Boarding the giant warship, Leviathan, was not as simple as I had imagined. The entire process was a logistical nightmare, with multiple security checkpoints, identification verifications, and mandatory briefings. The sheer number of personnel—both Awakened and regular soldiers—moving in orchestrated chaos was overwhelming.
Not long after the cargo was loaded and all personnel were on board, the ship finally set sail. Just as it began moving, I gathered my cohort and started giving orders.
"Orin, Saria, Garrik, go check on our belongings. Ensure everything is ready and in order. Veylen, Raha, Lirian, get some rest. Once they wake up, it'll be your turn."
"Yes, sir!" they answered in unison.
With the orders given, I made my way to my assigned quarters. As one of the two Masters aboard, I had been given a private cabin—not exactly luxurious, but significantly better than what my team had. Still, I didn't linger. Locking the door behind me, I reached out to my Dream Realm anchor and transferred.
The familiar surroundings of the Ivory Tower greeted me the moment I arrived.
Feeling that no one was around, I lifted my blindfold slightly and took in the sight.
The floating island wasn't too big, and the Ivory Tower dominated most of the space. It was a breathtaking pagoda, constructed from an otherworldly white material that didn't quite resemble anything I had seen before. The structure radiated an eerie yet comforting glow, standing tall like an eternal monument against the endless sky.
I pulled the blindfold back down and started walking toward the lake behind the tower.
When I arrived, someone was already seated near the water's edge.
"Neph, are you waiting for me?" I asked teasingly.
She didn't turn immediately. Instead, she let the question linger in silence before finally responding.
"You're later than expected."
I smirked and sat down beside her. "It's not easy being the captain of a special forces unit, you see. Takes up a lot of time."
She finally glanced at me.
"How are things on your side?" she asked.
I sighed, leaning back on my hands. "Hectic, but manageable. I finally have my cohort together, and they're starting to shape up. Still a long way to go, though."
She nodded slightly, then looked out over the lake.
"Things are getting hectic here as well. It won't be long before war breaks out."
Her tone was serious. I turned my head slightly. "How much time do we have?"
"Less than a year. Smaller skirmishes and assassinations will begin to happen soon."
I exhaled through my nose. "By then, the chain of Nightmares will be in full swing." I hesitated for a moment before shifting slightly, resting my head on her lap.
She didn't react immediately. Eventually, I felt her fingers running through my hair—an unconscious gesture, more than anything. We sat there in comfortable silence for nearly an hour before I finally spoke again.
"Will you come to Antarctica?" I asked.
"Yes."
There was no hesitation in her voice.
"They still don't trust me," she admitted. "I'll earn it by contributing to the war."
I sighed, closing my eyes. "Then I better wrap things up fast and go help my little Star."
The fingers in my hair stopped. Then, rather suddenly, she pinched my cheek. Hard.
I yelped. "Ow! What the hell?"
"Don't get careless," she said, narrowing her eyes. "The chain of Nightmares won't be a joke."
"I know, I know," I muttered, rubbing my face. "Now, please, let go. It hurts."
She released me, shaking her head. "We probably won't meet again until I arrive in Antarctica. I have a lot to do at Clan Valor."
I frowned slightly. "That long, huh?"
I exhaled through my nose, accepting it. "I should get back, anyway. Can't be out for too long—not when I'm one of the only two Masters on the ship. I still need to figure out who the House of Night assigned."
Nephis nodded. "Be careful. You have no experience fighting on water."
"I probably won't need to," I replied. "I heard these Nightwalkers are quite capable."
With that, I focused and transfered back to the waking world.