Chapter 4 A Dream?

• Next thing Clyde knew, a wave of warmth washed over him, a comfort he couldn't even put words to—a blissful sensation unlike anything he'd ever felt.
• With a gradual blink, Clyde's eyes adjusted to a world aglow with gold.
• Like something out of a dream, a million weird golden symbols swirled in the empty space, shimmering like molten gold, flowing through the void, weaving a dreamlike tapestry.
• And right in the middle of it all, a figure radiating with a halo caught his attention.
• This figure emanated an aura of undeniable power as if commanding authority over all.
• Caught off guard. Clyde's eyes widened in disbelief, sensing a strange yet familiar connection with the figure as if bound by blood.
• "Who are you?" Clyde's voice rang out, tinged with disbelief.
• "You utter fool!" The figure's response was a booming voice filled with anger.
• Clyde shuddered instinctively upon hearing these words. Fear contorted his features.
• The phrase triggered a conditioned response; it was a constant torment he had heard countless times over the last three years.
• "The Valors, our family line, carries royal blood, ruling over all living beings. And yet, we have a descendant as cowardly as you!" the figure continued its stern rebuke.
• Clyde, initially stunned, now realized the absurdity of it all. Royal family? Rulers of everything? Ha! Just a silly dream! Clyde couldn't help but laugh out loud.
• Seeing Clyde laugh, the glowing figure sighed. "Listen, kid! Remember, every member of the Valor lineage is born to carry themselves with the bearing of a ruler. You must diligently study this doctrine."
• As these words washed over him, Clyde felt an overwhelming wave of information surging into his mind. His head felt like it might explode from the sheer volume.
• The world spun for a moment, but the dizziness quickly faded. Within minutes, Clyde was in control again.
• Right before he opened his eyes, a shimmering book materialized in his mind's eye.
• The cover of this ancient book boasted four powerful words: "Legacy of the Cosmic Monarch."
• With just a thought, the book transformed into a dazzling waterfall of golden light, bathing everything around it.
• In that instant, Clyde's mind was flooded with knowledge – everything from the secrets of the sun and moon to the core principles of nature, from diagnosing illnesses and understanding their origins to the art of divination and, of course, the coveted Legacy of the Cosmic Monarch!
• At that moment, Clyde felt as though he had tapped into a reservoir of wisdom.
• Just as he was about to dive deeper, a piercing scream shattered the peaceful silence.
• Startled, Clyde's eyes flew open to find a pair of otherworldly eyes staring back at him.
• Hovering above him was a face like something out of a dream, with porcelain skin, glowing eyes, and features so delicate they could have been carved.
• But then, her perfect complexion drained of color, and she stumbled back in surprise.
• Behind her, Clyde saw a table with scissors and medical equipment – another step and she'd be tripping over it and injuring herself.
• Acting on instinct, Clyde leaped from the bed with the agility of a predator, reaching out just in time to prevent her fall. In an instant, their bodies collided, and their breaths intermingled like fused together.
• For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Surprise registered on the woman's face, reflecting the disbelief Clyde felt himself.