The air felt electric as Lina walked alongside the two Dream Hunters, her heart racing with excitement. She glanced back at the alley where she had faced the Nightmare, the remnants of her win still coursing through her veins.
The Dream Hunters led her through the narrow streets and debris littered corners. The Once bustling marketplaces lay abandoned, overgrown with vines and weeds, As they moved deeper into the city, Rose noticed more Dream Hunters patrolling the area.
Are there many Nightmares here?" Rose asked, trying to catch her breath as they quickened their pace.
The woman beside her, whose silver hair gleamed even in the dim light, turned her head slightly. "More than we'd like," she said, her tone serious. "We've been getting reports of increased activity in the area, especially since the last major outbreak. That's why we're here patrolling and investigating."
"Outbreak?" Rose repeated, anxiety creeping in. "What happened?"
The man leading the group, who had introduced himself as Rajae, glanced back at her. "A particularly powerful Nightmare maybe a Eldritch Dream manifested just last night. It's still out there, causing trouble. We need all hands on deck to deal with it. The Dream Hunters are stretched thin, and we can't afford to send anyone.
Rose felt her stomach tighten Fighting a Eldritch Dream is a death sentence for untrained individuals. Yet, standing here, she couldn't let fear dictate her actions. She had faced a Nightmare and survived. If they needed help, she wanted to be part of it.
As they approached a large, fortified building, the unmistakable insignia of the Dream Hunters was emblazoned on the wall a design of a crescent moon surrounded by stars, symbolizing their guardianship over the Dreamscape. Rose heart swelled with pride; she was stepping into the very heart of the organization she had longed to join.
Once inside, the atmosphere shifted. The large hall was buzzing with activity, Dream Hunters in various stages of preparation for the battles ahead. Some were sharpening weapons, while others reviewed maps and intel on the latest Nightmare sightings.
Rajae led her to a small, private room at the back of the hall. Inside, a large map of the city on one wall, marked with various symbols indicating areas of recent Nightmare activity. Aria, the silver haired woman, leaned against the wall, arms crossed as she studied the map intently.
"Sit," Rajae instructed, gesturing to a chair at the small table in the center of the room. Rose hesitated but complied.
"You showed promise out there," Rajae said, his gaze sharp. "But you need training. This isn't just about fighting; it's about strategy, teamwork, and understanding the Dreamscape. Have you had any training in lucid dreaming?
Rose shook her head. "No, I've only... only done it instinctively. I didn't know what it was until I faced that Nightmare."
Rajae nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Instinct is a good start, but you'll need more than that. We're going to have to teach you to control your abilities. Aria, you'll work with her on lucid dreaming techniques. I'll handle the combat training."
Aria straightened, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I've got some exercises that should help. It's all about establishing your presence in the Dreamscape and mastering your fears. If you can do that, you can face any Nightmare."
Rose felt a thrill of anticipation. This was exactly what she had wanted. "I'll do whatever it takes," she said, her voice steady. "I'm ready."
"Good," Rajae replied, his demeanor shifting slightly as he began to lay out the plans. "We'll start your training tonight. For now, let's get you geared up."
As they stepped out of the room, Rose mind raced with the possibilities. She was finally part of something greater than herself, part of the fight against the nightmares that had once haunted her.
Later that Evening
The sun go below the horizon, as Rose stood in front of a mirror, her heart pounding with excitement. She was now wearing a black tactical suit, designed for mobility and protection, adorned with the emblem of the Dream Hunters on her shoulder. The weight of her new Mindblade, which had been fitted with a harness at her side.
"Ready?" Aria asked, her silver hair glowing faintly in the dim light.
"More than ready," Rose replied, trying to suppress her nerves. She knew they were heading into the Dreamscape soon, and she had to focus on mastering her abilities.
They stepped outside into the gathering night, the streets bathed in the pale glow of the moonlight. A team of seasoned Dream Hunters was already assembled, their expressions serious. Rose could see the tension in the air as they prepared for the operation against the Eldritch Nightmare.
"We've received reports that it's active near the old power plant," Rajae stated, addressing the group. "We're going in as a team. Aria, you'll guide Rose through the Dreamworld. Remember, stick close and listen to her; she's still learning."
As they moved toward the designated location, the world around them began to shift. The fabric of reality twisted and warped as they entered the Dreamworld, a surreal landscape that was simultaneously beautiful and terrifying. Colors blended into one another.
"Stay close, Rose," Aria instructed, her voice steady. "Feel the energy around you. Let it guide you."
Rose nodded, closing her eyes momentarily. She focused, reaching out with her senses, feeling the Dreamsworld enveloping her. The air shimmered with potential, and she let the energy flow through her, allowing her instincts to take over.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. A cold dread settled over them, and the vibrant colors began to fade into thedark. Rose opened her eyes, and the scene around them shifted into something horrific twisted trees, barren ground, and a fog that clung to their ankles.
"There it is," Rajae whispered, pointing ahead.
Rose followed his gaze, and her breath caught in her throat. Before them loomed a monstrous figure, shrouded in darkness, with countless eyes glimmering like stars in the night sky. It was an Eldritch Nightmare, its form shifting and contorting as it surveyed its surroundings.
"Remember, stick together," Rajae instructed, his voice low. "Rose, let Aria guide you. Use your Mindblade only when necessary."
Rose swallowed hard, her heart racing. This was it the moment she had been training for. The Nightmare let out a low, roar, sending ripples of fear through the air.
"Now!" Aria shouted, snapping Rose back to reality. "Focus on your light! Draw it out!"
Rose took a deep breath, concentrating on the warmth within her. As she did, a radiant glow began to emerge from her hands, illuminating the darkness surrounding them. The Nightmare recoiled slightly.
"Good! Now keep it steady!" Aria encouraged, her own energy flowing around them like a protective barrier.
The Nightmare lunged forward, a mass of shadow. Rose could feel the fear trying to claw at her heart, but she pushed it aside, letting the light within her shine brighter. The creature lunged again, its tendrils reaching for them, but Rose swung her Mindblade, slicing through the darkness with a flash of radiant light.
"Stay focused!" Rajae yelled, coordinating their movements as the battle continue. "We need to push it back!"
Rose felt the pulse of energy around her, and with each strike of her Mindblade, the Nightmare began to weaken. She could see the fear flickering in its many eyes, a reflection of her own dread. But she was no longer that scared girl hiding in the shadows. She was a Dream Hunter.
Together, they fought back against the creature, their coordinated efforts pushing it further and further into retreat.
With one final, powerful strike, Rose channeled everything she had into her Mindblade, a brilliant beam of light bursting forth, engulfing the Nightmare in a radiant blaze. The creature shrieked, its form collapsing under the intensity of the attack.
As the light began to dissipate, the Nightmare dissolved into shadows, retreating back to the Dreamworld.
Breathless, Rose stood in the aftermath, surrounded by her fellow Dream Hunters. A wave of triumph washed over her,
The end of chapter 1