A week had passed since the God Valley incident. Anima and everyone else went about their days as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. They went to school, returned home, did their work, played—everything was normal. Nothing out of the ordinary. They lived in Miami, Florida, but in a secluded corner of the world. What about everywhere else? Were people going about their days happily as usual? Of course not. Things were happening, shifts and changes. For a moment, we shall look into a different perspective.
Three Level 6 Dream Walkers from Australia were currently searching for a secret artifact. They had entered the Abyss.
Jackie: Hey, are you sure this artifact is located here?
Lyros: I'm certain it's here. My GPS is indicating this location. I'm sure it's here!
Taris: Okay, if you say so, then I trust you. But it's hot as hell here.
They were currently in the Abyss, a place deep beneath Australia. It was like crossing into a different world. The place was stormy, with black clouds and temperatures exceeding 200 degrees. Lightning crackled, the ground was ashen, and the entire world was shrouded in darkness. A giant black castle loomed in the distance, the supposed location of the artifact.
The artifact they sought was the "Lantern of the Moon Goddess," containing a special Dream Shard fragment. Classified as ALS (Above the Leveling System), it was the missing half of the Moon God's power.
The group ventured through the Abyss, encountering only barren terrain, mountain ranges, and storms. No monsters were in sight. As they approached the castle, a colossal, ten-foot-tall ogre with multiple red eyes and yellow pupils appeared.
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Lyros: Jackie, look out!
Jackie dodged a beam of energy fired by the ogre.
The adventurers' Visions were primarily support-oriented. Lyros's Vision, "Reacher," was a GPS watch capable of locating powerful artifacts and beings. Jackie's Vision, "Cage," allowed him to create protective shields for his allies. Taris's Vision, "Rod," was a green energy fishing string that could drain mana from enemies.
Taris: Vision on.
His eyes glowed green as he extended his string towards the ogre.
Ogre: Rahahhahahahhaha!
It fired another laser beam, which they dodged.
Jackie: Damn bastard.
Lyros: Put your cage down, Jackie!
Jackie deployed his cage, and Lyros drew his axe, "Level Up," an artifact capable of temporarily leveling up the user to match an opponent one level higher. With a swing of his axe, Lyros severed the ogre's head.
Jackie: Hey, let's go. Nice job!
Taris: Good shit, Lyros.
Lyros: Let's go!
The group entered the castle, following Lyros's GPS signal towards the artifact. The castle was empty, devoid of monsters, chests, or anything of interest.
Taris: This place is creepy, man. There's nothing here. Is your GPS picking up anything?
Lyros: Just the artifact.
Jackie: Wow, this was easy. Let's grab the artifact, get out of here, and get rich.
Their goal was to sell the artifact and retire from Dream Walking. They knew it was valuable, but they had no idea of its true rarity, power, or the consequences of its discovery. It was mere luck that Lyros's GPS had led them to it.
They descended a staircase into a cold, dark room.
Jackie: Talk about weather change. First, it's extremely hot, and now it's freezing down here.
Taris: Whatever. Let's just grab the artifact and get out of this place.
Jackie: Where is it?
Lyros: Just across this hallway.
They walked down the hallway and found the "Lantern of the Moon Goddess."
Jackie: Holy shit, I can feel the power surging through this lantern.
The lantern emitted a purple glow, filling the room with immense energy.
Taris: Holy shit, we're going to be rich. Let's go.
Just as they were about to claim their prize, a chilling voice echoed through the room.
???: Hello there. You seem to have something I need.