My Fated Dream Encounter

Chapter 1

The forest shrouds in an eerie silence, interrupted only by the rustling of leaves and the cheerful chirping of morning birds announcing the arrival of a new day. Sunbeams filtered through the interlocking leaves, casting a dazzling shimmer upon the forest floor, beckoning to guide the steps of any wanderer who ventures into the woods.

The crisp, refreshing air, infused with the scents and sounds of nature, feels incredibly vivid and lifelike. However, this is not reality, but rather a world of dreams. While popular lore suggests that dreams are alternate realities inhabited by other versions of ourselves or that they reveal our innermost desires, the reality is that when we drift off to sleep, our consciousness enters a collective dream world where our bodies are recreated and the surroundings resemble our waking world.

In fact, humans are born dreamless. At the age of 21, individuals are divided into two groups - those who are "unconscious" dreamers and those who are "conscious" dreamers. The latter is a rare breed, making up only a small fraction of the population.

The first type are those who are "unconscious"; they are unaware that they are dreaming and are lifeless. They exhibit no emotions and behave like NPCs (Non-Playable Characters). Nevertheless, upon waking up, they have no recollection of their dream experiences.

The second type are "conscious" dreamers; they are aware that they are dreaming and possess the ability to think logically and control their movements, as if they have been seamlessly transported into the dream world. They can recollect their dreams and even possess extraordinary abilities within them. However, with these benefits come certain sacrifices. Any harm suffered in the dream world is equivalent to reality, meaning that any injury sustained in the dream will also affect the physical body.

The inherent danger of the dream world lies in the fact that it exists beyond the reach of society's laws and regulations, a realm accessible only to those who possess the gift of consciousness within its borders. In this ethereal plane, the rules of the waking world held no sway. It was a place where one could indulge in their deepest desires, unchecked and free from the consequences of their actions.

For some, this was a source of great liberation, a chance to explore the boundaries of their own imagination without fear of reprisal. But for others, it was a dangerous and lawless place, where criminal behavior could be carried out with impunity. With no legal recourse for any harm that may befall them within its borders, the dream world was a realm that demanded the utmost caution and respect.

For the vast majority of people, the dream world remained unknown and elusive. Its existence was unbeknownst to the world at large, hidden away in the minds of a precious few. But for those who possessed the gift of consciousness within the realm of dreams, the possibilities were endless.

Natsume Yushio wanders through the forest, belonging to the latter of the dreamer category. His long, jet-black hair was tied back in a half ponytail, the length of which reached just before his broad shoulders. Other than the black hoodie and long pants he wore, the covered shoes especially spoke volumes about his experience as a seasoned dreamer.

A serious and firm expression hung on his face, as he observed his surroundings with hawk-like precision.

"Hmm, seems like they're not patrolling here today," Yushio thought to himself, knowing fully well that such a lull in security meant he could delve deeper into the heart of the forest. He pressed on, his mind and body fully attuned to the dream world's unique possibilities and dangers.

To his surprise, the serene ambiance of the forest was abruptly shattered when a piercing scream reverberated through the air. It appeared to be the cry of a girl, and the source of the scream seemed to be emanating from the skies above.