…
No sound.
…
No light.
…
It was pure darkness; nothing could be seen.
Suddenly, a white flash appeared, lasting only a fraction of a second, then again—this time, the light remained. Blinded, nothing was visible at first. Slowly, his vision adjusted, revealing an opera house. Empty of spectators.
Scanning every corner, he saw that the light came from a hole in the ceiling. It wasn't large, but it was enough to illuminate the entire grand music hall. Rows of seats were arranged, instruments stood upright by some unknown force, and he noticed that he was in the front row. Still no one. Still no sound, no melody. And he still had no body. Another dream?
Suddenly, a violin began to play. Aaron searched for its source, but before he could find it, other instruments joined in. A distinct melody emerged—soft, medieval, and engaging. It was a tune he had never heard before. He was so focused on the music that he barely noticed the musicians had appeared.
It took him a good four minutes to detach his attention from the orchestra. Once free, he looked to his left. Still no one. Behind him? Nothing. To his right…
A woman. The same one from the throne. She was there, right beside him. She was gazing at the orchestra before turning her eyes toward him.
— "As promised. We meet again. And this time, you can speak. Obsidian is letting you borrow his body."
— "…Hello. I can speak…? You can hear me?"
She gave a faint smirk.
— "Of course. Good. Since I promised, I brought you back. Ask me whatever you wish. I will answer your questions."
— "Then… I'll start by asking if there are beings similar to humans who do not always reveal themselves."
— "There are a few. Vampires, who cannot withstand sunlight and therefore live in underground kingdoms. Steel Dwarves, who also dwell underground in cities of stone and iron. And then there are the Murky Water Dragons. There are very few of them, barely enough to count on one hand. They live in special caves, filled with magical energy and shadowy plants."
Aaron had only expected vampires, but it seemed this world was far more intricate than he had imagined. So he asked another question:
— "I'd like to know if there are dungeons—places that appear and await being cleared of monsters."
— "Indeed, some structures are called dungeons. These buildings are discovered under various circumstances, but few are ever found. Given their sheer size, they are difficult to create. They can reach a hundred floors deep, where explorers must endure increasing pressure and ever-stronger monsters. It is thanks to dungeons that the three previously mentioned races have survived. The Steel Dwarves, in particular, can only work with the earth and its minerals; they are incapable of using wood unless it has already been processed."
Her expression grew serious as she spoke the last sentence.
— "What do you mean by 'processed'? How can wood be treated? And why this incompatibility?" the young man asked, noticing her lost in thought.
— "They are incapable of using magic indirectly. However, one must not use magic to interact with plants—otherwise, they die almost instantly, rotting in the hands of the harvester or woodcutter. Only wood treated against this magic is usable for them, forcing them to trade in order to obtain it. This also explains why they always remain neutral in conflicts. They wouldn't risk losing such a precious material."
— "Well. We've talked at length, though I know it's not enough to satisfy your curiosity. But I can't keep you here any longer. It's already eight o'clock. You need to wake up. Until next time," she said with a smile.
As the image blurred, the orchestra's music reached its final notes. Then, once again—a void, complete darkness.