Toby wakes up screaming in his bed, but quickly remembers to cover his mouth, not wanting to wake up his family. The young dreamer has come back from the dream world, and he's feeling very overwhelmed right now.

Toby Robinson: I almost died, again! This can't keep happening, this has to stop. But can I even stop? This red armour guy, he must be a dreamer, and a very powerful one at that... Oh God, what can I do? How do I get out of this mess? I'm not ready to face this guy, I'm not strong enough to beat him! (Toby mutters in frustration)... (Chuckles) And here I was thinking that I was some kind of hero, look how that way of thinking almost got me killed... (Sighs) I'm so exhausted... and thirsty. (Toby laments before slowly getting off his bed, looking to quench his thirst)

While standing up to get some water, the young dreamer suddenly feels a throbbing pain around his stomach, making him stumble. Nervously he lifts up his shirt, revealing the purple bruising around his ribs and stomach, which confuses and terrifies him.

This is where the corruption chains wrapped around him, and now those injuries have affected his body in the real world.

Panic begins to set in, making Toby realise that he might have to seriously reconsider his decision, of continuing to go to the dream world.

It is soon daybreak, and now Toby is sitting at the dining table, poking at his breakfast with his spoon. His face looks a little pale, and he's thinking about a lot.

Sarah Robinson: Honey, are you okay? (Sarah asks, placing a hand on his forehead to check his temperature)

Toby Robinson: I'm fine, mom. Just tired is all. (Toby tells her with a little yawn)

Without hesitation Sarah swiftly smacks the back of his head, leaving the young man holding onto his head in pain.

Toby Robinson: Ow, what was that for? (Toby asks, not knowing what he did wrong)

Sarah Robinson: How many times have I told you not to use your phone late into the night! And now look at you, too tired to even sit properly. (Sarah scolds him)... You better finish that food. (Sarah tells him sternly, before walking away in anger)

Toby Robinson: At least she didn't seize my phone. (Toby quietly snickered, but then his problems resurface on his mind, removing the smile on his face)... I can't stop going to the dream world... No, I won't stop! It might be a dangerous place, but I've survived for this long, so I can't give up now. No matter what it takes, I'm going to get stronger, and then I'll show that red armour guy, whose boss! (Toby decided, his eyes briefly glowing blue)

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

A short while later at school, Toby is sitting quietly at his desk, his head resting on his hand as he stared at the empty whiteboard.

Todd Forager: You okay dude? Are you even listening? (Todd asked)

Toby Robinson: I'm sorry, Todd. I just didn't get enough sleep. (Toby weakly tells him)

Todd Forager: Oh, Okay. (Todd replied, hesitant to continue talking)

Toby Robinson: Sorry, what were you talking about again? (Toby asks, not wanting to be dismissive)

Todd Forager: Well, I was talking about...

Greg Bullhorn: Hey nerds! What are you talking about, your feelings?! (Greg tells them, laughing at his terrible jokes as usual)

Todd Forager: Leave us alone, Greg. (Todd tells him)

Toby Robinson: Yeah, leave us alone, Greg! (Toby said in anger)

Greg Bullhorn: Or what, nerd? You gonna do something?! (Greg taunts him)

Everyone in class begins to take notice of the argument, and were now giving it their undivided attention.

Toby Robinson: I'm getting tired, very tired of your nonsense, Greg! Now why don't you just shut up, sit down, and leave me the hell alone! (Toby bellows in rage, his eyes briefly glowing red in the process)

Greg is startled and takes a couple steps back, his body warning him to be careful in that moment. For a brief second, he thought he saw Toby's eyes turn red.

Matthew Loeb: Let's go, Greg. (Greg's friend tells him, trying to get him out of this situation)

Greg Bullhorn: Let go of me, man! (Greg yells as he pulls away from his friend's grip)... This doesn't end here, Toby. (Greg warns before storming back to his seat, Matthew accompanying him)

Tiffany Hathaway: Wow, I had no idea you were so savage, Toby! Nice. (Tiffany tells him with a smile)

Stacy Long: It's about time someone stood up to that bonehead. He's always so annoying. (Stacy adds)

Greg Bullhorn: Mind your own business, Stacy! (Greg warns her)

Stacy Long: Make me, Greg! (Stacy retorts)

Stacy and Greg begin to argue, and soon the whole class is thrown into disarray. But this all stops once the sound of approaching footsteps can be heard, making everyone silent.

The students all wonder who it could be, was it a teacher, or perhaps even, the Principal. The tension is palpable, with most of them hoping it wasn't the principal.

But alas, it's just Lerange that enters the classroom, coming late to school for some reason. He looks around, and quickly notices the absence of their teacher.

Although it isn't unusual for Mr Fred to be late for his early morning classes, he's never been this late before.

Lerange Smith: Hey guys, is Mr Fred not here yet? His class should be almost over by now, right? (Lerange asks as he heads for his seat)

Tiffany Hathaway: He hasn't come to school yet, and I'm getting worried. He's never been this late before. (Tiffany tells him)

Sam Duncan: Do you think something happened to him? (Another classmate asked)

Hailey Swanson: I hope not. (Hailey replied)

Lerange Smith: I hope he's alright, but he can't keep doing this to us. If he keeps coming late to his classes, he will definitely lose his job. (Lerange says as he takes his seat, leaving his bag on the ground)

Tiffany Hathaway: That would be terrible. (Tiffany said, dreading the thought)

Greg Bullhorn: Yeah, Tiffany. We all know how terrible that would be, for you! (Greg finishes with a laugh, already back to his annoying antics)

Tiffany Hathaway: Don't start with me, Greggy boy. If I show you what I'm capable of, you'll go wee wee wee, all the way home. (Tiffany mocks him)

Darasimi Daniels: Wow, it really is like this in foreign countries. I always thought those high school movies were far fetched, but it's pretty much the same. (Darasimi thought, smiling at the realization)

Meanwhile, at another location. Fred Clover lays helpless by the side of the road, having been hit by a red vehicle. He slowly get's up from the ground, staring up at the owner of the car that hit him.

Seth Wild: This is why I don't like bikes. If you know you can't afford to buy a car, then maybe it's better you just walk, loser. (Seth tells the teacher with a condescending tone, his expensive glasses, reflecting the poor man's face)

Next: Cursed.