A gust of wind swept across the vibrant field, carrying with it the joyful chatter of the people. Laughter mingled with the enthusiastic cries of merchants promoting their wares, creating a lively symphony that filled the air. The sun cast its warm glow over the bustling market, illuminating a beautiful scene that could enchant anyone. However, amidst the sparkling atmosphere, one person stood out.

“Now, where the hell am I…?” Reika muttered to herself, glancing around puzzled.

She was no longer in the comfort of her bed. Instead, she found herself standing in the heart of a mediaeval market. The sights and sounds were unlike anything she had ever experienced, almost as if she had stepped into a fantasy-based novel. Clad in a flowing robe draped over an elegant dress, she figured that she was a noblewoman hiding her true identity.

“Ah, I see,” she acknowledged with a wry smile, clasping her hands together in realisation. “I’m dreaming.”

Reika chuckled softly as she nodded, her expression lightening. This was not her first vivid dream, and she had long since come to terms with the surreal adventures they often brought. The constant shifts around her made it clear this was not real, and rather than panicking, she embraced the opportunity to explore this enchanting world.

Though it may not be real, the thrill of experiencing life as if she were reincarnated in a popular fantasy novel was exhilarating. She took her time wandering through the market, allowing herself to revel in the atmosphere, the vibrant colours, and the lively interactions. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a sudden jostle startled her, snapping her back to the present.

She turned around to see who it was that bumped into her shoulder, and was surprised to see a taller and bigger figure glancing back at her over their shoulder. The person cleared their throat before fully facing Reika, towering over her. 

“Sorry,” the person in front of her apologised in a low tone. “I wasn’t looking.”

It was not a problem for her to have someone bump into her, but she couldn’t find her voice to reply. Instead, she was just staring adamantly at the tall man in front of her. He felt familiar to her — a little too familiar — but she doesn't remember ever meeting him in real life.

The man before her was in a similar robe as she was, covering his short black hair and sharp burnt orange eyes. They were the exact same colour as Reika’s, and it caught her off guard. While she felt a strange sense of familiarity to the man, feeling as if he was her, it couldn’t be possible, even if it was a dream.

“It’s okay. I wasn’t looking too,” Reika finally responded once she got back to her senses. She felt a strong gaze on her from the man in front of her, just like the one she was giving him just moments ago. The man in front of her stared at her slightly longer before nodding, putting the sudden meeting to an end.

Did he also feel a sense of familiarity upon seeing me?

Reika continued her journey through the bustling market, shaking her head to dispel the lingering thoughts. I shouldn't be stressing even in my own dreams, she reminded herself. Still, if this was a dream, why not enjoy it? So, despite knowing she couldn’t taste anything, she headed to a nearby diner, craving something grand for her first meal in this surreal world.

Her eyes locked onto the perfectly grilled lobster that was just served onto her table, mouth watering at the sight. She took a big bite, confirming the absence of taste, yet the sensation was satisfying enough. Even in a dream, the texture made her think the food was probably amazing. She took another bite, indulging in the fantasy, her earlier concerns fading.

But her peaceful meal was cut short.

The diner’s wall exploded with a deafening crash, sending customers into panicked screams. Reika’s heart sank, not at the chaos, but at the sight of her precious lobster flying off the table. She scowled at the unfairness of it all. 

Can’t even eat in peace in my own dream.

Her attention snapped back to the source of the destruction. Through the dust and debris, she saw the robed man from earlier, now pinned down by what appeared to be barbarians. The calm demeanour he had when they bumped into each other was gone. It was now replaced with a mix of fury and defiance.

“Hah! Is this all you've got?” one of the barbarians taunted, shoving the robed man across the diner. “And you think you can be a warrior? Don’t make me laugh!”

The man staggered to his feet, glaring at his opponent, his breath ragged but aggressive. It was then that his eyes fell on Reika, widening in shock. She mirrored his surprise but had no time to react before he lunged towards her.

“Watch out!” he shouted, but it was too late.

A rough hand yanked her arm, pulling her towards one of the barbarians. Reika winced at the tight grip, disgust rising as the brute leaned close, his breath hot against her ear.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” the barbarian crooned. “A noble lady in disguise, huh? I bet we could make a fortune selling you off.”

Sell me?! Her mind raced in disbelief. What kind of dream is this?!

Before she could fully process the situation, the robed man surged forward, teeth clenched, swinging a sword that shimmered with black crystals. The blade wasn’t ordinary — it looked as though it was made from the same dark material as the gem Reika had received from the elderly lady. He aimed directly for the barbarian who was holding Reika hostage, but his strikes were blocked or dodged by the others; the barbarian mocking him with each failed attempt.

“Pathetic,” the barbarian sneered, kicking the man back into the centre of the diner.

Undeterred, the robed man stood tall, his grip tightening on his sword. Ignoring the taunts, he raised the blade and swung in a wide arc from his current position, seemingly missing his mark.

“Hah! What kind of—”

The barbarian froze mid-sentence. A thin line of blood trickled down the side of his face. His eyes widened as he looked down, realising he had been cut — no, shredded — by multiple slashes across his body.

He didn’t even see what had happened, but Reika did. Crystals from the sword had flown in all directions with that single swing, slicing through the barbarian’s defences like paper, yet leaving her untouched.

That… that was so damn cool…, Reika thought, awestruck.

The barbarian loosened his grip on her, stunned, and before he could recover, the robed man struck once more, delivering the final blow with precise yet deadly efficiency. As if his determination had been fired up, he quickly finished off the rest of the barbarians in a few swift motions. 

In the blink of an eye, he stood over the lifeless bodies that had been mocking him just moments ago. Reika found herself standing in silence as she took in the sight of his broad back, towering and imposing against the carnage. When he glanced over his shoulder, she felt herself flinch in surprise.

"Sorry you got caught up in this." His voice, surprisingly soft, carried a hint of guilt as his eyes swept over the mess. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "And… sorry you had to see all of this."

The contrast in his tone threw her off. The same man who had been fierce and unrelenting in battle now sounded… apologetic, almost vulnerable. It was as though his entire demeanour had shifted the moment the fight ended. Reika found herself chuckling, the tension from earlier fading as an amused smile tugged at her lips.

“You know,” she mumbled, only loud enough for her to hear, her laughter light but genuine, “You kinda remind me of myself."

He blinked, caught off guard by her reaction, but offered a small, almost sheepish smile in return.

As her laughter subsided, Reika finally glanced around, her gaze settling on the bodies sprawled across the diner floor. Her smile faded slightly.

“Are they...” She hesitated, trying to find a more suitable and less aggressive word. “...Not breathing?”

The robed man’s expression darkened as he turned to look at the fallen bodies. After a moment, he nodded. “Yeah. They’re gone.” His voice was low, tinged with regret. “It’s never right to take a life, but…” He paused, his gaze dropping to the floor, away from Reika’s. “I had my reasons.”

Reika studied him carefully. His words struck a chord, echoing the same thoughts she’d been wrestling with all night — the idea of following your own judgement, no matter the consequences. She let out a soft hum, more thoughtful this time, before offering him a small smile.

"Yeah, I get that."

Reika replied as she glanced at the man before him. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the robed man. His strength, his skill with that strange sword — everything about him was awe-inspiring. And yet, a nagging thought tugged at her mind.

Why don’t I have this kind of power? she wondered. It’s my dream, after all...

Wait...

Her thoughts shifted abruptly, the realisation hitting her like a cold wave.

When am I supposed to wake up?

Panic set in. Reika began pacing, casting frantic glances around the hazy edges of the now-destroyed diner. The dream was vivid, too vivid. She hadn’t questioned it until now, but something felt... off. And yet, despite the growing anxiety gnawing at her, another part of her didn’t want to leave. The strangeness of this place, the unknown and its allure — it was strengthening her desire to stay.

Lost in her thoughts, she hadn’t noticed the robed man’s steady gaze on her. His brow furrowed slightly, a hint of recognition sparking in his eyes as he watched her pace. He had sensed it from the moment they bumped into each other earlier, but now it was even clearer.

“Have we met before?”

His question snapped Reika out of her thoughts. She stopped pacing, blinking at him in surprise.

“Not that I know of,” she answered, her voice uncertain. Then, curiously, she added, “Do I seem familiar to you too?”

The man tilted his head, considering her for a moment. “It’s not just that,” he said, voice thoughtful, almost distant. “It feels like...” He paused, locking eyes with her. “We’re the same person.”

Reika’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected that answer, though a strange part of her had been thinking the same thing all along. But before she could form a response, something shifted in the air. Her voice faltered as a strange haze began to cloud her vision, the vibrant diner and market blurring into shadowy outlines.

“W-Wait!” she cried, reaching out towards the man. But as her fingers stretched for him, his face began to fade. His features dissolved into the fog, leaving only a silhouette and... was that a smile?

“You’ll take good care of my body, right?” His voice lingered, soft and eerie before the last of him disappeared into the encroaching darkness.

Reika’s breath was caught in her throat. What does that mean? Her pulse quickened, panic rushing through her veins. Her surroundings dissolved entirely, replaced by endless blackness.

A sudden, sharp pain shot through her skull. She collapsed, clutching her head in agony. The nothingness around her seemed to pulse with her confusion and fear.

What is going on?

Her breaths came in ragged gasps as the pain intensified. She looked around wildly, but there was nothing. Just endless black.

When the hell am I waking up?!

Slowly, her consciousness began to slip away as the pain subsided. The grip on her head loosened, her vision fading into darkness. The last thing she remembered was the steady click of heels approaching, and the gentle touch of a warm hand on her head, patting it softly.

“Rest easy,” said an eerily familiar voice, soft and close. “I will grant your wish. So, follow your judgement as you please. 

Do what you must. Ryohei has entrusted his body to you after all.”