True Nature

The young-looking woman with long silver hair and violet eyes stood still, her eyes wide in surprise. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"Did he wake up this early?" she asked, her voice still shaky from shock.

Hiroshi, who was standing nearby, didn't seem as surprised. He crossed his arms and shrugged slightly.

"Even if he has potential, this is too soon."

The woman, still unsure, nodded slowly.

"It doesn't make sense. In that place, time doesn't exist. No one wakes up this fast."

The place they were talking about was strange and defied all logic. It was somewhere outside the rules of the world. People who entered that place could stay there forever, trapped in what seemed like an endless dream. For most, it was a nightmare.

However, there was food and an unlimited supply, but there was also danger. The blind creatures known as the shadow guards roamed there, attacking anyone they sensed. Even though they couldn't see, they were incredibly dangerous.

After a moment, the silver-haired woman stepped closer to the boy lying unconscious. She placed her cool hand gently on his forehead and smiled softly, like an angel.

"It's okay, you're safe now," she whispered, patting his head gently.

Then, she turned to Hiroshi again.

"We don't know what happened in that place, but he should rest now."

Hiroshi's expression changed slightly, and he chuckled.

"Lydia, I didn't expect you to be so caring. You should treat me like that too, you know!"

Lydia rolled her eyes and sighed.

"I've always been like this! Don't you remember when I took care of you when you were sick?"

Hiroshi raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright, my bad! But you don't even know him. It's your first time meeting him."

Lydia giggled softly, "Tehee~"

Immediately after hearing the word "Tehee~", he shook his head in disbelief.

"I'm too old for this. Let him rest. Who knows what happened to him in that place, but it's best to leave him alone for now."

She stepped away from the boy and nodded.

"Yeah, I agree. The fact that he's not talking could mean something."

The boy looked like he was asleep again, his eyes closed and body still, though he was probably just exhausted.

After a while, Lydia left the room, leaving just Hiroshi and the boy behind. For a while, the old man didn't say a word, letting the silence fill the room.

Finally, he sighed and spoke quietly, as if not sure whether the boy could hear him or not.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to go through all that. I'm sorry that I deceived you."

Hiroshi leaned back against the wall, looking troubled. After a pause, he broke down everything to the boy, about the trial and what it all meant. He spoke with a heavy tone, each word carrying the weight of his guilt.

He explained that the trial was connected to an ability of his, something called [Realms of Madness]. It was a power that allowed him to create another reality—a place that existed only in someone's mind, like an illusion. It was a world where everything felt real, but none of it was under his control.

However, He didn't explain how the power worked in detail, but he mentioned that it only affected people who had some kind of bond with him—whether it was love, loyalty, or something deeper. That was how the boy ended up in the trial.

"And that's pretty much it," Hiroshi said, sounding tired.

As he turned to leave, he suddenly heard a voice from behind him.

"Wait!" the boy called out.

***

When I woke up, my mind was still fuzzy. For a moment, I thought I'd died, but instead, I was greeted by a beautiful woman and an old man I hadn't seen in a long time.

Was it all just a dream? But it felt so real… didn't I die?

My body hurt all over, and my head felt heavy. I wasn't ready to think about anything, so I just lay there quietly.

Hiroshi started talking, explaining everything. It was him.

He was the one who made me go through all of that… But at the same time, he was the one who gave me opportunities.

He spoke about some kind of 'trial,' but he didn't explain why or what it was for. If anyone else had gone through it, they'd probably hate him. But somehow, I wasn't angry. I wasn't sure why.

It was strange, but I didn't feel like holding a grudge. I didn't know the full story yet, so what was the point of getting upset?

When Hiroshi finished talking, he turned to leave the room. But before I could stop myself, I yelled, "Wait!"

Hiroshi stopped and turned back with a small, sad smile.

"So, you're awake, huh?" He said while walking back to the bed where I was lying.

"Do you hate me now?"

I shook my head from side to side.

"I don't," I uttered. "I don't hold a grudge against you, but… I want to know why."

"Why? Didn't you suffer? Didn't it hurt?"

"It was more like a bad dream, but I'm more concerned about the reason behind it."

Besides, I'm still confused about what's happening. This is all way too complicated for me.

I don't get why he did that. And I still can't believe the fact that he had an ability like that.

However, hearing him out might answer some of my concerns.

"I'm surprised about how you're so calm."

"There's no point in stressing out, besides it's all in the past now."

Then Hiroshi tensed up.

"I know you might have lots of questions, but will you hear me out first?"

I nodded.

"You probably won't believe me, but I did it for you."

"W-wait? For me? But why?"

"As you might've noticed, you're weak, and to be honest, you don't fit as a member of The Forsaken." He stopped for a second. "But, I wouldn't have taken you in without a reason, so I'm going to properly train you."

"Train me?"

The trial was just a wake-up call, a preparation for the real deal.