Kaizul's head rested on a glass floor. A familiar statue of Arceus loomed over his head. Darkness surrounded him on all sides, and warmth trickled up his numb body, spikes of pain informing him he was alive.
Notice!
Welcome back to dream-home master.
Calculating dream tasks…
New Quests Uploaded!
Quest: Survival of the Fittest
Survive for 24 hours in the endless treetops without dying.
Quest: Survival of the Fittest
Survive for 24 hours in the Great Lake without dying.
Quest: Master Chef I
You have purchased the skill [Cooking]. Giving you access to the first quest in the cooking line.
Earn the title of [Apprentice Chef] by completing your training.
Quest: Martial Squire
You have purchased the skill [Martial Arts]. Giving you access to the first quest in the martial line.
Earn the title of [Martial Squire] by completing your training.
Notice
Multiple instances of bestiary for the Pokémon [Caterpie] detected.
Automatic fusion commencing.
Fusion Complete
Obtained!
Bestiary (Caterpie) [Legendary] (x7)
Quest: Bestiary I (Caterpie)
You have obtained the complete bestiary files for the Pokémon [Caterpie].
Complete your study of the bestiary.
Laughter broke out across the darkness. The sound traveled into the space surrounding the pane of glass he now lay on. All that came back was complete and total silence.
"Guess that first night was just a tutorial then, huh? Also, you couldn't have let me know that buying the skills wouldn't give them to me? No wonder it didn't feel like they were doing anything." Kaizul said. He brought his arm up and rested it over his eyes.
Time passed as he lay there, like sand falling through an hourglass, but he didn't move.
"What, is it going to be like this every night? Will I spend the rest of my life fighting for scraps of power? And for what then? To what end? What am I supposed to do with it? Am I just to keep pushing? Am I just supposed to hope that there is some method to the pain and misery? A reason to keep fighting through the silence and solitude."
Notice
Mental Break detected.
Emotional state exceeding the maximum acceptable threshold.
Reparin —
"NO! Don't you dare run from this!" Kaizul shouted as he swiped at the screen. "I spent 28 years fighting those blasted bugs you call Pokémon. 28! I died more times than I care to remember, only to wake up and find that it was all for nothing!"
"All I found was isolation and the chill of icy winds. I fought, hoping there would be anything worthwhile at the end. That in the waking world, there would be someone, something to justify all the suffering. But in the end, all that happened was that I came right back here!"
Kaizul leaped to his feet and pointed his finger. "Look at that system, look at that statue! That thing, whatever it is, put me here. It created me, and it did it for a reason. You know what that reason is and don't even pretend like you don't. So tell me why? Why am I here? What reason could justify all this?"
His arms now splayed out around him, gesturing to the void and stars. He waited, first a minute, then two.
"What's wrong? Caterpie string your mouth? Answer me." He waited.
"Answer me." He demanded, and more silence met him.
"ANSWER ME!"
I can't, Master Kaizul.
He read the line hovering in the air. Once, then twice, over and over again. He slumped back down to the floor and brought his arms up over his knees.
"How am I supposed to fight for a cause I don't even know?" Kaizul said.
Master, you will find the strength to push forward within yourself. You received a mission, and I know that this mission is far from you now. I know it's hard to believe you will ever survive long enough to reach for it. I know that in this moment; you don't have any real reason to trust or believe in me, but please know that I believe in you.
I believe that you have the strength to make it through. Believe that no matter how strong the trials you may face, whether it be the biting cold of winter's frost, or the powerful might of Pokemon as they rend the earth and stone. You will prevail, and I will help you on that journey.
I know that life right now might feel like a nightmare. It's even in the namesake of what we are. But know this. In life there is good and there is bad, light and darkness. Though things may be difficult at this moment, it is through trials and adversity that nightmares can turn into dreams. However, you cannot realize any of that if you give up now.
Kaizul read and let a small smirk fall onto his face.
"Those are pretty words. But if I need to spend years every night fighting and training for this so-called 'mission' that you've got prepared, then how am I supposed to believe that it's not pointless in the end? What proof do I have that this 'dream' of yours is even worth the effort?"
Kaizul's breath came in ragged movements, the defiant smirk falling away as he stared at the floor. As though asking it what the answer was.
Notice
Please trust me, Kaizul.
Kaizul read, and after finding no further responses or explanations prudent, stared up at the endless black, his gaze lightly drawn from one star to another. There were just too many conflicting emotions for him to process. And in the end, he wasn't really able to process it at all. Instead, after staring up and into the dark, he realized something. He wanted to believe in the nightmare system. As baffling as that sounded to his own ear.
He thought, not for the first time, that this strange power might be using him. Brainwashing him so that he would complete its goals. The logic didn't entirely hold up, but really, what about this whole situation made any sort of sense?
After all, if this power could create him, then what was he supposed to do? If his read was right, then that statue was some kind of godly figure. And if that was true, then what was he even needed for?
But in the end, it wasn't logic that decided for him; it was his gut. In his heart, he realized, he wanted to believe in the nightmare system. Maybe that was also manipulation. Perhaps it was the thing changing his mind to make him easier to use, but he just couldn't bring himself to care. His gut told him it was telling the truth, and if he couldn't trust his instincts, the same ones that got him through all those Caterpie and led him to running from the Articuno in time, then what could he trust?
So he did. He believed in this system. He would defeat every challenge, every quest, in the faith that one day, he could look back on this moment, and it would all make sense.
So he sat there, eventually coming to terms with his situation, and finally after his emotions calmed to a certain degree, he looked back in amusement at something he had missed a while back. He couldn't fix everything, he supposed, but there were some things he had control over.
"Hey, thanks for consoling me. Would it be all right if I asked you a question?" Kaizul said.
Notice!
You are always welcome to ask me questions, Master.
"I wanted to ask what I should call you? You're clearly sentient enough to hold a conversation with me, and it feels rude to refer to the only person who's been by my side since the beginning as system or some other title." He said.
Notice
Strictly speaking, Master. I am not a person, but an extension of your own psyche. A portion of your power, something like your subconscious.
"You don't feel like my subconscious. You feel more, separated, if that's the right term, but you're changing the subject. What should I call you?" he asked.
Notice
I don't have a name, Master Kaizul.
"Then can I give you one?"
Notice
If you wish to Master.
"All right then, I think I'll call you Vincent."
Notice
Name accepted. Thank you, Master Kaizul.
"You're welcome, Vincent. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to ask. What does the potential section of the Pokémon analysis even mean? I've seen it on both the Caterpie and the Articuno, but until now, I haven't really figured out its purpose," Kaizul asked.
Notice
The potential section of a Pokémon's status sheet refers to the genetic aptitude a Pokémon can reach within the confines of its own species. Each aptitude gives different information referring to the latent potential of each Pokémon.
The different options are:
• Common — The lowest gene of a healthy Pokémon accounting for roughly 50% of the gene pool. This refers to a Pokémon that can get stronger, but will take an exacting diet and training regimen to grow. Even then, results can vary wildly based on the temperament of the Pokémon itself, and other environmental factors.
• Uncommon — This refers to when the potential of a Pokémon is slightly above the average for its species, and accounts for roughly 45% of the gene pool.
• Rare — When a Pokémon's talent exceeds what can typically be expected for its species. These Pokémon account for the last 5% of the gene pool and will take to specific training like fish to water. They are naturally stronger than the rest of their species and rarely hit bottlenecks in their strength even if the trainer is not proficient.
• Very Rare — The highest naturally occurring gene in Pokémon, a Pokémon with this potential is a paragon of its species. With minimal training, they will outperform the vast majority of other Pokémon of the same race. Almost guaranteed strength from birth, these Pokémon are almost always exceptional unless something is actively hindering their growth. Such as a completely incompetent trainer, or malnutrition.
• Mythical — Pokémon are never naturally born at this stage. They can instead achieve this stage through a variety of outside factors. These factors include blessings from stronger Pokémon, exceptional held items, or long-term consumption of very specific diets, which vary depending on the Pokémon. Pokémon at this stage are almost always raised by exceptional trainers or not trained at all. And if found in the wild, tend to have vast pieces of land as their territory.
• Legendary — Pokémon at this stage are at the pinnacle. They have either an exceptional diet, a powerful energy source, or a blessing from powerful Pokémon. Probably all of the above. At this level, they will naturally outperform most other Pokémon of their species. With training? Pokémon at this level are downright untouchable, and it can take hundreds of well-trained Pokémon just to contain them.
• Mutation — These Pokémon are themselves not natural. It refers to Pokémon that completely differs from the norm of their own species. Examples could be stronger or weaker than their base species. Such as a Pokémon born without legs, or a natural Mega-Evolution. Almost all mutations are not beneficial, and even natural Mega's, despite being stronger for a time, will naturally die out because of the stress it places on their bodies.
• Perfect — You will never see these in the waking world, in the wild, or under other trainers. They match the description. Genetically perfect. They will outperform others of their species in every conceivable way. The only way you will ever find a Pokémon like this is from the Nightmare System directly. You cannot find them anywhere else. They will still need training, but once they have it, they will be uncontested at the same level of strength.
After reading through the answer to his question, Kaizul found his attention drawn to a specific section of the list. There was quite a lot he didn't understand, but he assumed it would make sense with time. Still though.
'The Articuno I ran into wasn't a normal one. It was a paragon of its species. Because of course it was.' He thought with no small amount of indignation.
That brought him to his next question, though: "What does the strength section of a Pokémon mean?"
Notice
The strength section of a Pokémon represents the stage of strength a Pokémon has reached. For the weakest Pokémon, this is not displayed, and the listing is as follows:
• Third Class
• Second Class
• First Class
• Professional
• Elite
• Champion
• Mythical
• Legendary
'Well, at least it was only a champion-class Articuno, but still. Just my luck, that's what I would run into. Could be worse, though, I guess.' He thought.
Kaizul spent the next few minutes asking questions to help him understand what he was reading about. What was a trainer? What's a Mega Evolution?
In the end, he gathered a basic understanding of what the strength and potential of a Pokémon meant, and with a few further questions, could determine that even within the same stage of strength, the actual combat output could vary wildly because of a variety of factors.
Eventually, he finished his interrogation of Vincent and decided that it was time to do his dream tasks. After all, the sooner he did them, the faster he could return to the waking world. He wasn't sure what he would do when he got there, but that was a problem for the future. For now, he just had to take things one step at a time.
Notice
Which quest would you like to complete first, Master Kaizul?
"I'll start with the martial squire." No sooner had he spoken, then his vision slowly faded to black.
As his eyes fluttered open once more, a new system notice appeared in his vision.
Quest Initiated
Martial Squire
Difficulty Normal
Body Reduced to 10
Mind Reduced to 10
Spirit Reduced to 1
Attempt 1
Stay strong Master.
A hand passed through the screen as it faded, and a groan spread throughout the room.
"I didn't notice it much the first time, but that really feels awful." Getting his body and mind reduced to ten was like being in a pit of tar and after going days without sleep or food. He felt slow both in mind and body.
"Suppose that's something I'm gonna need to get used to." A grimace spread across his face. He didn't want to get used to it. Still as he came to terms with it, he took in the room surrounding him. Smooth polished marble in a semicircle formed the walls, and within them were ten doors, five on each side.
Beside each door were two empty basins. And hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room, was a large white crystal. It shone providing light to the room, and beneath that was a pillar which Kaizul had been leaning on when he awoke.
Kaizul stared at the doors and then up toward the crystal. "Nice" he said before he turned and walked towards the door directly opposite where he awoke.
"As good a choice as any, I suppose," he said before he pushed it open and walked through the hallway.
The sound of boots touching stone echoed, and Kaizul stepped into a hall filled with wooden mannequins. At the center of the room was an amphitheater, with a single mannequin inside.
Taking a moment to take it all in, Kaizul wandered the room searching for anything out of place. Satisfied there was nothing to see, he hopped over the stairs leading into the arena.
The mannequin moved. Immediately on edge, Kaizul prepared himself to fight the creature, but instead of attacking him, the mannequin simply took a stance. Confused, Kaizul waited. Nothing, not even a twitch from the thing.
'Ok something happened, but what?' With the bravery of a frightened Meowth, Kaizul made his way over to it. Even within just a foot of the mannequin, nothing happened. With delicacy that would make a noble woman weep in shame, Kaizul reached out and touched the thing before leaping back into a defensive stance of his own.
Still nothing, not even a twitch. Slowly, he let his stance drop.
'Huh.'
After a few moments of thought, Kaizul played a hunch and did his best to match the stance of the mannequin. It took a few minutes, both for him to analyze its stance and to match it with his own body. It felt unnatural and uncomfortable. But still he did it. And no sooner had he finally got it right, then the mannequin, which he nicknamed Bob, shifted again.
'So, I need to copy it then?' He thought, and he did. Thirty minutes later, he copied Bob as he shifted through ten different stances. Immediately after he matched the final one, Vincent had revealed what his goal was.
Notice
To complete this stage of your training, shift between each of the ten stances of flowing wind in a random order matching your martial trainer.
You must complete this task ten-thousand times consecutively without fail.
Kaizul read, and at first, his face was the picture of serenity. Then his face shifted into a deep scowl.
"Ten thousand?! Are you crazy, Vincent? I'd be doing these for hours straight without a single mistake! That's insane! Look at me! Look at me, you heartless freak! You see these flabby arms? The weak physical form you have cursed me with. How do you expect me to do this with this crap?" Vincent yelled.
Notice
It is possible, Master Kaizul.
"Oh, it's possible he says. Well, it's also possible that I could just sit here and refuse to do it. What do you have to say about that?" he said.
Vincent had nothing to say about that. So, Kaizul decided he would make good on his threat, and he sat there.
Eventually, he began wandering. He stepped back and forth across the room. He gave nicknames to the mannequins.
Only Vincent knew exactly how long it took Kaizul to cave. But before he did, he had given each of the mannequins unique names and developed a deep and detailed history of who they were and their place in the political scene.
All one hundred and fifty of them.
To Kaizul, it was oddly therapeutic. For some reason, developing a past for each of the dummies made him feel less alone here. Surely not the healthiest of coping methods, but it was what he had.
Still, there's only so long he could go before giving in.
'I guess there really is no choice then. Curse you, Vincent, and this ridiculous power I've been "blessed with". I should've jumped off that cliff when I had the chance.'
And so, little Kaizul began his training. Shifting from one stance to another. His proctor? Bob, captain of the royal guard and known to all his pupils as the sadistic mentor.
'Also am I losing it, cause whenever I curse Bob I could swear he goes faster.' No, he supposed, that couldn't be right. After all, Bob was just a mannequin, hopefully.