Shadow Slave: Divergence of Hereos

Chapter 18: Sleeper Klaus

Reopening my eyes, I found myself in a relatively cleaner room than the one I had fallen asleep in.

I was now in tighter restraints, but definitely in a different environment than before.

"Sleeper Klaus is awake." I heard a voice from what seemed to be the opposite side of the room.

People were probably keeping track of me, waiting for me to wake up.

Right, that makes sense. Since I have been inside of my first Nightmare for multiple months, which is not common whatsoever.

By this point I should have either died or become a sleeper.

Legacy clans might even know about my existence due to how unique the circumstances are.

As I was going through my thoughts, a man with a Government uniform walked inside of the room.

He had a refined look on his face, and evident eye bags as well.

There were 2 stars on his Governmental attire, so it was evident what rank he is- An Awakened.

In this world, the humans had specific ranks and names.

Humans, who follow the path of ascension, have these following names:

Dormant- Also known as Sleepers. The rank which I was in.

Awakened- Known also as Awakened, was the rank of the man in the governmental uniform in front of me.

Ascendants- Known as Masters.

Transcendents- Known also as saints.

The Supremes- Also known as the Sovereigns.

Then there was also the Sacred and Divine ranks, which as far as I know did not have colloquial names.

I don't know which part of the novel I am inside of right now, but I sure as hell hope I am not in anything like Volume 9 or post that, since I know nothing of what happens then.

Hopefully, I am somewhere earlier in the novel, preferably even around when Sunny first starts his path of ascension.

"Nice of you to join us in the waking world, Sleeper Klaus." The man called out to me as he removed the restraints I was on.

As I felt my body gain back its semblance of control, the man brought out a chair and sat next to me.

"So, how do you feel? You have been stuck inside of your Nightmare for a while." The man asked me.

He seemed to have been ordered to be especially nice to me, but I didn't really fall for it.

I am sure there are at least 1 or 2 parties interested in what I had just gone through.

"I feel fine…just much stronger."

"I see…well Sleeper Klaus, you're slightly unlucky. You awakened 2 months before the next Solstice. Oh by the way, you can call me Awakened Mortis."

I nodded at his explanation, and a question popped into my head.

"Awakened Mortis…how long have I been inside of my Nightmare?"

"Let's see…" He pondered for a second before replying, "Somewhere around 14 months?"

I was a little shocked at the time frame I have been with Mori Jin for…since most of the time I was swinging Ruyi Jingu, time didn't even feel that long.

We had at most 5-6 conversations.

"I see…"

Awakened Mortis just let me process the fact as he was brought a file by some of the mundane soldiers nearby.

After a couple of minutes he stood up, and said with a smile on his face.

"How about you go and clean yourself up. We can discuss this after you have a proper meal."

At the mention of a proper shower and food I almost salivated.

I don't know how Mori kept me alive all this while without me having to eat anything, but I miss the taste of food.

After taking a shower and putting on the clothes that were given to me, I saw a mirror inside of the bathroom.

As I caught a glimpse of my reflection, I was taken aback by how much I had changed. 

Standing at around 185 cm, I looked taller and more imposing than before, my once lean frame now honed to near perfection. 

My wavy black hair, which used to fall in unkempt strands, now framed my face with a more deliberate edge. 

My brown eyes, sharper and more focused, seemed to reflect the countless hours of gruelling training and the awakening from the spell. 

My body, once just lean, was now a symphony of rippling muscles and defined contours, every movement showcasing the results of my relentless effort. 

The transformation was striking; I was stronger, better looking, and more formidable than I had ever been.

'Come out, Ruyi Jingy.' I thought and not a moment later, the familiar staff was resting on the palm of my hand.

The staff which I had the strongest bond with in this new journey of my life.

The staff pulsed with excitement as it felt my will as well.

I unsummoned the staff and went for the meal that was prepared for me. It was not anything luxurious, barely containing any meat, but food was food.

Especially for someone who had not tasted anything for more than a year.

Right as I finished my meal, Awakened Mortis re entered the room and sat opposite me.

"Now that you are done I'll begin. First and foremost congratulations on completing your Nightmare. 

You are entitled to receive free psychological counselling. No matter what traumatic experience you have encountered, there is no shame in asking for help. Your mind is as important as your body —"

"I am sorry," I cut the awakened off. "I am not interested in counselling."

Mortis paused for a moment and looked right into my eyes.

"I strongly recommend for you to seek any help you might require. Anything that plagues your mind would be kept confidential between your counsellor and higher ups only."

"I understand that, but I do not require counselling." I emphasised.

"Sobeit."

After that he told me that I could go to the awakened academy and spend my following 2 months there before I would be pulled into the Dream Realm.

And obviously, I had accepted it.

...

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