on, think," he muttered, his breath coming in puffs. The beach offered nothing, just sand and waves. The Specter pressed forward, its gurgling hiss like bubbles bursting. James swung a wild punch, clipping its side, but it barely reacted, reforming and swiping back. The barrier cracked a little more, but he felt no fear. If it broke, he was done. But that fueled him, sparking the excitement he had felt before sleep. This was a test, a way to grow.
He backed away, scanning the horizon. The mansion loomed in the distance, its dilapidated form a beacon. The farming equipment inside, the scythes. Sharp blades, perfect for slicing through this watery freak. "That's it," he said, turning to run. The Specter followed, its slow strides somehow keeping it in pursuit, the sand parting under its feet like liquid.
The run was grueling, his legs burning as the sand shifted, slowing him down. The mansion grew closer, but so did the Specter's hiss. James glanced back, seeing it glide over the beach, arms outstretched. He pushed harder, determination kicking in. He could do this. He had to. The bridge appeared, its wooden planks weathered and gaps wide. He sprinted across, the structure creaking under his weight. Halfway, his foot plunged through a rotten board, trapping his leg. Pain shot up his ankle as he fell forward, the Specter closing in.
"Fuck!" he cursed, yanking at his leg. Splinters dug into his skin, but he twisted free, scrambling the rest of the way. The bridge groaned, nearly collapsing behind him. He burst into the mansion, the familiar room a clutter of rusty tools and crates. A broken window let in misty light, glass shards littering the floor. The Specter smashed through the window, its claws raking James's arm as he reached for a scythe. Blood welled from the scratches, stinging sharply.
He grabbed the scythe, its handle rough and solid. "Mend," he tried, focusing on the wounds, but nothing happened. No glow, no relief.
Out of Essence
"Just my luck." James spat as he rolled out of the lunging Specter's path.
I must have used it all on Barrier. How do I even keep track of that?
The Specter crashed into the wall, leaving James the opportunity to swing the scythe. It bit into the creature's shoulder, water spraying out. The Specter recoiled, hissing, but lunged again.
James dodged, but the tool was heavy and the Specter's claw slashed at his side. Collapsing to the ground, James clutched at his side as the monster pounced. Quickly, James held the scythe upward and watched it impale through the Specter's neck. He watched as the Specter dissolved into a harmless puddle, its hiss dying out. James stood up panting as he watched the Specter dissolve into a harmless puddle. Clutching at his side, he thought he was about to bleed out.
Nightmare (F) Succeeded: Awarded 1x (F) Essence Shard
The beach faded, and James shot up from the cot, covered in sweat. Looking at his side he expected to see a pool of blood but nothing was there. "I'm.. alive?" he said grinning. It was incredulous, the shard was his, a tangible reward. He could feel himself excited. "I won!" he yelled, relishing in his growth. The thought sent a rush through him, that twisted excitement building. I almost died. I shouldn't be happy, but I won. This Domain was dangerous, but it was also a forge, shaping him into something sharper, more capable.
The room felt smaller now, the walls pressing in, but James didn't mind. The system screen lingered in his vision as he focused, showing the new shard in his inventory. He didn't know exactly how to use it yet, but it was a start. Maybe to increase his class?
Which should I focus on? Oracle is my primary class, but everyone thinks I'm a Healer.
Error. Healer requires Essence Shard (E-) or above.
Great. Oracle it is.
[Class Upgrade]: Oracle(F) (1/10), Healer(E-) (0/50)
He sat back on the cot, closing his eyes briefly. He'd hide it, as the dream warned, but he'd use it.