The sky above is a brilliant array of bright and captivating colours. It's breathtaking to behold, yet almost too surreal to believe. There's no sun, no moon, no clouds, not even a bird in the air. Just an ever expanding canvas of wonder.
Toby Robinson: Where the heck am I? (Toby asks himself, standing up from the bed of grass he was laying on)
Toby now finds himself in some kind of meadow, with a long stretch of grassland all around him, and seemingly nothing else. The System's screen appears before him once again, carrying new and interesting information.
[Dream System Successfully Integrated]
[Welcome To The Dream World]
Toby Robinson: Dream System? Dream World? What is even happening right now?! (Toby is baffled, reading the messages again in disbelief, still not understanding how he got here in the first place)
[The Dream World: A vast world created by the subconscious of those who sleep. A home for the dream energy based entities known as Dream Beings]
[The Dream System: A powerful interface created for the sole purpose of traversing the world of dreams. Housing large pools of knowledge that helps its user survive and thrive in any dreamscape]
Toby Robinson: Is this... is this all real? Do I seriously have a System now? Am I actually in another world? (Toby pauses for a moment, thinking carefully)... Just like an anime protagonist in an isekai story... I've got a freaking System! (He yells, bursting with pure excitement)... Wait a second! Doesn't this mean I have stats?! (Toby says outloud, his eyes wide with anticipation)
[Stats]
[Name: Toby Robinson]
[Race: Human (Dreamer)]
[Level 1]
[Health: 100/100]
[Exp: 0/100]
Toby goes through all this information with a big smile on his face, surprised and thrilled to be seeing all of this.
Toby Robinson: Looks like I was right, I really do have a System now. What the heck is a Dreamer though? (Toby asks, wondering what this could mean)
[The Dreamers: Individuals with the power to create, shape and manipulate dream energy. Also capable of travelling into the world of dreams, and taming its dream beings]
Toby Robinson: Guess that's what I am now, pretty sweet if you ask me. But why couldn't I have gotten something cooler like a vampire or a werewolf system? There's tons of information on those. But then again, I don't want to end up as a monster. (Toby said to himself, for he was alone in this bizarre world)
Most people would panic if they woke up in a strange new world. But having enjoyed so many movies, animes, and light novels about people getting extraordinary abilities by going to another world.
Toby couldn't help but feel excited, about the fact that he was probably now superhuman, and might even get to go on fun adventures with cute girls.
Happily Toby begins to move forward, trying to find somewhere else to be. Because just standing around here doesn't seem like a good idea.
But after walking for what seems like a couple hours, and being unable to get his bearings. Toby's excitement gradually fades away, replaced with nothing but pure frustration.
Toby Robinson: Oh come on! Why is this place so confusing?! (Toby yells in exasperation, tired of walking around aimlessly)
While trekking through the endless stretch of grassland, the dreamscape around him seamlessly begins to change, morphing into a completely different location. Grass gave way to roots, the sunny atmosphere becoming much darker. In only a matter of seconds, the once peaceful meadow, has become a haunting dark forest.
Toby Robinson: Okay, this isn't terrifying at all. Now all I have to do is keep my eyes open for monsters, who can be hiding literally anywhere. (Toby muttered to himself, watching his back more frequently, not knowing what to expect)
Navigating this forest is proving to be a difficult task, made harder by the fact that he's constantly checking before taking certain steps. Terrified that something could pounce on him at any moment.
Toby Robinson: How long have I been walking? Am I going to be stuck here forever? What am I going to do? (Toby begins to lose his composure, his anxiety getting the better of him)... I can't take this anymore! Isn't something supposed to happen?! (Toby yells in frustration, tired of everything at this point)
[Quest Received: Find And Tame a Dream Being]
[Quest Reward: Becoming a Dream Tamer]
[Quest Penalty: Serious Injury]
Toby Robinson: Alright, now things are getting interesting. I have to find and tame a Dream Being, which sounds easy enough. The System said this world is their home, so I should find one eventually. But, I still haven't seen one yet, and when I do, is it a good idea to approach it? What if it's dangerous, and it tries to kill me? This isn't a story where it all works out fine for the protagonist. This is real life, I could die here! (Toby finally realizes the seriousness of the situation he's in, he's way out of his depth here)
The area he's in now is much darker, occupied only by large dry trees, completely devoid of moisture and vitality. Toby stands next to a brown boulder, which oddly provided him with the hope that he won't be attacked from behind.
But this is no boulder, a realization Toby makes once it starts moving, unearthing itself from the soil. Toby quickly moves away, creating some distance between him and whatever this thing is.
Toby Robinson: What the hell is that thing? (Toby whispered, his heart pounding fast and his face sweating buckets)
[You Have Encountered A Wandering Dream Being]
[Be Wary]
Even though he's scared out of his mind, Toby doesn't run. He treads carefully, doing his best not to step on a twig and announce his presence.
The beast had its back to Toby, so it couldn't see him. Yet its snout twitched, sniffing the air, catching a scent. With a low growl, it turned, revealing a single good eye burning red with energy. Then it rose onto its hind legs, doubling in size in an instant.
Its body was covered in thick brown fur that swayed with the wind. Massive claws extended from its paws, razor sharp and more than capable of dealing devastating damage.
[Defeat It To Gain Its Power]
Toby Robinson: How on earth am I supposed to beat that thing?! (Toby asks the system in panic, told to defeat and tame this very, very large brown bear)
Toby stared at the animal, fear flooding his thoughts and drowning out all logic. He was certain he wouldn't survive this encounter, frantically thinking of a way to escape.
But in that moment of desperation, something caught his eye. Something very familiar about this dream being.
Toby's memories drift back to his childhood, to a time when he was obsessed with a show called Mr. Browny's Incredible Circus. And the massive bear standing before him now, looks exactly like the main character.
Toby Robinson: Mr. Browny?! (Toby gasped, shocked to see his childhood coming back to haunt him in the most terrifying way possible)
[Name: Browny]
[Race: Dream Being]
[Level: Low Grade Dream Being]
[Skills: Terror]
Next: What Are My Skills?