Sunless stared into the bathroom mirror, noting how subtle the change from his Awakening was—too subtle, he thought with distaste.
His skin, once pale and fragile, now held a faint glow of energy, but nothing grand or striking. He knew his strength had grown, but it did little for his appearance. Unwittingly, his thoughts drifted to Ariandel, who seemed transformed by his Awakening.
'What an absurd head of hair! It was already long, but now it reaches his calves… That could look handsome on someone else! No doubt. Not that I was paying too much attention, of course. It's just hair, after all.'
Jealousy, however, was inevitable, especially recalling his embarrassing introduction before Master Jet while Ariandel watched. And, to top it off, there was that invisibility Ability.
"Flowery bastard," Sunless muttered to himself, a spark of anger flickering free.
How could he be so… perfect? Ariandel exuded a calm that seemed unshakable, as if the Awakening hadn't affected him at all. Sunless found himself torn between admiration and the urge to push him away.
Everything about him felt unreal, so… pleasant.
...
Entering the station coffee shop, Sunless felt the cold atmosphere clash with the weight he carried. The white light and the smell of coffee mixed with cheap gruel created a bland scene, heightening his discomfort.
He glanced at the bowl before him; its sludgy texture seemed to absorb any spirit he tried to muster. 'Not much different from what I used to eat,' he lamented.
Ariandel sat there already, his gentle calm and mystical eyes catching the coffee shop's light as if the mundane surroundings couldn't dim his glow. Gracefully, he rested his arms on the table and propped his handsome face on one hand.
Jet, sitting beside him, remained discreet, but there was something in her posture that radiated authority. Without smiles or welcoming expressions, she emanated a silent command that shaped the space around her.
Sunless offered her a quick nod, avoiding Ariandel's curious gaze that caused a subtle unease.
"Help yourselves," Jet said, indicating the soup bowl with a measured gesture. Her voice struck a balance between command and invitation, firm without harshness.
He picked up the bowl and ate in silence, ignoring Ariandel's presence as if afraid of any comment he might make.
After the meal, Jet—who had watched them quietly—straightened her posture before speaking in a more formal tone:
"All right. We need to proceed with some formalities."
She paused, as one who knows the weight of the words to come.
"Regarding the Nightmare… you're entitled to free psychological counseling. No matter the trauma, there is no shame in seeking help. The mind is as important as the body, and caring for it is your right."
Jet looked directly at Sunless, and he felt kindness mixed with discipline in her gaze.
"You know there's no weakness in asking for support, right?"
Sunless shook his head, murmuring that he didn't need it, discomfort etched on his face. Ariandel also declined, but with a polite, almost imperceptible smile—a gesture of courtesy.
Jet nodded, accepting their answers without pressing further.
"All right. Moving on…"
She checked Sunless's file, hesitating briefly before continuing:
"I noticed something curious in your record. No documented family."
Sunless shifted in his seat, trying to appear nonchalant.
"Yes… it's uncommon," he replied, aiming for casual, "but I managed."
Jet studied him closely, sensing more than he let on.
"I also grew up on the outskirts. I know what it's like to learn strength early."
Sunless's surprise was nearly imperceptible. Jet had always seemed so centered and solid that he never imagined she shared that background.
"And if you don't harden, you break," she continued with a now clearer smile, "but that toughness also creates a unique flexibility."
A silence fell between them. Jet sighed before proceeding:
"Ariandel, you asked me to look into you, but… I found nothing. To the Government, it's as if you don't exist."
The second news was even more unexpected, and Sunless raised his eyebrows at Ariandel.
"I… I believe I also grew up on the outskirts," he said carefully choosing his words, "some memories are in fragments now. The Awakening… seems to have left gaps."
'No record and memory issues? That's… disturbing,' Sunless reflected, a chill running through him.
Jet watched them both with curiosity but remained silent. She only leaned back and added:
"Basically, that's it. The only thing left is to decide how you'll prepare for your first journey into the Dream Realm."
She glanced at her communicator and made a wry face.
"I must say: your luck is exceptionally bad. There's not much time."
She crossed her arms and added:
"First, you're free to do as you please. No one is forcing a specific decision. So, you can choose to prepare on your own… or not prepare at all. Party until the lights go out."
'I have no idea how that helps,' Sunless thought; he wasn't much for parties.
"However, I'd advise against that. As a Sleeper, you're also entitled to enroll in the Awakened Academy. You'll receive food, lodging, and a wide selection of preparatory classes. At this time of year, you may not learn much, but it's better than nothing."
She fell silent for a few seconds before adding:
"More importantly, you'll meet most of the people who will enter the Dream Realm with you. Some may become lifelong companions."
'And some might try to end that life once we're there,' Sunless added in his mind, reading between her lines.
"So, what will it be? Do you want me to take you to the Academy?"
Sunless considered. Strangely, his Flaw remained silent, not forcing him to answer one way or the other.
'Because I haven't decided yet?'
Finally, he looked down at his empty tray and made his choice:
"Free food and lodging, you say?"
He shrugged, trying to seem indifferent.
"Yes. I want to go to the Academy."
Ariandel, meanwhile, seemed more contemplative.
"The Academy seems the logical next step. But…" he hesitated, struggling to express something deeper, "I don't have a strong opinion either way."
Jet observed him closely, her eyes lighting up with a sudden thought:
"Lost about who you are? You didn't seem lost when you introduced yourself so elegantly."
He smiled modestly, avoiding deeper involvement. Silence settled between them as the future of both remained undefined and mysterious.