"Hmm... what's going on?"

"Everything's so blurry... am I still dreaming?"

"Oh god, my head feels like it's about to explode."

"Good heavens, what happened? Why did everyone sleep through the whole morning?"

The school infirmary was overflowing today. Every bed—and extra cots added—was packed. Even the sports field and equipment warehouse had turned into makeshift sleeping areas. No one doubted the problem, but no one understood why the entire school had fallen asleep. With both the principal and headmaster absent, everyone could only wait for their return and hope for answers.

Leyn and Shalulu woke up on a soft cushion. Though their eyes were open, their minds remained utterly foggy.

"Sleep well, teachers?"

"You... Zeming?"

"Yep. I've been waiting ages. You two really love your sleep. But Shalulu? Her sleeping face was adorable—like a little kitten curled up."

Shalulu had nestled into Leyn's motherly embrace, clinging like a spoiled child. Her youthful features made Zeming snap multiple photos on his phone before she stirred.

"You jerk!" Shalulu yanked the blanket over herself, hiding completely.

"Hey, hey—no need for that. Leyn looked lovely too. Sharing the embarrassment makes it easier, right?"

"What did you say?!" Leyn's eyes narrowed sharply. She wasn't angry, just stern as she lectured him. "Spying on ladies while they sleep isn't gentlemanly. You should know better."

"Yes, yes, respected senior teacher. But I was assigned to watch over you. I stayed to make sure you were safe."

Just then, Zeming caught the eye of a kind old lady passing the window. Angela—the school's top doctor, a veteran healer, once a divine angel, thrice "Most Gentle Hero" and five-time "Most Beautiful Heroine"—gave him a thumbs-up. Seeing the two awake, she mirrored the gesture. Time had softened her edges, but her warmth remained.

"If Grandma Angela says so, I guess it's fine," Shalulu sighed, relief washing over her like a child reuniting with her grandmother.

"But what actually happened? My head... and those two weirdos. We sent you for help—did you succeed?" Leyn pressed a hand to her temple, voice low.

"What weirdos? I never saw anything like that." Zeming chuckled softly.

"What?" Their jaws dropped. They’d been the last ones awake.

"Are you sure you remember? Try recalling properly."

"Well... I... we..."

Repeated attempts left them blank-faced, memories dissolving like a fading dream.

"Right. You just took a nap. The school’s fine—everyone slept. We’re still investigating why." Zeming stood, pausing at the door to pull a silly face. "Rest up. I’ll update the nurse on others."

"You—keep this up, and I’ll tell your wife you were flirting with us!" Shalulu shot back, hitting his weak spot.

"No, no! Just kidding!"

.............Sorry. None of this was a dream.

Hours earlier————————————

A fist slammed down, crushing the masked man’s face into fragments. The body lay sprawled, bloodless.

Why no blood after a shattered skull? First theory: a shapeshifter, vanishing and reforming his head. Second: pure illusion.

No power-users fought here. No eerie masked man toyed with him.

First, no energy fueled that teleportation—the air didn’t ripple like sprinting. Second, even crushed grass here snapped back instantly. Third, the world’s pace clashed with his body. Total scam.

"Talk. What do you want?" He stood in the dream, addressing the figure perched on the windowsill.

"Just a test."

"A test? To weigh your strength? See if you’re worthy of infiltrating this school?"

"Exactly. Two things surprised me: how easily my power breached this place... and that someone here never dreams."

Half-modified, he truly couldn’t dream—that’s why this trick failed.

"Why not bomb the school instead?"

"I considered it. But seeing you... I realized a worthy opponent lives here. That’s why I avoid fighting you in dreams."

"Oh? So I’m special now."

"More or less. You’re the rival I want. Let’s meet in reality and play a real game."

"This school’s your target. Count me out—I’d rather crush your skull like before when you’re not looking."

He turned. The hoodie-clad figure in a gas mask sat calmly.

"As I said, I’m eager for your performance."

"Arrogant fool."

"True. One more thing: this school’s just a warm-up. My game starts when I find my weapon. For now... watch closely."

Weapon?

"I hoped your dream would reveal something. But dreamless minds hold no value."

"Then what weapon are you after?"

"Why would I tell you?... Though, fine. As a Hero, hunt for her—a little girl with silver-white hair. Protect her well. Or we’ll use her to shatter order."

He leaped from the window, plummeting without hesitation or safety gear.

Chasing him wasn’t worth it. Right now, going home mattered more.