Prologue: A Dream-like place

"Mana flows through everything. Trees, Soil, and us alive and breathing, It is present no matter where you are on earth. It is the very essence of life for us Magus. Mana is one of life's grandest mysteries that are yet to be fully uncovered Those unaware of their own power are to be mourned upon, for their true potential is sealed until realized. However, when awakened will bring forth endless possibilities for those who seeking answers to their questions... Thus is the true definition of truly having Mana."

I am shown different images of the world. No, it's more like I am being brought there myself. The dessert, savannahs, mountain tops, and forests. Seeing all these places makes me feel bewildered and standing afloat all of them just adds to the surrealism. I guess you could call this dream very lucid.

My world then turns black. There is a certain distinction in shadows, although dark, they can still be seen. but this darkness I see is not like that. All I see is the pure vendetta black that can consume all light. The cold is reaching me. I couldn't even tell whether I am standing up or sitting down, any gestures I try doing are not like I cannot feel or see it but more like they never happened. This darkness surrounding me, entraps me in it, restraining any bit of will I have in breaking free. I stare straight into the void, and within my field of sight am greeted by two shades of gleaming red that resemble a pair of eyes. The only part of this dark space that I wish had any color were those cold petrifying stares.

"You... One who is compatible with Mana is chosen." The shadowy figure then spouts words I have yet to comprehend. "The balance between good and evil are about to tip, and is thus we are in dire need. You are what we seek! One who would aide us."

As if preaching their religion, the Shadowy figure pleads. One thing that has been distracting me through this whole encounter is the shadows voice having quite a pretty feminine tone.

Still, this make even less sense the more I delve in this conversation. Good and Evil, in my perspective, they are but two sides of the same coin constantly being flipped to suit the wants of the owner. I am being chosen, she says?

"Having you by our side also means caring for you. Any answer you seek for will be answered to the best of our abilities. Anything your heart desires, we will grant if attainable." Light then flickers below the Shadow making it visible enough for me to identify a hand(despite being in this light-consuming void). that same hand reaches out to me as a sign of... approval? No... Rather a deal to join them in their cause. "Please. I beg of you." The Shadow eyes then lowers as if kneeling.

With sincerity and no ounce of fradulence in it. That alone could have been enough to fully convince. But there is a certain 'air' to its voice that is not to my liking.

First of all, this situation is not normal. No matter how you think of it; Surrounded by a dark void where you are restricted from any movement, being flown to different places of the world that I have only seen with my family or in documentaries, a war that barely has context, and lastly those gleamy-eyes of the Shadow. Adding all this up could only mean that this is a dream. But even after coming to that conclusion, I still feel like speaking up might not be the best option. In fact, have I said anything yet? anything at all?

"Please, Hero." I was lost in my own thought that I have completely forgotten about the Shadow. I obviously took my sweet time and consumed more than I have needed, and now the Shadow grows weary. She then starts becoming slightly more visible, enough to make out that it does, in fact, have a human shape. "What more doubts plaque your mind, sir? I can ease them easily if you let me."

Enticing me would do the Shadow no good because I wholeheartedly decline the offer. Dream or not, this is all bizarre.

"-------." I open my mouth but no words come out. I can't speak. My body is completely shut from any communication. Body language is useless, Verbal deviation is useless. I am rendered useless.

The hand presented to me still reaches out, still waiting for my response. I may not be able to use my body, but everywhere around me is cold. I feel goosebumps everywhere, any specifics in my body are obscure, all I can say is that I feel entrapped. Is there really nothing else that I could do? How am I having this dream is this anyway? I am too young to even have sleep paralysis! So why am I even here?! around my hip area I feel as if my right hand reaches out. Is this my body subconsciously telling me shaking hands will break this limbo?

I slowly reach out, I use every bit of my strength just to raise my hand and reach out. Slowly, slowly, my hand grows ever so closer to the Shadows. the closer I get, the louder a thumping noise is heard. It gets louder and louder. I'm within the Shadows grasps by now. I then see the void fall apart but on closer speculation, the darkness were shards covering a bright white light. I am starting to see the Shadowy figure better now. The light shines brighter, the Thumping grows louder, my spine's senses strike me intensely, the Shadow becomes more clearer, almost within the palm of its hand until----

***

Dawn Rises, and I look up to the same ceiling I am familiar with.