In a lone dream amidst countless others, The Aspect of Energy meanders through a dark expanse, where the era of noteworthy dreams has elapsed. This instant envelops him with a sense of ease and serenity as his otherworldly essence drifts, anticipating the moment to awaken consciousness. Suddenly, an iridescent-hued bubble collides with him.

The vision of an unfamiliar vessel ensnared within the colossal jaws of a formidable creature jolts him awake.

Kanji "What the hell was that?! I thought the dreams were over!"

Claire "Huh? Wha? What dreams? Kaney, is everything alright?"

Gwen "Your sudden outburst has worried us a tad bit. What's the matter?"

Observing both girls, he notices their shirts are precariously close to slipping off. Feeling embarrassed, Kanji swiftly springs out of bed and secures his attire, his eyes still reflecting a hint of concern.

Kanji "It's better we discuss the matter with the others and... Err... please g-get properly dressed, you two."

After ejecting that statement, he sprints out of the room with haste.

Gwen "He's quite new to the concept of sex appeal isn't he?"

Claire "Yeah but I do find that a bit cute. Don't you think?"

Gwen "Agree."

Amused, the two girls giggle and swiftly straighten their attire. However, the murmur of voices prompts them to exit Claire's room, revealing a rather unexpected sight. The entire rest of the group has congregated in the heart of the space, sporting sombreros and indulging in a diverse array of tacos. Drawing nearer, a distinct gleam of anticipation emerges on Claire's face, accompanied by an undeniable drool.

Claire "Oh my god! These look... FANTASTIC! Can I have like one of each- No two- NO THREE!"

Dave "Calm down, Senorita. There's plenty of tacos here for everyone."

Gwen "This clearly shows what everyone was busy with though I do question,,, how much?"

Amelia "I guess nothing can hidden from you, lass. We may or may not have made an overabundant of tacos."

Azan "Overabundant is an understatement. All the ovens and tables are filled with them."

Noah "Yeah cause a certain someone wanted to flex their skill."

Mina "Hey, just tell me you're jelly. Admit it my tacos are the best!"

Sarah "No mine are! He ate like ten of them!"

Diana "Break it up you two! The boss didn't call us here to argue!"

Adrian "You look like you saw a ghost, Kanji."

Kanji "It's something far worse. Another dream."

Dave "Bro, You mean like a normal dream or one of those special ones."

Kanji "Definitely a special one. The details are too specific. What do think, AN?"

His question fires off without an answer in sight.

Gwen "The other side must be very hectic. You can still tell us. Maybe we can provide a bit of insight."

Kanji "First, there was a ship though the scene was a bit unclear so I can't tell if it matches our ship. The ship... was about to be swallowed whole by a giant thing or creature. Just a single glance at it made my head dizzy."

Sarah "Any more juice details? Maybe the beast is like one of the outer gods since causing dizzyness is sort of like a trend for them."

Noah "I remember that your dreams are far dreams meaning we don't need to worry about right now. Right?"

Adrian "But we should prepare either way. Perhaps a way to increase the speed of our vessel."

Daves "So more thrusters, dudes? Like use some alien duct tape and tie them to the side."

Amelia "Alien duct tape? How silly! Though I think it would work."

Gwen "No, we need to consider the possibility that escape isn't possible. The dream obviously left a lot of questions because it was in the end a still image. We don't know if both the ship and the beast are tied in speed, or the ship is faster or the beast is faster."

Claire "Calm down everyone! It won't happen for a while so relax! We always make it through no matter what!"

Their firm nod startles her, causing Claire to take a step back in sheer surprise.

Claire "Wow, I did not expect you guys to agree."

Diana "Normally I would but yesterday I got to reflect on the things we managed to do."

Adrian "It would be ridicously good as a resume which I told her."

Kanji "I think that the time for quote on quote 'relaxation' has passed since everyone didn't heed to the schedule I offered."

Sarah "Chill, we get it, and besides I'm starting to get a bit rusty/"

Diana "Yeah me too! Let's get some training done!"

Claire "Didn't you guys just agree with me?"

Azan "We agree on the part of stopping to worry about Kanji's dream."

Mina "Yeah we should just wait until ol'AN over there picks up the call."

Kanji "Thank you and I will give everyone a better explanation of my training. First of all, I have exhausted all options for a way to create new skills. Unfortunately, only special skills can be generated indefinitely as long as the application and combination of skills are creative and unique like the region-specific skills. However, the important lesson I learned is that foundation is everything so we'll start with the basics. For today, we will be training strength."

Diana "Hell yeah! Now we're talking! What are we doing?! Some weight lifts or-

Kanji "Traditional efforts won't be as effective for us superhumans so I made a couple of useful tools."

With a decisive snap of his fingers, a portal unfurls, and they knowingly traverse its threshold. A sprawling expanse unfolds before them, yet their gaze fixates on eleven gleaming grey spheres arranged at the base of eleven steep inclines crafted from compacted soil. Far in the distance, obscured by a shroud of clouds, a foreboding mountain looms tall. With a hint of concentration, the onlookers discern flags tracing a path toward the summit.

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

Kanji "Shocking right?! The quest is simple! Pulling, pushing, and carrying these car-sized balls made from compressed and pure osmium one of the heaviest materials on Earth. Although I have to admit, I did configure its mass to match the 100,000 kg mark. All of us will not leave until each of us manages to do all three actions over these stamps in under 1 minute."

Diana "Boss, what about that huge ass mountain?"

Kanji "We'll leave that for tomorrow. Now, are you ready?!"

All "FUCK YEAH!"

___________________________________________________________________________

Streets in Nobilis are strewn with heaps of lifeless bodies, a grim testament to the relentless conflict. The once-dominant flag of stalemate begins to falter, mirroring the decline in the imperial forces' numbers and their dwindling morale. Endless waves of clones relentlessly pummel their defenses, a ceaseless onslaught. The soldiers' inclination to flee teeters on a precarious edge, sustained solely by the rousing speeches delivered by their foremost general, assuring them that the imminent liberation of the second general draws near.

GENERAL1 "Keep fighting oh loyal and mighty soldiers of our great empire. Their numbers may be unending but not as much as our loyalty. They are not but emotionless husks without a true purpose and will be crushed by our armored and fiery might. The seal they placed on our mighty general is on the brink of destruction!"

SUSUNA "Oh shut the fuck up! You lanky frail bastard!"

TIO "Enough! Your shouting will give our position away! Besides, your insult will not reach him."

SUSUNA "Knowing his smartass, he already knows our location and is planning on attacking us."

TIO "Or he is buying time to wipe the source of the clones. His approach is the most frustrating part of going against him."

SUSUNA "Either way he won't expect our real plan."

TIO "Indeed. One must always tend to one's foundation no matter the stage of life one is in. Do it."

SUSUNA "Gotcha! Oi Josai! Voltum! Call in your clones! Stick to the plan and no fighting! You understand?!"

VOLTUM "Alright, I'll cooperate with this idiot for just this once!"

JOSAI "Back at ya, you weakass nerd!"

Beneath the Caverrin's surface, two groups of replicated beings converge and separate into pairs, dispersing through a labyrinthine network of passageways beneath the city of Nobilis. The Josai clones bear GPS devices and backpacks laden with an array of tools, perfect for chipping away at the rocky confines, while the Voltum clones carry an imposing explosive device designed to destroy multiple towering structures. Working in tandem, the Josai copies begin excavating shallow niches in the tunnel walls, creating precisely the spaces needed for the Voltum replicas to strategically position and set the explosive charges. As the final signal resonates, a synchronized action unfolds as all the clones activate the detonation sequence, unleashing a cataclysmic explosion.

A formidable earthquake violently rocks the battleground, causing both factions to stumble and lose their footing... However, to their surprise, the very ground beneath them remains steadfast and unyielding, refusing to succumb to the explosive force.

SUSUNA/TIO "WHAT?!"

TIO "Ha.. Haha...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Marvelous! I expected so SO MUCH more from the infamous TIO of Grand Martial! It seems that time has withered you down that you didn't consider devising a counter to my counter. Now you and your allies shall pay the price! Soldiers charge! This is our chance!"

DOCTOR "That's quite the excellent application of my flesh steels! Your strategic mind always seems to impress me."

TIO "You flatter me too much. The plan wouldn't succeed without your help. Shall we proceed with the comeback?"

DOCTOR "We shall and let's use my 'prototypes'. Oh, I'm so excited!"

SUSUNA "Damn it! What the hell did that bastard do?"

TIO "He must have anticipated we break Nobilis's foundation beforehand and reinforced the bloody ground! Quickly Susuna! Tell everyone to evacuate! Our bases are compromised!"

As the rebels initiate their withdrawal, a Castastrian soul liberates itself from the revered chamber within an age-old tree's hollow. His curiosity guides him deeper into the woodland, encountering a thicket obstructed by cascading vines stemming from the majestic Icor trees' canopies. Employing a clean swing of his tinodium blade, he severs the vines, unleashing a peculiar, viscous orange fluid. A single droplet of the substance inadvertently lands in Karnat's open mouth.

KARNAT "Oh shit! Is this poisonous?! Is it- Oh! It's sweet! And... it tastes really fucking good!"

The consistency resembles taffy, its taste rivaling the most luxurious honey known to any human palate. Urgently seeking answers, Karnat delves into his journal, stumbling upon a section marked by a wide-grinning, elderly face of— Grandma TIO. Revealed within its pages is the identity of the substance, "Vine honey", a rarity exclusive to this part of the forest expanse. The entries strongly advise Karnat to preserve this delectable find at any cost, as it possesses the remarkable ability to sustain a Castastrian for multiple days upon consumption. Overwhelmed by this discovery, Karnat swiftly turns the pages back to an earlier section.

Karnat "This giant cryopitcher plant can keep things cold inside of it but instantly freezes any living thing that goes in. It's dangerous but worth a shot!"

Trusting his fortune, Karnat proceeds directly west from the vine. With each stride, an increasing array of blossoms unfurls, yet none pique his curiosity. Minutes pass until a glimpse of intricate detail adorning a pitcher plant captures his attention. He cautiously approaches, vigilantly scanning for any lurking threats. Familiar sounds reach his ears, prompting Karnat to swiftly conceal himself in a nearby fern. Peering out slowly, he witnesses five Blur Raptors screeching as they encircle the lone pitcher plant. Unease plagues each creature's face when suddenly— an icy ring erupts from the plant, striking and freezing one raptor solid.

The remaining raptors rush in with one of their comrades and leap forward in an attempt to assail the plant's stem.

... The plant shifts! Seizing the leaping raptor, it envelops the creature, emitting a frosty haze that swiftly crystallizes it to its demise. Enraged, the remaining raptors converge upon the sides of the pitcher plant, slowly rending its leathery exterior. Overcome by panic, Karnat emerges from concealment, hurling his flesh gem into the air, halting their aggressive onslaught. In a swift, blind strike, Karnat decapitates two of the raptors. Undeterred, the lone survivor sneers and charges forward with its razor-edged claw poised for attack.

With a swift motion, the raptor scratches Karnat's leg, drawing blood, before swiftly severing the stem of the Icor plant. With its goal achieved, the raptor dashes out of sight.

KARNAT "Fuck... looks like I have to use the rest of them."

Having tended to his leg wounds, Karnat scouts for a nearby hollow, collecting handfuls of fiber that he deftly twists into a sturdy rope. Returning to the pitcher, he finds it no longer animates but retains its chilling properties. He secures the rope around the pitcher's base, fashioning two loops for easy carrying. With urgency, the former general hastens back to the vines, but a surge of anger and despair floods his countenance— only one vine remains. Frustrated, he empties the remaining contents of the vine into his pitcher, noticing something intriguing.

KARNAT "No way... These are Castastrian footprints. There are people here after all!"

Adorning the backpack, Karnat retraces the footsteps, leading to a stony path clearly crafted by intelligent hands. Following its course, he arrives at a large clearing. A sight of bewildering absurdity unfolds before him— an ongoing clash showcasing the insane abilities of two enigmatic Castastrians. Both cloaked in oversized garments crafted from Acrescentia Cerberasaurus scales, they engage in combat with the colossal beast. One brandishes a wooden spear, deftly evading the creature's relentless assaults, while the other lounges lazily and yawns. Karnat, hesitant to intervene, observes from the concealment of a bush. Hours pass, leaving the beast exhausted, while its opponent remains vibrant, akin to a playful child. The stark contrast unnerves the beast, prompting it to flee. As the opponent begins to speak, Karnat manages to catch only fragments of their words...

?? "... So that was a lie, huh?"

The beast topples over dead as if its soul has left it.

Karnat "What the hell? It must be that guy's power. Should I approach them? No... Let's wait and see if they are friendly."

Karnat stealthily shadows the two formidable Castastrians effortlessly hauling the massive carcass. Countless perilous creatures steer clear of their path, a testament to the duo's monstrous prowess. Beads of sweat trickle down Karnat's cheek, a silent testament to his mounting suspense. He contemplates their potential return to the cave he discovered. Opting for caution, he retreats, seeking refuge in the hollow that previously sheltered him. An unsettling sensation urges him to secure the entrance. Venturing out, he scavenges and discovers the bones of the avian creature encountered on an earlier date. Using them, Karnat erects a barricade, effectively sealing the entrance. Despite the whirlwind of thoughts, weariness overtakes him, and he swiftly succumbs to slumber once more.

From afar, the sound of dancing and wild instruments feels the air of night with festive moods.