The First Dream

"Everyone, please come this way"

"Y-yeah" I replied as I climbed the stairs

The seminar has completed. Right now, we are heading to the second floor for the next stage. That's right,

THE EXPERIMENT

( Flashback-"I am commencing the experiment.

IT'S TIME TO DREAM")

Currently, this woman is leading us to that room which is on the second floor. Based on what he said, we are going to take that pill and enter into the dreamworld. Well it would be fine if that's all there is to it. Also

(Flashback- "Heeh" my smile widened)

What was that? That was me... right?Something was definitely wrong with me. It's not like me to get excited over something like this. That feeling, that thoughts, really

WHO IS THAT GUY? [He means himself]

I think even now that feeling is still somewhere deep inside me because,

Nakabachi has buried it inside me.

There is still a part of me enjoying this situation.

(For some reason I hate this-)

"Wh..at?" I stopped.

I have reached the second floor. Just what can I expect from DLC, they don't leave a hole anywhere.

I can't believe

THEY EVEN SEALED OFF THE WINDOWS.

"This is...tape?"

All I can see is that the windows are pitch black, not even a hint of sunlight is entering the hallway and we can't see outside. The windows are covered with black tape from outside and tightly locked. This explains how thorough they are in hiding this location. Because If we catch any landmark through this window, then this place is doomed.

"Araki-sama"

"Oh( darn it, I didn't realize I was standing idle)"

"This will be your room, please hurry up"

"Yes, sorry"

I ran over to my room.

(Room no.2 huh)

As far as I can see there are around 10 rooms on this floor. By the looks of it I am assigned to this room.

I entered the room. It was huge, fancy and peaceful with around ten beds, each separated by curtains. There are around 100 people in total so my guess is they will assign ten people to each room.

"I will bring you the pill so take your bed"

"Right"

I reached over to my bed and sat.

*Inhale* I took a deep breath

Lucid dreams, Nova dreaming, Dream Manipulation and

PROJECT D.R.E.AM

Its not like all my doubts are cleared but slowly but surely everything is coming into sight.

"New world..huh"

(Flashback-"in this dreamworld

I AM GOING TO BUILD A NEW WORLD!")

He is really crazy. But that craziness helps him to succeed. That confidence in his face tells me 'he can do it'.

NAKABACHI HIDEO MIGHT REALLY BUILD A NEW WORLD.

All he requires is our cooperation, Now that he got his final piece. Building a new world is a matter of time.

"Thanks for waiting, here"

The lab assistant approached me with a tray of pill and a glass of water on it.

(So this is the pill)

Once I take this I can experience Nova dreams and I can visit a world which is close to me yet so far- The dreamworld. The key to that world is here.

*Step* my feet started trembling

*Exhale* (Don't be nervous myself)

I streched my hand and took the pill and pushed into my mouth and drank some water

*Gulp*

(Huh? It feels surprisingly normal, I don't feel anything in particular)

"Now then, Lay on the bed and go to sleep. The DREAMWORLD is waiting for you"

At that time, I didn't yet know that this pill would change my life completely. My mind was filled with thoughts about the dream world that I didn't notice, that's right after I took the pill...

I didn't noticed that

THE LAB ASSISTANT WAS SMILING CREEPILY

I stretched my body preparing to sleep.

This time everything will be cleared, Nakabachi's ideals and how is he going to build a new world I will make sure to see it with my own eyes, now then here we go

And so, it begins THE FIRST DREAM.

[Meanwhile]

Nakabachi enters his private room. A lab member was working there.

"Oh professor, good work there"

"Are the preparations complete?"

"Yes, you can go at anytime"

"That's good to hear, what about everyone?"

"Yes, everyone took the pill and went to sleep. Everything is ready"

Nakabachi smiled with a hint of satisfaction.

"I am almost there, just a little bit more. Don't worry I will make your dream true, NOVA" Nakabachi speaks in low tone

"Sir?"

"Nothing, it's just a self -talk. Looks like everything in place"

"Yes, It's about time, isn't it? We are so close"

"Yeah, once again our time has come. Well then everyone I will make this a wonderful dream that you will never forget in your life, now then

LET THE SHOW BEGIN"

[In dream]

"Huh? Where am I?"

A few minutes after I closed my eyes, I was quickly drawn into sleep and found myself in complete darkness. There was no hint of light, and all I could see is nothing but darkness. But strangely,

(This feels familiar)

"This is...dream? Wait, I am floating?!"

It's like I am stuck in space, but I couldn't able to move from one place. What's happening- Wait

I AM STILL CONSCIOUS

Because I can tell, I can tell that this is not reality and besides,

My memories from reality and what happened in that hall, everything I can recall. Which means as of now

MY TWO SELVES HAVE BECAME ONE.

That pill really worked. Amazing But I am not going anywhere. What is happening here?

"Oh"

*pop* In the midst of the darkness a screen has suddenly popped infront of me

<<Link>>

"Link? "

I see, If I click it, my mind will be connected with other dreamers. Mutual dreaming heh. So to escape from this darkness I need to go through this huh.

I stretched my hand in response to that screen.

*click*

<< Are you sure? >>

Confirm

"One sec.. "

Why is it asking this question? It makes no sense because

THERE IS NO CANCEL BUTTON

"Bug? Well whatever"

*click*

<<Linking... >>

<<" DreamLink successful">>

It can produce a voice too!?

<<"Entering into the dreamworld">>

<<"Now then HAVE SWEET DREAMS">>

Looks like I can enter, but nothing is happen-

A trap door opened beneath me.

"...ing"

I began to fall.

What is this? I am falling. Eh? You are kidding right?! Nobody told me about this.

"WHICH PART IS SWEET ABOUT THIS!? GIVE ME A BREAK DAMMIT!!

Everything is white under that trap door and besides it feels like I am getting closer to the surface. That is surface right? No, it's definitely surface.

This is bad(yabai), this is bad, this bad.

Just when I thought about hitting the surface, it turned out to be clouds and when I passed through them, my eyes got brightened and as I slowly opened my eyes.

"...Sky? "

I found myself suspended in the middle of the sky, and the scenery that unfolded before my eyes was truly spectacular. It was as if summer had returned – the sky was bright, and the sun was glowing, Below me there is a ocean and the water is sparkling as it reflects the sunlight. As far as I can see there is water everywhere. However this is no time to enjoy this scenario because

I AM STILL FALLING.

In a few moments, I am about to drown in water. By the looks of it I am falling at 200 km/hr speed, So if I hit the water, probably the force of impact can break my bones and I am not sure how deep I will sink and- Wait

Why am I so afraid? This is a dream.

That's right, this is a dream, even if I fall it's not like I will die that's why I should not be afraid infact

I SHOULD ENJOY THIS BECAUSE,

ISN'T THIS THRILLING?

A situation which I can't experience in reality.

I have to savour this more.

Because this fall,

This feels so real!

That sun, those clouds even the water everything feels too realistic, even my fall. I can feel the wind too!

They are going out of their way to provide this experience In that case,

I HAVE TO ENJOY THIS.

"Heh"

And once again,

that feeling which nakabachi has buried is back and it took control

OF MY BODY.

I stretched my hands and legs with my back to the ocean preparing to fall.

Comeon DLC, don't disappoint me.

"ENTERTAIN ME MORE, DREAMWORLD!!!!"

[ARAKI HAS ARRIVED IN DREAMWORLD]

*Splash*

I fell into the ocean.

Mm

I slowly opened my eyes.

"I can..breathe"

It feels like I am sinking.

"I am still...conscious? But''

My body feels heavy, I am drowning. It's dark. In the midst of it, Something has caught my attention.

"Huh? Is that...a fish?"

I can't see clearly. what is tha-

My eyes widened.

"Hu...man?"

Don't tell me!?

I turned my head just to find out that,

Many people are drowning along with me. They are also people like me, that's right

THEY ARE DREAMERS.

What the hell is...happening?

"What? "

All of a sudden the ocean currents became more intense. As if the god of ocean became angry, It started to

FLUSH OUT PEOPLE.

"Wait-what, no way"

My body began to move along with it. I am spinning and going deeper into the ocean.

*Scream*

"What the hell is this!!!!"

*scream* People continued to scream.

Shit, It became hard to breathe, I can't...hold on. Atleast if I know where I am going-

Although it's difficult to see properly through these currents but I came to know these are leading to a specific destination. I focused on looking at that destination and discovered what it was.

(Is that a...hole? That's way too big also It looks deeper)

If we go inside it probably

WE WILL BE TRAPPED THERE FOREVER.

I never dreamed of diving like this. But, there is nothing I can do now. I am getting closer and closer to it. Seriously this is..

"Oi oi, This is way too...realistic"

I am completely enveloped by the currents, and they led me to that hole. Just like a black hole, within a fraction of seconds,

ALL OF US GOT SWALLOWED BY THAT HOLE.

"Aaaaaah"

I went deeper into the hole, and just then

"Light? "

The bottom of the hole began to glow and just when we passed through it, we ended up in a white room, looks like we escaped from that ocean but,

I am about to fall and hit the surface.

(Damn, I am about to hit)

"Woah!! "

*bounce*

Huh? It's soft.

"I am... Alive? "

'What was...that?'

'I was scared to death'

'I thought I would die'

It was a huge room painted in white, and along with me rest of them also gathered here. looks like all of us are here. We are really mutual dreaming now. This is unbelievable and besides,

This surface...is covered with pillows? Oh!

The surface began to transform and returned to a normal surface.

*hit x2* I crouched and knocked the surface with my index finger[like knocking door]

(It became hard)

Also I am dry already? It's like I was never wet in the first place. What's with this worl-

"Hello everyone! "

'Look there'

'He is... Flying? '

(This voice )

"WELCOME TO THE DREAMWORLD"

Nakabachi Hideo!

[NAKABACHI ARRIVES]

I looked up and saw Nakabachi Hideo descending from the top. He stopped midair, and the ceiling got closed.

"So how is it? Did you enjoy the ride? "

'Enjoy!? '

'It scared the hell out of me '

"Hey, What the hell was that? " Kazuki asked

"Haha forgive me, it's just a little prank"

'Prank!? '

'What!? '

'That has gone too far'

'but well it's a relief that I am alive'

"Sorry sorry, I just thought of surprising you, don't worry

IT'S JUST A PRANK"

(Oh)

That's right, this is not real.

For a second I forgot that this is a dream, because this is way too realistic

[He means at the ocean]

Looks like I am wearing the same clothes as in reality, amazing, it can even imprint my appearance. Also my arms and legs I can feel them and control at my will.

This is not at the level of present technology. It's beyond that.

"So, what do you think of this world? "

'For starters, This definitely feels too real'

'And besides that ride we took just now, it was scary but it was really exciting'

'I can control my arms!'

'It's like reality'

"Isn't that right? This place is too close to reality that's why it's easy to mistake this dream as reality

Just like I said in seminar, you can feel, sense and do everything you can do in reality and not only that, you can even do things you can't do in reality just like I am flying now"

'How are you doing that? I am trying but I can't *jump X2*'

"This is not an easy task, it takes some practice. For me it took 5 nights"

'5 nights!? '

'Looks tough'

'So, what's up with this room? '

"This room you ask? This room is created by my imagination, as I said earlier I am the creator of this world, this world resides within my mind that's why I can create things as I wish"

(Create matter from nothing huh)

"To contain 100 people in one place,

I thought this is the best way to do it, that's why I created this place

Now then let me tell you,

HOW DOES THIS WORLD WORK?"

(The mechanism...)

"Right now our minds are connected with each other. That's why we are able to dream together. I guess everybody knows this much but how exactly does this work?"

'That's true, I still don't get it exactly'

"This world is my dreamworld"

'Your dreamworld?'

"Yes, since it resides within my brain, and just like me everyone have their individual dreamworlds, But thanks to the pill our dreamworlds are connected allowing you to travel between them"

'If our dreamworlds are connected Then, can we go back to our individual dreamworld?'

"Yes, you can go back but"

'but?'

"You all are in a long term link with me, to go back to your own world First, you need to unlink with me, in that way you can exit from my dream"

'Unlink huh'

"Have you ever heard of party games?"

'You mean like in Video games?'

"Yes, in party games there will be a host, that host invites people to their party to play together, just like party games, mutual dreaming also works in a similar way, right now I am the host and you all are guests, I invited you to my dream through the pill so to leave the party a.k.a this world there are two ways

Either I remove you or you have to unlink yourself"

(I see)

So he meant this when he said that our dreamworlds will be linked.

(Flashback- "IT WILL LINK THEIR DREAMWORLDS")

Interesting, so that's how it works.

'So, how do we unlink?'

Nakabachi remained silent.

(Hmm?)

"Unlink...you ask? Well after the experiment completes you can choose to resume wandering this world along with me or if you want to quit, I have prepared another pill that will destroy the link"

Huh? That look... Is it just me? But Somehow

He looks sad but

I FEEL LIKE THAT'S NOT THE CASE.

(It's something else-)

Well..it doesn't matter.

"*Clap* Now then let me show you the beauty of this world, I am almost bored of this seeing this place so let's change the location"

'Wait- change? '

"Don't be surprised, Everyone close your eyes because we are going to teleport now"

(Teleport!?)

"Prepare yourselves

*Fingersnap*

"Woah" in unison

I closed my eyes and the ground seems to be shaking. What's happening?

"We are here, open your eyes"

*Water*

'Amazing!'

'Beautiful'

As I thought why are they praising all of the sudden, I slowly opened my eyes.

"This is.."

"Niagara falls," Nakabachi stated.

As I slowly opened my eyes, a beautiful scene unfolded before me. We are witnessing one of the famous waterfalls in the real world-Niagara falls. The sound of water, color of the sky and this smell reminds me that nature is so beautiful.

'Did we come to America?'

"Not quite right, We didn't came to america- I brought it here"

'What do you mean?'

"We are still in the same place, but I just switched that room with this place, of course I replicated this place with my imagination and knowledge"

I see, to put it simply, he just changed the lobby.

"This is open lounge? It's huge " Mizuki said

"Well there are 100 of you so I created this lounge we are standing on, I guess in real life there isn't one located here, but I thought this is the best way to see the fall so I built this"

'So, Can't we move from this place? Like going into the city'

"Yes, you can go. Didn't I said, right now I bought the america here if you want you can go right away"

'Yah! '

"But I bet it will take so long if you walk"

'Ugh makes sense'

"But you can teleport"

'Eh teleport? But what's the difference between how we got here and teleport? '

"Technically, switching places is a form of teleport but the real thing different, for example like this-*snap*"

'Oh!'

'He vanished? '

(He disappeared-)

*pat*

"This is teleport"

(He came behind me!?)

Nakabachi appeared behind me and put his palm on my shoulders.

(That startled me)

'Teleport is Amazing'

"But, just like flying these have it's own tricks so I doubt you can do this on your own, if I have to say switching places is more easy, you can teleport along with others, like this *snap*"

We changed places once again.

'That is.. '

"Statue of liberty"

'Huge...'

'It's my first time'

'I guess almost everyone are seeing this for the first time'

'Shut up'

"Now then"

*snap*

'This place, Don't tell me-Paris!? '

"Look above"

We all looked up together.

"That is Eiffel tower"

The sight is truly magnificent, it was night and the moon combined well with the tower to produce a great view for us.

'Amazing'

'So tall'

'But there is no one here other than us'

"Because, this is a dream. I didnt included anyone other than you people, ofcourse I can create people but it will be crowded"

'Seriously? '

'Uh I am not surprised anymore'

'You said it'

"And one more*snap*"

We moved again.

"Here it is Mt. Fuji"

'Wooo'

"We really can't miss to see our own treasure"

We are standing in an open place, it was huge and a perfect spot for seeing Mt. Fuji.

"Just like I did back then, I am switching the places, so it's easy for all of us to move places"

Move places?

(Flashback- "You can fly in the sky if you want, visit places in a second")

So when he said we can visit places in a second he meant this huh, unbelievable.

"Now then, I want to show you more places but, we are running out of time so if you have any questions you can ask"

'What about that white room? I don't think such a huge place exists'

"That white room is in different dimension, just as you said it doesn't exist on this earth"

'Different dimension? '

"Yes, I switched that dimension with earth"

'Earth!? '

Hey, don't tell me, did he just replicate-!?

"That's right, I replicated the whole earth"

'What!!!!!? '

"Don't be so surprised, didn't I said?" Nakabachi flewed again

"I am the creator of this world in other words

I AM THE GOD

Replicating the earth is a piece of cake, all we need is knowledge and imagination. Surprisingly, a human's fantasy is far more incredible.

Do you know what makes this world so beautiful? Unlike reality we can make the impossible possible. Truly an ideal world. That's why creating another dimension is not entirely impossible because,

This world is not binded by science laws. This world is just like the universe, it is infinite, this dream has no boundaries, as long as your imagination runs wild, you can do anything.

Create however you want, destroy, change and rule, If you are the god then

YOU ARE INVINCIBLE"

'Invincible... '

"Well, isn't this exciting?

Doesn't this make your heart race? "

'You really.. Conquered the dreams'

"I really can't wait to build and paint this world, that's why let's build this together and reshape this world.

With this project, there will be a new way of life, new professions, new entertainment and many more, Ah All I can see are benefits. Do you know how happy I am right now? Just the thought of it gives me goosebumps and if it becomes reality I can't handle myself. That's why I want to share this happiness

What do you say, my people? Let's reshape this world!"

"Interesting"

(Huh)

"This looks hella fun, to be honest, I was worried a bit but..Mm I can live in this world" Ukegawa said.

"Yes, you can be free"

"I said earlier too, I am in"

'Me too'

'I want to enjoy more'

"Yeah, the fun part is about to begin. What you saw is just a fragment, There is more to this world but

LET'S SAVE THE FUN FOR LATER

But before that a special bonus*snap*"

"We are here"

'Where are we? '

"The world's biggest forest-Amazon"

'Seriously!? '

"I cleared the trees around here to make this vacant place"

'So why did you brought us here? '

"From here on you are free to move, I will give you 10 minutes, feel free to look around and go into the forest. After 10 minutes we will exit the dream and end the trial, also make sure to note your experiences and tell me"

'Alright-'

'Wait! '

'Why are you stopping me?'

'In these large forest, what if some dangerous animals attack you-'

"Did you forget?"

'huh?'

"This is dream, don't worry this place is under my control and besides I removed the animals so it's safe"

'oh that's right'

'and besides even if they attack us it's not like we will die'

Nakabachi smiled.

"That's why explore to your heart's content after 10 minutes we will meet back in reality"

We all went into the forest, and I started wandering on my own. It's like the tutorial is over and I finally got the controls. Almost feels like a game.

I know that I am saying this again, This is really way too realistic. Although this is a dream, I never expected to visit such places in my life.

"This tree" I touched the tree

I can feel it, it is like a real tree, The world's biggest forest- Amazon, although I haven't visited but I have watched a few videos, don't tell me

HE REPLICATED THE WHOLE FOREST DOWN TO EVERY DETAIL!?

I really can't shake off this feeling.

"Amazing…"

There are still many mysteries surrounding this world, although this looks like Earth but I feel like it is an entirely different entity from it. Maybe because of these supernatural phenomenons we are experiencing I guess. But in the end this is also science, there is really no limit to how far it can evolve.

The world I'm standing on was crafted by a single person's imagination. It's truly incredible to think that all of this was born from one individual's mind. Once again, it reminds me…

Nakabach Hideo is really something else.

This is DLC's masterpiece-

PROJECT D.R.E.A.M

"Woah"

<<Reminder>> A screen popped up out of nowhere before me, I hit the tree and falled down.

"Ew…even though we won't die but we can feel a slight pain when hit huh, they really…overdid this, hmm?"

What is this?

<<"This is Nakabachi Hideo, Everyone the trial period is over, It's time to wake up">>

"Eh? Already!?- What!?"

My body started dematerialising and disappearing into thin air from bottom to top.

"I am..vanishing?"

[Meanwhile]

"Now then, it's time to wake up"

*Clap* Nakabachi clapped.

[Reality]

"Ha"

I opened my eyes.

"I am..back?"

More importantly, I can remember

I CAN REMEMBER THAT DREAM!

Me falling into the ocean, getting caught in that hole and that white room, Niagara falls, Statue of liberty, Eiffel tower, Mt.fuji, Amazon everything!

I CAN REMEMBER EVERY DETAIL!

(Flashback-" You can remember your dreams and control your actions")

Project D.R.EA.M- This is…the real deal!

"Oh, Araki-sama looks like you woke up"

"Yes(it's that lab assistant again)"

"Everyone went to the seminar hall"

"Understood, I will be going then"

Looks like I am the last one to wake up, I'd better keep going.

[Seminar hall]

I hurried to the seminar hall and after a short while, Everyone has settled down in their previous places.

"Looks like everyone is here, so how is it?

YOUR FIRST DREAM IN THE DREAMWORLD"

'I can't believe it'

'I can remember it clearly'

"Amazing.." Natsukawa yume spoke

"Hey professor,

IS THAT REALLY A DREAM?"

Nakabachi smiled.

"Yes, what you people just experienced is undeniably a dream, but this is what it feels like to remember your dreams, now do you get what I mean when I said It will turn dreams into reality?

From here on too, you will be experiencing these wonderful dreams. We had so much fun in this little amount of time, so just imagine how much fun you can have when you can always dream like this.

No matter how hard your life is, Even if days are weighing on you,

THE NIGHTS ARE GOING TO BE FUN!!!"

Huh? What is going on with me?

MY HEART WON'T STOP RACING

Am..I having fun?

"Heh" my smile widened.

Fine, fine I will admit it,

DREAMS ARE SURPRISINGLY FUN .

'So are we going to repeat dreams like this?'

"No, it will be different.

WE ARE GOING TO DO SOMETHING MORE INTERESTING"

'Heh, what will we be doing?'

"Didn't I say?

LET'S SAVE THE FUN FOR LATER

But don't worry, I will tell you tonight"

'You can't spoil the fun right'

"So that's how it is, now then I will give you one more pill, before going to bed consume it *finger snap*"

Several lab assistants holding trays entered the hall and they started distributing the pills to everyone individually.

"Here"

"Yeah" I nodded and took the pill.

Hmm, not that much different from that earlier pill.

'What is this pill for?'

"Actually you have to take two doses, this is the second dose. After you consume this it will improve your senses even further"

'Cool'

"Professor"

Akiko enters the stage and whispers in Nakabachi's ears.

"I see, understand. Looks like it's almost time, so everyone I am concluding this session. I thank all of you for cooperating with our project. Let's make sure to make this a success and together let's build a new world!!"

'Yeah!!!'

"Well then let's meet again tonight, make sure to sleep early because,

IT'S GOING TO BE A LONG NIGHT

Well then, I will excuse myself"

Nakabachi left the stage,bidding farewell.

"Well, Even if you don't try to sleep early you will," Nakabachi muttered as he left.

"Everyone, please exit the hall one by one" The guard requested.

Everyone started vacating the hall but then suddenly,

I STOPPED.

"This way-hmm, what's up boy-"

*Swift*

"Wha- Hey , where do you think you are going? " I ran past that guard and headed towards the stage.

[Meanwhile- backstage- hallway]

"Professor, about the thing I said before-"

"Don't worry, Yamamoto-kun"

"Huh?"

"Everything is ready, it's going to be fine, all we just need to do is,

WAIT FOR TONIGHT"

*Running sound*

"Ha…ha..ha Professor, wait a minute"

Nakabachi turned his head.

"You are? Hey- What are you doing he-"

Nakabachi stretched his hand and interrupted Akiko, signaling her to move ahead without him.

"Professor?"

"You can go ahead, I will join you later"

"U-understood"

Akiko left.

"So, what are you doing here? You are going to miss your ride, Araki Ryota-kun?"

*Pant*

"Ha..ha..ha I..have something to ask"

"Oh, what is it?"

I restored my posture and took a deep breath.

*Inhale* *exhale*

"I will get straight to the point, I don't like wasting my time you see, so I will ask only one thing

HAVE WE MET BEFORE?"

Nakabachi's eyes widened.

Really, I can't ignore that feeling after all, without knowing the answer, forget about dreaming, I can't even sleep. That's why the best way to find whether that feeling is accurate or not is

I JUST NEED TO CONFIRM WITH THE PERSON IN QUESTION.

Comeon, answer me

"Araki-kun, you may don't know much about me but I know well about you because I am the one who selected you"

(He selected me?)

"But unfortunately, I believe this is the first time we met like this that's why I am sorry"

"Is..that so?" So it's really…

"So what makes you think that we met before?"

"No..I just felt like we have met somewhere that's it, sorry for wasting your time"

"No, no that's not a problem. Anyway your ride is waiting, you better hurry or you will miss it"

"Yes, thank you"

Nakabachi waved his hand as I left.

So it's really just my imagination…

I quickly hurried to the exit.

[Third person P.O.V]

A few seconds after Araki left, Nakabachi stood idle with an expressionless face and after a short while-

"....mmmmmmmm

Hahahahhahahahhhahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahahaahhahahahahh

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!"

HE LAUGHED WITH AMUSEMENT.

"TRULY WONDERFUL! I didn't expect this, Araki Ryota, you really are amazing. As I expected, selecting you was the right choice, really wonderf- huh" Nakabachi noticed something.

" *Cough*And how long do you intend to hide? Kurogane-kun"

"geh-"

Kurogane revealed himself, he was hiding behind the pillar this whole time.

"Ah ah you found me, looks like I can't hide from you, Nakabachi-san"

"Isn't it obvious?Just how long do you think we are being together?"

"You have a point there"

Kurogane approached Nakabachi.

"So he, Araki-kun, looks like he still remembers you"

"Yeah, although he is not sure but for a second he definitely remembered meeting me, it is truly a shock, because there is no way a sane person can remember that, after all

WE MET IN A DREAM"

[Araki P.O.V- At araki's apartment]

"We have arrived"

Just like how they took me there, before leaving that building they blindfolded me again before dropping me back. It makes sense.

Slowly he removed the blindfold and my vision has returned.

"Here, your mobile and watch"

"Yeah"

"Sorry for troubling you"

"No, it's fine. I got my explanation"

"Thanks for understanding. Then we will be off also make sure to take that pill before sleeping"

"Yes, thank you"

So after those exchanges I returned to my room.

*Close door*

"I came back…"

The clock indicated 6:07pm.

Even though it's been only a few hours, it felt like few days has passed and besides

They are really idiots aren't they? when I get home I can know the time anyway. So taking my watch is pointless, But to calculate the time it took to get back I need to know my departure time. That's why it's not entirely pointless but…

"51 minutes huh.."

This is the time it took to get here. Of course Just in case I counted again. So by counting back I departed from there at 5:16pm, So if I calculate the distance it will be almost same as before but

"I guess I don't need this info anymore"

As far as things went everything is normal, I can see why he wants to reshape that world and build a new world. His ideals and motives, everything have got through me. If all we need to do is repeat those dreams and share our experiences so it could help with the experiment then I don't mind giving my time and besides

It looks fun.

Also,

"I really need to stop overthinking things"

Lesson learned.

And three hours had passed.

[October 5th, 9:02pm]

"Huff"

I jumped on to the bed. Looking at the ceiling.

"It's about time"

He said to sleep as early as possible, but for a 16 year-old boy this is way too early.

I took the box with the pill from my pocket, and holded with my fingers while staring at it.

Still, I don't get why they gave another pill? Because, I can't imagine experiencing even more than that. Well, I can't say without seeing it myself. That's why

Once again, it's time to visit that world.

Well then, time to get started.

I got up and pushed the pill down through my throat and drank water.

*Gulp*

It is going to start shortly, the me at that time didn't even anticipate this. That something,

SOMETHING REALLY BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW.

"Hmm?" My left palm has caught my eye.

Huh? This scar

I DON'T REMEMBER THIS-

"WHA-!?"

Huh? What? What is happening? My head…hurts.

"It hurts, hurts, hurts,hurts,hurts"

Damn,damn,damn,damn

I CAN'T BEAR THIS!!!!!

Why!!!

WHY IS IT SO PAINFUL!?

This is the first time something this severe is happening. Why? Did I eat something bad? My water - Don't tell me

THIS PILL?!

Slowly my vision became blurry and..

"Huh? I am.."

After a few seconds, I completely collapsed on the bed and

I BECAME UNCONSCIOUS.

[In Dream]

"Ha!"

I woke up in the dreamworld.

"Where..am I?"

*Whisper* people started whispering.

"It's…kind of nois-" I got up suddenly

White room again? Which means, I am back in this world!? Wait that's right my pain-

MY PAIN HAS STOPPED.

Just what the hell was that!? Is that because of..the pill? I thought there were no side effects. I was perfectly fine when I took the first one. What about everyone-?

"Huh?"

Is it just me? It looks like

THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE THAN BEFORE.

What's going on-

"Good evening!!!!! Everyone!!!!!!"

Nakabachi descended from the top and stopped midair.

"Once again, Welcome to the dreamworld"

There he is

"Nakabachi… Hideo" I muttered

"Looks like everyone here, I am so happy. Now then without any delay,

LET'S START THE EXPERIMENT"

*gasp*

'So, what should we do?'

"Don't be so hasty, I am going to give you a very interesting assignment. "

'Assignment?'

Nakabachi's smile widened.

"Yes, Right now, right here

I WANT YOU ALL TO PLAY A GAME"

(My eyes widened)

'Game? '

'Hah, Playing a game in dreams? Interesting'

"Yes, A VERY FUN AND INTERESTING GAME"

Wh..y? What's going on with me?

I don't know why but for some reason,

I HAVE A REALLY BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS.

SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS ATMOSPHERE

'So what does it have to do with improving the product? '

"No, It definitely plays a significant role in developing our product. Well,

YOU WILL SEE SOON"

'What game are we going to play?'

"Don't worry, don't worry I will explain one by one

So for the first round,

I WANT EVERYONE TO FORM PAIRS"

'Pairs? '

'Alright '

'Hey, Wanna pair? '

"Wait a second- Rather than pairing with some stranger, I want you to pair with someone you already know.

Because, THAT WOULD BE MORE INTERESTING"

Everyone started pairing.

Huh? He seems somewhat different, no,

IS HE REALLY NAKABACHI HIDEO?

For some reason,

MY HEART IS BEATING SO FASTLY.

Something is wrong… ,

Even so, game he says? This is so sudden, I can't see the relation with the project. What's going on?

For now, I should go along with it.

But even if he says to pair with someone I know, I don't think there is anyone among these people who actually knows me-

"Araki-kun?... "

I heard a voice, A familiar voice,

After hearing that voice, my mind went completely blank, and it felt like time itself had stopped for me.

I heard a voice which I can't forget, because this person showed me hell for five days, There is no way I can't recognize

That's when I thought

COINCIDENCES CAN BE SCARY.

Because, this is not possible,

"Why…? "

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HERE!?

SANEHARA KASUMI!

"Sanehara…Why? " I turned behind and confronted her.

She was wearing casual clothes and looked puzzled just as much as I.

"Araki-kun, why? "

What is going on? There is no way. She should not be supposed to be here because, she is not even there in the seminar hall and besides when Nakabachi called out every name I am sure her name didn't popped up

So why-?

" *Clap x2* Attention please"

I am sure there are some of you wondering that"

(Huh?)

"WHY IS THIS PERSON DOING HERE? "

(Don't tell me)

"Actually, along with your session, there are four other sessions happened, each session has around 100 people so you might wonder why they are more people here than before, so let me tell you

THERE ARE TOTAL 502 DREAMERS ARE THERE IN THIS DREAM"

(50… 2!?)

"That's why there might be at least one person you might know. ( That's how I arranged anyway) Now then,

CONTINUE WITH THE PAIRING"

THIS IS THE WORST.

Out of all people, it needs to be her?! Then she also got the invitation!? But, the timing is really bad because things are really awkward now. I guess after all that happened at the rooftop it's only natural. But, Is this coincidence?

IS THIS REALLY A COINCIDENCE?

"Looks like we don't have a choice, want to pair with me? You know what? I am actually feeling so happy and surprised that I met you here, Araki-kun"

"Yeah, I am also surprised. So, you also got that email? "

"Yes, but I didn't expect that you are also invited"

So it's true…

"For now, let's work together"

We shaked hands.

"Heh

Looks like everyone is ready, Now then let's start the first round

This game is going to be a elimination process"

'Elimination? '

"Yes, don't worry I will explain one by one, Now then, there are 251 pairs are here, and the first round rules are simple

AMONG THESE 251 PAIRS ONLY 251 DREAMERS CAN PASS TO THE NEXT GAME"

'Huh? '

'What does he mean? '

"To put it more simply,

I WANT YOU TO LOWER YOUR NUMBERS"

'Lower? '

"Yes, In every pair only one of you passes to the next round and

THE OTHER ONE GETS ELIMINATED"

'Eliminate…'

"So choose among yourselves who will be eliminated and who will pass"

People started talking among themselves.

'So what should we do? '

'Let me go'

'Eh? But I also want to move forward'

'In other words, we should convince each other and decide who will go first? '

'Seems like it'

'I guess I will drop, I am not good with games'

'I don't think so'

"We should also- Huh? Araki-kun, what happened?

ARE YOU NERVOUS? YOUR HANDS ARE SHAKING"

Something is wrong, something is wrong.

THIS WHOLE SITUATION FEELS STRANGE.

This feeling is more intense than that I felt in the seminar. Also

NAKABACHI LOOKS STRANGE

Just,

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN?

"Boring"

(Huh)

"Boring, I am disappointed in you"

'What did you just say!?'

'Huh? We are doing just as said'

'What do you mean?'

"*Sign* Looks like you people don't get the actual picture, that's why you are taking this too lightly, you see

When I said one of you gets eliminated, what I am saying is,

THAT PERSON WILL DIE"

My eyes widened.

"ELIMINATION=DEATH"

'... Death? '

"YES!!!! You heard it right,

What I am saying is

KILL AMONG YOURSELVES"

Ki..ll?

'Hey, are you joking? Stop it'

' It's not even funny'

"Joking? Ah, sorry sorry I should have told you a bit sooner, you see this game is not a normal game,

IT'S A DEATH GAME"

'Death'

'Game? '

"W-h-i-c-h m-e-a-n-s( su-ma-ri) , By the end of the game,

ONLY ONE OF YOU STAYS ALIVE

And

THE OTHER 501 DREAMERS WILL DIE"

"..... Eh? "

Di…e?

"T-that's not possible!"

Ukegawa Taiki raised his voice.

"Hmm? Why is it not possible, Ukegawa-kun?"

"STOP JOKING!! We will die? There is no way, because did you forget?

WE ARE IN A DREAM

There is no way, You losers, what are you so afraid of?"

'T-that's right'

'Oof, He really scared me for a second'

"Oh…I see you guys don't know right"

Huh?

"What?" Ukegawa asked

"As I said before, That pill will synchronize your two selves, that's why you can feel everything inside the dream and you can experience many things"

"So what?"

"If you can feel every sensation, Then.."

Nakabachi's smile widened

"IT ONLY MAKES SENSE TO THINK THAT YOU CAN ALSO FEEL PAIN

ISN'T THAT RIGHT?"

'....huh?'

We can also feel…pain? Don't tell me!

No way!

"Ah ah, Let me tell you one more interesting thing, you see

WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN IF YOU ARE INJURED IN DREAMS?"

I slowly lifted my left hand.

"You see, if you face any injury anywhere"

Don't tell me…

"IT WILL INFLICT ON YOUR REAL BODY TOO"

Everyone became speechless. The revelation is far too great to grasp the situation. Why didn't I realize this before?

This scar on my left palm, That time I wasn't able to remember it, but now I remembered, this scar is not from reality!

(Flashback- <<Reminder>> A screen popped up out of nowhere before me, I hit the tree and falled down.

"Ew…)

I got this scar IN DREAMS.

He is telling the truth!!

That means,

OUR LIFE IS IN DANGER.

'inflict? Eh?'

"For example, if you got a scar in dreams it will inflict on your real body, Well, if I put it simply,

IF YOU CUT YOUR FINGER, YOUR REAL FINGER WILL CUT OFF YOUR BODY"

'Ee!'

"Leg for a leg, hand for a hand, eye for an eye and if your head gets decapitated

I GUESS YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN

In short,

IF YOU DIE HERE, YOU WILL DIE IN REAL LIFE AS WELL."

(Wh-!?)

'...No'

'You can't be serious'

'I will…die?'

'Ah I get it. just like before, this is a prank right?'

Nakabachi remained silent.

'Hey, You are joking right?.. please tell me…this is a prank right?

"Unfortunately, I AM DEAD SERIOUS"'

'N..o……'

'Noooooo!!!!'

'Oi, what's going to happen to us?'

'Die? Eh? I can't follow, eh? '

'Die…I will die…I will die'

"Hahaha, Nice very nice, I like that reaction so now you get it right?

DON'T TAKE THIS LIGHTLY,

Your life is on the line, that's why if you want to live

KILL THE OTHER and

WIN THIS DEATH GAME."

(I was…)

That time I felt,

I WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG,

WE WERE LURED INTO THIS.

That feeling and my way of thinking, everything was right. But,

I LET MY GUARD DOWN.

And once again I realized how naive and careless I was. But even if I tried to do something

IT'S ALREADY TOO…LATE

"NOW, EVERYONE"

With that, this marks the start of the one of the most brutal incident in human history and the start of my hellish days

That's right,

"LET'S BEGIN THE GAME!! "

(WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!?)

IT'S THE BEGINNING OF THE NIGHTMARE.