Ariandel watched from afar, his long white hair gently billowing in the breeze, his mystical eyes fixed on the commotion ahead.
'But, really, this is… embarrassing,' he lamented, unable to suppress an awkward smile. 'The boy has a peculiar way of dealing with things, doesn't he?'
As those around Sunless laughed and jeered, Ariandel allowed himself to observe a little longer. He had the power to read everyone's emotional state, and when he focused on Sunless, he sensed a blend of apprehension, discomfort, and determination, with touches of dark humor and cynicism that helped him cope.
'His bravery and naiveté mix in such a… mmh, comical way. Yes, perhaps that's what makes him so endearing, actually.'
The way Sunless could manufacture a "false truth" revealed a shining trait of shamelessness, strategic flair, and a grim sense of humor.
After gauging the complexity of Sunless's feelings and intentions, Ariandel turned his attention to the reach of his own ability.
'I think my range has grown…' Ariandel mused, a light furrow on his brow. His senses sharpened as the environment's emotions intensified.
He extended his mind beyond where it had been before.
'Ninety‑one meters now… Maybe a bit more if I concentrate.'
He felt the subtle tensions in the air as he passed through the room, clusters of Sleepers chatting among themselves without so much as a hint of his presence.
Walking among them, the Peregrine delighted in testing the limits of his skills.
'My invisibility works on targets within fifty‑six meters. I'd call that my limit for now, but it demands much of me. Still, if someone actively searches, they can detect me. It's not perfect, just effective.'
The sense of being unseen brought Ariandel a dark sweetness, a poetic melancholy that cloaked him like a silent shroud.
It wasn't the lightness of one who hides by choice, but the weight of being a peregrine in a world that didn't know him—where his footsteps left no mark and his gestures found no echo.
It was like walking among strangers forever, belonging nowhere, carrying the solitude of one who sees everything but is never seen.
This reflection hovered in his mind as he watched Sunless again, still at the center of attention. He wore a bittersweet smile, observing the unfolding scene with the calm curiosity of someone who already knew how it would end.
In contrast to Sunless's impulsive behavior—what Ariandel saw as a series of blunders and power plays—he cared not for the young man's absurdities or mistakes. He knew this boy still had a path to walk and that, despite his clumsy steps, he was heading in the right direction.
"And what would life be without these moments? Without a little disorder? But I'm still surprised at how much he's exposing himself."
"And the risk of someone asking, 'So, do you have a True Name?' That's genuinely troubling," he murmured to himself, amused.
The Peregrine knew he should avoid getting too involved, yet his mind wandered, unable to resist the inner tease.
'Who would have thought that little rat from the outskirts had the audacity to prod people like that? If I didn't know him better, I'd swear Sunless had a… taste for being intimidated by tall, beautiful women.'
His smile turned to a stifled laugh, a blend of irony and genuine amusement. But realizing the risk, he snapped back to caution. Still, the pleasant sound of his laughter nearly betrayed him to the Sleepers, forcing him to regain control.
***
Experiment Note: Mastery over Heart and Mind Perceptions.
BY Ariandel
Objective: Test the limits of Psychological Invisibility and evaluate the effectiveness of Mental Sense.
Initial Report: In recent tests, my Psychological Invisibility proved more effective and precise. My range increased, allowing distances up to fifty‑six meters, although this depends on targets and concentration.
The Mental Sense ability is more sensitive to turbulent minds and those aware of my presence, reaching up to 105 meters. Sixth‑sense orientation has also evolved.
Now, a more detailed breakdown:
Expanded Range:
The ability's reach exceeded initial expectations. As a 'dormant monster,' my Mental Sense extends seventy meters, detecting intense emotions up to 105 meters. I maintained invisibility with precision at fifty‑six meters, and my mental aura remains hidden even at greater distances.
Mental Perception Efficiency:
My skill in perceiving emotions and intentions is unchanged. I can identify surface feelings like frustration, anxiety, and anger, but cannot predict a person's intended actions.
This ability shows promise as a vision substitute. By sensing mental pressures around me, I intuitively map my surroundings. Consciousnesses emit signals that guide my spatial awareness, allowing me to detect movements, distances, and environmental features.
Interaction with Environment:
I can move through the surroundings unnoticed, slipping between groups, observing reactions, and even producing small noises without breaking invisibility.
Limits and Control:
Maintaining invisibility in crowds demands intense focus. A sudden movement or unexpected interaction can break the ability. Additionally, emotionally unstable individuals or those already aware of me perceive me more easily. Excessive use in a short period causes mental fatigue, and prolonged concentration reduces my control.
Final Observations:
The dynamics of [Dream Being]—Psychological Invisibility and Mental Sense—have limitations. Concealing my mental aura, feeling and influencing perceptions is impressive, but increased range requires balancing focus. I will continue monitoring these parameters and expanding experiments to better understand my limits.
Conclusion:
Well, it seems my ability to disappear before others is quite useful, though somewhat limited by my need not to be a graceful accident waiting to happen.
But fear not, I can still move among Sleepers and their delightful emotional adventures. A handful of teenagers trying to figure themselves out while believing they rule the universe… Yet, of course, they have not grasped the reality of the power they truly possess.
Ah, and our dear Sunless… the "hero" in the making. I can only imagine how horrified he'd be knowing a "lovely dragon" with dream‑filled eyes is observing him as he struggles to prove himself. I wouldn't be surprised if he's already afraid of his own shadow. But worry not, he will grow… or at least, I hope he grows, before chaos consumes us. That would be rather tragic for a "coming‑of‑Awakening" story, wouldn't it?
Anyway, more experiments will follow. Let's see how far I can push my limits while watching this dramatic comedy of youths trying to avoid being a complete disaster.