Chapter 5: The Hero dies in the Kingdom of Dreams

As the morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold and amber, Rafael stirred from his restless slumber to the enchanting cadence of ethereal chanting. A kaleidoscope of magical symbols danced in the air, interwoven with a vibrant tapestry of mystical energies. Gorion and Jason, their faces etched with weariness, greeted the new day with the weight of their shared burden. Approaching them, Rafael witnessed the manifestation of a portal—a swirling vortex of violet energy adorned with myriad symbols, pulsating with an otherworldly force that beckoned him like a living entity.

Gorion: "Ah, good morning, young one. As you can see, we've taken the liberty of crafting the portal before your awakening. Take your time to prepare, and we shall embark."

Rafael: "No, Gorion, I am ready. Let's go"

Rafael replied, his resolve tinged with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

Gorion: "That's the spirit. This portal will transport us to the gates of Alexandria, where one of the generals will assess your worthiness to enter the kingdom of dreams. If deemed worthy, the gates will forever be open to you, unless you commit a heinous crime. If not… well, let's not dwell on that."

Rafael: "Alright! Let's proceed"

Rafael affirmed, the gravity of the impending trial casting a shadow over his determined expression.

Stepping into the portal was an experience far more tumultuous than Rafael had envisioned. Instead of a seamless transition, it felt akin to being engulfed by a tempest, a chaotic journey that left his head pounding. Amidst flashes of otherworldly landscapes, his senses tumbled across an immense expanse until he collided with the ground, the abruptness of the arrival leaving him disoriented.

The landing unveiled a surreal landscape, a sanctuary of vibrant flora adorned with crystals of myriad shapes, sizes, and colors. The air, thick with magical energy, carried the whispers of a world brimming with enchantment. Before them stood the gateway—a colossal structure that seemed to transcend the boundaries of mere architecture. It radiated an inviting aura, and at its forefront stood a statue of a gladiator, a guardian of the ethereal realm.

The sky above unfolded a mesmerizing spectacle—a canvas alive with hues that transcended earthly comprehension. Violet, yellow, blue, green, red—a symphony of colors adorned the heavens. Three moons, each emanating its unique radiance, graced the celestial tapestry. Stars, far from static, painted dynamic patterns and constellations that shifted and scattered with a celestial choreography. The air, laden with magical essence, embraced Rafael, its richness almost palpable.

Gorion, observing Rafael's struggle to acclimate, approached with a paternal concern.

Gorion: "The air here is saturated with magical energy, from the very essence of living and non-living entities. Each has its unique signature, its energy, making the air dense. Recruits often experience difficulty breathing, which is why we subject them to rigorous physical training before entering. Fear not; the discomfort shall subside. Come, let's approach the gate."

Despite Gorion's assurances, Rafael cursed him silently as they moved forward. Each step brought a gradual easing of his breath, a testament to the physical preparation that preceded this encounter. Upon reaching the gate, Rafael's eyes widened as he beheld the gladiator statue. It was not a lifeless effigy but a living sentinel—a colossal figure with a physique that bespoke unimaginable strength.

Gorion: "General Michael"

Greeted Gorion, acknowledging the imposing figure who stood at the gate.

Michael: "General Jason, Grand-Master Gorion"

Reciprocated General Michael, a nod exchanged between the three as they transitioned their collective gaze to Rafael. In that moment, he felt like a fledgling exposed to the scrutiny of vigilant guardians.

Michael: "Is this your recruit, Grand-Master?"

Inquired General Michael, his gaze assessing Rafael with an intensity that laid bare the weight of the impending judgment.

Gorion: "Yes"

Gorion replied, and Rafael, though hopeful for a defense, was met with only a nervous chuckle from his mentor.

General Michael stepped forward, a monumental figure with a fist extended.

Michael: "Bump your fist with me, young one."

Rafael obliged, expecting the gesture to be a mere formality. However, the impact felt akin to striking a rock, and the general's expression shifted as if contemplating a revelation.

Michael: "You might want to try that again"

General Michael suggested, an undercurrent of uncertainty tainting his words.

Once more, Rafael bumped fists with the hulking general, each impact met with a calculating gaze. The assessment revealed an unspoken verdict—an unspoken confirmation that not all was well.

Michael: "My suspicions were right, Grand-Master. This one is not worthy to enter”

General Michael, declared his words like a verdict that echoed through the magical realm.

Gorion, his countenance revealing a mixture of disappointment and resignation, queried

Gorion: "Are you sure, General Michael?"

Michael: “Are you questioning my ability Grand-Master?”

Gorion: “No, General”

An undercurrent of tension permeated the air as General Jason and Gorion turned towards Rafael. Their expressions carried a burden—a dejection that hinted at an unfortunate conclusion. Jason drew his flaming sword, the ethereal flames casting an eerie glow.

Jason lamented; his voice tinged with regret.

Jason: "I'm sorry, kid. I really liked you. I had hoped you'd be worthy, but it turns out you aren't"

Rafael: "What does that mean? Are you going to leave me just like that? Are you really just going to send me on my way home after everything?"

Jason: "It's not that simple. You've seen this world, and we can't simply allow you to leave. We can't erase your memories due to the risk. I'm sorry, kid. It's nothing personal"

As Jason advanced with the flaming sword, Rafael's pleas fell on deaf ears. In a swift and merciless motion, the flaming blade pierced Rafael's heart, extinguishing the spark of life. The dying body was callously pushed aside, a final act in the arcane judgment of worthiness.

As Rafael's vision blurred and his throat constricted with his own blood, the impending scream that sought release was stifled by the finality of death. The faces of Jason and Gorion were etched with guilt, and General Michael's countenance remained stern as darkness encroached upon his fading consciousness. In that ephemeral transition between life and death, Rafael found himself suspended, an observer to his lifeless body and the trio of murderers standing over it. Doubt crept in, challenging the certainty of his demise.

Rafael: #Wait, that can't be right.#

A mysterious force pulled at his chest, propelling him upward. Expecting the scales of judgment to tip towards heaven or hell, Rafael ascended until he neared the moons. Visions exploded behind his eyes—an ocean laden with tornadoes, a sea of lightning enveloping a lone floating island, and a robed figure on a pale stallion accompanied by maniacal laughter.

Abruptly, he plummeted towards the ground. Convinced it was the end, Rafael braced for impact, only to slow, hover above the ground, and descend face-first. General Michael's chuckle resonated nearby.

Rafael: "Ow! That hurts."

Gorion, Jason, and General Michael approached, prompting Rafael to demand an explanation.

Rafael: "Okay, Gorion, explain now!"

Gorion: "Haha. I guess I owe you that much. First of all, there is no concept of being unworthy. Once your training begins, it means you are worthy. However, we needed to dispose of your body temporarily. Your body is a prison for your soul, preventing the flow of magical energy. Until your soul is freed, you cannot contain magic. After your training, if you return to your world, you can get a new body."

Rafael: "But was it necessary to make it look like a cold-blooded murder?"

Michael: "That, little one, is my fault. Standing here all day is terribly boring. Messing with people is my way of greeting saplings and having some fun”

Despite his imposing physique, General Michael was deemed fun to be around by Jason.

Jason: "Once you feel like you've already been murdered, the next ordeals seem relatively easier to digest”

Leaving the bizarre explanation behind, Gorion welcomed Rafael to Alexandria, the Kingdom of Dreams. The gate opened to reveal a bustling city, a vibrant marketplace, and distant sounds of explosions. Rafael observed the nuanced differences between this reality and the dream world as he was led on an extended tour.

Finally stopping in front of a seemingly simple house, Gorion welcomed Rafael to his dwelling. Inside, the darkness lifted, revealing a mansion adorned with trophies, each recounting tales of past triumphs and battles. A single wall held a painting of a great, forgotten battle.

The mansion's main area, though almost unfurnished, bore walls decorated with various trophies—a testament to the magical prowess and achievements of its inhabitants. Rafael moved past these tokens of glory and stood before a black mirror adorned with stars in various places.

Gorion: "Ah! You have found the Mirror of All-Viewing."

Rafael: "The Mirror of All-Viewing?"

Gorion: "It is used to view into the past. Over the millennia, mage after mage poured their essence into it to ensure a perpetual energy source. Similar to the law of conservation of energy, once you have a time and location in mind, this mirror reads energy from precisely that time to show you what happened."

Rafael: "Spectacular!"

Gorion: "Come along now. You'll have tons of time for exploring”

Gorion concluded, opening the door to a world brimming with magical wonders and possibilities. The mansion's vastness unfolded before Rafael, promising endless discoveries in the enchanted Kingdom of Dreams. The air hummed with latent magical energy, and Rafael felt the pulse of this mystical realm coursing through his veins, a sensation that ignited his curiosity and anticipation for the enchanting journey that lay ahead.

Gorion led Rafael silently through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion. The air carried an almost ethereal quality as they approached a beautifully woven tapestry hanging on the wall. With a mere snap of Gorion's fingers, the tapestry vanished, revealing a hidden room beyond. The entrance sealed itself behind them, leaving Rafael feeling a subtle shift in the air.

Gorion: "Welcome to the training room, sapling"

Gorion said, gesturing for Rafael to enter. The room was devoid of any furnishings, and the door behind them had seamlessly disappeared.

As Rafael looked around, Gorion explained

Gorion: "Your training will proceed in three steps: Initiation, Registration, and Training. Freeing your soul from your body was part of the initiation."

Rafael: "Initiation?"

Rafael questioned, his eyes darting around the room.

Gorion nodded and said,

Gorion: "Now, sit in the center, and we shall begin the completion."

Rafael silently obeyed, sitting cross-legged where he assumed the center might be. Gorion, standing a few steps away, extended his index finger, allowing a radiant stream of energy to flow from it. With precise movements, Gorion drew intricate symbols on the floor around Rafael.

Gorion: "Your soul has a circulatory system much like your body. It's called the aura center. We're going to activate it forcefully. It might be slightly painful. Give me your dominant hand."

Rafael extended his right hand, and Gorion, after briefly checking his pulse, squeezed Rafael's wrist firmly. The sensation was akin to a thin stream of energy, like acid, making its way up Rafael's arm. He couldn't contain the pain, and a guttural scream escaped his lips.

The stream continued its ascent, past his shoulder and into the center of his chest, where it accumulated.

Gorion: "You must feel like a vessel is being filled in your chest. Let me know once you feel it's overflowing”

Agony coursed through Rafael as the vessel filled, and it felt like an eternity before he could manage to gesture to Gorion. The stream then split into two, one going to his head and the other to his legs, dispersing the pain as it flowed through his entire body. As Gorion withdrew his hand, the shivering sensation replaced the pain, and Rafael felt alive, complete, and, for the first time, truly awake.

Gorion: "Step 1: Initiation complete. You are now a mage unofficially. We have 24 hours to proceed to step 2: Registration. Come, let's not delay further”

Gorion announced. Exiting the hidden room, they found themselves back in the opulent mansion. Gorion led Rafael through the grandeur to what seemed to be his vast study, where shelves upon shelves of books self-arranged, ladders moved effortlessly, and the room exuded centuries of accumulated knowledge.

Approaching an ordinary table, Gorion produced a paper, a feather, and an ink pot.

Gorion: "Write: 'I, Rafael, seek permission to reside in the magical kingdom of Alexandria...'"

As Rafael penned the words, Gorion added,

Gorion: "In case I turn dark, my teacher has permission to stop me, cease my magical powers, or even kill me."

Gorion embellished the document with protective symbols. With the oath written, Gorion directed Rafael to burn the letter in the fireplace. The blue flames consumed the parchment quickly, leaving no trace.

Gorion: "Now pick up a pinch of the ash and mix it in the water"

Gorion commanded, handing a glass to Rafael.

After drinking the concoction, Rafael felt a tightness in his chest, and Gorion explained the significance of this step.

Gorion: "Step 2: Registration is complete. It allows you to travel unhindered but permits me to intervene if you turn dark. A teacher is forbidden to kill his student unless permission is granted. Remember that. Rest up for tomorrow's training"

Gorion advised, guiding Rafael out of the study and into the corridors of the mansion.

Dismissed from the training room, Rafael set out to explore the mansion. Energized and excited, he wandered through corridors adorned with trophies—heads of animals he couldn't identify—and eerie eyes that seemed to follow his every move.

His curiosity piqued by an empty wall, Rafael focused on it, and to his surprise, strange lines appeared and began forming intricate patterns. The lines transformed into a detailed image—a battle between a violet centaur-like beast and a youth atop a chariot, dragons pulling it. The youth bore a striking resemblance to Rafael himself.

Gorion: "That's the Wall of Quest. It reveals a life quest, though the interpretation is challenging. You'll have time to figure it out. Rest for now”

Dismissed, Rafael continued exploring until the ghostly butler, Jonathon, appeared and offered to guide Rafael.

Jonathon: "Master Rafael, if you will follow me, please. I shall lead you to your room."

Gorion: "This is the house butler, Jonathon. Call on him if you need anything”

Rafael: "Alright”

Rafael responded, following Jonathon to his room. Though relatively simple, it felt like a haven to him. While it was a simple space, the mere sight of a comfortable bed, a blanket, and a pillow almost brought tears to his eyes. Rafael realized how weary and dirty he was after sleeping on the cold, damp forest floor. After a refreshing shower, he succumbed to a deep and peaceful sleep, free from the worries that had plagued him in the strange and magical realm of Alexandria.