Chapter 589: Manipulated?

The hours ticked down once again, only this time, Rael was not as fazed as before.

In fact, he was pretty calm despite what had happened.

He just really wished he had gotten to talk more with Melissa, but that was beside the point.

Since he still had nearly ten hours left until the fourth trial started, he wanted to make the most out of it.

And that was exactly what he did.

Scanning the palace, he quickly located Anastasia. She was alone in a room, and as for Lucien, he was outside the palace, relaxing on a bench.

Since the Prophetic Realm was unreliable, he didn’t go for Lucien and instead vanished from sight, reappearing in front of Anastasia’s room.

He knocked on the door once, twice, and right as he was about to knock a third time, the door abruptly opened.

Anastasia stood opposite him with a massive frown on her face. All the while, she wore a thin gown, and from her messy hair, it seemed like she had just gotten out of bed.

“What do you want?” Anastasia asked coldly.

Rael looked her up and down. “May I come in?”

“Of course not,” Anastasia replied bluntly. “I can hear you fine from where you’re standing. Tell me what it is you came here for, and if it’s nothing important or related to the trials, then you may take your leave.”

“…I’ll stand here then.” Rael glanced around. “I’m curious whether what you’re doing is by your own choice or if Lucien’s controlling you.”

Though he didn’t dismiss the fact that she was just being a mother, with beings this old, and a son she hadn’t met in God knows how long, he was pretty sure there was some foul play involved, especially in her thinking.

But as expected, she simply frowned at him and slammed the door shut in his face. Through the door, he could hear her walking back to her bed and tucking herself in.

However, he partially got what he was looking for. The moment he asked his question, he felt her heart rate elevate. It was very subtle, but since she wasn’t expecting such a question, he had likely caught her off guard.

With that information, he vanished once more, reappearing by the pond and sitting down patiently.

What do you think, Gaia?

[I think on the off chance Lucien really is somehow controlling a being more than six Grades above himself, then having her mind in order might be helpful to us,] Gaia replied. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel-fire.net

What makes you think he’s only a Grade 2? Rael sighed. I believe what I’m seeing now isn’t even his real body.

[Well, going based on assumptions might just toss you into a different rabbit hole altogether,] Gaia said. [On the other hand… I believe something could be done about Anastasia. You’re very powerful when it comes to dreams, so why not invade her dreams?]

…And get myself killed? Rael blinked. If she catches me, which she probably will, then I’m instantly fucked.

[Then just don’t get caught.] Gaia giggled. [Honestly, as much as I’d like to baby you, if you take into account the few options you have, there’s really nothing much you can do aside from taking initiative.]

Before he could reply, she added, [Anna and I will protect your body while you’re in her dreams. I can assure you, we won’t make another mistake.]

[Hmm? I’m getting involved too?] Anna muttered.

A loud bonk resounded within the mind realm, followed by Anna wincing.

[Both of us are in agreement,] Gaia said. [We’re just waiting for you to make up your mind.]

Going into the mind of a Grade 8 being was really not a great idea. He knew that much, and while he felt that with his current abilities he might just come out unscathed, there was also the part where he second-guessed himself.

What if Lucien had already thought this through, expecting Rael to reach out to his mother? What if there was a countermeasure inside Anastasia’s dreams that would get him trapped?

“…”

Gaia sighed. [I think you’re underestimating yourself. Becoming an Ancient Mindweaver is no joke. Your race jumped up several ranks, and while you haven’t done many power tests in a while… I can assure you, you’re much more powerful than before.]

Hearing her reassurance, and after weighing his own thoughts, Rael decided to go through with it.

In the worst-case scenario, he would fight off whatever Lucien was planning. In the best-case scenario, he’d get a very powerful ally, or at least someone who wasn’t on Lucien’s side.

Having decided that, Rael entered meditation for a few hours. Once it seemed like the opportune time, he opened his eyes and inspected Anastasia, or rather, around her body, not wanting to wake her up.

She’s sleeping, and I do feel a connection. Welp… Gaia, Anna, are you ready?

[I’ll fortify your mind, Anna will control your body. Don’t worry, you have the Abyss Demon’s Physique, which allows you to enter shadows. Since Anna is a shadow, she’ll be able to take you anywhere in this realm within a second,] Gaia said.

For a moment, Rael was puzzled by what she meant, but then he remembered the physique he got after mingling with Lilith.

Abyss Demon’s Physique (Tier 4)

And one of those options included this:

You may enter shadows at will and travel through them.

Perfect timing. Alright, I’ll leave it up to you. Take me far away, but make sure not to trigger anyone, yeah?

He got a quick “Yes” from both sides, and without wasting another second, he closed his eyes and focused on Anastasia.

He felt his consciousness drifting away. It was a little different from the previous times, but the familiar sensation of floating through nothingness remained.

And that wasn’t the only thing that remained…

<Confirmed>

<Entering the Dream Realm!>

<The Ancient Mindweaver has all the authority!>

<Choose your Dream invasion type!>

<Manifestation of Fear>

<Bystander>

<Guide>

<Voice of Reason>

<Recommended Dream invasion type: Unknown>

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