Everything related to the Sleepers was housed in the same building. Ariandel followed the instructions sent to his communicator and quickly found the dormitories on one of the lower levels.
In his room, there was a bed with a soft mattress, a desk, a dresser, and a separate bathroom. The furniture was new and aesthetically pleasing; the air, clean and sterile.
The temperature was comfortable, and the exterior wall featured a hidden screen perfectly mimicking a wide window overlooking a snow-covered park.
Several sets of clothes bearing the Academy emblem, provided free of charge, were also available.
'How pleasant,' he thought, moved.
Rationally, he saw nothing extraordinary—this was a standard of living he already knew, even in his humble circumstances. Yet for his heart—which, despite having no memories, still carried the feelings of someone who once wandered the outskirts of this world—that room was a luxury.
He placed a hand on his chest, feeling the tremor coursing through his body.
Ariandel sighed, eyes misting.
"I suppose, before my Awakening, I dreamed of a better life, far from the outskirts..."
He looked around the room, then smiled and let out a gentle, almost nostalgic laugh.
"Seems like we're moving up in life now, right, Nameless?" he said, as if speaking to his former self—the one who, in truth, never left the station where he faced his Nightmare.
He laughed again, but it wasn't just from excitement; it was a reminder that he needed to live for the two lives he had already lost.
Gradually, the sound faded, and he forced himself back to the present, bringing his scattered thoughts to the here and now.
He manifested his clothes onto his body and studied himself in the mirror, hardly believing that he now possessed a beauty worthy of a fairy tale.
Everything about him evoked the supernatural and enchanting.
Hair, eyebrows, and lashes of unreal white. Skin spotless, glowing, without blemish. A slender build, delicate yet defined features.
His eyes, two iridescent kaleidoscopes without pupils, emanated a strange emotiveness.
With one last satisfied look, Ariandel decided to review his Memories.
===
Memory: [Ariandel's Maturity Arc]
Memory Rank: Dormant
Memory Tier: I
Memory Type: Weapon
Memory Description: [A simple longbow, forged with wisdom, symbolizing transformation.]
Memory Enchantments: [Infinite Bow].
=
[Infinite Bow]
Enchantment Description: [The bow creates pure-energy projectiles without the need for physical arrows, using the bearer's soul essence.]
===
He still didn't know how his True Name had appeared there.
'Well, the bow is incredible; a weapon that needs no arrows, and the enchantment is passive.'
Ariandel received this Memory at some point between emerging from the black silk cocoon and facing that worm amalgam.
'Surely I didn't kill that thing with my teeth, and the Weaver was hanging from the ceiling... right?'
"..."
'Misty memories... better not think too much about that.'
What he could recall made him shudder.
Now, moving on…
===
Memory: [Dream of the Deep Heart]
Memory Rank: Awakened
Memory Tier: VI
Memory Type: Armor
Memory Description: [A simple tunic, leather sandals, and a light cloak. Its unassuming appearance lets the wearer pass unseen, like a shadow among shadows.]
Memory Enchantments: [Heart's Refuge], [Dreamsilk], [Misty Veil].
=
[Heart's Refuge]
Enchantment Description: [This Memory grants moderate protection against mental attacks.]
[Dreamsilk]
Enchantment Description: [This Memory is durable, resistant to the elements, and comforting like a sweet dream.]
[Misty Veil]
Enchantment Description: [This Memory envelops the bearer in a subtle aura, reducing presence and visibility, making them discreet and hard to track.]
===
The Peregrine summoned the armor. Fine threads of many colors appeared around his body and wove themselves into a light, soft-fabric garment with no adornment: a simple tunic, leather sandals, and a white-gray cloak.
It was comfortable, and Ariandel liked it very much.
It was almost exactly the same tunic Cassia wore, gifted by Nephis.
'I faced the same Nightmare as Nephis, killed the same terror, and now wear the same garment... How does this work?'
Moreover, it was a perfect match for his invisibility.
An awakened armor alone wouldn't be enough to protect him on the Forgotten Coast, but with the bow and his abilities, he couldn't ask for a more suitable starter set.
'And don't forget you're already a monster. And there's still the untapped potential of your Legacy—manifestations of imaginary objects and forces, plus the ability from separating your cores.'
'I'm certain there's potential to burn someone with some flaming illusions. After all, if I can imagine a hot cup of coffee, however fleeting, why not do the same with flames?'
"Yes, I really do feel welcomed to this world."
In high spirits, Ariandel dispelled the Memory and left his room, heading to the coffee shop.
...
Dinner was as generous as the dormitory. His desire to sample the world's sweets was finally fulfilled: beyond being free for the Sleepers, there was no limit to how much he could have!
There was also meat, rice, bread, various sides, sauces, fresh vegetables, fruits, and delicious beverages. Not that he was hungry. He had realized some time ago that he no longer felt hunger and probably didn't need to worry about eating or drinking.
'Excellent!' rejoiced Ariandel, heading straight for the coffee.
After arranging a small rainbow of desserts on his plate, he found an empty seat and for a time forgot the existence of the world. As the rich—but not excessive—sweets melted in his mouth, his vision shimmered with stars, and he couldn't help a moan of pure pleasure.
Fortunately no one could see or hear him; some girls might trip, and some young men could question their own orientation...
He focused deeply on the experience, memorizing every nuance of the treats he enjoyed. He hoped to replicate them with his imagination. For scientific purposes, of course. All in the name of perfecting his abilities, which would surely save him in the future.
'I can thank the Spell for this, can't I? Nephis won't torch me if she finds out, will she?'
When he finished, he was already satisfied and more than a little full. He thought of Cassia and wished to deepen his friendship with her first, since the other two—Sunless and Nephis—weren't the most sociable. He would hardly gain their friendship without it being forged by the trials of the Forgotten Coast.
Since it was time for his consultation with the Academy staff, he left the coffee shop.
He did not intend to reveal all the details of his abilities, but he knew being evasive wouldn't help. If he survived, he would become known for his capabilities. Moreover, informing them of his potential might divert attention from his hidden trump cards.
And, after all, his Flaw demanded that he be known.
Before long, he found himself in a small office, seated across from a friendly administrative worker who, without showing surprise at Ariandel's appearance, began the interview immediately.
He politely declined psychological counseling, and the interview moved on to questions about his Aspect.
When asked about his Ability, Ariandel answered with restraint:
"Sorcery. I have not delved deeply into my capabilities yet, but I can say my Aspect has multiple applications, both for combat and survival."
The interviewer continued:
"What are you capable of doing with your Ability?"
"I can create illusions. I am also skilled in concealment and exploration, able to go unnoticed even in a crowd and greatly reduce the chance of being caught by surprise..."
Throughout the conversation, the interviewer's composure gradually crumbled.
"Incredible! Your Aspect really is remarkable, and your Attributes complement your abilities well."
To conclude, Ariandel introduced himself:
"Thank you. And, by the way... 'Ariandel' is my True Name."
The interviewer hesitated, losing his train of thought after the revelation. Ariandel remained modest, but a flicker of amusement shone behind the mask he maintained.
After the interview, he returned to his room, took a long shower, laughed in the shower, and went to sleep.
He realized he might no longer need to sleep, but his mind and spirit still appreciated the rest. Lying on a soft mattress, skin against clean sheets and a fluffy pillow beneath his head, he slept like an angel.