Whispers of the forgotten

Chapter Eleven: The Gates of Celestial Dimensions

It had been a week since Morpheus completed his latest mission, and now he sat in a grand meeting room at the Investigator's headquarters, facing Gierman. The room was vast, with towering ceilings and darkened glass windows that let in only faint beams of light. Gierman, with his imposing figure and stern face, stood before a large world map, pointing to several mysterious locations that marked the appearance of the celestial dimensions.

"Listen closely, Morpheus," Gierman spoke in a calm yet firm voice, one that demanded attention. "As you continue to grow stronger, you'll need to understand how to advance through the etheric levels. There are two primary ways: the first, and more common, is to kill etheric beasts and absorb their cores. It's effective, but it's slow and requires constant confrontation with danger."

He paused for a moment, then pointed to a red spot on the map. "The second way is to enter the Celestial Dimensions. These are not just random places; they are divine or cosmic trials, appearing only when the Black Sun and the Red Sun align in a rare phenomenon known as 'the Shattering of Worlds.'"

Morpheus, sitting in a wooden chair, listened intently, jotting down notes in a small notebook.

The Celestial Dimensions

"The Celestial Dimensions are divided into four levels, each becoming more complex and perilous as you ascend:

1. The First Dimension: The Oasis of Souls

This is the entry-level dimension for etherics in the third to fifth tiers. It's characterized by a mysterious atmosphere, with glowing trees that seem to dance like spirits. The beasts here are not weak, but they are less dangerous than those in the other dimensions.

2. The Second Dimension: The Desert of Ruin

The place where true strength and willpower are tested. The land is barren, filled with hidden traps, and the beasts feed on fear. Entry here requires both intelligence and caution.

3. The Third Dimension: The Palace of Eternal Void

A dark palace resembling an endless labyrinth. The beasts here possess near-human intelligence, and some communicate in a cryptic language. Inside, massive guardians wield legendary weapons, testing the true strength of any intruder with brutal force.

4. The Fourth Dimension: The Abyss of Unknowing

No one has returned to describe this dimension accurately. Rumors say it's the final trial, where time itself fades and souls begin to decay. The sky there is a deep crimson, filled with storms that tear at the very fabric of the soul before the body. Those who survive it become living legends—or never return at all."

Gierman's eyes locked onto Morpheus with intensity. "The dimensions are not just trials of strength. They're trials of the mind and the soul. Some dimensions play with your illusions, turning friends into enemies and placing you in situations designed to break you. You're not just facing beasts, you're facing yourself."

Morpheus nodded slowly, feeling a prickling sensation in his chest. The Celestial Dimensions seemed both alluring and terrifying.

"It's not just about surviving the dimensions," Gierman continued, his voice steady. "The Celestial Dimensions are where your true identity as an etheric is forged. And now, get ready, because a phenomenon will occur soon. It will be your chance to prove yourself as a third-tier investigator—or perhaps even more."

Morpheus stood up slowly, casting one last glance at the map, where the celestial dimension points glimmered ominously. This was the beginning of something new, a journey filled with both unimaginable challenges and incredible opportunities for growth.

He left the room, his mind racing with thoughts of the dimensions and the beasts that awaited him. He knew the challenges ahead wouldn't be easy, but something within him—perhaps curiosity, perhaps ambition—pushed him forward, no matter the cost.