The Other Side

The Vestige stood like an ancient tree, immovable and eternal. The blue film had vanished, replaced by a clear view through to the real—just a golden cobbled path flowing from one side to the other. I reached out, willing the status screen to appear.

Twinned Domain of Elysium 

Entryway: Vestige 

This Domain has been claimed by House Ishan. 

Compatibility: Bonded Claimed by Asphodel

The black screen differed from our tattoo projections—more opaque at the bottom, with scrawling script. I focused on "Customization."

Twinned Domain of Elysium 

Domain Size: 300 square meters 

Current Growth Setting: Adaptation (Residents) 

Collective Access: Disabled

"Know anything about this?" I asked Teras.

"The size extends 300 meters into both real and dream. Growth shapes the Domain to match your desires and those you permit to dwell here." She pointed to the last line. "Enable Collective access immediately. It allows power growth and Job granting—even to yourself. A Mythos holder adapts Jobs uniquely."

I willed the access to change. Golden text blazed across a new window:

Ideal of the Forsworn 

You have been given the gift of immortality, with all it entails. By rejecting the base nature of the Dhamphyr, yet continuing to walk the path, you have entered the ranks of the Forsworn. Rise, Daywalker, and embody the path.

Energy exploded from me. The hunger rose with it—the thirst. I clutched at my fury, trying to block out the harpy's dead eyes. Teras grabbed my hand, anchoring me as the power spun faster. I channeled my rage—at this new life, at the world, at myself for losing control.

The energy slammed back into me. The hunger shattered, leaving calm in its void. I tested myself, letting blood drip from my wrist. The thirst remained but dulled, manageable.

I tried to manifest my new Ideal like Dan's Obligation. Nothing visible happened.

"How do you use an Ideal?"

Teras looked at me like I'd asked how to breathe. She demonstrated, her skin blazing silver, power rippling off her like starlight. But as I focused, her light dimmed, drawing back beneath her skin.

"What did you do?" Her confusion was clear.

"Just what you said. Instinct."

"Your Ideal suppresses others? I've never seen that. Even unleashing just a fraction of Loyalty, I felt it constrain." She shook her head in wonder. "This will be essential to your future. Embody the path well."

"Everyone keeps saying that. What does it mean?"

"Growth requires reconciling your powers with your morals. Forging your own way."

"And returning to Vestiges?"

"You'll know. Breakthrough pressure will build in your soul. The Vestige will call."

I turned back to the screen, selecting "Hierarchy."

Hierarchy of Elysium 

Lord: Asphodel Ishan 

Castellan: N/A 

Heir: N/A 

Assign?

"Dan!" I called to my eavesdropping friend. "How does Castellan of Elysium sound?"

"Choose carefully," Teras warned. "The Title brings power but danger. Claiming a Domain requires defeating—or killing—both Lord and Castellan."

Dan's face cycled through pride, excitement, and fear. "Will it help develop my powers?"

"Your power grows with each step toward Totality," Teras explained. "You need one of each aspect—Mythos, Legend, Ideal, Job, and Title—except Mythos can be optional. They reflect both your self-image and others' perception."

She tensed suddenly, blades appearing in her hands. Then she vanished.

A rumble shook the hall like an approaching train. Pressure descended, driving Dan to his knees. I flared my rage through my Ideal, channeling days of hatred. The weight lessened but persisted. Dan gasped beside me, struggling to stand. I focused my power around us both, fighting the thirst that rose with my effort.

Dan found his feet, Obligation flowing around us, pushing back the assault. The hall trembled as Teras reappeared at the forest gate.

She wasn't alone.