Dream World

A mystical realm unlike any other stretched endlessly, filled with divine creatures that roamed freely. Mystic elves with radiant auras moved gracefully, divine spirits shimmered in the air, and majestic beings such as pegasus and unicorns trotted along paths made of glowing light. Among them, angels and demons coexisted—not as enemies, but as equals.

If a human were to witness this place, their eyes would be drawn to the angels and demons above all. Each possessed unique traits that set them apart. Some angels radiated holy light so intensely they seemed untouchable, while one was so breathtakingly beautiful that a mortal who gazed upon her might die of heartbreak. Another carried an aura so divine that one might wish to follow him to heaven. But demons were no less fascinating. Some had giant horns and eyes filled with malice, while others had small wings and an air of mischief. There was even one who seemed timid, constantly hiding behind objects, peeking out with cautious curiosity.

Among the 42 angels and demons present, one stood out from the rest. He bore a striking contrast—one white angelic wing and one crimson demonic wing. His two horns were broken, and above his head floated a fractured halo, flickering with an eerie glow.

"Rayon! Rayon, hurry or else you'll be late!" A small angel with fluttering golden wings called out excitedly.

"Don't worry, Selina. I won't be late this time." Rayon reassured her with a confident smile.

"Let's race! Whoever wins gets five small heavenly coins!" Selina challenged, her eyes twinkling.

Rayon smirked. "Fine, but don't cry when you lose."

Selina crouched slightly, her small wings spreading wide. "Ready… Three… Two—" Before the countdown could finish, she shot forward, laughing mischievously.

"Hey! The timer wasn't done yet!" Rayon shouted, immediately giving chase.

"I'm the Angel of Mischief!" Selina called back, flapping her wings even faster.

"You're using that excuse again!" Rayon retorted, pushing himself to catch up. But just as he was about to close the gap, something—no, someone—stopped him in his tracks.

He turned, his eyes widening in shock. "Liam...? What are you doing here?"

Liam simply smirked. "Mind Palace: Dream World."

At his words, the entire landscape flickered and distorted. The radiant sky darkened, the divine creatures vanished, and everything was swallowed by an endless void—leaving only Liam and Rayon standing there.

A moment of silence stretched between them before Liam burst into laughter.

"Didn't you know I had a Mind Palace?" Liam asked, still chuckling.

Ray rubbed his temples, exhaling sharply. "That's… not in the knowledge I received."

"You should've picked it up from my memories," Liam pointed out smugly.

"It has improved since crossing to a new world, hasn't it?" Ray countered, regaining his composure.

Liam shrugged. "Did you handle the arena?"

Ray nodded. "Yes, but I didn't secure a position because I was teleported here."

"And Cain? You were fighting him, weren't you?"

Ray scratched his head awkwardly. "Yeah… but I might have gotten you something. A gift, perhaps?"

Liam's eyes flickered with intrigue before narrowing. "It better be worth it since you lost the winner's prize."

Ray let out a nervous chuckle. "It should be… or maybe the opposite?"

Liam sighed impatiently. "Just tell me already."

"Better to show than explain." Ray raised his hands.

Liam snapped his fingers, and in an instant, a large screen materialized before them, accompanied by a plush sofa. The two sat down as Ray flicked his fingers, causing the screen to display his memories from the moment his body was created.

Ray observed the screen. "Wow… definitely improved, but the size is still the same."

Liam smirked. "This is just a room I made to mess with you. Now, focus."

The two watched as the events unfolded.

"You actually had the guts to reveal his name in front of a crowd?" Liam asked.

Ray shook his head. "No, I placed a barrier around us as soon as we separated to fight."

"A sound lock, then?" Liam mused.

They continued watching in silence.

"I didn't expect him to notice you that quickly," Liam finally said.

"Neither did I. Guess he was observing us from the start," Ray admitted.

A sudden slamming noise echoed around them.

Ray frowned. "What was that?"

"Probably from outside. You did place a barrier, right?" Liam asked lazily.

Ray nodded, but before either could relax, the entire room was bathed in a crimson glow.

Liam's expression darkened. "What now?"

Ray's eyes darted around. "This… this is coming from outside."

A cracking noise followed, and then—silence. The red glow vanished.

Ray cursed under his breath. "Ah, shit. I think I know what's happening."

Liam sat up straight. "Did you seriously make an enemy at a time like this?"

Ray hesitated. "If I'm right, he shouldn't be an enemy, but rather…"

Liam stiffened as an odd sensation crept over him. A faint warmth, a touch on his cheek—too gentle, too deliberate.

"Ray, tell me. Who the hell is touching me?" Liam's voice was dangerously low.

Ray grinned. "I think your Mind Palace already knows."

Liam clenched his fists. "Mind Palace, activate."

A voice resonated from the void.

"The most probable person is Cain."

Liam's expression soured. "Figures."

The voice continued.

"Psychological analysis of Ray suggests he enjoys fighting and belittling others. Cain's family details are among the most noted in the skill 'Fruit of Knowledge.' Given the light-based magic and the cracked barrier, the most likely spell used was 'Castevara,' Cain's most powerful anti-barrier spell."

Liam exhaled sharply. "So Ray recognized the spell immediately."

"Affirmative. Activating Dream World to retrieve the incantations—Process halted."

Liam scowled. "Don't activate Dream World without my permission. If he's not an enemy, ignore him. But seriously… why the hell is he touching me so much?"

"Reason unknown."

Liam's irritation grew. "Mind Palace, deactivate."

Ray let out a whistle. "Well, well. He's really Cain, after all. If I'm right, he's about to pick you up."

Liam's eye twitched. "No… wait. Wait. He's leaning closer—his breath is on my face. Is he trying to ki—"

Liam's words were cut off as his world was suddenly consumed by an overwhelming presence.