Paralyzed Demon - Shadow Slave

Morpheus walked towards his room, but his mind was already deep inside the Nightmare. How will it be? he wondered. Everything he had seen and heard about it so far was only theory. The Nightmare was different for everyone—no one could truly know what another person's would be like.

What would appear before him?

He took a deep breath and entered his room, peeling off his sweat-soaked training clothes. He stepped into the shower, letting the hot water relax his tired muscles. But his mind remained restless, constantly drifting back to thoughts of his sword, his training, and, most of all, the Nightmare.

Afterward, he sat on his bed and began meditating. It was part of his daily routine—cleansing his mind, steadying his body, and refining his sword skills. In these quiet moments, he could see himself more clearly. And in that clarity, he had to face the doubts lingering inside him.

Morpheus' Perspective

Sometimes, just like the others, I can't help but wonder... This isn't normal. This power, this intuition, this skill… I know none of this is normal for a human.

Morpheus opened his eyes, staring at the emptiness ahead. It was a question that had always lingered in the back of his mind. He was different, and everyone could see it.

Ever since I first held a sword, people have called me gifted. But this is more than just talent. I don't just wield the blade—I am the blade. I feel incomplete without a sword in my hands, yet that doesn't weaken me. Carrying it serves no real purpose… it's just a habit. Like a child who carries their favorite toy everywhere.

He loosened his shoulders and closed his eyes again.

But none of that matters right now. The only thing that matters is the Nightmare. My intuition is warning me—louder than ever. This will be more dangerous than anything I've faced before. But that's fine. My instincts have never been wrong.

When Morpheus' birthday arrived, there was no celebration, no joy. The warriors of the clan knew that today was the day he would step into the Nightmare. So instead of festivity, a tense silence filled the air.

Some of them chuckled bitterly. How ironic… They had lost countless duels to Morpheus despite him being just a "normal" human, and now, they were worried for him. That irony was enough to bring a faint smirk to a few faces.

Morpheus walked steadily into the chamber he had been summoned to. At the center of the room stood a cold, metallic sleep capsule. Beside it was his father, Anvil.

As always, Anvil's expression was stern. He showed no visible emotion. "Survive." Anvil's voice was firm, devoid of warmth.

Morpheus shifted his gaze to the capsule. Even he is speaking like this… That must mean the Nightmare is not to be taken lightly… he thought. But he didn't dwell on it. Looking back at his father, he answered with unwavering certainty:

"I will."

Anvil nodded and implanted the Nightmare Seed into him. Morpheus felt something take root inside him, an unfamiliar weight pressing against his core.

Morpheus stepped toward the capsule, pausing for a moment to stare at it.

This was where the Nightmare would claim his mind.

Just as he reached for the lid, a voice called out from behind him.

"If you don't come back, I'm taking your room," Morgan said, leaning against the doorframe. "The view is better than mine. And I'll burn those garbage mangas too."

Morpheus furrowed his brows and turned to face her. "They're not garbage! It's not like I've ever seen you read anything, anyway. And you think I'd just let you take my room? Hah."

Morgan had a faint smile on her face, but she couldn't hide the concern in her eyes. Morpheus saw it instantly, and his irritation faded.

"There's no need to worry," he said softly. "Like I told you—if you passed, I'll pass too. I doubt the Nightmare has anything that can truly stop me. You know me."

Morgan took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I'll be the one watching over you," she said, her voice carrying a teasing edge. "So, you better not die. We can barely handle you now—who knows what we'd do if you came back as a monster?"

Morpheus was quiet for a moment before a small grin formed on his lips. "Don't worry. We still have plenty of duels ahead of us. I won't die until I've beaten you a few thousand more times. "

There was nothing more to say.

He turned, opened the capsule, and stepped inside.

As the lid sealed shut, Morgan's voice was the last thing he heard.

"…See you, little brother."

Morpheus closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and let go.

Darkness consumed everything.

Then, a voice echoed in the void.

[Aspi-]

It suddenly stopped, as if censoring itself. Then, it spoke again—this time, with excitement.

[Morpheus! Welcome to the Nightmare Spell! Prepare for your First Trial!]

And the world changed.