7I was back at where I started.Precisely, I was conjuring a command.—I stood there in the Cloud Garden, a familiar sensation of a sphere of energy cradled in my palm. It felt like déjà vu, as if I had been transported back to the very moment before from a moment in time. A moment I couldn't recall. Confusion clouded my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just experienced this.
[System] command.
The words escaped my lips involuntarily, as if some unseen force was compelling me to repeat the process. The cat's warning of a backlash echoed in my mind, urging me to be cautious. "Blur, what are you doing? You've been standing there spaced out" The cat's voice cut through the air, filled with concern.Trying to fight against this strange compulsion, I mumbled, "A [five-layer command]," but the words felt hollow, like an echo of my own voice. The cat's eyes widened in alarm. "No, Blur! Don't use that spell!"
—Din—Don—Don—Din—
Just as the warning resonated in my ears, the bell in the distance tolled again. An unsettling feeling washed over me, and I cast my gaze toward the spot where I thought I had fallen during the earlier explosion.
—Din—
As the final echoes of the bell faded away, a chilling vision unfolded before me. I saw a charred body lying on the ground, as if consumed by the aftermath of an intense blaze. I gasped and called out to the cat, desperately wanting him to witness this disturbing sight."Cat, come quick! Look at what's on the ground!" My voice trembled with a mix of fear and disbelief. But when the cat turned to look, there was nothing. "Whats wrong, Blur? You're acting weird?" What's going on? The charred figure had vanished, leaving me to question my own perception.Doubt crept into my thoughts. Did I imagine it? Was it a trick of the light or some residual effect of the spell gone awry? The cat, oblivious to my distress, dismissed it as my imagination playing tricks on me.I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, like fragments of memories slipping through my grasp."Why don't you head to the bath? You might be a little worn out?" "Well now that you mentioned it I might be a little tired—wait there's a bathhouse?" —Entering the bathhouse, I was immediately struck by its serene ambiance. The soft glow of ambient lighting cast a warm hue across the pristine white tiles, creating an inviting atmosphere. A gentle hum of running water and the faint scent of soothing herbs filled the air, making it an oasis of relaxation within the facility.As I moved further into the bathhouse, I noticed a designated space for removing clothing. White basins lined the wall, offering a clean and organized area to neatly place our garments. I couldn't help but appreciate the attention to detail in maintaining a sense of order.A selection of fluffy white bath towels awaited us, neatly folded and arranged in a row. It was a thoughtful touch, ensuring everyone had access to the comfort of a fresh towel after their bath. I made a mental note to take one on my way out.On the other side, a row of shower spaces with clear glass embedded on the walls caught my attention. The minimalist design added to the overall aesthetic, and I couldn't help but commend the facility on providing a private and well-maintained shower area.Approached the center of the bathhouse, my eyes widened at the sight of the giant circular bath. It was an impressive feature, spacious enough to accommodate several people comfortably. Probably a hundred. The water, gently heated to the perfect temperature, promised a luxurious soak.In the heart of the circular bath stood a giant cube, adding a touch of modern elegance to the traditional setting. A marvel, one might say, at the facility's commitment to blending classic comfort with contemporary design."This bathhouse is truly amazing.""Obviously, the design and ambiance. Everything well-maintained to the optimum.""The removal space, the selection of towels, and those showers—all well thought out. It's a great place to unwind. ""And that giant circular bath! It's huge! Perfect for a relaxing soak. You could practically swim in it. I can't wait to try it.""Hey, no swim. Just be mindful of the automatic heating. It turns off after 30 minutes, so enjoy, but don't lose track of time!"Taking note of this advice, I decided to savor the bath without overstaying my welcome. The facility had truly created a haven for relaxation, and I was grateful for the chance to unwind in such a well-crafted space."Hahhh... Paradise". Enveloped with an inviting warmth of the bathhouse. I glanced at Mr. Cat with a curious expression."Aren't going to have a bath, Mr. Cat?" I inquired, genuinely surprised by the notion."Don't worry about that, despite my looks, I'm not much of a bather. The plant takes care of all dirt. So there is less work on the clean and more on the supervising aspect," Mr. Cat responded with a nonchalant tone. "Nevertheless, the bathhouse is much of a relaxation spot."As I mulled over his explanation, another thought crossed my mind. "I see... Don't you get some time to relax, you know like a day off?"Mr. Cat smirked slightly before replying, "I find my relaxation in other ways.""Fair enough. Everyone has their preferences," I said, trying to hide my amusement. "Then what brings you to the bathhouse area then?""To keep an eye on you, Blur. Making sure you're not getting into more mishaps," Mr. Cat admitted, emphasizing the importance of supervision."Ah, the [five-layer command]," I sighed, recalling the recent incident with the command. I wanted to question the strange vision I experienced, but trusting Mr. Cat and decided against pressing further."If I may ask, Mr. Cat, I had this feeling—nostalgic maybe. I felt like I had repeated the [System] command, and then I saw this strange vision... Is there something about this plant you're not telling me?" I ventured, the curiosity getting the better of me.The air held a brief silence, creating a moment of tension. Mr. Cat's response felt a bit measured. "Well, who knows? The visions you had might be just you pushing yourself too hard. The [System] concept is a lot different from magic, so I can't say its omnipotent."Though his words were reassuring, the short pause left a lingering suspicion. Yet, I chose to trust Mr. Cat. After all, I felt like there was an unspoken bond between us.—moreover I feel like I can trust he'll protect me. "You might be right. I guess I got carried away with trying a more complex command," I admitted, reflecting on the mishap."Complexity is not always the key. Mastery comes from understanding and precision. Stick to the basics, Blur." Imparted with a word wisdom, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of gratitude to Mr. Cat. —Having basked in the warmth of a rejuvenating bath, donned my usual attire, and relished a fulfilling dinner, a 5-star service if I must say. "Back to life, fully revived!" I jubilantly declared, savoring the vitality that now fueled my being."Now, a nap sounds like just the thing," I mused aloud, a contemplation to the prospect of a well-deserved rest.The cat, responded, "Well, it's time for you to head to sleep. How about I show you around?" Its eyes sparkled with anticipation, promising an tour to the facilities of the plant.Without awaiting my response, Mr. Cat elegantly led the way through the facility's sterile white hallways. A utilitarian design speaking volumes about its practical purpose, devoid of any unnecessary adornments."As soon as you change into your pajamas here, we'll head to your quarters," Mr. Cat suggested, gesturing toward a room.Upon entering, to the usual white setting. The room fitting with a sleek display block, offering a selection of clothing styles. The entire space exuded a pristine white aesthetic, same as usual.An advanced display presented options for choosing my pajama style, and I was fascinated by the interactive interface. Oddly, the choices for different colors were absent, leaving everything in a pristine white palette.Changing was a breeze in the space-age cubicle that employed cutting-edge technology for a swift and efficient transition. Seated on a waiting bench, Mr. Cat looked over in silence. Opting for a meticulously detailed pajama, crafted from a soft, breathable material, navigatimg the fabric's options. The design, simple yet elegant, featured intricate patterns seamlessly woven into the fabric. As I selected the material and other specifications, the cat observed silently, acknowledging my taste.Emerging from the dressing room, adorned in my chosen pajamas. "Well that's an odd choice of a pajamas, an all-over bear pajamas". "What can I do? It’s the only option on with a cool feature." "'Everyone has their preferences', is what you said". The cat laughed it off by nodding in approval. But i feel like he was mocking me. —The adjacent block housed six identical rooms, three on each side, adorned with translucent frosted glass-like doors, each door bearing a letter but revealing no other distinctive features.Accompanied by the gentle sway of the cat's tail and its nearly silent steps on the smooth floor, we strolled down the clinical and cold corridor, lacking the warmth typically found in such spaces. Upon reaching the entrance to the rooms, the cat turned to me."This is your sleeping quarters, a private space within the plant," it informed me. I nodded, scanning the surroundings. Despite being designated for sleep, the rooms hinted more at solitude than a place of rest."As the only one here for now," the cat continued, "you have the privilege of choosing any of these rooms as your own." Uncertain, I appreciated the choice while grappling with the implications of my new surroundings."But, are you sure it's safe?" I sought reassurance. The cat's eyes held a hint of comfort. "Don't worry; despite appearances, it's well-secured. Even the barriers come with a night feature to obscure the view from outside."That much of a reassurance did little to alleviate my mix of emotions. Deciding to explore, I stepped through the door into a minimalist bedroom with unadorned white walls and standard functionality. The room emanated a sense of isolation, illuminated by a cool white light from the ceiling.Disappointment settled in; I had hoped for something more inspiring. The other rooms likely shared the same stark setting. Sighing, I approached the bed and sat on it. Surprisingly comfy, yet that was its sole redeeming quality for now."How's the bed? Comfortable?" inquired the cat. "Maybe... For now, it's the only good part about the room."Din—Don—Din—Din—Don—As I was about to inspect the room, the eerie bell suddenly rang out, its source unknown. Instinctively, I looked upwards, attempting to locate the origin."It seems like it's time," the cat muttered silently, "Well, good night, Blur." "Huh!? Mr. Cat—" Overwhelmed by exhaustion, the realization of fatigue washed over me. A floating sensation overcame me as I collapsed onto the bed.The bed enveloped me like a comforting embrace. My eyes grew heavy, shutting them allowed weariness to take over, drifting into a peaceful sleep beneath the sterile light of the room.
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