Dreambreaker

Chapter 18: Perception

I rested my hand on my forehead, struggling to concentrate on my memories.

My clothes clung to my damp skin as I took deep, breaths.

"Fuck, my perception of time is messed up," frustration was exhaled.

When I first arrived in this world, my sense of time was completely disoriented.

To simply put, my body was not able to accept when the days happened or when nights shifted.

"As per as I remember, first day of Academy was on 10th january, saturday?"

"And then, 11th january...no class..12 jan...weapons..and...yesterday. It's almost been two weeks from transmigration, hasn't it?"

I looked at my smart phone, it displayed 14th of jan, wednesday.

The classes were over so currently I was in my room.

I positioned myself in the bed getting ready for neck extensions.

As I slowly moved my head, I couldn't help but notice that my vision remained fixed.

I knew that our eyes tend to stay in the same position even when our heads move.

This did gave an idea though...

I shared my curiosity with Nano, who promptly replied in a mechanical tone [This phenomenon is known as "visual stability" or "perceptual constancy."]

[It refers to the ability of the visual system to maintain a stable perception of objects in the world despite changes in their retinal image...]

Nano continued to educate me on eyes, vision, head movement, Rapid Eye Movement (REM), while I continued my cardio, my mind at somewhere else.

My idea was simple really.

"What if I could disorient my enemies' vision somehow?"

Perhaps, a magical device, a mechanical instrument, or even a spell that could interfere with sight. It could cause a myopic disturbance or maybe even induce nystigmus.

I took the idea and added it to my mental list as a topic to research further.

"Now, let's see...the setup is complete. I just need to install one of the earliest Javascript programs into the system," I muttered nonchalantly.

Thinking of what application to create, I settled on chess since I knew it didn't exist in this world.

After some time it was finally the hour to address the new skill I got.

"Status"

──────────────────────

┌─────────────────┐

│ S t a t u s W i n d o w ?

└─────────────────┘

Name: Noah Grey

Age: 16 (+23?) =39?

Class: None

Rank: (G+)

PRIMARY STATS →

╭─────────────────────╮

│ Health: G │ 150/ 150(+1?)

│ Mana: G- │ 100/ 100

│ Strength: G+ │ 180/ 180(+1??)

│ Dexterity: F+

│ Intelligence: ???

│ Mana Capacity: 0

╰─────────────────────╯

SECONDARY STATS→

╭───────────────╮

│Armor: G- │ 1

│Resistance: G- │ 1.2

│Stamina: G-

│Charm: E-

│Durability: G- │ 1

│Flexibility: B

╰───────────────╯

SKILLS:

-Momentum Transfer [Allows user to...]

RELICS:

-None

ART:

-None

Propensity: None

Mysteries:

[Mystery of Teleportation]

Achivments:

[Legendary Achievment! Acquired the mystery of Teleportation!]

──────────────────────

What's up with these question marks in my stats?

I can guess that the system is counting the age of both of my lives combined....maybe?

But what are these (+1?) stats? Is it because of Nano? Even my intelligence has three question marks.

"Whatever..."

I retrieved a small box from my belongings, a gift from Riley as a token of gratitude.

I placed my hand on the box with intent, and it was absorbed by me.

──────────────────────

Notification: You have acquired a new skill.

Skill Rank: G Name: Perception

???: ??? ?[] Description: Allows the user to percieve the emotions of others.

──────────────────────

"Huh, what a useless skill. No wonder it was ranked G," I muttered to myself.

As I was about to turn off the system, another notification popped up.

──────────────────────

Notification: Congratulations! You have acquired the very first reward box of a double dungeon!

A legendary achievement !

──────────────────────

My eyes dilated as he stared at the notification that flashed across the screen.

Gradually, a ghastly twist of expression formed on my countenance, contorting my features in a grotesque display of revulsion.

In that moment, only one thought came to my mind ,'What in the world is a double dungeon?!'

A flurry of cogitation flooded my mind at an alarming pace.

The very reason for this sudden and intense reaction was simple; Noah Grey, the 'supposedly creator' behind this world, had never once mentioned or hinted at the existence of such a thing as a double dungeon within the pages of his novel.

Noah's mind raced with possibilities and scenarios, his attempted justification for this discovery gradually forming and fermenting within the recesses of his mind.

***

Professor Riya stood in the middle of the artificial dungeon, surrounded by the clang of metals and the voices of engineers setting up machines for the upcoming trials.

She adjusted her hair and turned to Vice Principal Konstantine Smirnoff.

"Konstantine, do you not think the dungeon trials are being casted too early this time?"

He raised an eyebrow, his salt-and-pepper beard bristling.

"Whatever do you mean?" he asked, his thick Russian accent rolling off his tongue. "The trials are standard procedure and have always been at this time of year."

"I understand that, but given the recent advancements in hero programs, I fear we may not have given the students enough time to prepare for what they may face", Riya countered, her expression thoughtful.

Konstantine chuckled, "Ah, always the cautious one. But fear not, we have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of our students."

He continued," Besides, they have had plenty of training before joining the Academy, I'm sure they will be more than capable."

She sighed, running a hand through her, curly hair. "I hope you're right. I just can't shake this feeling that something isn't quite right."

The vice-principal placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder,"I understand your concern, my dear. But I assure you, everything is in order. The dungeon trials will proceed as planned." Updated from nov𝒆lbIn.(c)om

As the two continued their conversation, the surrounding engineers worked tirelessly to assemble the artificial dungeon.

As the faculty members arrived, they continued their conversation, discussing the various challenges that the students would face in the dungeon trials.

"I worry about the traps," Riya said with her brow furrowed.

"In previous years, we've had a few close calls with faulty mechanisms. We can't afford any mishaps this time around."

Konstantine nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, we must take every precaution to ensure the safety of students."

As they spoke, Konstantine began to look at the files of students one by one.

"We have a talented group of students this year,", his eyes scanning the file. "I have no doubt that they will rise to the occasion."

"I hope you're right."

As they made their way down the dimly lit corridor, Riya couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right.

She had a nagging suspicion that they were overlooking something important, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Do you think we could take a closer look at the trap mechanisms?"

He glanced at her curiously. "Now? Riya, we have a schedule to keep..."

"I know, I know", Riya said impaitently."But I just have a bad feeling about this. Please just a look."

Konstantine considered her request for a moment before nodding, "Very well, lead the way."