Chapter 5: Aurora’s Embrace
Marise Mugenjo found herself lying on the cool, gritty surface of an endless white desert. Above her, trails of aurora danced across the sky, casting an ethereal glow. The auroras were a mesmerizing display of colors, shifting and swirling in patterns that seemed almost alive. Hues of green, blue, purple, and pink intertwined, creating a celestial tapestry that stretched across the horizon. The lights moved gracefully, like ribbons in the wind, their brilliance reflecting off the white sands below.
As she stood up, she noticed a giant pillar of aurora that branched out like a tree. The pillar was a radiant beacon, its branches reaching out in all directions, pulsating with energy. Standing before it was a figure with the same height and build as her, but with a different face and blonde hair.
“This dream again…” Marise muttered, feeling a mix of frustration and curiosity. Why do I keep having this dream?
The figure smiled warmly. “Yes, Marise. This dream again. But this time, it’s different. Because you can now utilize 15% of your Jinxed Speech power, you can talk to me.” She extended her hand. “Welcome to the Mugenjo Network.”
Marise hesitated before taking the hand. 15%? Is that why this feels so real? She felt a flicker of hope and excitement. “What is the Mugenjo Network?”
As Marise took the figure’s hand, she couldn’t help but notice the striking differences. Progenitor Mugenjo stood tall at 168 cm, mirroring Marise’s height and athletic build. Her presence was both commanding and serene, exuding an aura of ancient wisdom and power. Unlike Marise’s long, silky black hair, Progenitor Mugenjo’s hair was a striking blonde, cascading down her back in loose waves that shimmered with a subtle, otherworldly glow.
Her face was distinct from Marise’s, with sharp, elegant features that conveyed both kindness and authority. Her eyes were a deep, mesmerizing blue, reflecting the vastness of the Mugenjo Network and the countless memories it held. They seemed to hold the essence of the auroras that danced in the sky above, giving her gaze an almost hypnotic quality.
Progenitor Mugenjo’s attire was simple yet regal, consisting of a flowing white robe that seemed to be woven from the very light of the auroras. The robe was adorned with intricate patterns that resembled the branching paths of the Mugenjo Network, glowing faintly as if alive with energy. Around her neck, she wore a pendant shaped like a small, luminous tree, symbolizing her connection to the network.
Her overall appearance was ethereal and timeless, embodying the beauty and mystery of the Mugenjo Network she inhabited. Despite her powerful presence, there was a warmth and gentleness in her demeanor that put Marise at ease, making her feel both awed and comforted in her presence.
Progenitor Mugenjo’s eyes sparkled as she began to explain. “The Mugenjo Network is an invisible web that connects all Mugenjo across the omniverse. It transcends physical space and time, serving as channels for the transportation of memories, nymphs, and more. When these networks cross, the point is called a synchronize, and you, Marise, are the synchronize where all Mugenjo Networks intersect.”
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
An invisible web? Marise’s eyes widened in awe. So, I’m connected to all Mugenjo? This is… incredible. She felt a surge of pride and responsibility, but also a creeping sense of fear. What does this mean for me?
Progenitor Mugenjo gestured behind Marise. “Look.”
Marise turned and gasped. Countless nymphs stood motionless, their ethereal forms shimmering in the aurora’s light.
So many nymphs… Marise felt a shiver run down her spine. Are they all connected to me? A sense of awe and fear mingled within her, her heart pounding in her chest.
“I created these nymphs to aid an infinite number of Mugenjo across the omniverse,” Progenitor Mugenjo explained. “If you can utilize 100% of your Jinxed Speech, we will all share the same feelings and memories.”
100%… Marise felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The thought of such power both thrilled and intimidated her.
“But… what happens now?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty and fear.
Progenitor Mugenjo placed a reassuring hand on Marise’s shoulder. “For now, you won’t remember any of this until you manage to utilize 70% of your Jinxed Speech. But know that you are never alone. We are all connected.”
70%… As the words sank in, Marise felt a wave of warmth and understanding wash over her. I have a long way to go, but I’m not alone. She felt a newfound determination and comfort in knowing she was part of something greater, but the fear of the unknown still lingered.
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she was back in her room, the memory of the dream already fading.
Marise sat up in her bed, rubbing her temples as she tried to recall the details of her dream. Why can’t I remember? she thought, frustration bubbling up inside her. The dream had felt so vivid, yet now it was slipping away like sand through her fingers.
She glanced at the calendar on her desk and realized it was a holiday. Maybe I should ask Toru-sensei if I can go to Matsuri Town for some shopping, she mused. The idea of a day out sounded appealing, especially after the strange dream.
After getting dressed in her casual clothes, Marise made her way to the teacher’s lounge, where she found Toru Suretsu lounging on a sofa, adjusting his sleek sunglasses. His perfectly tailored black suit and striking silver hair made him look as enigmatic as ever.
“Toru-sensei,” Marise began, trying to keep her voice steady, “I was wondering if I could go to Matsuri Town today for some shopping.”
Toru looked up, a playful smile spreading across his face. “Ah, Marise-chan, always so serious,” he teased. “You know, this school only has 12 students, and there have been a lot of Phantom monster cases lately. If something happens, I’ll have to blame you.”
Marise felt her cheeks flush with irritation. Why does he always have to be so infuriatingly playful? she thought, clenching her fists. “I promise I’ll be careful, Toru-sensei,” she replied, trying to keep her tone respectful despite her annoyance.
Toru chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. “Alright, alright. I’m just teasing you, Marise-chan. You can go. Just make sure to stay safe and keep your phone on you.”
Marise nodded, feeling a mix of relief and lingering irritation. “Thank you, Toru-sensei,” she said, turning to leave.
As she walked away, she couldn’t help but think about how much she disliked Toru-sensei’s playful attitude. He’s always so confident and teasing. It’s like he doesn’t take anything seriously. But I guess that’s just how he is… she sighed, shaking her head. At least I get to go to Matsuri Town.