Hypnos found himself perched atop a sturdy tree branch, deep in the realm of slumber. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, providing a soothing lullaby that lulled him into a peaceful trance. Oblivious to the world around him, he savored every moment of his ethereal retreat.

However, his tranquility was abruptly shattered when a flying bread loaf smacked him square in the face. With a startled yelp, Hypnos lost his balance and tumbled down from his lofty perch, crashing onto the ground below.

Groggily, he rubbed his eyes, trying to regain his bearings. Before he could fully awaken, a cascade of icy water splashed across his face, jolting him into instant alertness. Shivering from the sudden shock, he stared up at his sister, who stood there with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Finally awake, sleepyhead?" she teased, her voice dripping with amusement.

Hypnos sighed, realising that his moment of peaceful slumber had come to an abrupt end. He pushed himself up from the ground, shaking off the remnants of his interrupted dreams.

"What was that for?" he grumbled, shooting his sister a reproachful look.

His sister, unfazed by his annoyance, simply shrugged. "Mom's been calling you for ages. She said it's important."

Hypnos groaned inwardly. He had hoped to enjoy a few more minutes of blissful sleep before being rudely awakened by the responsibilities of the day. Reluctantly, he trudged towards their modest home, his mind still clouded with drowsiness.

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As he entered the house, he found his mother waiting for him with a stern expression on her face. Her brows furrowed as she crossed her arms, clearly displeased with his tardiness.

"Hypnos, how many times do I have to tell you? Sleeping all day won't get you anywhere in life," she scolded.

Hypnos lowered his gaze, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew his mother only wanted the best for him, but he couldn't help his natural inclination towards slumber. It seemed like an inherent part of his being, an insatiable desire to retreat into dreams.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to oversleep," he mumbled, his voice tinged with remorse.

His mother's expression softened slightly, her concern mingling with frustration. "Hypnos, you're already twenty-nine. It's time to start taking life seriously. You can't sleep your days away forever."

He nodded, understanding the weight of her words. Deep down, he knew she was right. However, the allure of sleep was so enticing, so comforting, that it was difficult for him to resist its embrace.

As Hypnos contemplated his predicament, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. A letter arrived at their doorstep, bearing the seal of a prestigious cultivation academy. His mother's eyes widened with surprise as she opened the envelope and read its contents.

"Hypnos, you've been accepted into the Academy of Mystical Arts," she announced, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and concern.

Hypnos felt a jolt of anticipation surge through him. The academy was renowned for its cultivation teachings, offering individuals the chance to tap into their hidden potentials and shape their destinies. It was a golden opportunity, one that could change his life forever.

With newfound determination, Hypnos made a silent promise to himself. He would embrace this chance, honing his abilities and proving that even a slumbering soul could awaken to greatness. Little did he know that this journey would take him far beyond the realms of his wildest dreams, unveiling...