~Dreamscape~

What Jaune was experiencing the moment he arrived in the Dreamscape was new. Before, he would arrive in the place he was in right away, but this time, it was different. He was in a white void. In front of him was a selection screen.

Jaune said, "Is it letting me pick the map I want to go to? This is new and interesting."

The choices he was looking at were:

[Nova Metropolis: A breathtaking marvel of futuristic urban design that seamlessly blends advanced technology with the beauty of nature. As you step onto the gleaming, transparent walkways that crisscross the city's skyline, you'll immerse yourself in a world that feels like a glimpse into the distant future. Towering skyscrapers, their surfaces shimmering with holographic displays, reach towards the heavens, each a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity. These buildings house not only corporate headquarters and residential apartments but also cutting-edge research laboratories, where scientists and engineers collaborate on innovations that push the boundaries of human knowledge]

[Eldoria: Step through the veils of reality and into the enchanting realm of Eldoria, a world where magic flows as freely as the rivers and every corner teem with wonder. As you set foot upon its fertile soil, you'll find yourself immersed in a land where imagination takes form, and the extraordinary is every day. Vast, ancient forests stretch as far as the eye can see, their towering trees whispering secrets of forgotten times. Bioluminescent flora bathes the woodlands in a soft, ethereal glow after sunset, transforming the night into a realm of living dreams. Mythical creatures, from majestic unicorns to mischievous sprites, call these woods home, their presence a testament to the magical heartbeat of Eldoria]

[Desolation Dawn: A world gripped by the relentless clutches of the undead. As you venture into this chilling realm, you'll find yourself in a landscape defined by decay, danger, and the constant struggle for survival. The once-vibrant cities now lie in ruins, their towering skyscrapers reduced to crumbling edifices. Streets are strewn with abandoned vehicles, evidence of hasty escapes, and failed attempts to outrun the inexorable wave of infection. Graffiti-covered walls and shattered windows are grim reminders of humanity's last stand against the approaching apocalypse]

[Astral Colosseum: A place where mortal valor clashes with divine might in a breathtaking spectacle that defies the boundaries of reality. Nestled at the crossroads of dimensions, this ethereal arena is a convergence of celestial energies that draws in onlookers from across the cosmos to witness the most epic battles ever fought—where gods themselves are challenged. The Colosseum's architecture is a harmonious blend of awe-inspiring grandeur and otherworldly craftsmanship. Its towering spires, adorned with shimmering constellations, pierce the heavens, and its vast dome of opalescent crystal shifts and dances with hues of every imaginable color. This iridescent canopy casts an otherworldly light that bathes the arena in a captivating, ever-changing glow. -Only for Jaune Arc-]

Jaune said, "Uhm…voice. How come only I can enter the Astral Colosseum?"

[Beep! The Astral Colosseum is the place where the Divine Energy was used. The beings there are the Essence of Gods that have been left behind in the world devoured by the Beast of the Rift. The Divine Energy within these Gods' bodies is only meant to be wielded by you and you alone since you were awarded the [Loop of Binding]; thus, the D.E. would only recognize you. If anyone were to receive the D.E., they would, in the best-case scenario, be on the brink of death. And in the worst-case scenario, death would have been a blessing]

Jaune said, "Okay! Good to know! Man, that worst-case scenario must be brutal for death to be a blessing. I thought the worst-case scenario would have their souls be torn apart and never have a chance to be reincarnated or something."

[Beep! That would only be the middle]

Jaune said, "Well, damn! What happens if someone tries to absorb the D.E. on me?"

[Beep! The same thing as the Astral Colosseum]

He replied, "Then I don't have to worry about someone trying to steal it from me."

Jaune thought, 'Since the Astral Colosseum is only meant to be for me, it would be useless to bring the others there. For Astral Dawn, if I'm right, it should be the first map I was in. Therefore, Let's pick either Eldoria or Nova Metropolis.'

Jaune said, "Hey, voice. Is the world of Eldoria similar to the first map I as in? As in, I can enter the buildings and whatnot? And is Alchemy a prominent thing there?"

[Beep! Yes to all]

With a smile, Jaune said, "Cool! If Alchemy is the same as those fantasy comics I've read, then I will have something to help the others get stronger faster. Orario did not have any alchemy besides the creation of some potions."

He added, "Then let's head to Eldoria!"

~Dreamscape - Eldoria~

Jaune and the others were above the clouds, descending into the world. They saw the majesty of Eldoria.

Across the rolling hills and meadows, quaint villages nestle amidst colorful fields of fantastical flora. Houses carved into hillsides and nestled within tree trunks are harmonious unions between civilization and nature. The air is filled with the scent of wildflowers and the distant songs of sirens, their melodies carrying tales of bygone eras to those who listen.

Majestic mountains rise towards the heavens, their peaks lost in the embrace of swirling clouds. Eldoria's rivers flow with shimmering waters that possess healing properties and hold within their depths creatures of lore. Elaborate bridges woven from vines and petals connect riverbanks, offering passage to those who seek the heart of the land. Waterfalls cascade down cliffsides, their cascading waters imbued with the very essence of magic, creating prismatic rainbows that dance across the landscapes.

Ruby said, "Whoa! Where are we? Is this the surprise the voice was talking about?"

Yang exclaimed, "Is that a Giant?

Amidst the towering peaks of the Whispering Mountains, the Giants stand as both majestic and imposing figures.

Jaune was curious. Thus, he used his [Analyze] on the Giants to see their status.

[Gralthar Stoneheart: A citizen of Eldoria. Despite his formidable appearance, Gralthar is a gentle guardian of the realm, protecting the land's ancient secrets and magical sites. He possesses a deep understanding of the balance between nature and magic]

Jaune exclaimed, "That is not a monster! Holy crap! Maybe this is the surprise! Intelligent creatures, a citizen of Eldoria!"

Blake said, "This is quite interesting. Before, all we've seen are ruins. But this time, it is like we entered another world rather than the Dreamscape."

As everyone was descending, a mythical creature passed them. It was a dragon.

Behold the magnificent creature that soars through the skies of Eldoria: the Draconian Sovereign, a testament to both awe and majesty. The dragon embodies power and enchantment with wings stretching like the embrace of the heavens and scales that gleam like polished gemstones. Its body is a mesmerizing fusion of strength and grace, its colossal frame commanding the attention of all who gaze upon it. Scales, ranging from iridescent emerald to burnished gold, shimmer in the sunlight, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that seem to dance across its form. Each scale is a masterpiece, overlapping like intricate armor that guards the creature's heart.

Yang exclaimed, "Holy crap! That thing is huge!"

The dragon looked back at them, which made the girls shiver as they saw it coming back for them. However, Jaune did not panic as he saw the description of the dragon through his [Analyze] skill. Just like the Giant, the Dragon was a guardian of this world which was noted as being kind but greedy.

The dragon spoke, "This is quite interesting. You're humans. These lands haven't had the sight of humans in a long time. I'm Aurethion Stormscale, a guardian of this world, but you can call me Aure."

Jaune replied, "The name is Jaune. As you've already figured, we are not from around here."

Aure said, "What brings you here in this dead world?"

Jaune was shocked at what he heard. He asked, "Dead world? This place doesn't seem like one."

Aure said, "This world has long been dead. We only exist because something powerful took our essence and brought us into this illusionary world. The power that did so, I can feel it from you."

Jaune knew it was the voice that did this. It made him think about how powerful it was. This also made him think how powerful the other Beast of the Rifts would be if someone had to create it to combat such a thing.

Jaune said, "We mean no harm. We're here because we want to train. Our world is being threatened by an incoming monstrosity known as the Beast of the Rift, and the power that brought you all here is something created to help us combat it."

Aure said, "Beast of the Rift! Those things! I see…But how is coming to our world going to help?"

Jaune replied, "When we kill monsters and such, we gain something like an experience. The stronger the enemy, the more experience."

Aure said, "Well, now. You are like a godsend in this world if that's the case. For you see, this world is plagued by the Demon Lord and his army. You are like the heroes the people of this world would normally summon but can no longer do so, causing the Demon Army to slaughter the people here."

Jaune said, "If that's the case, they're our goal."

Aure said as he left, "Then may the world bless you with a flawless victory!"

Everyone received a notification.

[Blessing of Eldoria: The Radiance of Eldoria grants its recipients an innate understanding of and affinity for magic. Whether they are skilled mages, crafters of enchanted items, or individuals with latent magical potential, this blessing allows them to tap into the mystical energies that flow through the world. Spells are woven with greater ease, enchantments are more potent, and the boundaries of what is possible with magic are expanded]

Nora shouted, "Oh, yeah! This is awesome! I love it! We've only been here a bit and already got something as awesome as this!"

Weiss said, "This will be helpful in our magic studies."

Lili said, "Lili will finally be able to learn magic! I'll be more than a supporter!"

Everyone looked back. They were surprised to see Lili, Hestia, Hephaestus, and Loki.

Jaune said, "How are you guys here? Oh, my Oum! Did you girls sneak into my room? I get Hestia since she does that already, but Hephaestus, Loki, and you, Lilli."

Lili was flustered and blurted out, "It was Loki-sama! She came to my room and said she wanted to see you flustered in the morning as a prank! She said if we slept in your bed and you woke up in the morning, she would say how you ravished us in the middle of the night!"

Loki said, "Guh! You little snitch!"

Jaune now understood Lili and Loki's presence. Thus, he looked at Hephaestus, who coughed and said, "Ahem! I saw Loki and Lili sneaking around and was curious. I might have ended up going along with Loki."

Jaune sighed, saying, "If you girls wanted, you could have just told me."

Lili was excited and said, "Really? Then can Lili sleep with you every day?"

Hearing Lili's question, Jaune blushed. He was reminded of this morning about how Lili wanted to have him ravish her and worship her petite body. He said, "Ahem! It's fine, but we will not do anything more than sleep, okay?" He then whispered, "At least for the time being."

Nora laughed as she heard Jaune's whisper, saying, "Hell yeah! Your defenses are being whittled down! Sooner or later, you shall ravish me!"

Jaune shook his head. At this point, Nora might get what she wants sooner than later.