A nightmare is not merely a dream — it is a dark journey into the deepest and most shadowed corners of the human soul.It turns the peace of night into torment, forcing one to relive fear and horror.Various entities — from terrifying ghosts to sinister demons, as well as devastating natural disasters that destroy everything in their path — pursue a person within their dreams.
Fortunately, such dreadful visions are not eternal: like all dreams, a nightmare ends once the dreamer opens their eyes.But an awakening nightmare — that kind of horror cannot be escaped so easily…
Darkness.Nothing but darkness — oppressive and all-encompassing.No sounds. No sense of body or direction.Are you sitting, or standing? Where is your gaze turned?And if not for the faint presence of your own thoughts — how would this differ from death?
So what can one think about in a moment like this?In any other situation — about a way to escape, to flee from this prison.It would have been so now, too… if not for the image and the sensations that came before the plunge into this silent abyss.
The long-awaited kiss with the one you loved, after achieving your long-sought goal.It wasn't sweet — it carried a metallic taste.The reason was your own hand, piercing his chest and tearing out his heart.Feeling the hot blood on your lips and body, the last thing you see in those beautiful eyes is confusion — replaced by shock and pain.
And then, within this void, a voice echoed.A voice that had once saved you from no less desperate situations.
— At last, my hard work has paid off — and all thanks to you, my dear apprentice!
A fleeting confusion turned into realization — and hope vanished.Even without a voice, you still try to ask why.The same familiar voice answers you — as gentle and kind as always — but now it fills you only with terror and hatred.
— Though you already understand, I shall share the details. Every step of your growth was part of my preparation — to claim your body for myself. The special ritual I taught you was the final touch.And I must thank you, for in this backwater you discovered two rare Divine Bodies. Their absorption will greatly benefit my future.As a reward, I shall allow you to witness my glorious ascension — beginning with my victory over those two.
As soon as his voice faded, a window of light appeared within the impenetrable darkness.And in it — what do you see?..
A silent, destructive battle.
A vision of your own hands wounding those you love.
Pain that pierces you no less deeply than it does them.
Within your soul reigns a cold helplessness.
And yet, the realization that the fatal kiss was not truly fatal brings a faint sense of relief.But it cannot continue this way — you must break these chains and unleash the fury within.When all attempts failed and only silent suffering remained, an unknown force granted you strength — and control over your soul returned.You understand it's not enough to free yourself completely, but you have the power to influence the battle.You need only wait for the right moment.
At the decisive clash, the very technique taught by your beloved mentor turned against him.The burning of your soul brought unimaginable pain, but it allowed you to regain your body for a few fleeting moments — long enough to shatter his defenses and take the full force of a devastating strike.
For the last time, you look upon the ones dear to you — and as the usurper screams in agony, you vanish from this world.Before complete oblivion takes you, the last ember of your soul hears a voice — gentle, motherly, and full of sorrow:
— This is not the end, my child…
As if to confirm her words, at an unknown moment in time you find yourself sitting in a soft, comfortable chair, in a richly furnished room.In your hands lies a book — open far from its beginning.
A knock at the door breaks your confusion, and an elderly man with silver hair steps into the room.
— My lady, I bring important news.
Those words, combined with your surroundings, slowly form a single picture.You begin to understand what has happened.But a new question grips your heart:
Is this reality… or merely the continuation of the nightmare?