Two weeks passed in a breeze. Under the steady guidance of Teacher Julius, both Solaire and Sunny had grown significantly in knowledge. More importantly, Solaire's grueling training regime was beginning to show remarkable results.
His stamina had nearly doubled. He was now completing a 4km run while carrying 15 kilograms in just 45 minutes.
Cold no longer stung like before. He could sit in an ice bath for thirty minutes without shivering. His resistance to heat had improved too — now able to endure saunas heated to 140°C (284°F) without issue.
One morning, as class came to an end, Teacher Julius looked at them with visible pride.
"It's been two weeks now, and honestly... I'm very impressed by your progress. I'm proud of you both. Good job, Sunny. Good job, Solaire."
He paused, smiling faintly.
"I had mentioned a test, but frankly speaking, the two of you have already surpassed my expectations. I don't think we need it anymore."
"If either of you wants to continue, I'm happy to teach you some extra things — but the major topics of the Wilderness Survival course are complete."
Solaire nodded and raised his hand, gesturing calmly.
[I would like to leave this class now, Teacher.]
He needed the time — the second half of his day would now be spent learning weapon mastery.
Teacher Julius gave him a nod. "Very well. It was a pleasure teaching you, Solaire."
Solaire bowed slightly.
[Please — I learned far more than I expected. Thank you for your guidance.]
Then, glancing at Sunny:
[It was fun taking this class with you, Sunny.]
Sunny blinked, then replied with a shrug. "It was... okay taking this class with you."
Solaire scratched his neck, a bit awkwardly. Sunny was generally nice — except when he smiled like a serial killer — but he had a habit of being brutally straightforward. Without another word, Solaire turned and left the Wilderness Survival class.
I need to meet Awakened Rock, he thought. Hopefully, he can guide me in weapon training.
He walked through the wide halls of the Academy until he reached the instructor's quarters. Standing outside one particular door, he raised a fist and knocked.
A deep voice bellowed from within, "Come in."
Solaire stepped inside, smiling faintly.
[Hello, Instructor. I am Sleeper Solaire. I've come to request your guidance.]
Rock looked up from his desk, frowning. "And what makes you think I'd be willing to help you?"
Solaire suppressed the urge to say "Because you're an instructor!" Instead, he calmly stepped forward.
[I've been rigorously following The Iron Pact: A Dreamer's Code of Discipline. Here is my record of progress.]
He handed over the worn journal in which he had documented everything.
Rock narrowed his eyes, flipping through the pages. "Follow me to the gym. I'll confirm it myself. And don't call me 'sir' — it's Instructor Rock."
Solaire nodded.
[Understood.]
At the gym, Rock put him through a short series of tests. Every claim in the journal was verified. Solaire's strength, endurance, and discipline were undeniable.
Impressed, Rock folded his arms.
"Most Sleepers don't stick to strict regimes. Either their clans force harsher ones on them... or they just don't care. You're the first in years to follow through like this."
Solaire looked up, hope flickering in his eyes.
Rock gave a long exhale.
"I'll teach you. For the next two weeks, meet me here at 8 AM sharp. Stick to your routine — never break it. It'll lose value as you rise in rank, but that won't be for a long time."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.
Solaire's chest tightened with excitement. Yes! Finally, I can learn how to use weapons!
That night, he barely slept.
The days began early. At exactly 8 AM, Solaire stood in the sand-swept training yard — breath misting, muscles slightly sore from the morning routine. Awakened Rock waited, silent as stone, a practice sword in hand.
At first, it was only swords.
"Grip it like a promise," Rock had said on day one, his gravel-rough voice firm. "Not a threat. Not a hope. A promise."
The first few sessions were brutal. Rock corrected everything — foot placement, stance, angle of attack. Solaire's strikes were sloppy, his balance off. But he listened. Learned. Adapted.
By day four, something shifted.
Solaire began moving with a rhythm — not learned, but remembered. Parrying drills became faster. Ripostes cleaner. His body responded as if it had always known the blade, like muscle and steel were old friends merely reunited.
Rock noticed.
By the end of the week, the practice sword was replaced with others. Spears. Axes. Daggers. A curved saber. Even a bow, briefly.
And each time — hesitation at first, then familiarity. Almost like Solaire had held them all before.
Rock didn't say much, but his eyes sharpened.
The second week passed with endless repetition. Drills. Spars. Breathless mornings and aching limbs. Rock was ruthless but fair, demanding but never cruel.
They didn't speak often, but something unspoken built between them — a mutual understanding, perhaps even respect.
On the last day, as the sun set over the cracked stone of the yard, Rock walked Solaire through a final set of movements — just one form from each weapon. Not to master them, but to mark a beginning.
He crossed his arms after the final drill.
"You'll need to find your own style," Rock said simply. "But now... at least you're not swinging like a lost child."
Solaire, drenched in sweat but smiling faintly, bowed.
[Thank you. I won't forget this.]
Rock didn't smile back. But he gave a single nod.
"Don't. I won't repeat myself."
The winter solstice was tomorrow. Just as Solaire turned to leave, Rock called out again.
"If you manage to survive in the Dream Realm... don't stop your practice. Keep going."
He reached out and shook Solaire's hand. A rush of energy flowed into him as memories transferred.
[You have received a Memory: Training Sword]
[You have received a Memory: Training Spear]
[You have received a Memory: Wooden Bow]
"These should help you practice in the Dream Realm. Unfortunately, you'll need to find a real weapon on your own."
Solaire bowed again.
[Thank you. These will help a lot.]
He returned to his room and sat on the bed, catching his breath before opening his runes.
Name: Solaire
True Name: Chosen Undead
Rank: Dreamer
Humanity: Dormant
Humanities: [2/100]
Memories: [Estus Flask], [Wanderer's Armor], [Soldier's Regret], [Interpreter], [Training Sword], [Training Spear], [Wooden Bow]
Echoes: —
Aspect Name: [Kindler of the Flame]
Aspect Description: [Thou who art undead, art chosen. And in thine exodus from the Undead Asylum, maketh pilgrimage to the resting place of the █████, where the fate of the Undead thou shalt know.]
Aspect Rank: Awakened
Innate Ability: [Kindler]
Ability Description: [You are linked to the flame and can tend to it.]
Aspect Ability: [Blessing of Invulnerability]
Ability Description: [Dodging successfully grants a brief window of complete invulnerability, allowing you to pass through enemy attacks unharmed.]
Flaw: [Fading Echo]
Flaw Description: [Your voice has been silenced. With each step toward power, the world forgets you a little more. Words fade… and so does your presence.]
He closed the runes. His heart was steady. His body sharp. And for the first time since arriving, he felt ready.
The Dream Realm awaited.