NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: The Dream
Satori drifted through a quiet void, silence enveloping him like a protective shell. Gradually, the void gave way to a vast, glassy lake under a luminous silver moon. The water was so still it mirrored the stars above, creating a dreamscape that felt both infinite and intimate.
Standing barefoot at the lake's center, he felt no cold, only a heavy air pressing against his skin not suffocating, but strangely calming.
"This place again," Satori muttered, his voice echoing across the emptiness.
He looked down at the water and froze. His reflection stared back not exactly him, but sharper, more confident, with a faint, otherworldly glow outlining its figure.
"Who are you?" he whispered, crouching to touch the water.
The reflection smirked knowingly, its image rippling as his fingers brushed the surface. The water felt warm and alive, pulsing faintly as though it had a heartbeat.
The dream shifted. The air grew tense, the serene calm replaced by a suffocating pressure. Patterns of light spread across the lake, intricate and vein-like.
"Do you know what this means?" the reflection asked, its voice calm yet commanding.
Satori shook his head, confusion gripping him. "No... should I?"
The reflection's smirk faded as the glowing veins spread faster, the water rippling violently beneath his feet.
"You're not ready," the reflection said, its voice softer now, almost regretful. "But soon..."
The glowing patterns shattered like glass, the lake breaking apart around him.
Satori bolted upright in bed, the dream's vividness clinging to his mind like cobwebs. Before he could collect his thoughts, an obnoxiously high-pitched whistle pierced the air.
"Baka! You're going to be late!"
The chibi maid system floated above him, tiny whistle in hand. Her exaggeratedly stern expression made her look like a doll trying too hard to be intimidating.
"Rise and shine, Host!" she chirped. "Another glorious day awaits!"
Groaning, Satori buried his face in his pillow. "Why… why do you exist?"
"Because you overslept yesterday," she replied cheerfully, "and I decided to integrate a more effective alarm system. Now, let's review today's quests!"
Satori peeked out from under the blanket. "Can't I have five minutes of peace?"
"Peace is for the lazy!" the guide declared, snapping her fingers. A glowing panel appeared before him.
[DAILY QUESTS]
1. Attend School: Complete the school day without skipping classes.
Reward: +1 Intelligence
2. Socialize: Engage in meaningful conversations with at least three classmates.
Reward: +1 Charisma
3. Physical Activity: Run for 15 minutes.
Reward: +1 Speed
4. Spiritual Awareness Practice: Attempt to sense spiritual energy at least three times today.
Reward: +1 Spirit
Bonus Objective: Help another student with a problem.
Reward: Minor Item or Ability Unlock
Satori rubbed his eyes, glaring at the list. "This is starting to feel like a bad mobile game."
"Motivation is key, Host!" the guide chirped, crossing her tiny arms triumphantly.
He sighed, dragging himself out of bed. "Alright, fine. But if you keep waking me up like this, we're renegotiating the terms of our partnership."
"Noted," she replied with a mock salute.
As Satori stumbled through his morning rituals, the guide flitted around him, offering unsolicited advice.
"Brush thoroughly, Host! Proper hygiene is critical for maintaining charisma!"
"Wear that tie properly; presentation is everything!"
When she zipped forward to adjust his tie herself, Satori rolled his eyes. "You're having way too much fun with this."
"Helping you succeed is my purpose," she replied, beaming.
Walking through Karakura Town, Satori marveled at how much larger and livelier it felt compared to the show. Streets bustled with people, the chatter of vendors blending with the sound of bicycles and passing cars. The early morning sun cast long shadows, giving the town a warm, golden hue.
The guide hovered beside him, scanning the surroundings. "Host, the ambient spiritual energy here is unusually high. I recommend practicing awareness while walking."
Satori waved her off. "Later. Right now, I'm trying to enjoy this moment."
The guide sighed dramatically. "Procrastination is the thief of progress!"
"And nagging is the thief of peace," he shot back with a smirk.
As he continued toward school, his thoughts drifted to the dream. The lake, the reflection, the cryptic warning it all felt significant. Not ready? What wasn't he ready for?
He shook his head, focusing on the present. He had enough on his plate without worrying about cryptic dreams. For now, his priority was surviving school and figuring out the rules of this new world.
Satori trudged toward school, his bag slung lazily over one shoulder as Karakura Town bustled around him. The vivid colors and lively atmosphere were a far cry from the static images he'd seen on-screen back in his old life. Still, his thoughts were distant, clouded with lingering questions about his situation and the surreal dream from last night.
The guide floated beside him, her tiny, chibi form twirling a glowing baton.
"Host," she chirped, "it's time to review your Main Quest Tab. Understanding your objectives is crucial for progression!"
Satori sighed. "Fine. Show me what you've got."
With a snap of her fingers, a translucent screen materialized in front of him, glowing faintly as it hovered in his path.
[MAIN QUESTS]
1. Survive the First Week at Karakura High (Pending):
Objective: Navigate social dynamics, complete daily tasks, and avoid suspicion.
Progress: 1/5 Days Completed
Reward: +2 Charisma and a Reputation Tracker Unlock
2. Develop a Basic Spiritual Awareness (Pending):
Objective: Attempt to sense spiritual energy at least five times.
Progress: 0/5 Attempts
Reward: Unlock beginner-level spiritual energy manipulation and +2 Spirit
3. Integrate into Karakura Town (Ongoing):
Objective: Build meaningful connections with at least five residents.
Progress: 1/5
Reward: Improved charisma interactions and an unknown passive ability
4. Find the Hidden Artifact of Karakura Town (Pending):
Objective: Investigate rumors and clues to uncover a spiritually significant object.
Progress: 0%
Reward: Unknown.
5. Protect the Balance (Inactive):
Objective: Resolve the growing disturbances in Karakura Town.
Progress: Inactive (requires spiritual awareness to unlock).
Reward: Unknown
Satori scanned the quests, his expression shifting from mild annoyance to outright disbelief. "Survive the first week at school? Really? That's a quest?"
The guide nodded sagely. "Absolutely. School is a battlefield in its own right. Social dynamics, expectations, the dreaded cafeteria food you'll need to navigate it all while staying inconspicuous!"
He groaned. "And this 'Find the Hidden Artifact' thing? What artifact? I didn't sign up to be a treasure hunter."
"It's significant," the guide said with uncharacteristic seriousness. "You'll understand more when you start exploring. For now, focus on building your skills and connections."
Satori rubbed his temples. "Fine. But I still barely know how to use spiritual powers its still at lv 1 .
"That's where practice comes in!" she said cheerily. "Remember, I assigned you a daily quest for that. Growth takes effort, Host."
"And nagging takes patience," he shot back with a smirk.
The guide floated closer, her exaggeratedly stern face uncomfortably close. "Procrastination is the thief of progress, Host!"
Satori waved her off, sighing. "Alright, alright. I'll figure it out. Just let me get through today without dying of embarrassment."
The glowing panel faded as he picked up his pace. Despite the ridiculousness of it all, he couldn't ignore the weight of the system's words. Each quest hinted at a bigger picture, one he wasn't sure he was ready to face.
For now, though, he had one mission: get to class on time and survive another day in this bizarre, new life.
Satori sat at his desk, his chin propped lazily on his hand as he stared at the blackboard. Ms. Ochi's lesson droned on in the background, her words blending into an unrecognizable hum. While the rest of the class diligently took notes, he was focused on something else entirely.
Focus, Host, the system's chibi guide scolded, her miniature form hovering by his shoulder, arms crossed.
"I'm in class," Satori muttered under his breath, careful not to draw attention. "How am I supposed to practice Reiryoku control without looking like a weirdo?"
Excuses, excuses, the guide huffed, floating to his other side. Spiritual mastery begins with the mind. You don't need flashy moves to start just channel your energy internally. Close your eyes if you need to, but focus.
Satori sighed, rubbing his temple. He wasn't even sure if he had any energy to channel in the first place. "Alright, fine. What's step one?"
Visualize your core. Imagine a spark or a flame deep within your chest. That's where your Reiryoku resides. Breathe deeply, and concentrate on feeling it.
He closed his eyes, tuning out the classroom noise as he followed her instructions. At first, there was nothing but darkness in his mind's eye. Then, faintly, he imagined a flicker of light, barely perceptible, like the dying ember of a candle.
"There," he whispered.
Good. Now, hold that image steady. Breathe in, and imagine drawing energy toward that spark. Keep it controlled.
The ember in his mind wavered, then grew slightly brighter. Satori felt a faint warmth in his chest, but the sensation quickly vanished. His eyes snapped open in frustration.
"Nothing happened," he muttered.
Progress takes time, Host, the guide said, her tone unusually gentle. You're still untrained. Just sensing your Reiryoku is an achievement in itself.
Ms. Ochi suddenly snapped a piece of chalk in his direction, the projectile smacking his desk with a sharp crack. "Satori! Eyes on the board, not your daydreams!"
The class erupted in laughter, and Satori forced a sheepish grin. "Sorry, sensei."
The chibi guide floated closer, her expression smug. Look at that, Host. You've already mastered dodging responsibility.
"Very funny," Satori muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Any tips for practicing without getting pelted with chalk?"
Fine. Subtlety is key. Try focusing on your breathing slow and steady. Nobody notices that. And remember, progress is incremental.
Satori did as she suggested, exhaling softly as he tried to sense the faint spark again.
Daily Quest Progress: "Attempt to Sense Spiritual Energy – 1/3 Completed!"
He smirked at the notification. "Guess that counts."
Baby steps, Host. You'll be a spiritual powerhouse in no time—or at least before the next chalk assault.
Satori chuckled under his breath. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Ms. Ochi's voice broke through his concentration again. "Satori! Pay attention or you'll be staying after class!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Satori straightened up, his guide vanishing with a soft giggle.
Back to work, Host. You'll need every ounce of Reiryoku you can muster if you want to survive in this world.
As Satori stared at the faint spark of energy he had barely managed to visualize, the chibi guide reappeared, hovering inches from his nose.
"You're getting there, Host, but you're a bit like a toddler trying to light a campfire," she teased.
Satori groaned. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. Care to actually help instead of just roasting me?"
The guide folded her tiny arms and floated to his shoulder. "Fine, since you're clearly struggling to grasp the basics, let me break down how the spiritual power system works in this world. Think of this as your crash course in Spiritual Energy 101."
She snapped her fingers, and a glowing diagram appeared in the air in front of him.
1. Reishi (Spirit Particles)
The guide tapped the first section of the diagram.
"Reishi is the foundation of everything in the spiritual realms, like Soul Society or Hueco Mundo. It's what makes up buildings, weapons, even people there. In the World of the Living, there's Reishi too, but it's much weaker."
Satori frowned. "So, like atoms in the real world?"
"Exactly. Quincies are the main users of Reishi they draw it from their surroundings and combine it with their own energy, called Reiryoku, to make weapons or techniques. That's how they create their arrows and enhance their bodies with abilities like Blut Vene."
The guide zoomed in on an image of a Quincy, arrows glowing with Reishi.
2. Reiryoku (Spiritual Power)
She moved to the next section.
"Reiryoku is your spiritual energy. It's what powers abilities, techniques, and tools. For example, Shinigami use their Reiryoku to channel attacks through their Zanpakuto, while Hollows use theirs to fire Cero blasts."
Satori nodded slowly. "So everyone who's spiritually aware has this?"
"Correct. The amount you have depends on your innate potential. Think of it as the size of your water tank."
The diagram shifted to show a tank filling with glowing blue liquid.
"A bigger tank means more power, but you also need skill to use it effectively. You've got a small tank right now, Host, but don't worry training will help you expand it."
3. Reiatsu (Spiritual Pressure)
The guide pointed to the last section, her tone more serious.
"Reiatsu is the outward expression of Reiryoku. It's the pressure you feel when someone's spiritual energy leaks out. A strong Reiatsu can overwhelm weaker opponents or even crush them if it's intense enough."
The diagram now showed two figures: one towering and radiating pressure, the other kneeling under the weight of it.
"The key to mastering Reiatsu is control. You can raise it to intimidate or suppress it to go unnoticed. Think of it like adjusting the flow of water from your tank. Too much, and you flood the place. Too little, and you're invisible."
Analogy
The guide spun to face Satori, her expression smug.
"Let's summarize: Reiryoku is your water tank, Reiatsu is the pressure when you release it, and Reishi is the environment it interacts with. Get it?"
Satori rubbed the back of his neck. "I think so. So right now, my 'water tank' is small, and my 'pressure' is barely noticeable, right?"
"Exactly. But don't worry, Host every expert starts as a beginner. Your first step is to sense Reishi in the environment and slowly integrate it into your training. Baby steps."
Satori sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, sensei. I'll try again."
The guide grinned. "Good! And remember, Host mastering this isn't just about getting stronger. It's about survival. In this world, those who don't grow get left behind."
Her words echoed in his mind as he closed his eyes and tried once more, focusing on the faint spark within him and the vast energy that surrounded him.