Book 2/31 - Nomads

[Author's Note: This is Ozai. Couldn't make the wings look less physical and more astela without making it look like a cartoon]


_


Ring - 3rd
Realm - OREAHEIM


If anyone told Sunai as she called herself in this new reality, that she would play this game just for the fun of it without a care of streaming then she'd have laughed in their faces. Games were enjoyable true but she got cash from subscriptions her fans made to see the game world from.their screens.

She was proven wrong and instantly addicted the moment Pebbles was born. A nightmare came from one's worst fear. In a move that Sunai found as sadistic, her fear was torn from her the very same way she tore it from the Oneiro Falen. Pebbles was born. A cute name for a fiercesome serpent.

Timbles was even worse of a nightmare if she had to be honest. Nihiliths according to what she learned were creatures that embodied the nothingness. And not ina Fun way.

She eyed the Oneiro who's mind had held such fears that could birth a Nihilith. She wondered if her fears were meaningless compared to Falen. Pebbles screeched drawing Sumai's attention forward as scales rippled in a message only Sunai could understand. There was trouble. She saw nothing as the glided past several ruins below and crested over a hill. The moment the flowed over Pebbles coiled in place on top the hill. Sunai squeezed on the serpent's horns oto calm her. Falen stared at what had stopped them. If the Oneiro could It would have paled.

"Run. Get your Serpent out of here". Sunai have him a confused look.

"Why?" She accessed the thing lying in the pieces of what was a city. It's head turning slowly to stare at them.

"It eats nightmares and dreams. Anything that walks and thinks". The horror in his voice was audible. Pebbles scales rattled and rippled in what Sunai understood to be wariness.

"What exactly is it?".

"The Swarm". Even as they spoke Sunair watched the thing move. It was like a millions creatures making up one form. It was hard to see each one but easy to note the makeup of all of them. She stretched her hand out hand to pat the obviously bothered Nightmare.

"...but we've never confirmed the suspicion".

The creature had clearly seen them, the hunger in its actions evident. The thing was so coordinated that it had no mistake or error in moving. Long strides carried it closer. Sunai stared back at Falen. The horror in its alien face was visible. She turned back forward.

Leaning low against Pebbles she patted and rubbed the scales cooing to the Nightmare even as she dragged silver, black and purple mists from the scales in a long breathe. The serpent shivered and shrieked, Sunai pattef it in apology. Black and red veins vanished past her pale skin and into the scales where the oozed out as smoke. Smoke that condensed into a long and thin crooked dagger.

Sunai admired her Nightmare Construct ignoring the alarmed Oneiro behind her. The swarm was close. Sunai was curious. Falen's words kept her here. The swarm was close enough.

"Dreamscape". In a circle around her, the world blurred. Then became firm. "Illusion". Each word was whisper. A whisper that did its work.



**Craft Illusion** Sumai can create illusions that affects all senses. These illusions can deceive all individuals they are made for and can cover a Short distance. (within 10 feet)
Duration: Until dispelled

**Dreamscape Creation ** Sumai can manipulate a sleeping individual's dream or the reality around a dream dweller, subtly influencing the tone and direction of the dream or reality. The influence is altering details such as changing the weather or adding background characters. Medium (within 30 feet)
Duration: Until dispelled



The Spawn was upon them within seconds. Falen didn't get why they hadn't moved. Hiw fright was too great that it blinded him to the changes to his environment. As an Oneiro he was quite susceptible to the weaving of dreams within the dream realm. His senses tingled but Falen saw only the danger before him. When it jerked he didn't get why. All he saw was the serpent the rode twisting and dashing for an angle to get away.

He watched confused as the Swarm battled with nothing. Aram swinging and body devouring something that wasn't there. "What...". He didn't get to ask ask or see as they both turned the corner behind the ruin and then the serpent dashed into the plains that lay behind a hill.

"What did you do to it?".

Sunai gave him an amused look. "I gave it what it wanted?". He blinked , beak opening and closing.

"That ruin. What's it all about?".

She didn't catch the look in his eyes at the question. Her black hair billowing in the wind as Pebbles slitteref at a terrific speed. " The Dream realm is not a stable place".

Her head tilted a bit with her rear to him, listening. When those mortals come here. Their dreams carve out portions in the realm. If it was the positions of their former dreamers then all would be fine. But they appear anywhere and everywhere". The anger in his voice slipped out.

"Their dreams change the realm". She stated turning around to look at him. The Oneiro nodded.

"What you saw is what is left of the cities we had".

"That doesn't make sense. There has to somewhere in your realm that remains stable. Where the dreams can't affect. How do your people live?".

His brows furrowed. " We don't?".

"Nomads".

The two remained silent for a moment. Falen admiring the sight of his realm from the height once more. Sunai leaning forward on her serpent in thought.

Pebbles glided over a field of flowers the tilted and headed down her scales rippling for Sunai to see.

"Why are we going down?".

"She's thirsty". There was a little pond at the center of the field. The flowers Pebbles lay on were crushed and smeared pigment on her underbelly. A large dark purple forked tongue mopped up water while Sunai got off. Crouching in the field she picked a petal, looked at the paint on the Nightmare and then crushed the petal between her index and thumb.

Blue pigment stained her pale skin. Picking another flower she squeezed. It was green this time.

"Ameron. Come out here. You've been sleeping since forever". She chided the wind. A cute tiny yawn was audible from her head. The black tresses of her head parted as a chubby fairy poked its head out. The visible potbelly drew a grin from her lips. Potbellies and fairies were two things she never imagined together on a fairy..

It rubbed its eyes and glared. "You called?". Sunai could see the annoyance in its eyes.

"These". It looked from her to the crushed flowers and back. She could see the gears turning in its head as it hoped she didn't wake it just to ask about flowers. It looked up at her again with hopefully angry eyes.

She plucked the fairy from thin air and held him tight. "The flowers".

"Fine fine. It's Color Roses. Useful for...'.

"Painting and writing".

"If you knew why wake me?".

"Oh. Just confirming. Its not my main question, plus... haven't you slept enough".

"How could I sleep enough. That's like asking me to stop seeing".

" Well you're not sleeping now are you?". The fairy blinked. " I'll just ask my question and you can go back to sleep". The eagerness in its eyes was annoying.

"I leaned the entire realm is unstable due to the dreams of im guessing... mortals. Now if the realm is unstable, how am I supposed to find this Dreamspire?. Won't it be ruins by now?".

The fairy scoffed and folded an arm over its belly using the large part to rest the beefy dairy arms. " You think that would happen wouldn't you?. Well no. The Dreamspire is different". Sunai didn't notice the gleam in its eyes or the way the tone changed just a slight bit. "It wasn't really planned but the difference in the Dreamspire and the rest of the cities made it so that one stood while others fell. Not that it mattered in the long run. One was more important than the others".

Sunai frowned and eyed the fairy. The gleam was gone and she didn't notice it at all. The fairy eyes her with a glare like he'd down his part and she had to uphold her path. "I don't think the Dream Dwellers like that so much".

"Not my business. Your business. That's what you're here for". Her left eye twitched and she dropped the fairy.

"Hey!!". It flapped its wings and caught it's fall. "No fair". Flapping hard and fast it left a trail of magenta dust as it shot for her head. Settling there it grabbed her horns and slapped each one.

Falen watched the Nightmare as it lapped up the water. He'd never seen nightmares as animals or creatures. Just monsters. Ones that drank blood, shredded dreams and illusions. Ate living creatures and tainted the realm. But here was this one, calmly drinking up the water like it was the most normal thing. He wasn't sure if he should feel fear or awe.

Thinking about it. Did I ever need to drink water?. What's the point?. How did it taste?.Curiouser and Curiouser he stepped closer to the pond edge and squatter. He kept his wings behind him ad instinct told him not to get them wet. Then he tried scooping up the water..it fell through his taloned fingers. He looked to the serpent that had stopped drinking to watch him. A single magenta slit focused.

He turned back to the pond and scooped up water again. It dribbled down and back into the pond. He heard the rattle and looked up to the serpent shaking. It's scales rippled and it's eye was half shut as it's head rose. The tongue lay draped outside it's mind.

Is it, laughing?. He didn't get it but it was definitely laughing. Laughing at him. "I'll show you". He placed both hands together and scooped up more water. This time it held briefly though it still sipped through the edges of his hands slowly. Bringing it to his face he tried sticking out his tongue. It wasn't long enough. He paused confused. The rattling increased in tempo. Grunting he just sunk his beak into the water and realized he could pinch drops for his thirst.

Sunai picked a few Color Roses and stored them. Nightmare and Oneiro stopped their competition as she climbed Pebbles. Once Falen was seated Pebbles rattled herself and took to the air. Gliding through the air like it water the field was soon left behind.

"So you're sure about the Shardoway?".

"Yes".

The plains was soon abandoned and the next terrain was a rocky one. She had done less killing as she didn't really care for that in games. Squeezing on Pebbles horns, she directed the serpent up a boulder.. Pebbles curled around the rock giving her leverage to climb off.

"Come. Pebbles is going hunting. She'll get me the essence orbs".

"Can I follow her?".

"Sure. Why not".

Ignoring the duo as the serpent rose and glided off with the Falen on its back she sat. The Shardoway appeared in one palm while the Sentinel's Essence Orb appeared in the other palm . 'That fight felt too easy. Maybe cause of Pebbles'. Setting the Shardoway down she stretched and stroked Timbles still attached to her neck. "I wonder what you can do?".


_


**Path of the Mind Force Learned**


The Shardoway vanished, returning to her inventory while she grasped her head. She could feel the pressure from washing out the impurities of her mind and will. Her brain was strained and while she had little essence it wasn't enough to test her cultivation. Pebbles and Falen were not yet back. She could sense her to the east, not quite far. For now she'd figure out the difference in her records.



*Welcome to the Akashic Records Elder 15**

**Name:** Sunai
**Dream Rank:** Elder Psion
**Dream Essence:** Fledgeling (500/500)
**Realm Influence:** (4thR/MR/V -Rilenil Town (4)(47)
**Power:** Nascent (1)
**Wisdom:** Nascent (1)

**Way of The Sentinel - Path of the Mind Force - +30% Wisdom**

**Racial Abilities:**
**Dreamweaving:** All Elder Psions possess the ability to manipulate dreams and illusions. They can craft vivid dreamscapes, influence the subconscious minds of others, and create powerful illusions that can deceive the senses and even cause physical effects in the real world.

**Nightmare Resistance:** Elder Psions are naturally immune to all forms of mental and psychic attacks. They can resist and dispel nightmares, mind control, and other forms of mental manipulation, making them exceptionally resilient against foes who rely on such tactics.

**Lucid Manifestation:** Elder Psions can bring elements from the dream realm into the waking world. This includes summoning dream creatures to aid them in battle, creating dream objects with tangible effects, and temporarily altering the environment around them to reflect dreamlike qualities.

**Personal Perks:**
Nightmare Warden:** Sunai can summon and control nightmares, turning them against her enemies. These nightmares can take on monstrous forms and attack with ferocity, spreading fear and chaos among foes. She can also absorb and dispel nightmares from the minds of her allies, providing them with mental clarity and peace.

**Servants:**
- Fairy of the Golden Rose - Ameron-ati'yultin'bal
- Nightmare Abyssic Serpent - Pebbles
- Nightmare Nihilium Spawn - Timbles

**Domains:**
-
-
-

**Dream Artifacts:**
- The Shroud
-
-

**Mystic Quests:**
- Gain a domain
-
-

**Dream Skills:**
- Craft Illusion
- Dreamscape Creation
- Mental Shield
- Summon Dream Creature.
- Dream Object Creation
- Forge Nightmare Constructs
- Nightmare Absorption
- Create Nightmare

**Inventory:**
- Essence Orb. Shardoway




She didn't bother equipping the Shroud since it basically did what she could do, only with more reach and added effects. It made her wonder what the others would get.

She sat there waiting with Timbles on her neck till the Serpent and Oneiro returned. Falen looked both impressed and worried. Sitting to the side he waited as she refilled her essence.




****



Ring - 1st
Realm - Sol


Far to the south. On what one would consider the South Pole of the realm, was a land of hellish mountains, red grounds, spires with pointed tips and flowing energy. The winds burned hotter than ever and the sky cracked with lightning at regular intervals. For the monsters this was a regular event. As regular as breathing, and eating.

What wasn't regular was the earthshaking rattle that shook everything. The ground cracked and solar flares burst from cracks in the ground. Rips and cracks tore through a spire and brought it crashing with a heavy shudder. Monsters resting opened their eyes with alarm z those not resting were already prancing about. From all sizes, to all shapes. All kinds that had gathered to all types that fought each other. As one every last monster fled. Like the ripple of a wave the burst out of the South and into the collective realm.

A hoof slammed into the ground with gentle precision. Any more would wreck more than the ground. Spires that remained defiantly standing crumbled all around the hoof. The leg and unknown color due to the red fiery dust blowing around. The body lost in the rust red skies was nothing but a gigantic shape that stirred the heavens. Collosuss that had made the area their resting ground fled in terror, and close beneath their aggressive stomps followed their smaller cousins. The Behemoths.

It was an unarranged pilgrimage. An event that not a single life in the Sol Realm was aware of.


In a single minute, in a single hoof stomp, the South Lands was emptied.




****


Ring - 6th
Realm - NETHERHEIM


The ground quaked beneath his feet as he ran. His chest shook with the laughter that bubbled from his lips. His limbs made the air stir and his horns caused a ripple from his sheer speed. He loved this game. It was freeing. Amazing. And more than anything it gave him the chance to be anything. To be anyone.

He kicked off the ground and sailed through the air leaving dust and wind in his wake. He lacked wings and he needed none. He smashed into the side of the mountain and with a excited and yet angry grunts he dragged himself up. Fistfuls of earth grabbed Nas used to tug him higher. The mountain crumbled and rolled beneath his movements.

BOOM!!

The simple action of kicking off the ground and into the air from the mountain tip exploded it. He roared mid air as he flew through and landed with a spider web crack on the earth. Fists raised his best his chest and bellowed his might to the heavens. He took off again, his large and powerful form increasing his speed with each step he took.

He'd already figured out to use his skills. Anger, wrath. He was it and it was him. The distance stood in his way. Fury for him made the veins in his body writhe with red pulses. He was faster and stronger. A hulk on steroids.

On his head, gripping his hair tight was the red fairy. It held a tiny fork it's size and roared with him. It had taught him a lot. Everything he needed to know. Which monsters to kill cause he needed to and those to kill just for the essence. His body was even more powerful thanks to the Way of the Blood Behemoths and the Way of the Chaos Serpent, his body was denser and even more immune to damage. His essence veins were thicker and wider. It didn't increase his threshold but definitely improved his speed of essence manipulation.

He slowed to a stop with hefty stomps of his feet. His eyes locking on his closer destination. The Black Throne. His throne. A fanged smile announced his glee and the rage of the distance empowered his stomp. He catapulted for the throne. Even as he flew, he wondered. How many Devils to kill anf how many to spare?. There was no need wondering and doubting. He was sure of his own capabilities.

Taking down a Chaos Serpent and a Blood Behemoth single handedly would do that. If that didn't assure his invincibility then his double domains told him he was ready. He wasn't naive' enough to think only he had complete domains. But he knew, nothing could and would stand in the way of Destruction and Strength.

Doesn't matter I'll think it over when there's two dead at my feet and the remaining bow.



_


Ring - 2nd
Realm - TORHEIM


Dark clouds gathered above as the Elder Divine watched the ongoings from a safe distance. His mind was in a turmoil. He'd not exactly done anything quite catchy and strong since he'd ascended. He'd avoided the cities because he was paranoid. People that had stayed here for long should be powerful he had thought.

Now he watched three great cities meet. Each with a player, an Elder Divine at their helm. He wondered if he'd made a mistake. Wondered if he should have subjugated or met the other city he had passed.

His doubts vanished when the female struck. He dared curious and shocked when the two players knelt. Not just them, but the envoys who'd come with the two players knelt as well.

When the blue eyes that reminded him of a calm, unbothered lake water turned to him he was shake he was far off and that his anxiety had already helped him with dark clouds. Her lips moved and a mournful song reached his ears.

He didn't know what, or how she'd down whatever she did but he wasn't interested in finding out. His eyes lit up like torches and the thunder clap in the heavens deafened him. The bolt that descended etched a grin on his cheeks. When he caught it and looked back his grin faltered.

The Elder Divines were on their feet. One wielding a sword of pure light and the other standing next to his new foe. He caught the sight of a shimer. 'Shield'. Then the player vanished in a burst of light. Golden light struck down on him cleaving through his torso from his shoulder down to his hip.

He rolled back and he grumbled. The player stood in place lips moving. The clap of thunder above helped his hearing stay deaf. The pain to his chest faded into pressure. He looked from his would to the Player.

My apologies. I'll kill her after this.

He shot off a bolt at the player. Like expected the player vanished in a blur of light. The crack and hiss of his storm behind him told him he was right. The glow of his eyes intensified and an explosion of lightning ripped through the earth in all directions carrying the Divine away.

Slowly he turned anf faced the two Divines he felt would be actual trouble.