Chapter 1– Nightmares Are Constant (Part 1)
Chapter 1– Nightmares Are Constant (Part 2)
"Hm, hm, hm... Aaand... it's done!" Zane exclaimed as he lifted the sheet of paper he'd been scribbling on for the past hour. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and a wide smile stretched across his face as he admired the drawing. He couldn't help but feel proud—it was easily his best work yet.
The picture showed a small boy wielding a sword, his innocent smile undisturbed by the monstrous threat before him. Towering over him was a massive red creature, its jaws gaping wide, ready to devour him. But just before it could strike, the boy had driven his sword deep into the monster's chest. Around them were lush green trees and a bright, smiling sun high in the sky.
"I like this..." Zane muttered, nodding to himself. For a moment, his imagination drifted into the scene he'd drawn, living the fantasy in his mind.
This was his dream. His desire since he could remember—to become a hero. To fight monsters and save lives. He wanted to be a Dimensional Knight, one of the legendary guardians who protected all realms from the savage jaws of beasts and upheld order across worlds.
Ever since that day, when he first saw them—those awe-inspiring knights battling gruesome monsters to protect the innocent—his life had never been the same. He could only dream of standing where they stood, living as a hero, fighting for good.
But at only thirteen years old, that dream still had to wait. So instead, he spent his days working hard, studying diligently, and training relentlessly. All in preparation for the day he could take the entrance test to become a Dimensional Knight.
"Hehe, I can't wait. I really can't wait," he whispered, leaning back in his chair. His gaze wandered around his room, taking in the walls plastered with countless drawings. Most showed him as a hero in all kinds of epic scenarios. Others were tributes to the real Dimensional Knights he had seen the day monsters attacked his city.
Swinging his legs idly, Zane admired the sight in silence.
That silence didn't last long.
"Zane! Dinner is ready! Get down here!" a voice called from downstairs.