The space rent open, splitting reality in half before shattering into pieces. The basement trembled, and every furniture clattered, creating a symphony that signals the wake of destruction.

Seeing this event unfold, Yuriel's gaze darted across the room and observed a thick mist rising from the ground. She sensed something, beyond the shattered space, in a void where fragments of reality floated.

Before, it was merely a premonition, an unshakable feeling when she witnessed the shattering up close. But right now, Yuriel knew there is something unknown, indescribable, and beyond terrifying in that plain. When she gazes into its darkness, she felt a mysterious force subduing her mind. Without her notice, the basement became a world of fire, yet the shattered space remained.

Amidst all these, Yuriel immediately noticed her mother at the center of this scene. She's in someone's grip, struggling, her legs swinging around in desperation. Her hands clawed on the perpetrators skin, her fingers bleeding.

"Mom!?" Yuriel's expression changed drastically, and without hesitation, rushed towards her mother.

However, she would soon realized that she couldn't do anything. Her body phased through the attacker, and no matter how much she tries, she couldn't touch him. Yuriel became frustrated, understanding that her will and thoughts are meaningless against this dream.

She cursed angerly, and after each futile attempts, Yuriel watched as her mother's neck snapped. A long silence enveloped the burning basement, and Yuriel screamed as everything vanishes.

......

She abruptly rose from the chair, screaming, then grasped her head in frustration. It was a dream, Yuriel knew, but she still felt pain after witnessing what happened.

What if it becomes real? What if she was put in the same situation? What can she do? How can she save her mother? Brother? Friends?

Yuriel could only bit her lip, then pulled a strand of her hair, wallowing in the sensation of pain. Soon, she finally calmed down and breathed a long sigh before considering what just happened.

"That dream again..." Yuriel muttered with a grimace, then sat down on the chair. "What is it trying to tell me?"

The dream of shattering, it was something Yuriel had witnessed over and over again. After all these years. She was familiar with it, knew what it represent, a dream of total destruction.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Whether it was a vision, imagination, Yuriel didn't know, and decided to not care as much knowing there is nothing she can do about it.

Impatiently tapping her fingers on the table, Yuriel accepted her current status and groaned lightly. Right now, perhaps, her goal of creating a dream world is her only best course of action.

Yuriel had little progress at the moment, but she couldn't rush it. This project will definitely involve a meticulous process, requiring her utmost attention, power, and knowledge.

She might even need the help of someone.

"Since it's weekend.... should I call Ainsel for a trip?"

*****

Somewhere in the city, within a certain household, inside a dark room lit three monitors. Standing in front of these intricate computer set, was Ainsel who was covered by a thick blanket.

Her expression was focused, moving across the three screens, reacting to each of them all at once. She was multitasking, a skill she had developed long ago. It allows her to receive information, process it, and form immediate response.

Although, as for what this skills is used for, well, it's nothing special but somewhat impressive. Ainsel was playing a game, joining a raid to slay an event boss, while also surfing through the internet for various news, and watching the stream of her rival.

After a while, Ainsel sighed and leaned on her chair in exhaustion. Although she's used to being overworked, she is still a human and possess her own limits. Energy drinks won't be enough, and her stamina which is built from moderate exercise, isn't gonna maintain her health either.

"God dammit, what am I doing with my life?" She uttered with self disdain, then scoff immediately. "Honestly, what's the point, my life is already set in stone."

While she was thinking about her life, Ainsel noticed a message notification. At first, she didn't care, but her curiosity won over and clicked to see who it was. Just as she thought it was Kallen, an unexpected name appeared.

It was Yuriel.

"To think a day will come, when she'll message me personally." Ainsel says with a grin. "A short trip... that's a good idea! I really need to suck in a breath of fresh air right now."

Following those words, Ainsel agreed to Yuriel's message and immediately shut off her computer. Contrary to what people believed, Ainsel who's a hermit, preferred showering everyday. It's mostly because of refreshing herself, which became a healthy habit that makes her distinguishable from other basement dwellers.

Soon, Ainsel left her house with a disguise. Her head adorned by a straw hat, her eyes shielded in dark shades, and her mouth covered by a white mask. Unfortunately, she didn't realized that this attire will only attract attention, rather than actually hiding herself.

With that being the case, Ainsel left and cautiously inspected the road surrounding their house. There was no sight of any stalker, and because of that, she left enthusiastically and ran towards the nearby bus stop.

.....

The road was bustling as usual, with people going in and out of their work. Ainsel on the other hand, listens to her music in silence, minding her own business. Along the way, she had come across various establishments, from which she was tempted to buy and ate some pastries.

Resisting the whispering desire for food, Ainsel halted and clenched her fist. She closed her eyes, circling in front of a pastry shop, fighting her urges. Ainsel should at least wait for Yuriel, and only then can she eat to her hearts content.

But she was too impatient.

Before Ainsel can make a decision, she opened her eyes and saw a familiar face in the distance. Tachibana Claudine was in the streets, walking confidently with a wide smile.

Ainsel wondered what she was doing here, but decided to leave the thought behind and entered the pastry shop. She wasn't a nosy person, and certainly doesn't like associating herself with others outside the school, though Yuriel was an exception.

Just then, a young man in her age walked out in a careful stride. He was wearing a formal suit, with golden trimmed glassess neatly placed at the bridge of his nose. Ainsel didn't paid him much attention, but felt somewhat curious of his presence.

However, foods are more important. Standing in front of the shop owner, Ainsel pondered her choice: "Let's see, I'd like some croissants please!"