I never truly enjoyed dreams… They're always a reminder of what I could never have or a reminder of reality—something I could never truly escape, either awake or asleep.
I'd sleep and dream in pain, but yet I still did it—or I was forced to do it… All of the injections and various drugs I've had in my system have made sure that I've dealt with all sorts of states. I remember very little… so little.
But now I reopen my eyes as soon as my head hits the pillow and find myself outside of a large temple-like structure… I've never been to one myself, only heard Rola Naberius talk about how he hates going anywhere near them. Sometimes he would hire stray priests to read from a book I never really learned the name of, and as he read verses from it, I could feel my skin scorching and my blood burning. He would always leave the room, but the stray priest would just keep reading, even as I screamed for it to end.
This one didn't make me shudder or quake in fear. This one was inviting… and as I entered the building, I found that there was very little in terms of decoration. It was entirely empty—the walls a sterile white, the temple itself ever-changing, sometimes becoming more rigid and sometimes more fluid.
I walked into the center of the room and sat down. I focused on myself, and in that moment, I just breathed… There was no suffering. There was no pain. There was just myself and this moment. The floor was soft, like sitting on a cloud. For a few moments, I sat in silence, wondering if I was going to wake up soon.
That was until the two books—or more specifically, the normal-looking book and the scroll—appeared in front of me. The book looked like something out of a fantasy tale, glowing with green inscriptions, while the scroll practically oozed an energy that I could not feel or understand.
Before I even reached for the two objects in front of me, they both opened, revealing two separate objects. From the book came a beating heart—inside there seemed to be an endless flux of energy—and from the scroll came what looked to be a pair of eyes… They glowed with an emerald green light, the eyes staring directly into my soul, and as they floated closer, a bright light enveloped my vision. There was no pain. In fact, there was relief, and after a few moments, the light faded away.
Facing my head towards the ground, I looked in the reflective surface and saw that my once normal-looking eyes had become a bright green before turning into a bright yellow. It's the first time I had ever seen my face, and to say that I had changed is an understatement.
My once boil- and blood-covered skin was now smooth and looked as if it had never been touched by the sun… I had all of my limbs, each one in perfect condition. However, my hair was a stark white. As I continued to observe myself, the heart floated in front of me, and as I grasped it in both of my hands, I pulled it close to my chest, and similarly to the eyes, it just simply took its place.
As it was absorbed inside of me, I began to hear my heart beginning to beat, and in that moment, I realized that I hadn't even heard my heart beating the entire time, and along with that feeling came a fullness, like my body was being filled with some type of energy. It was calm and reassuring.
The book and scroll in front of me closed, and before I could do anything else, I reopened my eyes and found myself staring up at the ceiling. Instead of seeing the normal grays and whites of the lab, I saw warm browns and yellows, along with light pouring in from the window.
I can honestly say I've never felt more comfortable. A part of me simply didn't want to move and to simply just enjoy the moment. I turned my head to the left and found my fox friend Haru simply observing me. I reached my left hand towards her, and as I slowly placed a hand on her head, she melted under my touch, making a quiet growling sound.
"I'm surprised you stayed… Everyone I knew never did. Did you end up watching me all night?" The fox simply smiled as if the answer was obvious. She then walked closer to me and laid down next to my neck. I felt the warmth exuding off of her small form. She was so small, yet her presence felt so large.
I felt the tightness in my chest. In that moment, I felt like I was struggling to breathe, but then I felt the wetness on my cheek, and I realized I was crying… But now's not the time for tears… Today was a new day, and as I wiped my eyes clean, I smiled and slowly made my way out of bed.
I checked the nearby closet and found a large amount of clothing, all in my size, which is strange, but given the fact that this entire realm now exists because I exist, makes a bit more sense.
As I opened the door into the hallway, I found that it wasn't an entirely different place. Instead of being right next to the library, it was right next to the central courtyard. As I started walking down the hallway towards the kitchen area, I wondered if I could somehow get lost in my own house… Haru continued to nap on my shoulder, breathing softly as I took slow steps forward.
I felt the house beginning to direct me, the hallways changing direction as I continued to walk through them until, after not even a minute, I found myself within a large, ornate kitchen. The sun bearing down through the large window, casting a large and majestic glow upon the sparkling tables.
Looking through the food stocks, I found samples of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other assorted ingredients. There were hundreds of them—I could barely name dozens of them.
Checking inside of a cupboard, I found multiple cookbooks, each one in a different language… Thankfully there was a basic one in front, and as I pulled it out, I decided to make something simple—just some French toast, sausage, and eggs.
While cooking, I hadn't even realized that Haru had woken up and started drooling, looking at the food being prepared. I smiled and looked into her multicolored eyes.
"So, what would you like to eat, Haru?" The fox placed a small paw on her chin as if contemplating, until she jumped off my shoulder and began flipping through the pages in the cookbook. After a moment, she stopped and pointed towards a bacon and egg sandwich. After doing so, the ingredients poured out of the cupboards and fridges while I tried to keep up.
The experience was rather… enjoyable, and after a few minutes of placing all of the ingredients back that I didn't need, Haru and I walked out into the courtyard and sat amongst the circular tables and ate in comfortable silence. Haru did make some strange noises, but she didn't seem unhappy. In fact, she seemingly looked down towards the floor sometimes, and I wondered if I messed up something while cooking.
I looked over towards her and found that she had eaten her entire meal in a matter of minutes. As I ate my own, I kept on petting her as I found that it was very relaxing, rubbing my hand along the smooth fur… Haru seemed to think that she was in heaven as she laid down against the seat…
"Enjoying yourself, I see… And why wasn't I invited to breakfast?" A woman's voice echoed throughout the courtyard, and as I looked towards the tree, I found Lilywood staring at us with an amused glare.
"You're welcome to join us if you want. I'm just not sure what you would like to eat." She simply chuckled at that response as if expecting it.
"I jest, my Lord. I gain sustenance through the natural energy flowing throughout the realm, and trust me, I am rather full… At least I'm not as gluttonous as the fox over there." Lilywood's comment barely even affected Haru, who simply turned her head away.
Lilywood then created the rest of her body and walked out of the tree before sitting down to my right. I continued to eat as Lilywood and Haru stared at one another. I wondered if this is how women make friends…
However, Lilywood's "Lord" title still bothered me. "You know, you do not have to refer to me as your Lord if you do not wish to… I find myself uncomfortable with the title." Haru, seemingly sensing my discomfort, climbs back onto my shoulder and lays down.
Lilywood then looked towards me, her face showing a multitude of emotions… She then puts my head against hers and speaks softly, "I choose to call you that because that is what you are. You're not like them. Your existence is so fundamentally superior that they are simply gnats to your majesty… I know why you would find such a title uncomfortable, and if you truly wish, I will stop calling you that. Remember, this world is yours, and so am I…" That last comment caused my foxy friend to open one eye and look towards Lilywood.
Feeling somewhat better, I smiled towards Lilywood, and she simply sighed before placing a small kiss on my forehead… "You should probably continue exploring this realm. It is yours, after all. The house will show you the way. And remember, I am here always."
Lilywood then recombined with the tree and faded away… My mood, slightly soured, but there was so much to do…
Picking up the plates, I returned them to the kitchen, and as I placed them near the sink, they automatically cleaned themselves before depositing back into the cupboards… I slightly wanted to keep making plates dirty and watch it do that, but I didn't want to annoy the house.
Lilywood said to follow the house, so I just started walking in a random direction, wishing to go elsewhere but not leave… As I did so, I found a large spiral staircase and began to climb. Every time I made it halfway up a staircase, it would change direction, leading to another staircase. And after climbing up multiple flights of stairs, I found myself atop a tower.
In front of me sat four symbols, each one corresponding to a different area, and for a moment, I hesitated, slightly fearful of what I may find outside this place… Haru then hopped off my shoulder again and walked over to the platform labeled the north… As I walked over next to her and picked her up, I stared into her eyes. I didn't find annoyance or pity—just acceptance. I imagine that she would stay with me even if I didn't want to leave, but that would be a disservice.
So, with a slight amount of hesitation, I walked onto the northern platform, and as it began to glow in a bright light, I felt myself being pulled elsewhere….
(The Northern Region - Grass Plains/Winter Area)
The process was seamless, as I found myself standing on the same platform. But as I looked outward, I found myself in an entirely new castle, the building itself being below a large mountain. In the distance, I saw fields of snow and ice, each one glistening like jewels in the night.
It was colder, but I felt no chill… Haru somehow manifested a sweater around her, while I just chuckled at her nonchalant attitude… From even the top of this tower, I couldn't even see the original location, but I still felt that we were within the same realm. Finding myself to have a bit of fun with this, I stepped onto the next platform, this one labeled for the southern area.
(The Southern Area - Mountainous/Valleys)
This area was cold for another reason, as our home was stationed atop a large mountain range. From here, I felt as if I could see everything… I felt like I was on top of the world. I spread my arms out, just enjoying the breeze flowing through my robes. Haru did the same, however, in a more joking manner.
Below us, I could see fertile valleys spanning for miles, each one covered in a variety of plants and flowers that shone in an ever-changing cascade of colors…
As I pulled my arms down and took a deep breath, I could feel the clean air flow through my lungs… It was a sight to behold, the purity of it all. I sat down and simply took in the view. While I should be afraid of falling off the tower, I felt no fear.
I watched as the sun climbed into the sky, casting a pinkish glow over the clouds that barely scraped the top of some of the mountains.
Haru then beckoned me onto the next platform, leading to the western region… I felt that same pull on my body, and we disappeared.
(Western Region - Deserts Of Araki - Just Deserts)
Hot breeze smashed into my face as I finished teleporting, the dry air causing a bit of a draft to form. Instead of an actual home, the building in this area looked more akin to a large tower with water flowing downwards, leading to an oasis. All around us, there was just nothing but sand and rock, but even that held its own beauty. I had never even seen half of these environments before. The world was so vast and large that I feel like I could spend my whole life just walking its distance.
But a small part of me told me that I didn't have to rush—that I had all the time in the world… Considering there was little to do here other than simply enjoying the view of endless sand dunes, I stepped onto the last platform…
(Eastern Region - The Endless Ocean/Islands)
This area was different, as while the environment was vibrant, all I could see around me was endless ocean. There were a few small land masses in the distance, but they paled in comparison to the deep blue that I saw all around us. Haru simply sat on my shoulder, seemingly enjoying the moment.
The various greens and blues smashed together to form a view that I would compare to that of pure crystal… The other changing lights cast by the sun caused a glow to illuminate from the sea.
I could almost see shadows in the water of aquatic life. I smiled, seeing the fact that this land wasn't empty like the others—or maybe I was just too far away to see anything… I looked towards Haru and smiled. "Thank you for being here with me. All of this was so beautiful…"
Haru simply laid down, enjoying the attention, almost with an "of course" looking expression, but maybe that's just me finding meaning where there isn't… Haru and I sat at the top of the tower for what felt like hours.
But also, in that moment, I felt a connection forming, like a buzzing in my brain, until I heard a female voice echoing.
[AI Chip connection established to host realm.]
[Current Status: 20% of functions have been connected.]
{May I ask who is speaking?} my thoughts trying to answer this new connection.
[My designation is Enlightened Virtual Entity or EVE. I was created by the Grand Intelligence to aid in your journey.]
{Oh that's good. I had believed I had gone insane again…}
[Current mental status is in flux. Suggesting rest for peak mental and physical conditioning.] I almost chuckled at the clinical tone.
Haru looked at me with an almost knowing look as she climbed onto my shoulder and then to the top of my head as if claiming territory.
[This Haru… are you referring to the Celestial Fox?]
{Is that what she is? Truly I feel ever so lucky. I've never actually met a fox before.}
[Current advisement is to be cautious as foxes are known to be very tricky.] As if Haru could hear the thoughts of EVE, I heard a small growl coming from the top of my head.
{Try not to insult my first friend. She hasn't led me astray yet.}
[Of course, master… my apologies.]
{By the way, you said your operational status was at 20%. Is there any issue with your functions?} The question is met by slight silence for a moment…
[Current operational status is due to a majority of my functions being used to repair the damage to your body and soul. While your mind mostly survived the process, your body and soul were left rather… scarred. Currently a majority of my functions are in use.]
{I apologize for the inconvenience. Are you in any pain?} Another small bit of silence before the voice came back, however a bit softer than before.
[There's no need to worry, master. While my operational capacity is lowered, it by no means causes me distress. However… I do… appreciate the consideration.] There was a bit of stuttering in that sentence, but I left that alone.
Haru then sat down on my lap as I wondered what my next move should be…
[I would advise master returning to the Central Region. There is an alchemical facility that would aid in your physical recovery… I am currently within the process of going over the information given by the Goddess of Life… Downloading alchemy knowledge from the Book of Life… Your bodily recovery is of upmost importance, master.]
In that moment, a new person formed in view. I could tell that she wasn't really there, but she pointed towards the platform with the arrow symbols pointing towards the center. She had brown hair and purple eyes that weren't normal, as I could see endless code forming behind them. Her outfit was also strange, as I've never seen it before.
But considering the look in her eyes, I followed her instructions and put myself back onto the central platform… I felt that same pulling sensation and returned to the Central Palace.
(Central Region - Main Palace/Training Area/Library)
I found myself next to all of the platforms once more while EVE gave me a small bow.
[Welcome home, master… If you would follow me to the alchemy lab.] Her voice was weird, as her lips were moving, but I could hear them in my mind rather than in my ears. But I enjoyed the sound—her voice was pleasant.
EVE slightly stopped for the moment before continuing to walk. The hallways changed and flowed as if the palace itself was trying to help us reach our destination faster… It was barely a minute of walking before we found ourselves in front of a door. This one's smaller than the others.
As EVE walked behind me to my side, I opened the door and found myself within a decently sized room covered in shelves with various ingredients… The smell was pleasant and inviting… What was strange was the room itself was connected to another door in the back of the room, but EVE immediately got to work…
[If you would assist me, master, we may begin to form the body tempering solution…] EVE began to list off ingredients which somehow I knew, even though I've never seen them before.
It was like instinct, and I hadn't even realized it, but my eyes had begun to glow green just like the ones I've seen in my dreams… The cauldron within the center of the room then began to bubble and heat with white and black flames underneath it.
Like clockwork, I began placing the ingredients within the cauldron, beginning with the blood of profound beasts and the essence of early humanity… all of which were within glowing vials… They were rather low-level ingredients, considering quality, but I could tell that this formula is meant to create a body purification solution along with the body tempering solution.
EVE also continued to instruct me on the amount of the various ingredients I should pour into the cauldron. As the process continued for several minutes, EVE went silent with a slight smile on her face.
Without even realizing that I was also smiling as I felt the excitement of creating something new… All of this happening in these few moments… The cauldron bubbled with a multicolored light before simmering down into a golden solution that glowed with the light of the sun.
[Body tempering solution created… Primordial Yin and Yang flames operating at peak capacity… Well done, master. Your first creation was a success… Now if you would enter the cauldron, we may begin the process.]
In a rather weak moment, my voice echoed within my mind. {Will there be pain?} I asked the artificial intelligence. However, EVE placed her hands on my shoulders.
[Your body was created to be the perfect conduit for alchemy and cultivation. While there may be odd sensations, there's nothing to fear here… I may be asking a lot, but I'm going to need you to trust me, master.] Answering her with a smile, I just nodded and climbed into the cauldron.
Haru sat down on the nearby table and watched, and while I could tell that she was awake, she also seemed slightly concerned, which I appreciated. I gave her a nod, and she smiled.
As I climbed in, I felt my skin begin to tingle, and at that moment, I felt euphoric strength enter my body as the solution entered every pore within my form. What exited out was endless black tar… Before dunking my head into the solution, I looked once more at EVE and Haru before completely submerging myself…
(Haru POV)
My master truly was something special… There are very few willing to trust someone they just met so quickly. While most would consider them fools, I believe that it shows his strength in character.
I could see that blasted artificial intelligence standing next to the cauldron, as still as a statue, as my master continued his transformation… This wasn't a simple body tempering solution… This creation was meant to aid in perfecting his form while also completely getting rid of the torture that has been done upon him.
The very thought of those insignificant pieces of garbage causing her new master any pain made her want to silence their very species… Humans and devils both—garbage.
[Our master wouldn't appreciate your thought process, Celestial Fox… I would suggest you be careful with such lines of thinking.]
"Am I wrong, however? Those that have harmed him are barely less than animals. It would be a service to rid the Omniverse of their existence. They besieged not only his body, but soul as well. His mind in a continuous cycle of sanity and insanity. If he wanted to, he could stay in this realm forever and I wouldn't mind. The worlds beyond don't deserve him." But I knew that last thought was foolish, as his curiosity wouldn't keep him barred to this place, and the last thing I would want is for him to think of this realm as a prison. He has already experienced enough of those to last multiple lifetimes.
[You and I are in agreement on one thing. He cannot stay here—or will not stay here—for too long… How has Lilywood been acquiescing to the realm?]
"Oh yes, that loathsome tree branch. She seems to be doing well. I can sense her influence everywhere. Our master, while cute, is still inexperienced. He couldn't even tell that he was being watched. I could almost hear that woman's laughter as she saw our master and his wide-eyed innocence." I couldn't blame her, however, as I could spend the days just watching him do nothing. It definitely helps that he looks better, though. But even before the process, I was given a choice. I was offered ultimate freedom if I could just stay by his side.
I watched both of his lives from beginning to end, and I was disgusted. It was the antithesis of the way I was raised.
[I will agree that our master has suffered for too long. But now you and I have an opportunity to guide someone wonderful… You and I could both tell that even upon first meeting us, he cared. Even when I told him I wasn't operating at peak efficiency, he didn't ask why or complain—he simply asked if I was in pain… It was an illogical thought process.]
I smiled, hearing the tiniest traces of emotion in the artificial intelligence's voice. "Well that's seemingly just how he is. I'm definitely going to have to spend time keeping every single female from jumping him at every moment… I would advise that you embrace these feelings, EVE. It is wonderful. By the way, how long is this process going to take? Because I have to take my beauty naps."
EVE then summoned various holographic screens in front of her and compiled the data.
[The process should end within the hour. By then the solution will have run its course. I shall take care of disposing of the refuse. You, however, shall take our master to his bedroom… When he wakes… Make sure to be there. It would benefit our master's emotional development.]
"On that note, we both agree. I wonder how he's going to react when he sees my other form…" I felt the small pain of jealousy from the artificial intelligence, but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared… While Lilywood and this EVE were created by superior beings, I am a fox, and we always get what we want.
The artificial intelligence then disappeared and returned to our master's mind… I simply watched and waited… I had all the time in the world after all… We have all the time in the world now.
(Hey guys and girls thank you for the support with the various things going on in my life. I apologize if I haven't been writing too often it's just all has been happening. This chapter is a bit more of a set up flushing out the world his realm exists in and if you guys can't tell the EVE Artificial intelligence is the AI chip from the first chapter. I shall place a picture of what she looks like in the comments as well as the chapter. The alchemical solution he is in is basically one that will take his body up to peak human while also fixing a majority of the damage. In the next chapter, we'll go more into the artifacts that he received while I tried to decide which world he should go to first. Thank you all for your support. And whenever you guys are reading this, I hope you have a good good morning, good afternoon, and good night.)