In World of Dreams, memories shape reality. For Jairen, a 15-year-old boy, the haunting memory of the name "Hanishi" echoes through his mind, a constant reminder of the tragic fate that befell his family. Eleven years ago, Jairen's home was invaded, his family slaughtered, and he was killed. Yet, he awakens with no recollection of his past, only to discover he has a brother, nameless to him, who has been searching for him ever since. As Jairen navigates his new life, he's plagued by fragmented memories and strange abilities that hint at a connection to something deeper. His quest for answers leads him to uncover a dark conspiracy involving a mysterious organization manipulating the innocent. With each step, Jairen draws closer to the truth about his family's downfall and the force behind the haunting voice. But as the stakes grow higher, he must confront the blurred lines in his life, and face the darkness within himself. Will Jairen find his brother and unravel the mystery of his past, or will the shadows of that very past consume him?
Jairen's eyes snapped open, his chest heaving as if he'd been underwater too long. Sweat drenched his sheets, and his heart raced like a wild animal. The familiar nightmare still lingered, echoes of screams and bloodied faces haunting his mind.
He rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the haze. Fragments of memories teased him, but one thing stood out: a brother. He had a brother. The name eluded him, but the feeling of loss and longing remained.
Jairen threw off his covers and got out of bed, his bare feet padding against the cold floor. He stumbled to the window, yanking open the curtains to let in the dawn light. The sky was a deep shade of indigo, with hints of crimson bleeding into the horizon.
"What's my brother's name?" he whispered to himself, gripping the windowsill as if it could anchor his memories.
The silence was deafening.
Jairen's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside his room. The door creaked open, and a figure entered, carrying a tray with a steaming cup. The aroma of herbal tea filled the air, and Jairen's stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten since yesterday.
The figure approached him, its features still obscured by the shadows. "Good morning," a soft voice said, placing the tray on a nearby table. "I brought some tea to help with your... nightmares."
Jairen's eyes narrowed, trying to make out the person's face. Who was this? And how did they know about his nightmares?
The woman's gaze was filled with a mix of concern and understanding. "You're struggling to remember, aren't you?" she asked gently.
Jairen's eyes dropped, his mind racing. How did she know? He nodded, feeling a sense of vulnerability.
The woman's expression softened. "I found you in the woods, near a broken tree. You were... lost. I brought you here, and you've been recovering ever since."
Jairen's mind grasped for any recollection, but his memories remained shrouded in fog. He looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "How long have I been here?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The woman's eyes filled with deep sadness. "You've been with me for several moons now. You didn't speak for a long time, but gradually, you began to come back."
Jairen's thoughts swirled, trying to process this information. Several moons? What happened to his life before this place? And who was this woman who had taken him in?
The woman's words hung in the air, leaving Jairen with more questions than answers. He looked at her, searching for any hint of recognition, but her face remained a blur.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice laced with desperation.
The woman's expression softened, and she placed a gentle hand on his arm. "You don't remember me, do you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jairen shook his head, feeling a sense of frustration and helplessness.
The woman's eyes filled with a deep sadness, and she nodded slowly. "I am Kaida. I've been taking care of you since... since you needed help."
Jairen's mind raced, trying to place the name, the face, anything. But everything remained shrouded in fog.
Jairen's fingers wrapped around the warm cup, and he brought it to his lips, inhaling the soothing aroma. As he took a sip, a subtle sense of familiarity began to stir within him. The taste, the scent, the feel of the cup in his hands... it all seemed to whisper hints of a forgotten past.
His gaze drifted around the room, and he started to recognize the faint outlines of furniture, the soft glow of candles, and the gentle hum of a nearby water fountain. It was as if the fog in his mind began to lift, revealing glimpses of a life he thought was lost.
"This... this is my home," he whispered, his eyes locking onto Kaida's. "You brought me here, didn't you?"
Kaida's expression softened, and she nodded. "Yes, Jairen. This is your home now. You've been safe here."
As the memories continued to resurface, Jairen's grip on the cup tightened, his heart racing with a mix of emotions. He felt a sense of gratitude toward Kaida, but also a deep longing for the life he couldn't remember.
Jairen sat on the bed, cradling the tea in his hands, and took a sip. The warmth spread through his chest, comforting him as he delved into his thoughts. Fragments of memories teased him, but he couldn't quite grasp them.
Kaida moved quietly around the room, her gentle humming accompanying the soft clinking of dishes and the rustling of fabric. Her presence was soothing, and Jairen felt a sense of security with her nearby.
As he pondered, his gaze drifted to the window, where the sun's rays danced across the panes. The light seemed to symbolize the elusive memories he sought. He longed to grasp them, to hold them close, and unravel the mystery of his past.
With a sigh, Jairen set the tea aside and lay back on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. The silence was punctuated only by Kaida's gentle movements and the soft hum of the water fountain in the background.
In this peaceful atmosphere, Jairen's thoughts continued to wander, searching for answers in the foggy recesses of his mind.
Jairen's hand instinctively went to his neck, his fingers tracing the scar tissue that crossed his skin. The memories, though hazy, still lingered, and he could almost feel the cold steel of the invaders' blades. His eyes closed, and his jaw clenched, as if the silence could hold back the pain.
The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the echoes of his past. The sound of clashing steel, the scent of smoke and blood, and the cries of the fallen all swirled in his mind. Jairen's chest tightened, as if the weight of his memories pressed upon him.
Kaida, sensing his distress, paused in her cleaning and watched him with concerned eyes. She knew better than to interrupt, allowing Jairen the silence he needed to confront his demons.
The stillness was palpable, heavy with the burden of Jairen's unspoken thoughts. The only sound was his slow, deliberate breathing, as he struggled to keep the darkness at bay.
Jairen's eyes opened, and he took a deep breath, composing himself. The memories still lingered, but he pushed them back, regaining control.
Kaida approached him cautiously, her eyes filled with empathy. "Jairen, are you alright?" she asked softly, her voice gentle as a summer breeze.
Jairen nodded, his throat still tight. "Yeah... I'm fine." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Kaida's gaze lingered on him, searching for any sign of distress. Satisfied that he was indeed okay, she continued, "I was thinking of making some breakfast. Would you like some?"
Jairen's stomach growled at the mention of food, and he managed a weak smile. "That sounds great, thank you."
Kaida's face lit up with a warm smile, and she headed towards the kitchen area. "I'll get started then."
As she began preparing breakfast, the aroma of sizzling food and freshly baked bread filled the air, slowly dispelling the lingering shadows of Jairen's memories.
Kaida placed a plate of steaming food in front of Jairen, her expression turning serious. "Jairen, I need to talk to you about something."
He looked up at her, his fork hovering over his plate. "What is it?"
"I have a business trip coming up," she explained, "and I'll be away for about a month."
Jairen's eyes widened slightly, surprised by the news.
Kaida rummaged through her pocket and pulled out a spare key, tossing it to Jairen. "This is a spare key to the apartment. If I'm not here, you can come and go as you please."
Jairen caught the key, his eyes locked onto it. "Thanks, Kaida."
She gave him a stern look. "But remember, if you lose this key, you won't be able to get back in. Make sure to keep it safe."
Jairen nodded, tucking the key into his pocket. "I will. Don't worry."
Kaida's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know I can trust you, Jairen. Take care of yourself while I'm away, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."
With that, she turned and headed towards the door, leaving Jairen to his thoughts and the weight of the spare key in his pocket.
Jairen's thoughts echoed through the empty apartment, "I need to get money. I can't rely on Kaida's generosity forever." He paced around the room, his mind racing with ideas. "I'll survive on my own for a while, prove to myself I can do it."
With newfound determination, Jairen scoured the apartment for any resources. He found some spare change, enough to buy basic necessities for a few weeks. He rationed his food, making sure to make the most of what he had.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
As the days passed, Jairen settled into a routine. He spent his time exploring the nearby village, getting to know the layout and the locals. He noticed the village was small, with only a few shops and inns. But it was enough to give him a sense of community, and maybe, just maybe, a chance to find work.
After two weeks of living frugally, Jairen decided it was time to start looking for employment. He dressed in his best attire, a simple tunic and pants, and set out into the village. His first stop was the local tavern, where he hoped to find some leads on work.
As he pushed open the door, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. Jairen's heart raced with anticipation. This was his chance to start anew, to prove to himself he could make it on his own.
The drunken man's finger wobbled in Jairen's direction, "Hey, look! A kid! What're you doin' here, eh?"
Jairen's face flushed, but he stood tall, "I'm looking for work. I need a job."
The tavern patrons turned to gaze at him, their faces a mix of curiosity and amusement. One of them, a burly man with a thick beard, pointed to a poster on the wall, "Well, kid, you're in luck! There's a job posting right there. Help wanted at the local stable. You could start by talkin' to the owner, Gorath."
Jairen's eyes locked onto the poster, his heart racing with excitement. A job! This could be his chance to prove himself, to earn his keep.
He approached the poster, his fingers tracing the rough parchment. "Stable hand wanted... must be willing to work hard... room and board provided..." Jairen's eyes widened as he read the details. This was it! His chance to start anew.
With a determined look, Jairen turned to the tavern patrons, "Thanks for the tip! I'll go check it out."
The drunken man raised his mug in a sloppy salute, "Good luck, kid! May the road rise up to meet ye!"
Jairen smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards these strangers. He pushed open the tavern door, stepping out into the bright sunlight, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As Jairen exited the tavern, a hooded figure stepped out of the shadows, their eyes fixed intently on him. "You're the one looking for work, right?" they asked in a low, gravelly voice.
Jairen's instincts prickled, but he nodded cautiously. "Yeah, I am. What kind of work are you offering?"
The figure pulled back their hood, revealing a scarred face and a menacing grin. "I've got a proposition for you, kid. There's a goblin infestation in the nearby cave. If you can clear it out, I'll pay you a handsome sum. 100 gold pieces, to be exact."
Jairen's eyes widened at the offer. 100 gold pieces was a small fortune! But, he hesitated, unsure if he was ready for such a dangerous task.
The scarred man seemed to sense his doubts. "Listen, kid. I know it's risky. But you look like someone who's got nothing to lose. And I'll sweeten the deal - if you succeed, I'll throw in a bonus. A rare artifact that'll give you an edge in any future endeavors."
Jairen's mind raced with the possibilities. He could use the gold to start a new life, and the artifact... well, that could be the key to unlocking his true potential.
With a deep breath, he nodded. "Alright, I'll do it. When do I start?"
The scarred man grinned, a glint in his eye. "You can start right now. The cave is just a few miles east of here. But be warned, kid - the goblins won't go down without a fight."
Jairen stood at the entrance of the cave, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never been in a situation like this before, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. The darkness of the cave seemed to stare back at him, like an abyss waiting to swallow him whole.
He thought about the gold, the artifact, and the promise of a new life. But he also thought about the goblins, their razor-sharp claws and teeth, and the very real possibility of death.
Jairen's hands were empty, no weapon to defend himself. He felt a surge of doubt and fear, his mind screaming at him to turn back.
But something within him refused to back down. Maybe it was the memory of Kaida's words, "You're stronger than you think." Or maybe it was the desperation to prove himself.
Whatever the reason, Jairen took a deep breath and steeled himself. He balled his fists, ready to face whatever lay ahead, and stepped into the darkness of the cave.
The air inside was damp and musty, the only sound was the faint dripping of water somewhere in the depths of the cave. Jairen's heart raced with anticipation, his senses on high alert.
As he ventured deeper into the cave, the silence was broken by a faint rustling noise, like the scurrying of rodents. Jairen's eyes scanned the darkness, his fists ready to strike.
Jairen's eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness, and he made out the rough contours of the cave. The air was damp and musty, filled with the scent of mold and decay. He could hear the sound of dripping water echoing off the walls, and the faint rustling noise grew louder.
As he ventured deeper into the cave, Jairen's senses went on high alert. He could feel the weight of the darkness pressing down on him, and his heart raced with anticipation.
Suddenly, a faint light flickered in the distance. Jairen's eyes locked onto it, and he approached cautiously. The light grew brighter, illuminating a small clearing in the cave.
And that's when Jairen saw them. A group of goblins, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light, their teeth bared in snarls. They were small, wiry creatures, but their eyes gleamed with a malevolent intelligence.
Jairen's fists clenched, ready to face the goblins. He knew it wouldn't be an easy fight, but he was determined to emerge victorious.
The goblins charged, their crude weapons at the ready. Jairen braced himself, ready to face the onslaught.
Jairen's leg screamed in pain as the goblin's crude dagger sliced through his flesh. He spun around, his eyes blazing with anger, and kicked out with his good leg. His foot connected with the goblin's chest, sending it flying across the clearing.
The other goblins paused, momentarily stunned by Jairen's sudden counterattack. But they quickly regained their composure and charged again, their weapons at the ready.
Jairen gritted his teeth, his leg throbbing in agony. He knew he had to keep moving, or risk being overwhelmed by the sheer number of goblins. He limped backwards, his eyes darting around the clearing, searching for an opening.
That's when he spotted it - a large rock, half-hidden in the shadows. Jairen made a beeline for the rock, his eyes fixed on it with a fierce determination.
The goblins closed in, their weapons raised. But Jairen was ready. With a swift motion, he snatched up a rock and hurled it at the nearest goblin, striking it with a sickening crunch.
The other goblins hesitated, their eyes fixed on their fallen comrade. Jairen took advantage of the reprieve, his eyes scanning the clearing for his next move.
Jairen's fists flew through the air, connecting with goblin faces and sending them crashing to the ground. He was a whirlwind of fury, his pain and anger fueling his attack. Goblin heads bounced off the rocks, their eyes glassy and unfocused.
But, in the heat of the battle, Jairen let his guard down. A goblin lunged forward, its jaws wide open, and sunk its teeth deep into Jairen's hand. Jairen roared in pain as the goblin's grip tightened, its teeth crushing down on his knuckles.
The goblin's eyes gleamed with triumph, its grip unyielding. Jairen's vision blurred, his hand throbbing in agony. He tried to shake off the goblin, but it held fast, its jaws locked onto his hand like a vice.
With a surge of adrenaline, Jairen used his free hand to grab the goblin's head and slammed it into the rock, crushing its skull. The goblin's grip relaxed, its body slumping to the ground.
Jairen stumbled back, his hand a bloody mess. He could feel the warmth of his own blood dripping down his fingers, and his vision began to blur. But he refused to give up, his determination to survive driving him forward.
The remaining goblins, sensing their comrade's defeat, turned tail and fled into the darkness of the cave. Jairen stood tall, his chest heaving with exhaustion, his hand burning with pain.
He knew he had to get out of the cave, and fast. The goblins might return, and he couldn't face them again in his current state. With gritted teeth, Jairen turned towards the entrance of the cave, his eyes fixed on the light of the outside world.
Jairen's eyes narrowed, his mind focused on the goblins that escaped. He could sense their presence, their cowardly hearts beating with fear. With a fierce determination, he ripped off his shirt and tore it into strips, using them to bind his wounded hand.
He tied the makeshift bandage tight, gritting his teeth against the pain. The bones in his hand were broken, but he couldn't afford to show weakness. Not now, not when the goblins were still out there.
As he worked, Jairen's eyes closed, his mind visualizing the rest of the goblin group. He could see them, their twisted faces and cruel eyes. He could sense their leader, a particularly large and vicious goblin, its eyes fixed on Jairen with a malevolent glare.
Jairen's eyes snapped open, his gaze burning with intensity. He knew where the goblins were, and he knew what he had to do. With a fierce cry, he charged forward, his bound hand held tight against his chest.
He burst out of the cave, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. The goblins were nearby, their crude weapons at the ready. Jairen's heart raced with anticipation, his mind focused on one thing: victory.
The battle was far from over. In fact, it was only just beginning.
Jairen ran swiftly at the rest of the group and started attacking the group of goblins overcoming his fear and facing them instead without a regret in the world.
Jairen's fury was unrelenting, his attacks swift and deadly. He tore through the goblin group, his bound hand forgotten in the heat of battle. The goblins were no match for his rage, their crude weapons no match for his skill.
As the last goblin fell, Jairen turned to face the leader, his eyes blazing with intensity. The leader, a massive goblin with eyes that seemed to burn with an inner fire, sneered at Jairen, its weapon at the ready.
The two enemies faced off, their breathing heavy, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. The air was thick with tension, the only sound was the heavy breathing of the two combatants.
Then, without warning, the goblin leader charged, its weapon flashing in the dim light of the cave. Jairen dodged, his reflexes lightning-fast, and countered with a vicious strike of his own.
The battle was intense, the two enemies exchanging blows, their movements swift and deadly. But Jairen's skill and determination gave him the edge, and slowly but surely, he gained the upper hand.
The goblin leader stumbled back, its eyes wide with fear, as Jairen picked up a dead goblin’s sword and pressed it against its throat. Jairen's eyes blazed with triumph, his chest heaving with exhaustion.
"It's over," he growled, his voice low and deadly.
The goblin leader's eyes flickered, its body trembling with fear. And then, in a flash of insight, Jairen saw something in its eyes, something that gave him pause.
As the goblin leader was distracted by something in the distance, Jairen strikes the goblin leader but the sword he was using breaks in two Jairen runs hastily to retrieve another sword and swiftly chopped at the leaders foot.
Jairen's sword struck true, biting deep into the goblin leader's foot. But, to his dismay, the sword stuck, lodged in the goblin's bone. The goblin leader howled in pain, its eyes blazing with fury.
Jairen tried to pull the sword free, but it wouldn't budge. The goblin leader, taking advantage of Jairen's momentary distraction, lunged forward, its claws swiping at Jairen's face.
Jairen dodged, barely avoiding the goblin's deadly claws. But he knew he had to act fast, the goblin leader was far from defeated. With a swift motion, Jairen drew the sword out of his foot and struck at the goblin's chest.
The sword bit deep, but the goblin leader refused to fall. It stumbled back, its eyes fixed on Jairen with a malevolent glare. Jairen knew he had to end this, and fast. He pulled out his dagger and prepared for the final blow.
The goblin leader, sensing its defeat, let out a deafening scream, a scream that echoed through the cave. Jairen's eyes locked onto the goblin, his dagger poised for the killing strike.
The goblin leader's scream ended abruptly, its body slumping to the ground. Jairen stood over it, his chest heaving with exhaustion, his eyes fixed on the lifeless body. He knew it was finally over.
As he caught his breath, Jairen noticed something strange. The goblin leader's body was beginning to glow, a faint blue light emanating from its wounds. Jairen's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing with questions.
Suddenly, the blue light enveloped Jairen, and he felt a surge of energy course through his body. His wounds began to heal at an alarming rate, his strength and vitality restored. Jairen's eyes locked onto the goblin leader's body, a newfound respect for his enemy forming in his mind.
"Your people may be cruel and ruthless," Jairen thought, "but they are also powerful and mysterious."
With his newfound strength, Jairen sheathed his dagger and approached the exit of the cave. He knew that his journey was far from over, that there were more challenges waiting for him outside. But he was ready, his heart and mind prepared for whatever lay ahead.
As he emerged from the cave, Jairen was greeted by a sight that took his breath away. The sun was setting over the mountains, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds singing in the distance.
Jairen's eyes widened in wonder, his heart filled with a sense of peace and belonging. He knew that this was where he was meant to be, in this beautiful and dangerous world.
“Oh no!” Jairen yelled.
Jairen's eyes widened in panic as he realized the key to his apartment was missing. He had been so focused on the battle with the goblins that he must have dropped it during the fight.
He frantically searched his pockets again, but it was nowhere to be found. He thought back to the last time he remembered having the key, and realized it must have fallen out of his pocket during the scuffle with the goblins.
Jairen's heart raced as he thought about the consequences of losing the key. His apartment was his safe haven, and without the key, he was locked out. He thought about all the valuable items and secrets that were hidden inside, and his mind raced with worry.
With a curse, Jairen turned back towards the cave, determined to retrace his steps and find the missing key. He knew it wouldn't be an easy task, but he had to try. His apartment, and everything in it, was counting on it.
Jairen's search of the cave yielded nothing. He had scoured every inch of the ground, but the key was nowhere to be found. He felt a sense of desperation wash over him, his mind racing with thoughts of being locked out of his apartment forever.
Without the key, Jairen was truly helpless. He had no way of accessing his apartment, no way of retrieving his belongings or seeking refuge in the safety of his own home. He was at the mercy of the world outside, vulnerable and alone.
Jairen slumped against the wall of the cave, his head in his hands. He had never felt so lost and helpless in his life. He thought about seeking help, but who could he turn to? He was a stranger in this land, with no friends or allies to rely on.
As the reality of his situation set in, Jairen felt a sense of despair wash over him. He was trapped, stuck in this cave with no way out, no way to regain access to his apartment. He was at the mercy of fate, and fate seemed to be against him.
Jairen walked out of the cave, his mind still reeling from the loss of the key. But he knew he had to keep moving forward. He made his way back to the town, his eyes scanning the streets for any sign of the hooded figure who had given him the job.
After a few hours of searching, Jairen finally spotted the figure in the distance. He quickened his pace, his heart pounding with excitement.
"Well done, kid," the hooded figure said, as Jairen approached. "I see you completed the job. Here's your reward."
The figure handed Jairen a small pouch filled with gold coins. Jairen took it, his eyes locked on the figure.
"Thanks," Jairen said, his voice low. "But I need something more. I lost the key to my apartment. Can you help me get a new one?"
The hooded figure raised an eyebrow. "Lost the key, have you? That's not my problem, kid. But I can give you a hint. There's someone in town who might be able to help you. Seek out the locksmith on the east side of town. He might be able to make you a new key... for a price."
Jairen nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he had to find that locksmith, and fast.
Jairen wandered the streets of the east side of town, searching for any sign of the locksmith. But as the sun began to set, he realized he was lost. Frustrated and defeated, he leaned against a nearby wall, wondering what to do next.
That's when he overheard the conversation between two students from the academy. They were walking down the street, completely absorbed in their own world.
"...I heard the Academy of Warriors is looking for new recruits," one of the students said. "My cousin's friend goes there and says it's intense. They train you in combat, magic training,strategy, and leadership."
Jairen's ears perked up. The Academy of Warriors? He had heard of it, of course. Who hadn't? It was the most prestigious school for warriors in the land. He had always been interested in honing his combat skills, but never thought he was good enough to attend a school like that.
"Yeah, I've heard the training is brutal," the other student replied. "But if you can make it through, you'll be set for life. You'll have your pick of jobs and adventures."
Jairen's mind raced with possibilities. He had been feeling lost and aimless since losing his apartment key. Maybe this was the opportunity he needed to turn his life around.
He continued to listen in on the students' conversation, learning more about the academy's rigorous training program and the different types of warriors they trained. Jairen's excitement grew with each passing moment. He had to find out more about this academy.
Jairen watched as the students walked away, their words still echoing in his mind. He felt a spark of determination ignite within him. He had to check out this academy.
"Hey, wait!" Jairen called out, running after them. "Where is the Academy of Warriors located?"
The students turned around, smiling. "It's in the North District," one of them replied. "You can't miss it. Just look for the large building with the emblem of a sword and shield."
As they turned to leave, one of them whispered to the other, "He's gonna die. He doesn't even own a ghost eye."
The other student snickered, trying to stifle a laugh. "Yeah, good luck to him, he's gonna need it."
Jairen didn't catch the whispered comment, but he noticed the students' amused grins as they walked away. He shrugged it off, focusing on his newfound goal.
With a sense of purpose, Jairen headed towards the North District, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Districts/Kingdoms and their rulers:
- North District: King Itadoni (the weakest ruler, also known as "the little one")
- East District: King Erydile (the conqueror)
- West District: King Yaro (the grand)
- South District: King Batoyle (the strongest king, and Lady Ioanna's right-hand)
- Central District: Lady Ioanna (the ruler of all, and the strongest ruler)