Dream sat there contemplating for a bit.
[There's not much we'll be able to do to help from here. All we can do is warn people and they'll have to figure everything else out.]
"I know. But I still can't help but wish I were there. You said that people are leveling up? What about skills?"
[The most common skills are shooting and basic sword mastery. There's also sports-related skills popping up. Cooking is another one.]
"I guess that's good. I was actually thinking of posting some of our findings about magic. Like how levels strengthen the soul, skill signatures, how the soul is 4 dimensional, stuff like that."
[I can do that. We can post it as an addition to the guidebook. Maybe make a section for our findings.]
"Sure. Another thing, make a general A.I. for them, like Siri. It can help with various things and give them something else to focus on."
[Alright.]
"...Is there anything else?"
[There isn't. At least for now. Its been barely a day since we sent things out, things need time to develop. I'll let you know of anything important. Speaking of, your family is doing quite well. In the way of leveling up.]
"Is that right...Who and what level?"
[Your brother Walter has leveled up to level 13. Your sister Melody has leveled to 11. Austin is also level 11. Your dad is level 12 and your mom is still level 1.]
"They're that high? What's going on in LA?"
[LA is fine. I actually took it upon myself to tell them to go to areas with wildlife. I used your name to do so, since it is crucial that they level up quickly and early.]
"Oh, alright. Thanks. Are they protecting Melody well?"
[Of course. Though not that she really needs it. Your mom hasn't begun leveling, but your dad plans to change that soon.]
"That's good. For now, they'll be able to use guns, but in the future they won't be. Start teaching them essential knowledge with that A.I. And don't hold back giving them our knowledge. Especially Walter, he's always been the crafty, programmer type. Austin though, has he been hoeing around?"
[He hasn't. Your parents haven't let him. I gotta say though, you best keep the girls away, he's quite the playboy.]
"Uh-huh. Right now, Earth is the only thing holding him back. He would have 50 girlfriends if he were in this world."
[Very true.]
"Oh well, it isn't as if he's unreliable when he needs to be. What about Melody? She's always been hot-blooded. The number of fights she'd get into with Walter and Austin, even me."
[She's doing fantastic for a 17-year-old girl. At least she's almost on par with the other guys. Turns out she's just as brutal with monsters as she is with you guys.]
"That sounds about right. I'm just glad she hasn't shied away from monsters. Well, thanks for taking care of them. I guess I'll have to call them sometime."
[Sure. And they do want to see you. Especially Melody, she misses her older brother.]
"I know. It just sucks not being able to actually see them."
[Then we need to get more power. Maybe one day it'll be possible to return.]
"Agreed. *sigh* Anyway, how far into the day are we? There's no sun down here."
[It's after noon.]
"Alright."
Dream stood up from his seat and walked out of the storage room, meeting with Graff and Riddick.
"Oh? What do we have here?" (Graff)
"You've learned a recovery technique?" (Riddick)
Both magicians were able to notice the abnormal mana movement and pointed it out.
"I guessed you guys would be able to see it. Yes, I've developed a technique that can help pull mana in quicker." (Dream)
"Impressive. Don't stress yourself though. It's not like you're in a fight right now." (Graff)
"Hm? Why would I be stressing myself?" (Dream)
"Well in order to pull mana in, you have to concentrate on your innate ability to recover. That what recovery techniques are, and doing it outside of meditation is very strenuous since it requires you to maintain concentration on recovery as well as the outside. Which you're doing right now." (Graff)
"Oh, right. I guess so." (Dream)
'Sophia, mystify.'
[Got it.]
After Dream nodded to Graff, the men saw the mana around them stop flowing towards Dream. Graff nodded at that while Riddick put on a complicated face.
Dream also began sweating on the inside.
'I didn't think passive recovery would be something unknown. Wouldn't they have something like that?'
[Like I said earlier, there's probably nobody who could develop the same technique. They don't have the knowledge nor processing power to do what we did. And someone who does wouldn't only be a 3rd class. Luckily we can mask it with your skill, though Riddick doesn't look so convinced.]
'Well, I've actually thought about trying to teach the Old Man something like this if he didn't already have a technique. Since he needs to get back his wife and all.'
Dream put on a relaxed face and took a seat at the table.
"So how's the studying coming along?" (Dream)
"It's great! I have to say, the functions behind engineering are rather confusing, but I have already gained many insights. Hell, I doubt I would ever develop this knowledge even if given thousands of years!" (Graff)
"That's good. What about you, Old Man? Have you learned anything about your magic?"
"I have. In fact, I've already modified my magic and made it more destructive and efficient. I say that in these past hours, I have risen my combat power by almost 10%. I haven't had such huge gains since my early days as a magician in the Spire." (Riddick)
"It truly is marvelous how your world was able to attain such knowledge. It's such a raw form of information. The laws, the math, everything comes together in such a perfect way. I already have many tests that I wish to carry out." (Graff)
"It's good that your perspective is being widened. It's about using mana in conjunction with matter to produce the results you want, not one against the other. Now since some time has passed, I can transfer some more knowledge. After that, we can call it a day." (Dream)
"Of course." (Graff)
Dream walked over to them and did the same thing as last time. This time though, a lot more data was given since they had begun to change their way of thinking and could process more.
Dream sat back and threw on his headphones as he watched them process.
'This is when I wish the girls were here. They could keep me company while I sit here with nothing to do.'
[It's only been a day.]
'I know but still. Hmm, If I imagine a loading icon above their heads, it makes it fun.'
[Hehe, I can actually put one there.]
'Oh! There it is. *sigh* You know, I kind of wish I could go back to the forest. I mean, I know I couldn't stay there forever, well I could, but either way, it was nice being able to just relax sometimes. Whenever I'm somewhere unfamiliar, my body always has some tension. It's just natural. But even after several months of being in this world, I haven't totally gotten used to it. The pressure is piling, and recently it's only gotten worse. Everything with Riddick and how the girls could be getting hunted is subconsciously making me want to gain strength, but if I rush, I know bad things happen.'
[That may not be the case. I know that things always made a turn for the worse back on Earth, but that can change now. Now I can't recommend trying to beeline straight for class 3 in a month, but hitting class 2 while you're here may not be impossible. Just take it one step at a time. You got this.]
'Mm...I guess. Thanks, Sophia. I'll try and take it easy on you too. I sometimes forget that you're my greatest supporter in all this, and I really am thankful. I couldn't have a better partner.'
[Hehe, of course! I will always be here with you. I'm a part of your soul after all, there's not much closer one could get.]
Sophia had a burst of glee after receiving Dream's heartfelt thanks. He also ended up smiling at her happiness.
..................
...........
....
Several hours later, everyone was sitting at the table, waiting for Elaina to make dinner.
Dream turned to the girls sitting next to him.
"So, did you guys have fun with Elaina?" (Dream)
"Ya! We walked around the city for a while, going shopping. She got us clothes that could replace our old ones since they stood out too much." (Iris)
"She also taught us some stuff like cooking here at the house. Though..." (Luna)
"Though?" (Dream)
Luna stopped her sentence halfway, turning her eyes away. Iris smirked and finished it for her.
"Hehe, Luna can't cook." (Iris)
"W-Well it was always you that cooked in the forest! All I did was cut the meat." (Luna)
"Oh ya, thanks for freezing the vegetables too." (Iris)
"I didn't mean too! It's just easier to use my ice knives! And they get sharper when they're colder so..." (Luna)
Luna's face turned bashful as Iris' teasing. Though Dream was a bit perplexed.
'Since when does Luna get so flustered? It's usually Scarlet that's like that. Oh well.'
"So you guys learned to cook. Did you get a skill?" (Dream)
"I did! In fact, I got it to level 6." (Iris)
"I-I didn't..." (Luna)
"Haha, it's alright. It's only been a day." (Dream)
"He's right, Luna. Even I didn't get my skill in a day. There's no rush." (Elaina)
Elaina came walking out of the kitchen and began unloading plates onto the table. On it was a big piece of meat, along with another plate of fruits and bread.
"It took me dozens of years to get where I am, and I'm not even the best around here. The other chefs in the city have much higher levels." (Elaina)
"I guess... What about you Dream? How was the study?" (Luna)
"It was alright. The ones enjoying themselves were these guys." (Dream)
"Haha! It was enjoyable indeed. Absolutely eye-opening! I've never felt so enlightened. Such a different way of seeing things. I have many things to do." (Graff)
"I was actually going to ask you about that. Tomorrow I want to go hunting. Nothing difficult, anything around class 1 will do. I have some things I wish to try. Do you know where I could go for that?" (Dream)
"Hmm...There is no shortage of class 1's, just depends on the type. What're you looking to try?" (Graff)
"I want to test some weapons of mine, as well as some magic. Monsters that I can isolate easily are preferable, and having a skill is a must. Anything fit that criterion?" (Dream)
"Of course. There's a couple of dungeons around here that you can go to. The only problem is that you can't go by yourself." (Graff)
"I know, how about you join the twins. I know they have a group. If not theirs, maybe you could find a raid party at the guild." (Elaina)
"Oh! I wanna go hunting, so we can join Dream." (Iris)
"Oh, sweet. I was gonna ask you guys, but I guess I don't have to. Does that solve my group problem then?" (Dream)
"You guys should still find another couple of people. You've never been in a dungeon before, and this time I won't be going with you. So safety is top priority. I'm speaking to you, Boy." (Riddick)
Riddick looked at Dream, who froze halfway through eating a chunk of meat in his mouth.
"I undershtan." (Dream)
"Hmph, good." (Riddick)
"They'll be fine. As long as they don't go challenging the dungeon king, they could make their way out of danger." (Graff)
"Dungeon king?" (Dream)
"It's the strongest monster in the dungeon. They have their own dwellings, and beating them is like beating the dungeon. Though they are always very dangerous for their own level. A class 2 king will take 6 average class 2 people to kill it." (Graff)
"Wow." (Dream)
"I know. That's why you need to be careful. Stay away from the back of the dungeon and closer to the entrance. That's where the weaker monsters are." (Graff)
"Noted. So how exactly do we find more people to team with?" (Dream)
"I think going with the twins is a good idea actually. Their group has been together for a while, and if I'm not mistaken, even has a class 2?" (Graff)
Graff turned to look at Mark.
"Yes, we have two class 2's, us, and two other level 80's." (Mark)
"So there's room. Then take these three with you tomorrow. Since they're new, they can just watch. Maybe give them a couple of kills. I'm sure your leader won't mind. If he does, tell him I sent them." (Graff)
"Alright. We leave after breakfast tomorrow. Be fully prepared. It's an all-day quest as well, so you'll need food and water." (Mark)
"No problem. Oh, that's another thing. Graff, do you mind if I get some materials to work with? I'll need to make some weaponry sometime and the iron and titanium you have look good."
"W-Wait, you don't have weapons?" (Mark)
"I have weapons. They could use some improvements is all. It's actually the girls who don't have proper weapons. They only have their magic." (Dream)
"Oh..." (Mark)
"I have no problem with you using materials. I also know someone who's a good blacksmith. If you want, I can introduce you and he can forge your weapons." (Graff)
"Sure, that'd help. Maybe I could learn some things from him too." (Dream)
Dream nodded in thanks and finished up his food. Everyone else also finished dinner and left for their rooms.
..............
Dream sat on his bed in sweats. His hair still damp from the bath he just took.
He sat there with a contemplative face for a bit before the balcony door was opened. He didn't need to turn to know who it was.
"Hi. You wanted to see us?" (Iris)
Luna and Iris walked in and made themselves comfortable on the bed. Dream snapped out of it and focused on them. He did indeed let them know that he wanted to see them through Luna's familiar connection.
"I did. I have some things I wish to try, and you guys are needed."
"So you just called us up for an experiment?" (Iris)
Iris sulked a bit. Dream smirked at her disappointment and responded.
"Heh, maybe. Though I happen to enjoy the company of two gorgeous women, so maybe It wasn't only for an experiment."
"O-Oh..."
"But there is still an experiment, one that is rather important actually. I can play with you guys later."
"Does it have to do with tomorrow?" (Luna)
"Not necessarily. Basically what I want to do is give you guys access to Sophia."
"Sophia? She's your skill right?" (Iris)
"That's right. I plan to use Luna's [Bestow] skill to give you both a connection. You'll be able to talk to her and she can help you as she does with me. Here, let's all hold hands."
Dream decided to show them and took each of their hands. Sophia officially greeted them through a channel.
[Hello girls. I'm Sophia.]
Dream sat there contemplating for a bit.
[There's not much we'll be able to do to help from here. All we can do is warn people and they'll have to figure everything else out.]
"I know. But I still can't help but wish I were there. You said that people are leveling up? What about skills?"
[The most common skills are shooting and basic sword mastery. There's also sports-related skills popping up. Cooking is another one.]
"I guess that's good. I was actually thinking of posting some of our findings about magic. Like how levels strengthen the soul, skill signatures, how the soul is 4 dimensional, stuff like that."
[I can do that. We can post it as an addition to the guidebook. Maybe make a section for our findings.]
"Sure. Another thing, make a general A.I. for them, like Siri. It can help with various things and give them something else to focus on."
[Alright.]
"...Is there anything else?"
[There isn't. At least for now. Its been barely a day since we sent things out, things need time to develop. I'll let you know of anything important. Speaking of, your family is doing quite well. In the way of leveling up.]
"Is that right...Who and what level?"
[Your brother Walter has leveled up to level 13. Your sister Melody has leveled to 11. Austin is also level 11. Your dad is level 12 and your mom is still level 1.]
"They're that high? What's going on in LA?"
[LA is fine. I actually took it upon myself to tell them to go to areas with wildlife. I used your name to do so, since it is crucial that they level up quickly and early.]
"Oh, alright. Thanks. Are they protecting Melody well?"
[Of course. Though not that she really needs it. Your mom hasn't begun leveling, but your dad plans to change that soon.]
"That's good. For now, they'll be able to use guns, but in the future they won't be. Start teaching them essential knowledge with that A.I. And don't hold back giving them our knowledge. Especially Walter, he's always been the crafty, programmer type. Austin though, has he been hoeing around?"
[He hasn't. Your parents haven't let him. I gotta say though, you best keep the girls away, he's quite the playboy.]
"Uh-huh. Right now, Earth is the only thing holding him back. He would have 50 girlfriends if he were in this world."
[Very true.]
"Oh well, it isn't as if he's unreliable when he needs to be. What about Melody? She's always been hot-blooded. The number of fights she'd get into with Walter and Austin, even me."
[She's doing fantastic for a 17-year-old girl. At least she's almost on par with the other guys. Turns out she's just as brutal with monsters as she is with you guys.]
"That sounds about right. I'm just glad she hasn't shied away from monsters. Well, thanks for taking care of them. I guess I'll have to call them sometime."
[Sure. And they do want to see you. Especially Melody, she misses her older brother.]
"I know. It just sucks not being able to actually see them."
[Then we need to get more power. Maybe one day it'll be possible to return.]
"Agreed. *sigh* Anyway, how far into the day are we? There's no sun down here."
[It's after noon.]
"Alright."
Dream stood up from his seat and walked out of the storage room, meeting with Graff and Riddick.
"Oh? What do we have here?" (Graff)
"You've learned a recovery technique?" (Riddick)
Both magicians were able to notice the abnormal mana movement and pointed it out.
"I guessed you guys would be able to see it. Yes, I've developed a technique that can help pull mana in quicker." (Dream)
"Impressive. Don't stress yourself though. It's not like you're in a fight right now." (Graff)
"Hm? Why would I be stressing myself?" (Dream)
"Well in order to pull mana in, you have to concentrate on your innate ability to recover. That what recovery techniques are, and doing it outside of meditation is very strenuous since it requires you to maintain concentration on recovery as well as the outside. Which you're doing right now." (Graff)
"Oh, right. I guess so." (Dream)
'Sophia, mystify.'
[Got it.]
After Dream nodded to Graff, the men saw the mana around them stop flowing towards Dream. Graff nodded at that while Riddick put on a complicated face.
Dream also began sweating on the inside.
'I didn't think passive recovery would be something unknown. Wouldn't they have something like that?'
[Like I said earlier, there's probably nobody who could develop the same technique. They don't have the knowledge nor processing power to do what we did. And someone who does wouldn't only be a 3rd class. Luckily we can mask it with your skill, though Riddick doesn't look so convinced.]
'Well, I've actually thought about trying to teach the Old Man something like this if he didn't already have a technique. Since he needs to get back his wife and all.'
Dream put on a relaxed face and took a seat at the table.
"So how's the studying coming along?" (Dream)
"It's great! I have to say, the functions behind engineering are rather confusing, but I have already gained many insights. Hell, I doubt I would ever develop this knowledge even if given thousands of years!" (Graff)
"That's good. What about you, Old Man? Have you learned anything about your magic?"
"I have. In fact, I've already modified my magic and made it more destructive and efficient. I say that in these past hours, I have risen my combat power by almost 10%. I haven't had such huge gains since my early days as a magician in the Spire." (Riddick)
"It truly is marvelous how your world was able to attain such knowledge. It's such a raw form of information. The laws, the math, everything comes together in such a perfect way. I already have many tests that I wish to carry out." (Graff)
"It's good that your perspective is being widened. It's about using mana in conjunction with matter to produce the results you want, not one against the other. Now since some time has passed, I can transfer some more knowledge. After that, we can call it a day." (Dream)
"Of course." (Graff)
Dream walked over to them and did the same thing as last time. This time though, a lot more data was given since they had begun to change their way of thinking and could process more.
Dream sat back and threw on his headphones as he watched them process.
'This is when I wish the girls were here. They could keep me company while I sit here with nothing to do.'
[It's only been a day.]
'I know but still. Hmm, If I imagine a loading icon above their heads, it makes it fun.'
[Hehe, I can actually put one there.]
'Oh! There it is. *sigh* You know, I kind of wish I could go back to the forest. I mean, I know I couldn't stay there forever, well I could, but either way, it was nice being able to just relax sometimes. Whenever I'm somewhere unfamiliar, my body always has some tension. It's just natural. But even after several months of being in this world, I haven't totally gotten used to it. The pressure is piling, and recently it's only gotten worse. Everything with Riddick and how the girls could be getting hunted is subconsciously making me want to gain strength, but if I rush, I know bad things happen.'
[That may not be the case. I know that things always made a turn for the worse back on Earth, but that can change now. Now I can't recommend trying to beeline straight for class 3 in a month, but hitting class 2 while you're here may not be impossible. Just take it one step at a time. You got this.]
'Mm...I guess. Thanks, Sophia. I'll try and take it easy on you too. I sometimes forget that you're my greatest supporter in all this, and I really am thankful. I couldn't have a better partner.'
[Hehe, of course! I will always be here with you. I'm a part of your soul after all, there's not much closer one could get.]
Sophia had a burst of glee after receiving Dream's heartfelt thanks. He also ended up smiling at her happiness.
..................
...........
....
Several hours later, everyone was sitting at the table, waiting for Elaina to make dinner.
Dream turned to the girls sitting next to him.
"So, did you guys have fun with Elaina?" (Dream)
"Ya! We walked around the city for a while, going shopping. She got us clothes that could replace our old ones since they stood out too much." (Iris)
"She also taught us some stuff like cooking here at the house. Though..." (Luna)
"Though?" (Dream)
Luna stopped her sentence halfway, turning her eyes away. Iris smirked and finished it for her.
"Hehe, Luna can't cook." (Iris)
"W-Well it was always you that cooked in the forest! All I did was cut the meat." (Luna)
"Oh ya, thanks for freezing the vegetables too." (Iris)
"I didn't mean too! It's just easier to use my ice knives! And they get sharper when they're colder so..." (Luna)
Luna's face turned bashful as Iris' teasing. Though Dream was a bit perplexed.
'Since when does Luna get so flustered? It's usually Scarlet that's like that. Oh well.'
"So you guys learned to cook. Did you get a skill?" (Dream)
"I did! In fact, I got it to level 6." (Iris)
"I-I didn't..." (Luna)
"Haha, it's alright. It's only been a day." (Dream)
"He's right, Luna. Even I didn't get my skill in a day. There's no rush." (Elaina)
Elaina came walking out of the kitchen and began unloading plates onto the table. On it was a big piece of meat, along with another plate of fruits and bread.
"It took me dozens of years to get where I am, and I'm not even the best around here. The other chefs in the city have much higher levels." (Elaina)
"I guess... What about you Dream? How was the study?" (Luna)
"It was alright. The ones enjoying themselves were these guys." (Dream)
"Haha! It was enjoyable indeed. Absolutely eye-opening! I've never felt so enlightened. Such a different way of seeing things. I have many things to do." (Graff)
"I was actually going to ask you about that. Tomorrow I want to go hunting. Nothing difficult, anything around class 1 will do. I have some things I wish to try. Do you know where I could go for that?" (Dream)
"Hmm...There is no shortage of class 1's, just depends on the type. What're you looking to try?" (Graff)
"I want to test some weapons of mine, as well as some magic. Monsters that I can isolate easily are preferable, and having a skill is a must. Anything fit that criterion?" (Dream)
"Of course. There's a couple of dungeons around here that you can go to. The only problem is that you can't go by yourself." (Graff)
"I know, how about you join the twins. I know they have a group. If not theirs, maybe you could find a raid party at the guild." (Elaina)
"Oh! I wanna go hunting, so we can join Dream." (Iris)
"Oh, sweet. I was gonna ask you guys, but I guess I don't have to. Does that solve my group problem then?" (Dream)
"You guys should still find another couple of people. You've never been in a dungeon before, and this time I won't be going with you. So safety is top priority. I'm speaking to you, Boy." (Riddick)
Riddick looked at Dream, who froze halfway through eating a chunk of meat in his mouth.
"I undershtan." (Dream)
"Hmph, good." (Riddick)
"They'll be fine. As long as they don't go challenging the dungeon king, they could make their way out of danger." (Graff)
"Dungeon king?" (Dream)
"It's the strongest monster in the dungeon. They have their own dwellings, and beating them is like beating the dungeon. Though they are always very dangerous for their own level. A class 2 king will take 6 average class 2 people to kill it." (Graff)
"Wow." (Dream)
"I know. That's why you need to be careful. Stay away from the back of the dungeon and closer to the entrance. That's where the weaker monsters are." (Graff)
"Noted. So how exactly do we find more people to team with?" (Dream)
"I think going with the twins is a good idea actually. Their group has been together for a while, and if I'm not mistaken, even has a class 2?" (Graff)
Graff turned to look at Mark.
"Yes, we have two class 2's, us, and two other level 80's." (Mark)
"So there's room. Then take these three with you tomorrow. Since they're new, they can just watch. Maybe give them a couple of kills. I'm sure your leader won't mind. If he does, tell him I sent them." (Graff)
"Alright. We leave after breakfast tomorrow. Be fully prepared. It's an all-day quest as well, so you'll need food and water." (Mark)
"No problem. Oh, that's another thing. Graff, do you mind if I get some materials to work with? I'll need to make some weaponry sometime and the iron and titanium you have look good."
"W-Wait, you don't have weapons?" (Mark)
"I have weapons. They could use some improvements is all. It's actually the girls who don't have proper weapons. They only have their magic." (Dream)
"Oh..." (Mark)
"I have no problem with you using materials. I also know someone who's a good blacksmith. If you want, I can introduce you and he can forge your weapons." (Graff)
"Sure, that'd help. Maybe I could learn some things from him too." (Dream)
Dream nodded in thanks and finished up his food. Everyone else also finished dinner and left for their rooms.
..............
Dream sat on his bed in sweats. His hair still damp from the bath he just took.
He sat there with a contemplative face for a bit before the balcony door was opened. He didn't need to turn to know who it was.
"Hi. You wanted to see us?" (Iris)
Luna and Iris walked in and made themselves comfortable on the bed. Dream snapped out of it and focused on them. He did indeed let them know that he wanted to see them through Luna's familiar connection.
"I did. I have some things I wish to try, and you guys are needed."
"So you just called us up for an experiment?" (Iris)
Iris sulked a bit. Dream smirked at her disappointment and responded.
"Heh, maybe. Though I happen to enjoy the company of two gorgeous women, so maybe It wasn't only for an experiment."
"O-Oh..."
"But there is still an experiment, one that is rather important actually. I can play with you guys later."
"Does it have to do with tomorrow?" (Luna)
"Not necessarily. Basically what I want to do is give you guys access to Sophia."
"Sophia? She's your skill right?" (Iris)
"That's right. I plan to use Luna's [Bestow] skill to give you both a connection. You'll be able to talk to her and she can help you as she does with me. Here, let's all hold hands."
Dream decided to show them and took each of their hands. Sophia officially greeted them through a channel.
[Hello girls. I'm Sophia.]
