The Dreamer's POV

[Time Left: 30 Days, 3 Hours]

<Current Number of Participants: 3,879>

"I… I have been waiting for your arrival…"

Fitz's voice trailed as he stared straight into my eyes, his curled up lips firm in a smile.

Even now, he had that same cheerful expression on his face.

"When I first saw you… I couldn't believe my eyes. I'm ashamed that I… almost… couldn't recognize you…"

Recognize me? Was he talking about now that I came to rescue him? But why did he say "first?"

Perhaps he was rambling unintelligble words since he was on the verge of death. However, with Fitz staring straight into my eyes, I couldn't help but think he was talking to me.

But… what was this all about?

Suddenly, it seemed like the world was on pause, and the only thing that existed in this entire space was Fitz and me.

The mood grew so solemn that I could almost taste it.

"Y-you look so much younger… weaker… different from what I expected. But it seems that doesn't matter. Ultimately, I wasn't disappointed."

I was very confused.

Was this meant to be some sort of hint? If so, I wasn't picking any relevant information I could use.

The Quests were all complete, and all that was left was to kill the Treant Boss. The only reason I was with Fitz right now was because it was clear the System was trying to tell me something.

But what was it? I didn't understand.

"You found the treasures. You came back for me. And soon… you will do much more."

Fitz was clearly talking to me. But for what purpose?

"No matter… what form you take… no matter how long… I will always remember. I will always remain loyal… to you."

Why was Fitz acting so familiar with me? He was going to die now, no? Perhaps… was this something like a prompt? Maybe to use <Demonification> on him?

Yes. That was probably it.

"I can see the vestiges within you already. Ah… I can't wait… till you fully manifest."

Fitz gave one final strained smile, and then his breathing became uneven. He struggled to inhale and exhale, and his body shivered in my arms.

I could feel it get cold, and watched as his face paled while he maintained his smile… as well as his steady gaze.

Right there and then, Fitz died.

A moment of silence flowed as a result of his demise, and I allowed myself to be quiet for a few seconds, taking in everything I had just heard.

"Haa…" I still didn't understand a thing.

In the end, I still couldn't use my <Absolute Appriasal> on him either.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

However… since my Skill's new upgrade now allowed me to revive those that I didn't kill as long as they died in my presence, I could use <Demonification> on him.

That was probably the right course of action.

"<Demonification>"

[Skill Error]

<The target is under a stronger influence than you are currently able to override>

"What? I can't even use <Demonification>?"

And what was this about being under the control of someone else? Was the System referring to itself?

"Well, I guess that makes sense. If it is a System Prop, then I guess it has some sort of administrator lock that makes it an NPC."

That way, no participant of the First Floor would be able to influence it.

"Still… he didn't seem like an NPC…" I whispered.

Perhaps it was just me, but Fitz appeared too real to be fictional. However, that was probably just him playing his role.

'I still don't understand what he said at the end. But… I guess I'll keep it in mind.'

~FSHUUUUUU~

Fitz's body slowly began to dissipate, and I watched it turn into white dust. The particules glittered as they broke off from the rest of his weathering form.

Like scattered pieces of dust, they flowed with the wind, ascending far above until there was nothing left for me to hold onto.

"Fitz…" I whispered, staring longingly into the distance. "... You didn't even drop anything?"

What then, was the whole point of coming back for him?

Perhaps I would recieve that reward once the First Floor was cleared. Besides, he did lead me to a Hidden Quest, so that was plenty for me.

"I can't waste any more time right now." Mumbling to myself, I rose to my feet.

It was less than three hours till the end of the first day here, and I was feeling a bit more energetic than one would expect from a guy who hadn't slept so many days in a row.

'I'm already almost done. Why not just finish this for good measure? The sooner I can clear this Floor, the better the Reward. So, lets get to it.'

The only thing currently standing in the way of me and my great reward was the Boss Monster that was currently rising to its feet.

The whispers were gone, and my exhaustion was strangely gone. I felt more alive than I had ever been in a while.

And now… I was facing the Boss of the First Floor.

There were many ways I could go about this, but only one method seemed to be on my mind at this point.

"<Demonification>"

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My shadows instantly stretched for a great distance behind me, and from its depths emerged crimson eyes.

Crimson energy cackled all around it… and me, as my eyes shone brightly.

And then, THEY began to come forth.

All twelve of my wyverns. All three of the Dark Demon Trees I had.

… And finally, my dragon.

"This should be more than enough." I smiled, watching the Whispering Treant watch my army's appearance in horror.

My beasts hovered in the air. My creatures dominated the earth. My minions… were everywhere.

I was everywhere.

'Don't worry, Fitz. Prop or not, I'll help you get your revenge.'

A tingling sensation coursed through my veins, permeating the same feeling across the rest of my body, as I opened my lips to utter the word.

"Attack."

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[A/N]

Badass moment for the MC.

Looks like Mikey just got a bit more OP!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!