I found myself in a dark space, illuminated only by stars connected by thin silver threads.
This was the space where the Spell rewarded those who completed its trials.
—"Aspirant! Your trial is over."
A small apprentice and his master, guided by their curiosity toward the unknown, investigated what they shouldn't and discovered what they didn't want. The master was corrupted by {Unknown} and almost killed the young apprentice, but the commotion caught the attention of a follower of one of the Six Gods. This follower saved the young apprentice and… took him as their disciple.
—[You have defeated no one.]
—[You have accomplished something inconceivable!]
—[Final appraisal: extraordinary. Your existence should not exist.]
Do they usually give such high praise for not killing anyone?
—[Dreamer Bell, receive your blessing!]
—[You have been granted a True Name: Soul Artisan.]
Something was definitely off with my Nightmare. True Names weren't obtained this easily; only a select few possessed them. They were a kind of medal for the effort invested in the Nightmares.
—[Latent Aspect: History Apprentice is evolving.]
Shouldn't I at least have been asked if I wanted it to evolve?
—[New aspect acquired.]
—[Aspect rank: Sacred.]
Alright, class time. Aspects are divided into ranks: Latent, Awakened, Ascended, Transcendent, Supreme, and Sacred. This means… I have the highest aspect rank. Incredible! With this, the Legacy Clans will surely want me, and I could finally live a peaceful life (assuming it's not a combat aspect).
—[Aspect Name: Soul Apprentice.]
Perhaps it will be useful?
I quickly checked the runes on the aspect to see what had changed.
Aspect: [Soul Apprentice]
Aspect Rank: Sacred
Aspect Description: "The soul is unique; every being possesses one, no matter how big or small. As my apprentice, learning about them will be your mission."
Innate Skill: [Inner Awareness]
Skill Description: "As a soul apprentice, your first discovery is your own soul."
Could this be useful? Maybe I could do something with souls? It must have some use, right?
—[The First Seal is broken.]
—[Latent powers awakening…]
I felt a warm, invigorating current run through my body, strengthening it. It was intoxicating: the power that set me apart from ordinary humans was settling into me.
Soon, that warmth gave way to awe. My vision split in two: one side showed the Spell's space, while the other revealed a dark sea, gently rippling under a star that bathed everything in a warm, comforting glow.
This was what we called the Sea of Souls, the space where memories and echoes were stored; a private refuge for those who needed tranquility.
—[Awakening Aspect Skill…]
—[Aspect skill acquired.]
—[Aspect Skill Name: Soul Perception]
I tensed at the Spell's words. This moment would decide if my aspect was useful or not. I turned back to the runes and read the new information:
Name: Bell
True Name: Soul Artisan
Rank: Dreamer
Core Rank: Beast
Memories: —
Echoes: —
Attributes: [Philology] [Marked by Divinity]I'd definitely examine that new attribute later.
Aspect: [Soul Apprentice]
Aspect Rank: Sacred
Aspect Skills: [Soul Perception]
Skill Description: "You perceive the souls of other beings as you perceive your own."
A tracker? Or maybe a kind of Sacred-rank alarm?
—[Every power comes at a price.]
No…
—[You have received a flaw.]
No!
—[Your flaw is: The Weight of Their Gazes.]
What does that mean?
I quickly turned to the flaw's description:"The soul deforms not only by what it sees, but by how it is seen."
Aren't the descriptions supposed to be clear!?
—[Awaken, Soul Artisan!]
Just like that, the dark space twisted and vanished, replaced by the ceiling of the facility where I had been tied to a bed to ensure I didn't hurt anyone. Apparently, one of the guards noticed I had just woken up and was coming to check on me.
—"Hey! Congratulations on surviving your first Nightmare… Why are you looking at me like that?"