Whispers of the forgotten

Isaac bid Morpheus farewell and moved to converse with other nobles, leaving Morpheus standing alone, lost in thought. He felt the weight of his ignorance about this intricate world, realizing how much he still needed to learn.

Suddenly, a hush fell over the hall, signaling the start of Rosemar's sanctification ritual. All eyes turned to the altar, where the Pope stood with an aura of majesty and serenity. His voice resonated with sacred words in a language Morpheus couldn't understand, but their solemnity was unmistakable.

From the Pope's hands emerged a brilliant white light that enveloped Rosemar, illuminating the hall with a pure, ethereal glow.

Morpheus stood in awe, unable to grasp the sheer purity and power of this aura, especially as it emanated from the Pope. It was a display of absolute strength, surpassing anything Morpheus had ever imagined.

As the light subsided, Rosemar reappeared, wearing a white crown made of pure light.

The Pope smiled proudly and said, "Welcome, sacred daughter of the Eternal Hope Church."

Rosemar bowed respectfully and replied with confidence, "I thank you for this great honor."

---

After the ceremony, Morpheus quickly changed back into his usual worn attire, which, though tattered, was far more comfortable. When he met Germain, the latter greeted him with a sarcastic smile.

"Well, well, the commoner Morpheus returns!" Germain quipped, eyeing Morpheus's clothes mockingly.

Morpheus shot him a look of annoyance but said nothing.

"How was the grand ceremony?" Germain asked with a teasing grin.

"Boring," Morpheus replied flatly.

Germain chuckled. "I knew you'd say that. Let me guess... You didn't manage to capture the hearts of any noblewomen, did you?"

Morpheus's irritation deepened, but he chose to ignore the remark.

The conversation turned serious when Morpheus asked, "Germain, are the rumors about Rosemar true?"

Germain raised an eyebrow. "What rumors?"

"About her eyes, her presence, the energy she radiates. When she looked at me, it felt like she saw everything about me—as if she could read my deepest secrets."

Germain's expression darkened with concern, and he muttered, "Damn, that scoundrel Ivar must be grinning smugly now."

Morpheus added dryly, "You're not wrong."

---

The Strongest Figures of the Continent

Taking a deep breath, Morpheus asked, "Germain, who are the strongest people on the continent?"

Germain's tone grew serious. "There are only five publicly recognized as the strongest, and each of them is a monumental figure whose decisions shape the fate of all humanity."

"You've already met one of them: the Pope. He's not just a religious leader; he's a seventh-tier Aether wielder and one of the world's supreme beings."

"And the others?" Morpheus asked curiously.

"The second is the King of the Continent, known as Archeon the Eternal. He's the only one to have reached the eighth tier of Aether.

The third is the Crimson Moon Sorceress, Cassandra, who bears a mark from a supreme entity called the Moon's Wrath.

The fourth is the leader of the Noble Phoenix Clan, Einarath, also known as the Eternal Living One.

Finally, the fifth is the leader of the White Star Clan, a figure shrouded in mystery."

Germain paused for a moment before adding in a quieter tone, "But don't think they're the only powerful individuals. There are others—perhaps even stronger—who choose to remain in the shadows. They stay hidden for their own reasons, whether to protect themselves or to pursue goals beyond mortal comprehension."

Morpheus looked at him in astonishment and asked, "Like who?"

Germain smirked enigmatically and said, "You're not ready to know their names yet. Just remember: the world is far bigger than what you can see, and its power far greater than you can imagine. Even among the Five, some are regarded with fear."

---

Morpheus felt the weight of Germain's words, realizing that the true scope of power in this world extended far beyond what he could currently understand.

---

The First Dimension

Germain shifted the conversation, reminding Morpheus of the First Dimension's impending closure. "You have one week before the First Dimension closes again. This challenge is nothing like the Dream Trials. You'll face talented challengers from across the continent."

Morpheus asked, "How long will the trials in the First Dimension take?"

Germain replied, "That depends on your skills. It could last two weeks—or even a month. But know this: the First Dimension is far more unforgiving."

Morpheus began a grueling week of training under Germain's supervision. The sessions were intense, simulating real battles and demanding extraordinary physical and mental resilience.

After a week of hellish training, the time to enter the First Dimension had arrived.

Before Morpheus stepped forward, Germain issued a dire warning: "The First Dimension, the Oasis of Souls, is unlike the Dream Trials. You'll witness terrifying sights and face dangers beyond your wildest imagination. If you fail any challenge there, you'll become an ethereal beast, lose your identity, and remain trapped in the dimension forever."

Morpheus felt a surge of anxiety but steeled himself for the task ahead.

Germain added, "And remember, time flows differently in the First Dimension. One day in the real world equals a week inside. Sometimes, the dimension imposes strange rules, like requiring teams of three to face its challenges."

With these final words, Morpheus stepped into the unknown, ready to confront the Oasis of Souls and its secrets.