Chapter 569: Another Place in the Forest

Chapter 569: Another Place in the Forest

In a forest bathed in the soft, fading glow of twilight, Lucretia found herself walking several steps behind a mysterious elven woman. The elf was armed with an unusual weapon that featured a long handle and a complex, intricate design. Together, they ventured deeper into the labyrinthine wilderness that lay before them.

The elven woman navigated the forest with astonishing speed, seemingly unfazed by the rough, uneven ground or the maze of tangled vines and undergrowth that blocked their path. Unlike someone trudging through a difficult terrain, her movements were fluid and swift, as if she were running along a smooth, unobstructed highway. Lucretia was struck by this, as it echoed ancient tales she had heard about elvesmythical beings who were once inextricably linked to the wild expanses of mythical realms. These legends spoke of elves who moved through their forested homelands as effortlessly as the wind blows through the trees, a far cry from the elves of modern times who have largely abandoned their woodland skills in favor of building and living in towering urban centers.

As for Lucretia, she knew without even attempting it that keeping pace with this woodland sprite was beyond her abilities. After all, she was more accustomed to the comforts of indoor activities and relied on magical spells for transportation when travel was unavoidable. So, she quickly invoked her illusionary wind spell when she found herself lagging behind for the first time. This incantation enabled her to momentarily transform herself into fluttering sheets of paper that whisked through the trees, rapidly closing the distance between her and the elf. She felt a sense of relief that her father was not around this time to interfere with the maneuver.

What concerned her slightly, however, was how the elfwhom she met in this dream-like realm she called a dreamscapewould react to her use of such unconventional magic. Surprisingly, the elf did not react at all, just as she hadnt reacted when she first realized that Lucretia was human and not another elf. Instead, she seemed intent on leading her to a location referred to as the Silent Wall.

Curious and speculative, Lucretia decided to conduct a series of tests to understand the nature of this dreamscape and its inhabitants. She deliberately performed actions that were out of place and disruptive, like pausing to cast spells that produced loud noises, summoned enormous, creaking vines, or even resulted in small, fiery explosions in the air.

The elfs demeanor remained unchanged. She would only pause if Lucretia fell too far behind, patiently waiting for her to catch up before proceeding.

Deciding to put her experiments on hold for the moment, Lucretia returned to following the elf. Simultaneously, she used a remote magical medium through her puppets to share her findings with her father: Based on my initial tests, I am fairly certain that this elven woman is not the creator, or dreamer, of this dreamscape. Rather, she seems to function more like a part or element within this dream world. Her reactions are extremely limited as if a normalization filter is applied to her perception. This filter appears to make any unusual actions by outsiders like me seem normal to her, likely to maintain the structural integrity and stability of this dream reality.

I havent yet tried any high-impact experiments, so the boundaries of this normalization are still unknown. If I were to take actions that are too disruptive or extreme, it could potentially cause the elfs cognitive functions to restart, or even result in me being forcibly ejected from this dreamscape. For now, my focus will be on cautiously continuing my investigation

Ah, youve managed to penetrate the area where the irregularity is taking place? Excellent. Finding the dreamer from your end in the real world should provide us with the means to intervene and possibly manipulate the dream realm from this side.

Just as Lucretia was engrossed in her telepathic communication with an external entity, a voice unexpectedly interrupted her thoughts. Startled, she came to an abrupt stop and focused her attention on the path ahead.

The elven maiden, who was wielding a long-handled axe of exquisite craftsmanship, turned to face her. Her golden hair was intricately braided and interwoven with threads of a mystical blue hue, giving her an ethereal appearance. Her eyes met Lucretias, full of a unique blend of curiosity and earnestness.

My name is Lucretia, she answered straightforwardly. Why do you ask? Whats the significance of my name all of a sudden?

The more individuals who know your name, the greater the likelihood that youll be remembered, responded the elf, who identified herself as Shireen. Lucretia couldnt help but notice a tangible undercurrent of concern, even worry, reflected in Shireens eyes.

Throughout their journey, Lucretia had been peripherally aware of a certain level of tension surrounding the mysterious elf. In fact, this feeling seemed to permeate the very atmosphere of the forest, as if it was woven into the very fabric of the dream world in which they found themselves.

Shirley quirked her lips in mild annoyance. Why do you care so much about my education? Sometimes youre more gung-ho about it than the captain himself.

Dog fell silent, so silent in fact that Shirley almost thought hed chosen to avoid the conversation. But eventually, he spoke. Remember the incident with the seventy-two pesos?

Shirleys eyes widened as if sifting through layers of long-buried memories, finally landing on an episode shed rather forget.

Her expression became a complex tapestry of emotions. You still remember that? That was ages ago.

Of course I remember, Dog started, his tone tinged with regret. You were scammed out of several days worth of earnings from chimney sweeping by some scoundrel who tricked you with counterfeit money. If I had been able to read back then, perhaps you wouldnt have had to go hungry for days. And if you could have read, maybe you wouldnt have had to endure the dangers of sweeping chimneys. Even a safer apprenticeship in a boiler room, recording numbers, would have been an upgrade.

Shirley found herself unable to reply for a moment.

After a significant pause, she finally said softly, But you can read now, Dog. Youre not just literate; youre even neck-and-neck with Nina in your studies.

Dogs reply was more of a hushed murmur than a vocalization. But what if I cant always be there with you?

Shirley hesitated, her mouth opening and closing as she searched for the right words. Finally, she blurted out, What about the captain? Isnt he supposed to be there?

The captain is reliable, yes, but even he cant guarantee your safety at all times, especially with the unpredictable nature of subspace, Dog said, his tone unusually grave. In the end, Shirley, you have to be your own safeguard.

Her eyes lowered, fixed on the forest floor littered with leaves and detritus. She remained silent for several moments, her hand idly fingering the chain that connected her to Dog. When you say you might not always be with me what exactly do you mean by that?

I dont want you to dwell on it; I was merely stating a hypothetical situation, Dog sighed, a low sound that seemed to resonate from the depths of his shadowy form. I have no plans to leave you, but its also hard for me to predict what the future holds. Im an anomaly, a shadow demon with a heart, something thats never existed in this world before. Whos to say what transformations might occur within me over time? Its possible that having a heart could bestow a finite lifespan upon me, akin to your human limitations. Alternatively, my ability to reason might deteriorate as time passes, or my heart could vanish altogether.

Dog, stop, Shirley abruptly cut in, pulling sharply on the chain that tethered them together. Her eyes were wide, filled with a mix of emotions she couldnt immediately name. Just stop talking like that, okay?

Fine, Ill stop, Dog said, his tone tinged with relief, as if he too was uncomfortable with the road their conversation had started to take.