I was floating in an endless void.

Qana had mentioned that this was a common experience for psychics, especially those who had the ability to enter the "Tel'aran'rhiod."

Apparently, as a psychic, even sleep couldn't be a simple escape into dreams.

I looked around, trying to determine if there was any concept of up, down, left, or right in this space, or even any kind of dimension. But no matter which "direction" I chose, there was only infinite darkness extending outward, leaving me unsure if orientation or distance had any meaning here.

So, how was I supposed to explore this place?

Sending out a wave for reconnaissance seemed like a good idea, but as I prepared to release it, another thought occurred to me--was my physical body present in this space? If I sent out a wave, would my physical form do the same?

Maybe it's better not to take the risk.

But does this mean I have to stay like this until I wake up?

I glanced around the empty space once more.

No, I need to find a way out. I still can't fall asleep in this place, even though I'm incredibly bored.

But then again, how exactly do I...? Wait, was that... a sound?

I wasn't even sure if listening made any sense in this state, but I still strained to hear, slowly turning to locate the direction of the sound.

No... it wasn't just a sound; it was a wave... Piqsirpoq, I recognized his wave pattern.

Surprise, confusion, fear, anxiety, pain... Damn it, did something go wrong again?

I slapped my cheeks hard and tugged on my tail a few times, but it didn't work like people claimed--this didn't wake me up from the dream--if "Tel'aran'rhiod" really was a dream.

I wasn't sure how I did it, but I think I managed to move closer to the source of the wave.

It wasn't just Piqsirpoq; there were other waves too, though they weren't very clear. Were they the kidnappers who had escaped earlier, now bringing reinforcements? Had they been hiding all this time, avoiding detection? So, did they manage to find him again?

No, I had to get closer. I needed more information...

Suddenly, a dull thud and the pain on my snout made me open my eyes and realize I had fallen to the ground.

Great, at least I confirmed something about "Tel'aran'rhiod."

I awkwardly got up, rubbing my nose, only to find that I was wearing nothing but pajamas, without any shoes. The cold from the floor seeped into my feet, traveling up my spine and sending a huge shiver through me.

I wasn't sure where I was. Hadrian's Wall was basically a super-sized underground maze, and with my terrible sense of direction, I never dared stray from the usual paths. So finding myself in a completely unfamiliar corridor wasn't really surprising. I'd probably never been to about ninety percent of Hadrian's Wall.

But I could still sense that specific wave. Just like in the dream, Piqsirpoq's wave was coming from behind an otherwise unremarkable door. Although it was faint, I was certain it was his. As for the other vague waves from before, there was no sign of them.

I placed my hand on the door separating us and understood why. It was covered in adamantine, shielding the area. But why could I still feel Piqsirpoq's wave? Maybe there was some kind of connection between us, or perhaps... this was a trap set specifically for me.

So, the kidnappers really do have an inside man in Snow, don't they?

I glanced around, not seeing any big nets about to fall on me, so it didn't seem like a trap.

I tried to contact Qana, but there was no response. Either the adamantine barrier was larger than I thought, or the swordsman was dealing with some trouble of his own.

I should go for help, but I had no idea where I was, and I wasn't sure I could find this place again if I left. Damn... I never imagined my poor sense of direction would one day become a life-and-death issue.

As I hesitated, Piqsirpoq's emotional wave hit me again--fear and anxiety.

I sighed, closed my eyes, and let my body relax.

Qana had said that if he wasn't around, he'd ensure I wouldn't be noticed for a while, right?

I forced myself not to think about what that implied and instead expanded my consciousness, beginning to gather my power. Sure enough, the adamantine barrier in this area was massive, obviously built for some specific purpose. I couldn't help but wonder who the mole in Snow really was.

No, that's not important; all of this can wait until later.

Piqsirpoq's fearful wave struck again, as if urging me to act.

Gathering enough power, I formed a shockwave and hurled it at the door.

With a loud, screeching metallic sound, the door twisted into a mangled metal mass and flew backward before halting mid-air. Someone had caught it with Domination.

A psychic!

But I had expected this, so I immediately stepped into the space beyond the door, ready for a fight.

When I saw Master Ontara staring at me, jaw dropped in shock, my anger flared to an unbearable level. You traitor! I'd thought you were just eccentric!

But then I noticed two other gazes. Aside from Piqsirpoq's confused and surprised expression, another pair of deep blue eyes glared at me, making all my emotions evaporate, leaving only the shame that made me want to tuck my tail between my legs.

Qana's brows were furrowed tightly, and his eyes swirled with a blizzard of rage, as if he intended to freeze everything in his sight--or maybe just me.

Piqsirpoq's confusion had clearly increased due to my sudden appearance. He looked around at everyone else, unsure how to react.

Master Ontara's expression remained unchanged, eyes wide and mouth agape, as if something was stuck.

Another Snow I didn't recognize had his head hidden beneath a hood, his face obscured, but his rigid posture was unmistakable.

Two others stood with their backs to me, wearing identical robes--one tall, the other short.

Five people surrounded Piqsirpoq, while my brother held a silver metal sphere in his hands.

It didn't take me long to figure out who these people were.

It was "they."

I had walked right into one of their operations. Glancing again at Piqsirpoq, I noticed he was holding a adamantine sphere. I could guess this was some sort of assessment, a recruitment test.

For Rationalism's sake, I think I have just eliminated all possibilities except the worst-case scenario.

"I must say, under normal circumstances, I don't particularly like surprises," said the tall figure, his back still turned to me. His voice was... unusual. No, it wasn't just his voice, but the way he spoke--it was almost as if he were singing. And I had just realized that he was even taller than Qana. "But... Master Takahashi, you've set up a 'avoidance circle,' haven't you?"

"Of course." The shorter figure turned around and glanced at me. "I don't know how he managed to get through."

"That makes things interesting." The tall one slowly turned around, his movements possessing a certain unearthly grace. The sound of fabric brushing against itself was... different. "I wonder if this... gentleman would care to introduce himself to us?" Though his face remained hidden beneath his hood, I noticed his pupils--they were spindle-shaped.

"He's a mutt..." The unknown Snow began to speak, but the tall figure raised a finger, silencing him. His finger... Was that... some kind of glove?

"Allow me to apologize on his behalf. Not all our members are as polite as they should be, and that's my responsibility." His tone was calm, but Snow, who had spoken earlier, bowed his head.

The tall figure lowered his hood, revealing his face. I understood now--the thing I had seen earlier wasn't a glove; it was scales. He was a dragon, a living, breathing dragon. Spindle-shaped pupils rested in the center of his golden-red eyes, and his reddish-brown scales shimmered faintly with a metallic luster. Only now did I recognize that the outlines on his robe were actually wings folded neatly behind him.

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"Farsight Seer, the Sunflare." He bowed his head toward me, the spines on his body flattening. Ah, so that's how that structure works.

"Takahashi Daiki." The shorter figure also removed his hood and bowed. He was a bighorn sheep--those horns were unmistakable. However, it was clear he wasn't entirely willing; he only followed suit because the dragon had done so first. After he straightened up, his horizontal pupils regarded me with an unfriendly gaze.

"Richter," I replied, bowing in the manner of a gray wolf.

As I rose, I sneaked a glance at Qana, but the murderous look on his face made me quickly avert my gaze.

"This just got even more interesting." The dragon's laughter was... unique. He turned his head, looking over the now tense Snow, the ever-ready-to-kill Qana, and Master Ontara, who still hadn't recovered from his shock. "I don't normally like to interfere in the political affairs of other races, even though I personally oppose certain customs." As he moved, the sound of fabric brushing against scales accompanied him. "But, I am quite curious as to why..."

His movements were too fast--far beyond my dynamic vision's ability to track--but I could sense the disturbance in the air. Having practiced enough with Qana, I reflexively deployed my domain, catching the metallic sphere he threw.

I stared at the silver, adamantine orb suspended just in front of my snout, feeling a fresh wave of emotions erupting around me.

"He's a mutt, impossible!" Snow shouted, the one I didn't recognize, his outburst drawing another laugh from the dragon.

Qana wrinkled his nose, growling, his entire body bristling. Meanwhile, Master Ontara remained in the same posture, unmoving, as if time had stopped for him ever since I entered the room.

"At least that explains how he got past my avoidance circle," the bighorn sheep snorted unhappily.

"Well, I think I've got a good idea of what's going on here." The dragon waved his hand dismissively. "Normally, I'd hold the Senate responsible for such a severe oversight, but..." He looked at me, tilting his head slightly, his pupils narrowing a bit. What did that mean for a dragon? "But I'm too curious now, so curious that I've decided to overlook this insignificant matter."

The towering dragon walked toward me, and I struggled not to show any signs of discomfort.

He was really, really tall.

"Do you know who we are, Richter?" He spoke slowly, almost singing, and I thought I glimpsed his forked, pink tongue.

I could only shake my head. I was quite certain that whatever understanding I had of "they" wasn't going to help in this situation.

"We are the ones who truly control how the world operates," he explained to me plainly, as if stating the most obvious fact. "We pull the strings from behind the scenes, ensuring that everything unfolds according to plan." He glanced over at Piqsirpoq. "Just before you interrupted, I was explaining to your brother how we could use his abilities." The dragon leaned closer to me. "We recruit members with potential, training them. Generally, age is ..."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Qana's hand moving toward the hilt of Winter Chill. I met the Swordmaster's gaze, confirming his intent. This wasn't just an act of impatience--Qana was planning to draw his sword and unleash hell while the dragon's attention was focused on me.

In that moment, countless thoughts flashed through my mind.

Qana had done everything he could to prevent me from interacting with 'they'. But now, we were interacting.

They planned to recruit Piqsirpoq, and Qana didn't seem to object.

From the very limited information I had, these people held significant power and knew the truth about psychic abilities--and the world.

The dragon and the bighorn sheep were undoubtedly psychics. From Qana's reaction, the dragon was stronger than him. I hadn't seen any obvious weapons on the dragon, and Qana might have intended to use the advantage of Winter Chill's presence to strike first. He was planning to face the others alone, and his expression didn't convey confidence, more like he had accepted the likelihood of his own death.

There were too few cards on the table. All the players were sitting there, calculating their own moves, while I, knowing nothing, had been pushed into the center like a chip.

Time around me slowed to a crawl. I still didn't know how I was doing this or whether this phenomenon was something I had caused.

I glanced at Piqsirpoq, trying to gauge his thoughts.

Nervousness, unease, and fear of the unknown--he had sensed Qana's tension. But beyond that, there was... anticipation--the opportunity to reshape the world with his will was being offered to him. No longer a flight of fancy or a mirage, it was really happening. For that, he was prepared to reach out and seize it, no matter the cost.

Then, there was Qana.

I noticed a faint reddish glow starting to spread from the deep blue of the Swordmaster's eyes. The thing he feared most had come to pass, and Qana would do whatever it took to keep me from getting involved with 'they'. Even if it meant his death.

So what about me?

I suddenly recalled one of Master Eulap's lectures about making choices when faced with a dilemma.

I regretted not understanding what Master was trying to convey. If I had another chance, I would listen to the philosophers' wisdom with serious humility.

I always seemed to be trapped in various complicated predicaments, my past shackling me, leaving me nowhere to go. Just being who I was, born as a mutt, left my life with only a few very limited options, so there wasn't much to consider--it was just like water flowing downhill.

But what about now?

I was certain that even if Qana somehow managed to get us all out of here, if what the dragon claimed was true--that they were the ones who truly controlled how the world operated--they would never let us go. Our future would be one of constant hiding, and that's if both Qana and I survived.

But if I decided to plunge into the future that Qana was dpsychicately trying to keep me away from?

Aside from Qana's clear dislike, everything else was unknown. But one thing was certain: this choice could remove the possibility of Qana dying in the upcoming conflict.

Maybe I should have been more forceful in demanding answers from Qana about what was really going on, so I wouldn't be stuck in this bizarre predicament.

What exactly were "they" doing? After recruiting those with potential and training them, what was the "plan" that they were ensuring would unfold? I knew nothing.

It didn't matter; thinking about it wouldn't help. After all, I had always assumed there was still time--even though the Swordmaster constantly reminded me of the opposite.

I looked at Qana again, making my decision. It was actually much easier than I had imagined. The difference between these two possible outcomes, given the known variables, was too vast--there was no room for struggle.

If one day, I want to protect those who can't protect themselves, I think I can't always rely on others to protect me.

Sorry, Master. This is probably a late-blooming rebellious phase.

"No!" My voice was much louder than I had expected, but it at least startled Qana enough to stop him, achieving the desired effect.

"Sorry... what did you say?" The dragon was interrupted, but he tilted his head, politely trying to understand my meaning.

"Uh..." My gaze quickly darted among everyone, noticing the increasing dissatisfaction of the bighorn sheep. "I mean, age shouldn't be an issue." The dragon raised an eyebrow, making me doubt if I had completely missed the point. Meanwhile, the bighorn sheep's displeasure was so palpable that I could almost read it directly from the air--this gave me an idea. "I directly passed through..." I pretended to forget how to address him, and the effect was immediate. "...through your circle. Doesn't that prove I have enough potential?" I also made sure to feign ignorance of that term.

Regardless of whether they bought it, the smile on the dragon's face and the deep red flush on the bighorn sheep's showed that things were unfolding just the way I wanted--well, maybe.

"I just said, 'Age won't be an issue; you've already shown enough potential.'" The dragon's smile deepened, making me awkwardly scratch my ear. "But now that you mention it, you've given me an interesting idea." He glanced at the bighorn sheep, then flashed me a grin full of sharp teeth. Ah, this must be what they mean by 'backfiring.' "Master Takahashi, what do you say..." The bighorn sheep waved a hand, cutting off the dragon's unfinished sentence, signaling that he would take over from here.

"Carnivores always think their power surpasses everyone else's," he spat disdainfully, lifting his right hand and drawing a circle in the air with his index finger. A brown ring emerged from the ground, etching itself around me and the bighorn sheep, emitting a dim light. The dragon stepped back a few paces, exiting the enclosed circular area. "This is a very simple strength test. I will compress you, force out your consciousness circle, so you can use your power." I already felt the air thickening as the bighorn sheep expanded his consciousness field. "Then I'll start pushing you, gradually increasing the force. If you can stay within the circle for one minute, I'll acknowledge that you have enough 'potential.'" The last two words were spoken through gritted teeth. I had thought herbivores couldn't make such expressions.

"No, this is too dangerous!" Master Ontara seemed to have finally reacted after a long delay, exclaiming in panic and looking to Qana for support.

"I don't see any problem," said the unfamiliar Snow, shrugging.

"Just teach him a lesson," Qana said, his hand still gripping the sword hilt, trembling slightly. "It'll be troublesome if you kill him."

"Hah!" The bighorn sheep laughed mockingly. "I'll try."

This was a bit awkward. I think Qana was talking to me.

"You two, be serious; this is no joke!" Master Ontara said, but Qana didn't respond, and the other Snow just shrugged again. "Richter, apologize now! You don't know what Daiki is capable of..."

Hmm... I guess I misjudged Master Ontara. But I only tilted my head at him, feigning confusion.

"Master Sunflare..." He turned to the dragon for help, but Sunflare merely glanced at me.

"I think the decision rests with the little wolf." Sunflare smiled at me, then crossed his arms over his chest.

"Let's get started, puppy!" The bighorn sheep, clearly growing impatient, said bluntly.

I felt... the pressure. He said this was to force out my consciousness circle, but Qana never did anything like this. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the bighorn sheep was an herbivore?

I realized he was lying; he had already started pushing me. Caught unprepared, my foot slipped, and I saw the bighorn sheep's face light up with satisfaction.

The force was weak, something I could resist just by tensing up, but that... compression, it bothered me.

He was... probing me, peering into my... memories.

What?

It felt like my brain was being directly stirred, and in some way, he was heightening my sense of shame.

All the most unbearable memories, the sleepless nights, the solitude that felt too dead amid the cheer and noise, the cold I couldn't shake even as I hugged myself tightly...

Master Ontara was right--I really had no idea what psychics were capable of.

"You're just a mutt!"

"Nobody wants you."

"Name?"

"How could he have one? He's just a mutt!"

All the hurtful words echoed in my mind, like violently tearing open wounds that had barely begun to scab over. But even more terrifying was the void, the nothingness of being utterly ignored, as if I didn't exist.

The bighorn sheep was laughing.

I wasn't sure if this was part of the normal process. If this was the kind of test my brother went through, I could understand why he reacted the way he did. Regardless, I just wanted to end this quickly, so I released a portion of my consciousness, preparing to counter the bighorn sheep's push.

But clearly, he was waiting for this moment.

The bighorn sheep had no intention of gradually increasing the pressure. I could feel the ripples of consciousness swelling within him. At this intensity, if I were an ordinary person, I wouldn't be surprised if I were thrown ten meters away.

But he wasn't planning to stop there. More images flashed through my mind--Piqsirpoq with his belly slit open, that wolfhound still rummaging through his organs, searching for something. Then Qana, using the broken Winter Chill to prop himself up, kneeling on the ground, covered in blood, motionless. Next came the boundless void, filled with countless fragments and corpses of all sizes. I knew, somehow, that all the screams reaching my ears were caused by me. The following scene was much quieter--Momus stood on the dark, lightless sea, slowly sinking. He reached out to me for help, but I couldn't reach him, and could only watch as the little wolf cub finally drowned, his expression one of disappointment, though not surprise.

This was an overstep.

I expanded my consciousness, forming a complete domain.

The bighorn sheep looked utterly shocked, and whatever he had done to show me those images, it no longer worked.

The power he unleashed was like a feeble breeze crashing against a solid wall, dissipating without a trace.

Suddenly overwhelmed by shame and anger, the bighorn sheep summoned a force several times stronger, sending shockwaves barreling toward me. This time, the impact was enough to kill an ordinary person instantly.

I felt the ripples of Master Ontara's consciousness as he prepared to intervene. But it was too late; the bighorn sheep's wave was about to hit me.

My brief life so far had been spent dealing with bullies. I actually pitied them, on multiple levels. I won't say that I wasn't pitiful for being bullied, but that doesn't change the fact that they were pitiable too. And I firmly believe that pitiful people should support one another.

So today, I decided to do this bighorn sheep a favor.

Fueled by the anger he had just stirred up, I summoned the corresponding power and sent a shockwave right back at him.

I can only say that I might have underestimated my own anger.

When I came to, I saw the bighorn sheep floating in midair, his limbs twisted at strange angles, and the astonished looks everyone else was giving me.

Except for Master Sunflare, whom I believe was laughing like a dragon.

And of course, Qana--his hand still gripping the sword hilt. I could see he was considering whether to strike while we still had the advantage, and now the bighorn sheep was down.

I gave him a small but firm shake of my head. The sword master hesitated, then although his body relaxed slightly, his expression remained conflicted.

"I think this counts as 'consent.' No overinterpretation here, right, Master Takahashi?" The dragon waved a hand in front of the bighorn sheep's unfocused eyes, singing in delight? "Tomorrow morning at six o'clock, at that... what do you call it again?" He tilted his head as if trying to recall something. " Practice...... training yes, training grounds. Just bring the essentials; everything else can be printed after we arrive."

"Tomorrow morning?" I wasn't prepared for this conclusion at all and asked, suppressing my surprise.

"We originally planned to leave right after the test. But given that..." He glanced at the bighorn sheep floating in midair, unconscious. "...you've given us such an interesting 'surprise,' Master Takahashi might want to take a look at your medical facilities."

The dragon scratched his chin with a claw, scanning the room.

"Master Qana, if it's convenient, could you escort our two little wolves back? I'm sure this interesting night has been too long for young ones in their growing years." The dragon spoke again, and his authoritative tone confirmed he was some sort of high-ranking figure. "Master Ontara, would you kindly show us the way to the infirmary?"

Qana walked over to me, his face grim. It made my ears droop involuntarily, unable to meet the sword master's gaze.

"Oh, one more thing," the dragon called out to us. "Although there will be other opportunities, please allow me the honor this time." He winked at me, flashing a sly smile. "Richter, the council welcomes you."