The world seemed distant, as if viewed through a foggy veil. Corin struggled to make sense of his surroundings, his mind still swimming in a sea of confusion. How long has he been in this state? Too long. Not sure, Can’t think properly.

The sensation of floating persisted, as if he was caught between wakefulness and dreams, suspended in a realm that defied explanation. Was he awake? Was he dreaming? Questions tugged at his consciousness, but answers remained elusive.

Then, like a shimmering mirage in the desert, he saw it—a faint, illusionary gate, a gateway between the realms of his fragmented thoughts and the tangible reality. Unconscious impulses guided him, drawing him inexorably closer to the gateway, its allure impossible to resist. Why he was compelled to venture forth, he couldn't comprehend. It was as if his dormant mind had taken control, urging him to seek something beyond the grasp of his fragmented memories.

Without conscious volition, he passed through the gate, and his perception of the world transformed. Brilliant light flooded his senses, illuminating every crevice of his mind with blinding intensity. It was an overwhelming rush, an eruption of colors and sensations that defied comprehension.

But just as swiftly as the brilliance had engulfed him, darkness descended, enveloping him in its inky embrace. He was lost, disoriented, a solitary figure adrift in the void. Panic threatened to consume him, but a flicker of resilience within his core steadied his resolve.

In the midst of the encompassing darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. It was a faint blue starlight, a beacon guiding him forward.

Finally, Corin's eyes slowly blinked open, his gaze hazy and unfocused. It took a couple of minutes before he finally got his bearings.

He found himself lying in a dimly lit room, bathed in an eerie blue glow. The source of illumination emanated from a single, captivating crystal embedded in the wall beside him. Its gentle radiance cast dancing shadows across the chamber, revealing mysterious shapes and intricate patterns etched into the stone.

As Corin pushed himself up, his surroundings gradually came into focus. The room exuded an air of ancient enchantment, its walls adorned with faded tapestries depicting long-forgotten legends. Dust particles floated lazily in the air, catching the ethereal light and adding to the dreamlike atmosphere.

Sitting up, Corin realized that his body felt weak as if he had been dormant for an extended period. Or as if he just performed a very strenuous task. A dull ache pulsed through his limbs, a sign of his body’s exhausted state. The memories of his past were still hazy, fragmented shards that he struggled to assemble.

His attention returned to the enigmatic blue crystal, its soft glow drawing him in. It reminded him of the blue starlight that tugged at his mind. It seemed to hold secrets within its crystalline depths, whispers of forgotten knowledge. Corin reached out tentatively, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface. A surge of energy coursed through him, sparking a glimmer of recognition deep within his being. It felt familiar, but he could not remember.

Corin's awareness sharpened as he became conscious of his own vulnerability. He realized he was unclothed, his body exposed to the dim light of the room. Disoriented and unsure of his circumstances, his mind remained clear, his emotions restrained as he surveyed the room. Although he was devoid of any sense of embarrassment, he recognized the necessity of clothing himself. Being naked would only hinder his progress and leave him vulnerable.

Corin's physique exuded a sense of fragility, with slender limbs that lacked the muscular definition typically associated with strength. His olive-colored skin, reminiscent of a sun-kissed hue, carried a subtle undertone of pale delicacy. It seemed almost as if he were carved from fine porcelain, his frame more suited to the ethereal than the physical realm.

His features echoed the same sense of delicacy. His slender fingers moved with a certain grace, exhibiting dexterity rather than power. His dark blue eyes, deep and contemplative, were framed by long lashes, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic world behind them. His frail appearance belied the inner strength that resided within, a resilience that could not be discerned at first glance.

His gaze fell upon a stack of neatly folded garments tucked away in a corner, and without hesitation, he strode towards them. The simple clothes beckoned to him, offering a practical solution to his current predicament. He appreciated their utilitarian nature, devoid of frills or ostentation.

Corin swiftly donned the garments, each piece fitting snugly against his skin. As he secured the final article of clothing, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. He had taken a practical step to restore his dignity and equip himself for the challenges that lay ahead. Small steps lead to big success.

Dressed in his unassuming attire, Corin gave the room another quick look, ever the cautious and pragmatic soul, found himself caught between the realms of uncertainty. Despite dressing himself in practical attire, a lingering doubt nagged at the back of his mind. Was this reality or merely another layer of a dream? Was he truly awake, or would he soon find himself drifting back into the realm of slumber?

In his quest for clarity, Corin decided to indulge his cautious nature and seek solace in the realm of sleep once more. He reasoned that if this was indeed a dream, then perhaps he could awaken in a place that held more familiarity, where his fragmented memories might coalesce into something more coherent.

Settling back onto the hard surface that had cradled him before, Corin closed his eyes, allowing the weight of exhaustion to pull him back into the realm of dreams. He sought a respite, a momentary escape from the uncertainties that plagued his waking mind.

As darkness embraced him once again, Corin surrendered to the realm of slumber, a realm where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blurred. In this liminal state, he hoped to find answers, to uncover the truth that had eluded him in his awakened state.

He hoped that when he opens his eyes again, he would be awake for real and all this is just a bad dream.

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Corin's eyes blinked open, his gaze cool and detached as they scanned the familiar darkened room illuminated by the blue crystal's gentle glow. He took note of his attire, the simple black and white garments that adorned his form. This was not a dream; it was a reality he accepted without allowing emotions to cloud his judgment.

As he rose to his feet, his movements were measured and deliberate. Corin's mind remained analytical, his thoughts sharp and focused. He surveyed the room with a calculated detachment, seeking to glean as much information as possible from his surroundings.

The ancient tapestries lining the walls and the cryptic symbols etched into the stone intrigued him, but he approached them with a measured curiosity. He observed the details, noting their significance, but refrained from getting emotionally entangled in their mysterious allure. For Corin, understanding held precedence over wonder.

Corin remained focused on the task at hand. He recognized the importance of unraveling the mysteries of this room, not for the sake of curiosity or wonder, but to gather the knowledge necessary for his own survival and understanding.

With each step he took, his mind calculated the risks and potential rewards, always weighing the consequences of his actions. He approached the exploration with methodical precision, never allowing himself to be carried away by fanciful notions or illusions. His detached demeanor was a shield, shielding him from the pitfalls of false assumptions and misplaced trust.

As Corin ventured further into the room, he remained observant, analyzing every detail, searching for logical explanations amidst the enigmatic surroundings. The mysteries held no power over him; rather, he aimed to master them through intellect and reason.

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Corin's eyes traced the intricate symbols on the floor, their weakened blue hue hinting at an energy that had long since dissipated. Their arrangement formed the outline of a complex magic circle, an intricate web of power etched into the ground. He studied them with a discerning eye, analyzing their patterns and connections, his mind working tirelessly to decipher their purpose.

The room itself, though small and confined, held a certain intrigue. Its dimensions, a perfect square of about 20 feet in length, width, and height, gave it a sense of symmetry that appealed to Corin's logical nature. Every aspect of the room seemed deliberately crafted, serving a specific function or purpose, and he made mental notes of each detail.

Yet, it was the blue crystal attached to the wall that commanded his attention. Its radiant glow pierced the dimness, casting ethereal light across the room. Corin approached it, his cautious steps bringing him closer to the enigmatic source of illumination.

As he stood before the crystal, its mesmerizing hues played across his eyes, captivating his gaze. Its surface seemed to hold untold secrets, shimmering with an energy that beckoned his inquisitive mind. Corin resisted the urge to reach out and touch it, recognizing the need for restraint and patience.

With his detached demeanor, Corin considered the crystal's significance, carefully assessing its potential role in his own predicament. Was it merely a source of light, or did it possess a deeper meaning and purpose?

He studied the crystal's attachment to the wall, examining its intricate placement and the manner in which it seemed to merge seamlessly with the stonework. It was a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, hinting at a purpose beyond simple ornamentation.

Corin's analytical gaze shifted from the mesmerizing crystal to the peculiar hand imprint below it. The faint outline of a hand on the wall hinted at a deliberate interaction as if the room's creators intended for its occupants to place their hands upon it. Corin's mind bristled at the notion of manipulation, yet curiosity compelled him to investigate further.

He meticulously examined every inch of the room, searching for hidden mechanisms or concealed openings that might offer an escape or shed light on his predicament. But his efforts yielded no tangible results, leaving him to ponder the purpose of this confined space and the cryptic symbols that adorned its floor.

Sitting on the ground, his back against the cool stone wall, Corin allowed his thoughts to settle. Fragmented memories teased the edges of his consciousness, teasing him with glimpses of a past he could not fully grasp. Frustration welled within him, mingling with the detached pragmatism that had become his shield.

His mind focused on the inscriptions, recognizing their inherent magical nature. Though he lacked knowledge of their specific purpose, an instinctual understanding lingered within him. They possessed a protective quality as if safeguarding the walls of this enigmatic prison. The presence of fresh air, despite the absence of visible openings, sparked a realization. Could these inscriptions be responsible for the room's circulation, ensuring a steady supply of air?

Questions flooded Corin's thoughts, a cascade of uncertainty threatening to overwhelm his composed demeanor. Who had placed him in this mysterious room? Why had his memories been fragmented? What purpose did the symbols and the crystal serve? The absence of answers fueled his determination to uncover the truth, to unravel the enigma of his existence.

With each passing moment, Corin's pragmatic nature sharpened, his cautious resolve growing stronger. He refused to be a mere pawn in someone else's game, intent on reclaiming his autonomy and understanding his place within this confounding realm.

In the face of uncertainty, he would continue to observe, analyze, and seek out the answers that eluded him. The room, with its inscriptions and mysteries, held the key to his own liberation, and he was determined to unlock its secrets, even if it meant navigating the intricate web of manipulation and uncovering the truth that lay shrouded in darkness.

Hours passed while Corin was in a deep meditative state contemplating his situation.

His eyes fluttered open as the sound of his growling stomach shattered the tranquility of his meditative state. A faint sigh escaped his lips, a reminder of his physical needs in this unfamiliar realm. The interruption jolted him back to the reality of his situation, fueling his determination to find a way out of this confinement.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Corin acknowledged the limitations imposed upon him. He recognized that, for now, he had no choice but to bide his time and gather information, even if it meant enduring the manipulation that grated against his pragmatic nature. It was a necessary compromise to survive and uncover the truth that lay hidden within the confines of this mysterious place.

Accepting his role as a prisoner to an unknown entity, Corin adopted a low-key approach. He would remain observant, silently gathering insights and understanding the intricacies of his surroundings. Every detail, every interaction, held the potential to reveal valuable information that could aid him in formulating a plan for escape.

His pragmatic mind began to sketch the beginnings of a strategy. He would seek allies, identify potential weaknesses in his captors, and exploit any opportunities that presented themselves. But for now, he knew he had to bide his time, resisting the impulsive urge to confront his captors head-on.

Corin's annoyance at being manipulated simmered beneath the surface, a reminder of his independent spirit that yearned for freedom. Yet, he recognized the need for patience and careful planning. His captors had shown their power, and he had no intention of falling into their traps prematurely.

With a calculated decision, Corin approached the crystal, his hand reaching out to meet the faint hand imprint on the wall. As his palm made contact, a surge of energy coursed through him, causing the crystal to flare with a brief intensification of its luminosity. It was a signal that his touch had triggered a response, setting a sequence of events into motion.

But as the crystal's radiance subsided, Corin felt an invasive sensation wash over him, as if an unseen force delved into the depths of his being, peeling back layers of his consciousness. The feeling was disconcerting, despite his mental preparedness for whatever awaited him in this enigmatic place. The sensation of vulnerability, of having all his secrets laid bare, startled him, momentarily causing his detached demeanor to falter.

Corin's consciousness was forcibly expelled from the confines of his own mind, he felt an inexplicable sensation of weightlessness. His surroundings shifted, and he found himself suspended in the void, observing a sight that defied comprehension. Before him hung a colossal gray sphere, its surface adorned with intricate runes that seemed to pulsate with otherworldly energy. It was a sight both mesmerizing and perplexing, leaving him in awe of the vast mysteries that lay before him.

As he took in the enigmatic sphere, a disembodied voice resonated through the air, devoid of any discernible gender or emotion. Its words echoed within the depths of his being, sending shivers down his spine. "Welcome to Astral Tower M-21," it intoned, the weight of its words carrying a profound sense of significance.

As Corin's consciousness drifted within the ethereal realm, a sudden intrusion interrupted his thoughts. A vivid blue screen materialized before him, displaying a series of cascading data streams and progress bars. It was as if his very mind had become a canvas for information to unfold.

The screen pulsated with an aura of significance as it began its intricate scan, probing the depths of his being.

"Scanning... Astral detected"

The text on the screen proclaimed, causing a surge of anticipation to course through him. His curiosity heightened as he awaited the results of this assessment.

The scan continued, its digital tendrils delving deeper, evaluating his core attributes.

"Scanning... Determining Main Attributes. Body. Spirit. Mind,"

The screen announced as if deciphering the essence of his being. The progress bars filled and receded, synthesizing the complexities of his physical and metaphysical existence.

Then, a momentary pause followed, as if the system encountered an unexpected anomaly.

"Error... Astral Mark already in place,"

The screen relayed, its tone displaying a trace of confusion. Corin's brow furrowed in response, pondering the meaning behind this revelation.

Undeterred, the scan persevered, evaluating the tier of his existing Astral Mark.

"Evaluating Astral Mark Tier... Detected a Tier XII,"

The screen confirmed, an undercurrent of awe permeating its digital voice. The realization struck Corin with a mix of astonishment and intrigue, fueling his desire to uncover the untapped potential that lay within him.

Finally, the scan concluded.

"Bestowing skill: Soul Eye"

The text proclaimed, its significance resonating within Corin's core. The gift of Soul Eye beckoned him to peer beyond the veils of perception, to discern the hidden truths that lay obscured from ordinary sight.

“Would you like to receive the Initiation package?”

After some hesitation, Corin accepted the offer, and his consciousness was flooded with an overwhelming torrent of information, almost causing him to lose awareness.

Corin's mind blanked for a moment, and when he opened his eyes again, he found himself back in the room. The disorienting experience of being transported from one realm to another had left a lingering sense of bewilderment, but he quickly regained his composure.