Chapter 2

  The late afternoon sunlight cast long shadows across the modest home as Chiharu prepared dinner, her movements deliberate as she gathered plates and set them neatly on the table. Haruto sat across from her, his gaze distant, the events of last night lingering at the forefront of his mind. Igor’s words were like a quiet drumbeat in his thoughts, a rhythmic reminder of the world that awaited him, hidden behind the surface of reality.

  Chiharu’s voice broke the silence, snapping him back to the present. “Tomorrow is your first day at school,” she said, her tone casual but with a hint of expectation. She set down a bowl of rice in front of him and studied him carefully. “Mina will take you there, show you around. I think it’ll be good for you to get used to the place.”

  Haruto gave a slight nod, acknowledging her words. But he couldn’t deny that his mind was elsewhere. Hikone High held little interest for him; his thoughts were entirely consumed by the strange journey he’d begun, the crystal’s glow, and the shadowed world that lay beyond.

  As if sensing his detachment, Chiharu’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned back to her work, not pressing him further. He appreciated her restraint, thankful that she didn’t demand more from him than he was willing to give.

  Later that afternoon, as the evening crept in, Mina returned home from school, her gaze sharp and observant as she noticed Haruto seated alone in the living room. Something about his posture, the distant look in his eyes, struck her as odd, almost guarded. She hadn’t known him long, but there was a subtle tension about him, as if he carried the weight of secrets he was unwilling to share.

  For the rest of the evening, she kept a close eye on him, quietly observing his every movement. Haruto, however, seemed oblivious to her watchful gaze, his mind once again returning to the crystal nestled safely in his pocket. He waited with a quiet intensity, every glance at the clock heightening his anticipation as the night grew darker.

  The hours ticked by, slow and steady, until finally, the clock struck midnight. Haruto’s heart leaped, the familiar hum of the crystal pulling his focus entirely. He rose from his bed, the faint glow already beginning to spill from his pocket, filling his room with an ethereal light. Quietly, he pulled the crystal out, its light pulsing as if alive.

  Unaware that Mina had been watching him from the hallway, he crossed his room and approached the mirror, the crystal held firmly in his hand. He took a steadying breath, Igor’s instructions echoing in his mind, and pressed the crystal against the mirror’s surface. For a moment, nothing happened, and Haruto wondered if he’d misunderstood. But then, the mirror began to ripple, soft waves undulating across its surface like water disturbed by a gentle breeze.

  His breath caught as he saw his reflection blur, his hand sinking into the glass as if it were a pool of liquid. Without hesitating, he pushed his arm further, the cold, almost electric sensation prickling against his skin as he slipped his entire arm through. Steeling himself, he stepped forward, allowing the mirror to swallow him whole, his entire body dissolving into the shimmering surface.

  From the hallway, Mina stood frozen in awe, her eyes wide with shock as she watched Haruto disappear into the mirror. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what she’d just seen. She’d been wary of him, sensing that something was off, but this—this was beyond anything she could have imagined. Part of her wanted to retreat, to pretend she hadn’t seen anything at all, but another part—a fierce, determined spark—compelled her to follow.

  Summoning her courage, she stepped forward, reaching out a hesitant hand. The mirror’s surface still rippled, beckoning her, and she could feel a strange warmth radiating from it, as if it were alive. Taking a deep breath, she pressed her hand against the mirror, feeling it give way beneath her touch. Before she could second-guess herself, she pushed through, her entire body slipping into the unknown.

  Haruto’s senses reeled as he emerged on the other side, his surroundings dark and silent, an endless void stretching out before him. He took a few cautious steps forward, the ground beneath him feeling solid yet strangely insubstantial, like walking on the surface of a dream.

  But then, a faint light appeared in the distance, illuminating a narrow path that wound its way through the darkness. Shadows moved along its edges, shifting and swirling as if they were alive, and he could feel the weight of a thousand unseen eyes watching him from within the void.

  As he steadied himself, a quiet gasp sounded from behind, and Haruto spun around, his gaze locking onto a figure emerging from the shadows. To his shock, it was Mina, her face pale, her eyes wide as she took in the strange, surreal landscape.

  “Mina…” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

  She looked at him, her expression a mixture of awe and disbelief. “Haruto… what is this place?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Her eyes darted around, taking in the endless void, the shifting shadows, and the faint path ahead.

  Haruto struggled to find the words, unsure himself of what to explain. “I… I don’t know exactly,” he replied, his voice low. “But I think… this is what Igor was talking about. Another world.”

  “Who’s Igor?” she asked, her brow furrowing as she tried to make sense of it all.

  He hesitated, realizing that explaining the Velvet Room, Igor, and the crystal would be nearly impossible. And yet, the look in Mina’s eyes told him she wouldn’t turn back now, not after seeing this. He opened his mouth to answer, but before he could speak, a faint voice echoed from somewhere in the darkness.

  “Welcome, young guests,” it intoned, cold and resonant, filling the void around them.

  Haruto and Mina both froze, their eyes darting toward the source of the voice. Emerging from the shadows was a figure shrouded in a dark, flowing robe, their face obscured by a hood. The figure’s gaze seemed to pierce through the darkness, settling on Haruto with an unsettling intensity.

  “This is the Dreamscape,” the figure announced, their voice carrying a strange, echoing quality. “A realm woven from the fabric of human desires, fears, and regrets. And you, Haruto Ishida… you have been called here to face what lies hidden in the depths of your heart.”

  Haruto felt a chill run down his spine, the weight of the figure’s words settling over him like a shroud. He glanced at Mina, who stood beside him, her face pale yet resolute as she clutched her hands tightly, refusing to back down.

  The figure tilted their head slightly, their gaze shifting to Mina. “And you, child,” they said, their tone curious. “You are an anomaly. One who has entered without invitation, driven by curiosity and a connection yet to be forged. Beware… the Dreamscape holds many dangers, and it is unkind to those who enter unprepared.”

  Mina swallowed, her face betraying a flicker of fear, but she straightened her shoulders, her gaze unwavering. “I’m not going anywhere,” she replied, her voice steady. “If Haruto’s here, then I’ll stay with him.”

  The figure let out a low, amused chuckle. “Very well. But remember… once you step further, there will be no turning back.”

  With that, the figure faded into the shadows, their form dissolving into the void, leaving Haruto and Mina alone once more. The path ahead stretched out before them, narrow and winding, leading deeper into the unknown.

  Haruto took a deep breath, glancing at Mina, who gave him a small, resolute nod. Together, they stepped forward, venturing into the heart of the Dreamscape, the darkness pressing in around them as they moved toward the mysteries that awaited.

  The dark void around them gradually began to shift, a strange, ethereal glow illuminating the path beneath Haruto and Mina’s feet. It was as if the Dreamscape itself was responding to their presence, forming a narrow, cobblestone path that shimmered faintly with an almost otherworldly light. Beautiful, twisting designs emerged in the stones, weaving intricate patterns that seemed to pulse with life, drawing them deeper into the unknown. Shadows loomed on either side, shifting and writhing just beyond the edges of the light, as if the path was the only thing keeping the darkness at bay.

  After a while, the path dipped down, revealing a grand staircase carved from stone that descended into a deeper, darker part of the Dreamscape. The steps were wide and spiraled downward, drawing them into a cavernous hollow beneath the endless void above. Haruto’s heart beat faster with every step, the air thick with an ominous energy that seemed to press down on them, making each breath feel heavier.

  As they reached the bottom, a low rumbling sound echoed from the shadows, a guttural, menacing noise that sent a chill down Haruto’s spine. He barely had time to react before dark shapes began to rise from the ground around them, clawing their way up like twisted, monstrous beings born from the depths of the earth itself. They were vaguely humanoid but grotesque, with elongated limbs, hollow eyes, and shadows that seemed to ooze from their bodies.

  One of the creatures lunged forward, slashing at Mina with clawed hands. She cried out, stumbling backward from the force of the blow as Haruto’s mind raced, his body frozen with shock. He gritted his teeth and stepped forward, his fists clenched, but another creature struck him, sending him sprawling onto the hard ground. Pain flared through him, and he gasped, his vision blurring as the creatures closed in, their dark figures looming over him and Mina.

  “Haruto!” Mina’s voice was filled with panic, desperation ringing in her tone as she struggled to push herself up. “Do something! Please!”

  Haruto’s mind screamed at him to act, to protect her, but his body felt like lead, his limbs weak and unresponsive. His heart pounded as the creatures closed in, their hollow eyes fixed on him, cold and unfeeling. And then—something shifted. A sudden, unbearable pain pulsed through his head, as if his skull were about to split open. He clutched both sides of his head, a strangled cry escaping his lips as he fell to his knees, his vision spinning with flashes of light and darkness.

  A voice echoed in his mind, deep and menacing, like a whisper from the abyss itself. “Tell me, Haruto… was this decision to save her a mistake? Do you truly intend to lie there and let both of you perish?”

  Haruto’s chest tightened, the question hitting him like a blow. He could feel the despair creeping in, the weight of fear pressing down on him as doubt whispered in the back of his mind. But no. He wouldn’t allow himself to accept that. It wasn’t a mistake. He couldn’t leave Mina to fend for herself, not when she was depending on him, not when he had something—anything—left to fight with.

  “No,” Haruto murmured, his voice strained but resolute. “It wasn’t a mistake. I won’t… let it be a mistake.”

  The voice rumbled in response, satisfaction lacing its tone as it resonated through his mind like a dark, ancient force. “Very well. I have heeded your resolve. Now, vow to me, and I shall lend you my power.”

  Haruto’s vision cleared, the throbbing pain subsiding as the voice grew louder, filling him with a strange, fierce energy that drowned out the fear in his heart. The words echoed in his mind, ancient and commanding, as if they had been etched into the core of his soul:

  “I am thou, thou art I. Thou who art willing to perform all sacrilegious acts for thine own justice! Call upon my name, and release thy rage! Show the strength of thy will to ascertain all on thine own, though thou be chained to Hell itself!”

  The pain vanished, leaving only a burning resolve in its wake, and Haruto felt the crystal in his pocket pulse with intense light, warming his skin. He gripped it, the words coming to him instinctively, the command that felt as though it had always been there, waiting to be spoken.

  “Say the words you were destined to say.” The voice commanded.

  “Persona!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the dark void.

  The crystal shattered in his hand, scattering shards of light around him, and from the depths of that light emerged a figure, powerful and fierce. The spirit materialized behind Haruto, towering over him—a warrior clad in dark armor, with the horns of a ram and eyes that glowed with an intense, unrelenting flame. This was Aries, a manifestation of his will, his desire to protect, to fight, and to stand against any force that threatened those he cared for.

  Haruto rose to his feet, the power of Aries coursing through him, filling him with a strength he had never known. The crystal re-formed in his hand, its surface now marked with dark lines that pulsed in time with his heartbeat. The creatures hissed, recoiling from the fierce light that Aries cast over them, but Haruto felt no fear as he stepped forward, his resolve unshakable.

  He gripped the crystal tightly, his voice steady and firm as he called out, “Eiga.”

  He crushed the crystal, and a surge of dark energy exploded from Aries, tendrils of shadow slicing through the air, striking the creatures with deadly precision. They howled in agony, their twisted bodies writhing as the dark energy seared them, dissipating into the void as they fell one by one.

  But Haruto wasn’t finished. The crystal reappeared in his hand, re-forming with an almost magnetic pull, and he felt Aries’ power guide him forward. He sprinted toward the remaining creatures, his body moving with an agility he hadn’t known he possessed. Each step was fluid, each movement precise, as he dodged the creatures’ attacks, twisting and striking with relentless force, driven by an instinct that seemed to flow directly from Aries.

  With each strike, the creatures fell, their forms disintegrating into shadows, fading into nothingness. As the final creature loomed over him, Haruto felt Aries’ power reach its peak, the intensity of it flooding through him, filling him with a final surge of energy.

  “Fatal End!” he roared, crushing the crystal one last time.

  Aries surged forward, a dark blade materializing in his hand as he slashed through the last creature, his strike clean and brutal. The creature let out a final shriek, its body splitting in half before disintegrating into dark smoke, leaving nothing but silence in its wake.

  The crystal reappeared once more in Haruto’s hand as Aries faded, the energy dissipating, leaving Haruto standing alone in the darkness. His body trembled, exhaustion settling over him like a heavy blanket. He fell to one knee, his breaths coming in short, uneven gasps as he tried to steady himself. But even as he fought to catch his breath, a small, fierce sense of pride bloomed in his chest.

  He had faced his fear, wielded his own power, and survived.

  Slowly, Haruto rose to his feet, glancing at Mina, who stared at him with a mixture of awe and relief. Her face was pale, her eyes wide, but there was a look of admiration there, a glint of respect he hadn’t expected to see.

  “Haruto…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

  He gave her a small, weary nod, acknowledging her presence as he steadied himself, feeling the weight of the crystal in his hand, the mark of his resolve. This power, this strength—it was his to wield. And as long as he had it, he knew he would find a way to overcome whatever challenges lay ahead.

  Haruto and Mina emerged from the Dreamscape, the strange, shifting darkness dissolving around them until they were back in the dim light of his bedroom. The air felt strangely heavy, as if they were bringing a piece of that world back with them, but the Dreamscape itself had faded, leaving only the faint pulse of the crystal in his pocket as a reminder of where they’d been. Haruto felt a lingering exhaustion in his limbs, yet his senses were heightened, his mind sharper, as if a new energy thrummed beneath his skin.

  Just as they began to step away from the mirror, a large blue door appeared before him, shimmering faintly in the moonlight spilling through his window. Haruto froze, his gaze locked onto it, the symbol of a butterfly etched into the wood with an otherworldly elegance. The door’s presence was unmistakable, but as he looked over at Mina, he noticed she was glancing at him with a puzzled expression, clearly oblivious to the strange doorway that had manifested in the room.

  “Haruto?” Mina asked, her tone laced with concern as she studied his face. “Is something wrong?”

  He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, forcing a small, reassuring nod. “No… I’m fine. Just… give me a second.”

  Without waiting for her response, he stepped forward, reaching out to grasp the cool, polished handle of the blue door. The moment he touched it, a soft hum resonated in the air, and he felt himself being drawn inward, his vision swirling as the world around him dissolved once more.

  He blinked, finding himself once again in the Velvet Room. The dim blue light cast long shadows across the velvety seats, and the familiar rumble of the train beneath his feet gave him a strange sense of calm amid the surreal atmosphere. Igor sat at the desk before him, his expression inscrutable but with a gleam of something in his eyes—approval, perhaps, or curiosity.

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  “Ah, welcome back, Haruto,” Igor said, his voice smooth and almost musical. “I must say, I am impressed. You have shown remarkable strength in awakening your Persona.”

  Haruto stood silently, feeling the weight of Igor’s gaze as he absorbed the words. He remembered the intense surge of power he’d felt, the strength that had surged through him as he called Aries to his side, the embodiment of his own resolve.

  Igor leaned forward slightly, his long, spindly fingers steepled before him. “The Dreamscape, as you have now experienced, is a realm that reflects the inner struggles, ambitions, and doubts of each who enters it. When you were faced with the fear of failing, when doubt gnawed at the edges of your heart, you pushed through and embraced your resolve. And in doing so, you awakened your Persona.”

  A quiet weight settled over the room as Igor’s words sunk in. Haruto could still feel the lingering trace of Aries’s power, as though it were a part of him, tethered to his soul. Igor’s gaze softened, his tone carrying a rare note of admiration.

  “A Persona, you see,” Igor continued, “is more than just power. It is the embodiment of your very soul, an extension of your heart and spirit. It is the strength that emerges when you confront your deepest fears and affirm your will to protect what matters.” He paused, giving Haruto a thoughtful look. “But power alone will not be enough. I have spoken of bonds before, have I not?”

  Haruto nodded, remembering the fleeting mention of connections and bonds from their first meeting.

  Igor’s expression grew serious. “The bonds you form with others—those connections to the people who impact your life—are more than just relationships. They will be a source of strength for you, allowing your Persona to grow in power and adaptability. The deeper and stronger those bonds are, the greater your potential becomes. To wield a Persona is to understand that we are not alone, that strength comes from the heart but is fueled by those who stand beside us.”

  The words resonated within Haruto, stirring something deep inside him. He thought of Mina, her unwavering courage as she’d stood beside him in the Dreamscape, her loyalty as she followed him despite her fear. Perhaps she, too, was part of this strange journey, a bond that he would come to rely on.

  As he pondered Igor’s words, a faint, soothing voice began to echo in his mind, a voice that felt both familiar and distant, as though it had always been there, waiting to be heard:

  “I am thou, thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow. It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chain of captivity. With the birth of the World Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…”

  Haruto felt a surge of energy pulse through him, gentle yet powerful, as if a new layer of strength had been woven into his soul. The words lingered in his mind, carrying with them a sense of liberation, a promise of freedom that he hadn’t realized he sought.

  Igor observed him closely, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “The World, indeed,” he murmured, his eyes gleaming with a hidden understanding. “The World Arcana embodies potential, endless and untethered. As you step forward on your journey, Haruto, remember that you walk the path of discovery—a path that will lead to both hardship and enlightenment.”

  Igor’s gaze softened, almost as if he were taking pride in Haruto’s growth. “But our time together grows short, as it often does. We shall meet again soon, when the tides of fate bring us together once more. Until then, continue on your path. Remember what you have learned here, and let it guide you.”

  The same voice appears in Haruto’s mind. "I am thou, thou art I... Thou hast acquired a new vow. It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chain of captivity. With the birth of the Fool Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power..."

  “It seems we have created a bond. Very well.” Igor smirks. “Keep bonds close to you, it is what will protect you when danger is near.”

  With a final nod, Igor’s form began to blur, the Velvet Room dissolving around Haruto until he felt himself being drawn back into the waking world.

  The room came back into focus, the familiar walls of his bedroom grounding him once more in reality. Haruto blinked, readjusting to the dim light. His gaze shifted to Mina, who was standing beside him, her expression a mixture of relief and lingering curiosity. She tilted her head, studying him with a puzzled frown.

  “What happened just now?” she asked, her tone both worried and intrigued. “It was like you… zoned out for a second. You were just standing there.”

  Haruto hesitated, unsure of how to explain what he had just experienced. He knew she hadn’t seen the door to the Velvet Room, hadn’t witnessed the conversation with Igor, and he wasn’t even sure she would believe him if he tried to explain. Finally, he settled on a simpler answer, his tone calm but genuine.

  “I was just… catching my breath,” he replied, managing a faint smile. “It was… a lot to take in.”

  Mina watched him closely, her brow furrowing slightly, but she didn’t press further. She seemed to sense that whatever he’d experienced was beyond simple explanation, something he would share when he was ready.

  With a quiet nod, she motioned toward the door. “Alright. Well… let’s get out of here,” she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “That was more than enough adventure for one night.”

  Haruto followed her, the faint weight of the crystal in his pocket a comforting reminder of the power he’d unlocked, the journey that lay before him, and the strange, enigmatic guide who awaited him in the shadows.

  The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the small living room. Haruto sat up in bed, the events of the night before still fresh in his mind. His thoughts drifted to Mina, and a small tension crept in as he wondered if she’d told her mother about everything they’d experienced. After all, if Chiharu knew, he wasn’t sure how much she’d believe—or how she might react.

  After a quiet breakfast, Haruto wandered into the living room, where Mina sat cross-legged on the couch, scrolling on her phone. She glanced up as he approached, and he felt a moment of hesitation before he decided to take a seat beside her. It was the weekend, and the house had an unhurried calm about it, but he could sense something unspoken between them, a shared weight from what they’d seen and done the night before.

  Mina lowered her phone, looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. “So,” she began, her tone serious but softened by a hint of disbelief. “Was all that… real? I mean, the monsters, the crystal, everything? It felt real, but…” She trailed off, shaking her head as if trying to make sense of it herself.

  Haruto nodded slowly, his expression earnest. “Yeah,” he said quietly, his gaze meeting hers. “It was real. I don’t know how to explain it, but… everything we saw and fought—it’s like a different world. And somehow, we’re part of it.”

  Mina looked down, chewing her lip in thought. She sighed, her shoulders sagging a little as she let her phone drop to her lap. “I still think we should try to leave this alone,” she said, a faint tremor in her voice. “This… power, or whatever it is—it’s way too big for us, Haruto. We could mess something up, something we don’t even understand.”

  Haruto considered her words and nodded in agreement. “You’re probably right. It’s dangerous, and we shouldn’t get involved unless… unless we really have to.”

  The response seemed to ease some of her tension, her shoulders relaxing as a hint of relief crossed her face. For a brief moment, the fear she’d been holding onto softened, her expression returning to its usual calm. She gave him a small smile, appreciative of his willingness to let the matter rest.

  A question tugged at Haruto’s mind, one he’d been holding back since the night before. He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. “Mina… did you tell your mom?”

  Mina’s eyes widened, and she let out an exasperated sigh, though a playful smile tugged at her lips. She smacked his arm lightly, shaking her head. “Seriously, Haruto? Do you really think she’d believe any of this? ‘Hey, Mom, guess what? I went to another world last night, fought monsters, and my cousin has some ancient spirit warrior thing protecting him.’” She rolled her eyes, giving him a look of amused disbelief. “She’d think I was crazy.”

  He chuckled softly, a small wave of relief settling over him, but before he could respond, he noticed that her expression had darkened, her gaze turning distant.

  “Haruto…” she began, her voice quieter, almost hesitant. “What do you think of my mom?”

  The question caught him off guard, and he blinked, taken aback by her sudden shift in tone. He thought about Chiharu, about her patient, if slightly guarded, kindness, the way she seemed to give him space rather than press him for details about his life.

  “She seems sweet,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “She’s been… welcoming, and patient with me.”

  Mina gave a small, humorless laugh, her gaze lowering. “Yeah. That’s what everyone thinks.” Her voice was soft, tinged with a bitterness he hadn’t expected. She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself before continuing. “She’s just trying to look good for you, you know? Trying to play the part of the supportive, stable aunt.”

  Haruto remained silent, sensing that this was something she needed to say. Her hands clenched in her lap, and she kept her gaze averted, a shadow crossing her face.

  “Before you came here,” she continued, her voice a murmur, “she wasn’t… like this. She wasn’t the ‘sweet’ aunt you see now.” Mina glanced up at him, her eyes darkened by a mix of frustration and sadness. “My dad… he… took his own life a few years back. And she just… she didn’t know how to cope with it. She started drinking a lot, like every night. It was like she wanted to drown it all out, pretend it never happened.”

  Haruto listened in silence, his chest tightening at her words. The image of Chiharu he’d formed in his mind began to fracture, replaced by a more complex and painful reality. He could feel Mina’s anger, her resentment and hurt, radiating from her as she spoke.

  “She’s only stopped drinking because you’re here,” Mina continued, her tone softening just slightly. “Like she’s trying to be someone she’s not, someone she thinks you want to see.” She gave a small, bitter smile. “So I guess I should thank you, right? For at least giving her a reason to put down the bottle.”

  Haruto lowered his gaze, absorbing her words, understanding now the weight she carried. Mina had seemed distant, guarded, but he hadn’t realized the depths of her struggle, the burdens she’d been forced to shoulder alone. The silence between them was heavy, yet he felt a new connection forming, a shared understanding that went beyond words.

  As the silence stretched on, a soft, soothing voice echoed in his mind, one that felt familiar, as if it were a part of him, yet infinitely gentle and warm.

  “I am thou, thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow. It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chain of captivity. With the birth of the Empress Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…”

  The words resonated deeply within him, and he felt a surge of energy, as though a part of himself was expanding, reaching out to Mina’s quiet strength, her vulnerability. It was a vow—a promise to stand beside her, to support her as she navigated the pain and complexities that bound her heart. He felt as if he understood her better, saw her not only as his cousin but as a kindred soul.

  He looked up at her, meeting her gaze with newfound empathy. “Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice earnest. “For trusting me with this. I can’t imagine how hard it must’ve been for you… but I’m here. You don’t have to carry all of that alone.”

  Mina’s expression softened, a flicker of surprise and gratitude passing over her face. She gave him a small, tentative smile, one that seemed to ease some of the tension that had weighed on her since the start of their conversation.

  “Thanks, Haruto,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced away, her cheeks flushed slightly as she fidgeted with her hands. “I guess… it’s nice not to feel like I’m the only one carrying this.”

  They sat in a comfortable silence, the weight of the conversation settling around them. But in that quiet, Haruto felt the strength of their bond, a subtle, unspoken promise that they would face whatever challenges lay ahead together.

  Evening had settled quietly over the house, the soft clinking of cutlery the only sound as the three of them ate in silence. Haruto sat across from Mina, each of them wrapped in their own thoughts, but a sense of unspoken understanding lingered between them after their conversation that morning. Chiharu occasionally glanced between them, her eyes softening as if grateful for the quiet harmony at the table.

  Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of the TV in the corner of the room. A news report cut through the quiet, and Haruto looked up just as the headline flashed across the screen: “Another Local Coma Victim Found in Suspicious Circumstances.” The newscaster’s voice was somber, the screen filling with images of a young man being carried into an ambulance.

  “This marks the sixth case in just a few weeks,” the reporter announced. “Victims appear to fall into unexplained comas, each of them reporting similar symptoms in the days prior: severe anxiety, intense fatigue, and even memory loss. Witnesses and close friends have claimed the victims expressed feelings of detachment from reality before slipping into their comatose states. Medical professionals are still unable to determine a cause, and authorities have yet to find any clear links between the victims.”

  Haruto felt a chill as the report continued, a strange sense of familiarity creeping into his mind. The symptoms described—anxiety, fatigue, and the eerie detachment from reality—struck a chord, reminding him of the strange, overwhelming feelings he’d experienced in the Dreamscape. He exchanged a glance with Mina, her expression equally troubled.

  “Another one?” Chiharu muttered, frowning as she set down her chopsticks. “This has been happening so much lately… They can’t explain it, but people are just… slipping into comas like this. Everyone has their theories, but none of it makes sense.”

  Haruto leaned forward, the unfamiliar concern in his aunt’s voice drawing his attention. “I haven’t heard anything about this until now,” he admitted. “Is it… really that common?”

  Chiharu nodded, her brow furrowed. “In this town, yes. People are saying all sorts of things, guessing that someone’s drugging these people, maybe even some new, undetectable substance. But that doesn’t explain why the victims only fall into comas. If this were someone’s doing, why wouldn’t they… go further?” She trailed off, shaking her head as if the thought were too uncomfortable to finish.

  Haruto’s mind raced, piecing together fragments of what he’d heard and seen in the Velvet Room. There was something too close, too unsettling about this pattern, almost as if the Dreamscape were somehow connected to these incidents. He met Chiharu’s gaze, studying her expression carefully.

  “How do you know so much about what the police and people are suspecting?” he asked, curiosity tempered by a cautious tone.

  Chiharu’s face softened, and she gave him a small, almost amused smile. “Because I’m surrounded by it all day. I work as a receptionist at the police department, remember? I’m the one who hears the rumors and all the half-formed theories that pass through. I don’t do any detective work, but I’ve got friends who do.” She paused, her expression growing more serious. “They’re stumped, Haruto. No drugs, no toxins, and no motive. Just these strange, unexplainable comas.”

  Haruto sat back, absorbing the information with a mixture of fascination and unease. If what she was saying was true, then it meant that no ordinary explanation would account for these strange cases. The idea that the Dreamscape might somehow be involved grew stronger in his mind, unsettling him.

  “Maybe they’re looking in the wrong places,” he murmured under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

  But Mina caught his words, her eyes narrowing as she gave him a pointed look. She shook her head slightly, silently urging him not to pursue the subject any further. Haruto met her gaze, recognizing the warning in her eyes. After all, they had promised each other to leave this strange power alone, to avoid stirring up something they couldn’t control.

  Chiharu glanced between them, her brow creased with faint suspicion, but she didn’t press the matter. Instead, she sighed, picking up her chopsticks once more and finishing her meal in silence.

  But as the meal went on, the sense of dread lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable. Haruto couldn’t shake the feeling that this strange phenomenon—these comas—was linked to the Dreamscape in a way he didn’t yet understand. And as he looked over at Mina, who was quietly pushing her food around her plate, he could tell that she felt it too.

  When dinner was finally over and Chiharu retreated to her room, Haruto and Mina remained seated, the silence between them thick with unasked questions.

  As the evening deepened, a tense silence settled over the house. Haruto and Mina were left alone in the living room, the low hum of the news still buzzing faintly from the TV. He could feel the weight of her gaze on him, sharp and calculating, and he knew what she was thinking even before she said a word.

  “Haruto, drop it,” Mina said, her voice flat and unwavering. “I can see that look in your eyes. You’re thinking of going back there, aren’t you?”

  Haruto hesitated, the flicker of resolve in his expression a quiet answer. “Mina, you saw what I saw. If there’s even a chance that the Dreamscape is connected to these comas, then we have a responsibility. People are falling into these states, completely detached from reality… and no one knows why.”

  Mina crossed her arms, a hard look in her eyes as she held his gaze. “A responsibility? Haruto, listen to yourself. We have no idea if any of this has to do with that place. We’d be throwing ourselves into something we don’t even understand.” She shook her head, her voice rising slightly. “And for what? A theory that you just want to be true?”

  “It’s worth a try,” Haruto said firmly. He could feel the conviction in his words, a quiet but insistent feeling that this was something he couldn’t ignore, that he was somehow connected to it all.

  Mina’s eyes flashed with frustration, her voice sharpening. “Are you even listening to yourself? You’re talking about risking your life for something that may have nothing to do with those incidents. And even if it did, what do you think you could do? You’re just one person, and we barely know what we’re up against.” She shook her head, her expression hardening. “I’m not going to stand by and watch you throw yourself into danger over something you barely understand.”

  Haruto opened his mouth to respond, but Mina held up a hand, cutting him off. “No, Haruto. If you’re set on this… then leave me out of it.” She pushed herself up from the couch, her expression a mixture of anger and worry. “You’re not thinking clearly,” she said, her tone harsh yet tinged with concern. “Whatever you decide, I want no part of it.”

  With that, Mina turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing through the quiet house. The sound of her door closing resounded in the silence, leaving Haruto alone with his thoughts, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He sat there, her warning lingering in his mind, but it didn’t quiet the pull he felt, the sense that there was something waiting for him, answers just beyond his reach.

  He knew he couldn’t ignore it. He needed clarification, something to make sense of the connection he felt between the Dreamscape and these mysterious comas. And he knew that there was only one place he could find the answers he sought.

  The Velvet Room.

  As midnight approached, Haruto sat in his room, the soft light of his desk lamp casting shadows across the walls. He reached into his pocket, his fingers curling around the crystal, feeling the faint pulse of energy radiating from it. He’d come to trust this strange, otherworldly object, sensing that it was his key to answers. Every midnight, it had been his passageway, the doorway into a world that offered clarity and guidance, even if it came wrapped in mystery.

  When the clock struck twelve, the crystal began to glow, faintly at first, then growing brighter with each passing second. Haruto took a steadying breath, his heart pounding as he rose from his bed and moved to stand in front of the mirror. He held the crystal in his palm, pressing it firmly against the mirror’s cool surface.

  Just as before, the mirror rippled, the glass turning fluid beneath his touch. He watched his reflection blur, the edges of his world dissolving into soft waves of light as he felt himself being drawn in, his surroundings melting away into the familiar blue glow.

  He blinked, finding himself once more in the Velvet Room, the gentle hum of the train filling the air around him. The dim, calming blue light washed over everything, casting long shadows along the velvety seats and brass fixtures that gleamed faintly. Haruto took a deep breath, the air thick with the otherworldly serenity of this place.

  Igor was seated at his desk, his long fingers steepled before him, a slight smile playing on his thin lips as he regarded Haruto with an unreadable expression.

  “Ah, welcome back, Haruto,” Igor greeted him, his voice smooth and resonant. “I had a feeling you would return to us soon.”

  Haruto stepped forward, feeling the weight of his questions, the need for answers pressing down on him. “Igor… I need clarification,” he began, his tone earnest. “I’ve been seeing news reports—people in town are falling into comas, experiencing these strange symptoms before they collapse. It all sounds… connected to the Dreamscape somehow.”

  Igor’s gaze sharpened slightly, his smile fading as he studied Haruto with quiet intensity. “I see,” he said slowly, his voice carrying a note of thoughtful curiosity. “You have sensed a pattern, a connection between the Dreamscape and events unfolding in your world. Such perceptiveness is… rare.” He leaned back slightly, his expression contemplative. “Indeed, the Dreamscape and the world you know are connected, woven together in ways that most cannot comprehend. It is a realm born from the collective unconscious, a place where hidden fears, desires, and regrets take shape.”

  Haruto’s eyes widened, the pieces falling into place as Igor continued.

  “Those who are lost within their own struggles, whose hearts are burdened by unresolved fears or overwhelming regrets, are often drawn toward the Dreamscape,” Igor explained, his voice low and resonant. “But without guidance, without the strength to confront what lies within them, they may become trapped, overwhelmed by the very shadows they sought to escape.” He gave Haruto a long, considering look. “This… entrapment, as you might call it, may indeed be what you have seen in these so-called comas.”

  Haruto’s chest tightened as Igor’s words sank in, his suspicions confirmed. If these people were somehow becoming lost in the Dreamscape, then perhaps… perhaps he could help them. His mind raced, a quiet resolve growing as he thought of all the people who might be saved if he intervened, if he used the power he’d been given.

  Igor’s eyes gleamed, as if sensing his thoughts. “But beware, Haruto,” he cautioned, his voice darkening slightly. “The Dreamscape is not a place to be entered lightly. The power you wield is formidable, but it is not without risk. To intervene, to alter the course of another’s soul, is a heavy burden—and one that cannot be taken without consequence.”

  Haruto met his gaze, determination etched into his expression. “I understand,” he said quietly. “But if I can help even one person, if I can prevent them from being trapped there… then it’s worth it.”

  Igor’s lips curved into a faint smile, a glint of approval in his eyes. “Very well, Haruto. I see that your resolve is unwavering.” He inclined his head, a subtle gesture of acknowledgment. “Remember, however, that strength alone is not enough. You must seek allies, forge bonds that will strengthen you, for only with the support of others will you be able to overcome the trials that lie ahead.”

  Haruto nodded, recalling his conversations with Mina, the promise of support that lingered between them, even if she was hesitant to face this unknown world with him. The reminder of their bond, however fragile it might feel, filled him with a quiet reassurance.

  Igor’s gaze softened, his voice taking on a gentler tone. “I have high expectations for you, Haruto. You walk the path of the World, the Arcana of infinite potential and endless possibilities. Do not be swayed by doubt; trust in your heart, and the bonds you create will lead you forward.”

  As Igor’s words faded, a gentle, soothing voice filled Haruto’s mind, a whisper that felt as though it had come from the depths of his own soul:

  “I am thou, thou art I... Thou hast birthed a bond clad in the heart's strength. This union, born and embraced by will unyielding, shall become the balefire that lights thy path. Thou hast gained a glimpse of the World’s truth, granting thee further power to tread the abyss...”

  The words resonated within him, and he felt a warmth settle in his heart, a quiet, steady strength that radiated outward, filling him with newfound purpose. His bond with Mina—her courage, her resilience—had become a part of him, a source of strength that would carry him forward.

  Igor’s smile widened, and he inclined his head in a final gesture of approval. “Our time is once again at an end, but I am certain we shall meet again soon. Until then, Haruto, remember what you have learned here. Trust in your heart, and you will find the path that lies before you.”

  With a final nod, the room began to fade, the soft hum of the train receding into silence as Haruto felt himself being drawn back to the waking world.

  When he opened his eyes, he was back in his room, the familiar walls and shadows grounding him once more. He blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and found Mina standing by the doorway, watching him with a mix of curiosity and concern.

  “What happened?” she asked, her voice low. “You looked like you zoned out again.”

  Haruto managed a faint smile, shaking his head slightly. “I was… just catching my breath,” he replied, echoing his previous answer.

  Mina’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, a hint of suspicion in her eyes, but she nodded, letting it go. They exchanged a silent understanding, a quiet acknowledgment that, whatever lay ahead, they were in this together—even if Mina wasn’t quite ready to admit it.