The Sword of Division hummed with ancient power as it floated between Aria and me, its edge occasionally slicing small holes in reality just by existing.
"Maybe we should figure out how to sheath it first," said Zephyr Nightshade, watching as another accidental cut opened a window to what looked like a dimension of eternal twilight.
Luna's golden form moved closer, her enhanced senses studying the weapon. "It's not just a sword," Luna revealed, her staff creating analysis patterns. "It's a key."
"A key to what?" Aria asked, her predatory grin reflecting the blade's ethereal glow.
The Architect materialized, his form resonating with recognition. "To the Vault of First Dreams," the Architect answered, voice heavy with ancient knowledge. "Where the original dreamer stored its most powerful creations."
Rex's fur rippled with new energy. "You mean there are more weapons like this out there?" Rex asked, eyes fixed on the sword's impossible edge.
"Not just weapons," Selene appeared, her power reaching toward the blade. "Artifacts of pure creation. Tools that shaped reality itself."
Through our connection, Aria shared my excitement and concern. The Sword of Division was already powerful enough to accidentally cut through dimensional barriers – what else waited in this mysterious vault?
"There," said Zephyr Nightshade, pointing through one of the sword's tears in reality. Beyond it, we glimpsed something that shouldn't exist – a massive structure that seemed to be made of solidified dreams.
"The Vault's outer wall," the Architect confirmed. "Hidden since the first dream, protected by guardians even I never dared face."
Aria's tactical mind was already working. "What kind of guardians?" Aria asked, our indigo flames preparing for whatever challenge awaited.
Luna's staff created images of beings that defied description – creatures born from the dreamer's nightmares, meant to protect its greatest treasures.
Stolen novel; please report.
"Dream Wardens," Selene explained. "Neither good nor evil, but purpose given form. They guard the vault not from thieves, but from those who would misuse its power."
"And we're going in there why exactly?" said Zephyr Nightshade, though the sword's pull was already becoming impossible to resist.
"Because," Luna's enhanced understanding revealed, "something's awakening inside. The Sword of Division isn't just calling to us – it's warning us."
Through another reality tear, we saw it – shadows moving within the Vault, ancient powers stirring from eternal sleep.
"The transformation of the anti-dream," the Architect realized, "it didn't just change the spaces between reality. It woke things that were meant to stay dormant."
Rex growled, sensing new threats. "And now they're what? Looking for new owners?"
"Or preparing for an ancient purpose," Selene suggested ominously.
The Sword of Division pulsed more urgently, its edge cutting a larger portal toward the Vault. Through it, we could hear something that sounded like... singing?
"That's not creepy at all," said Zephyr Nightshade, our flames responding to the otherworldly melody.
Aria moved closer to the portal, her warrior instincts alert. "It's calling us," Aria noted, feeling the same pull I did. "All of us."
Luna's staff suddenly created warning patterns. "Multiple energy signatures awakening within the Vault," Luna reported. "Whatever's in there, it's not waiting anymore."
Through our connection, Aria and I shared a moment of understanding. This wasn't just about finding powerful artifacts – it was about preventing another cosmic crisis before it began.
"Well," said Zephyr Nightshade, reaching for the Sword of Division alongside Aria, "at least it's not paperwork."
The moment our hands touched the blade, reality shifted. The portal stabilized, showing us a clear path into the Vault of First Dreams.
"Remember," the Architect warned, "these artifacts aren't just powerful – they're concepts given form. Each one could reshape reality itself."
"No pressure," Rex muttered, moving to flank us.
Luna's golden light strengthened, ready to guide us through whatever waited ahead. "The Vault's defenses will test more than our power," Luna cautioned. "They'll test our purpose."
"Good thing we're experts at impossible tests," Aria grinned, her presence steady through our connection.
The singing from the Vault grew stronger, each note carrying echoes of creation itself. Whatever waited inside wasn't just awakening – it was preparing.
"Ready?" said Zephyr Nightshade, feeling our power align with the ancient blade.
"To raid a vault full of reality-breaking artifacts while fighting dream guardians?" Aria asked, her predatory smile promising action. "Always."
As we stepped through the portal, reality itself seemed to hold its breath. The Vault of First Dreams awaited, its mysteries and dangers calling to us with songs older than existence.
Time to see what the original dreamer left behind.
And hope we could handle it.
Check out my Patreon! Become a member to enjoy early access to chapters, a 20% promo code for my shop, and downloadable PDFs for offline reading. Each chapter includes its own audio version, and you'll get a sneak peek of new chapters as they come out. Additionally, members have access to a live chat box, exclusive voting power, and special shout-outs. Just click on "Support" and then select "Patreon"! Patreon members will always be 5 chapters ahead of you!
Currently, I will not upload new chapters on Patreon until I have at least one paid member. Once that happens, Patreon members will always have access to five chapters ahead of others, so consider joining!