Chapter 1649: Chapter 1649

The young man touched the crystal heart. The power of Dreams surged into his body and soul, swiftly awakening a new force within him.

Brontys' memories, emotions, and dreams materialized before his eyes.

"Ah, this is...? Wait, what?"

His expression shifted from excitement to disappointment, mingled with wonder and disbelief, as he held the object in his hands.

It was a massive pan, forged from blue steel and adorned with yellow jewels.

Oceanus and Thalassa glanced at their son and daughter, each awakening strange new tools.

"Well, it's something, right? Maybe I can whack foes with it," Brontys mused.

"You secretly like cooking, brother?" Coraleia teased.

"Of course not! I've barely cooked in my entire life. So why did I get this weapon?" Brontys asked, bewildered.

"Dream Weapons are manifestations of your inner dreams," Alma explained. "They're not always easy to understand at first. They don't have to be what you consciously wish for, but they might help you achieve it, or represent a guardian you've always wanted by your side. Sometimes, they're simply a friend."

"That's fascinating. It's like summoning a spirit weapon," Oceanus said. "Alright, I'll give it a try."

"Me first!" Thalassa declared, seizing the moment and touching the crystal.

Pink clouds of dream essence flowed from the heart into her arm, then reached her chest. She felt a slight pain, though less than expected.

Soon, the energy crystallized within her, forming a new Dream Heart.

Memories flashed through her mind, followed by a rush of emotions and dreams. She had many dreams, but she never imagined what would appear.

An oval-shaped object floated before her, white with oceanic blue wave patterns. It shimmered with azure and golden light.

To her surprise—and slight disappointment—it was a floating egg. She tried to open it, but it remained sealed.

She exerted all her strength, yet the egg wouldn't crack.

"It's unbreakable! Will it hatch one day? I... I don't understand," she murmured.

"Me neither. This is the first time I've seen one like it," Alma admitted. "Still, I'm sure it'll reveal its purpose eventually. Have faith and nurture it however you feel is right."

"Nurture the egg...?" Thalassa echoed, smiling softly as she cradled it like a child.

The egg was enormous, nearly the size of a car, fitting for her stature. She held it gently, giving it warmth.

"I wonder if she received an egg because...?" Maria began, then fell silent. "It could be."

Thalassa had endured a life of pain and grief over her lost children. Perhaps this egg was born from that trauma, a symbol she could nurture, love, and patiently wait to hatch.

"Well then, the King goes last," Oceanus sighed, placing his hand on the heart. "Hm...?"

The same process unfolded. Pink clouds of Dream Essence gathered around his arm and reached his chest.

Perhaps due to his strength, he felt no pain. Yet he still saw visions—memories of his past, treasured moments, and powerful emotions—followed by a dream.

"This power is truly wondrous," Oceanus said, stroking his beard. "It seems to come from another world, yet it resonates with everything here. We all share what empowers it. Still, I have no idea what my Dream Weapon could be."

He opened his right palm. Smoke gathered, merged, and solidified into a large object made of blue steel, decorated with blue, green, and red jewels. Despite its nature, it looked regal and majestic.

Oceanus grasped the pot, a large stew pot, capable of holding vast quantities of soup or stew. He stared at it, perplexed.

"Why would I ever need a pot?" he asked. "I feel slightly insulted."

"Sorry, that's just how these things work," Maria laughed. "Don't worry. You'll learn to channel its power as you understand it better. Seeing how everyone got cookware except Thalassa, it might be tied to working together as a family."

"A family, you say..." Oceanus murmured, eyes narrowing. "Perhaps we're meant to cook that egg—"

"NO!" Thalassa shielded her Dream Egg from her husband's pot.

"Oh come on, Thalassa, maybe that's the key!" Oceanus insisted. "Think about it. We all got something, and you got an egg. It has to be connected!"

"You can't even break the egg anyway!" Thalassa snapped.

"How about we boil it first?" Brontys suggested.

"Hahaha! That would be hilarious," Coraleia giggled.

"By the Ancient Holy Spirits, I'm surrounded by lunatics!" Thalassa groaned. "Maria, say something..."

"Me? Hmm..." Maria examined the Dream Weapons with her powers.

Having devoured the Nightmare Curse and even the Nightmare Dimension, she could appraise Dream Weapons and glimpse their potential.

As she studied the cookware, she noticed a shared connection, something that bound these people as a family.

And within the egg, she saw...

Maria smiled, realizing that Dream Hearts were gateways to one's deepest desires and the means to manifest them.

A magical phenomenon capable of running rampant and destroying the world, yet also a power that could bring forth someone's purest wish.

It required care and understanding to awaken fully, but she had seen it many times among her friends in Azure Star.

"D-Did you see something?" Thalassa asked. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel⦿fire.net

"Yes. The egg can't be cooked—nothing will happen to it," Maria giggled. "The cookware is connected, and the egg... well, you'll see once it reaches the next stage."

"Wait, what? Why are you being so mysterious? Can't you just tell me? I thought we were allies now," Thalassa pouted.

"We are. But where's the fun in self-discovery if I spoil it for you?" Maria replied. "I hate spoilers, honestly. No more hints. Discover it for yourself, Thalassa. And the rest of you—cook. Cook your favorite meals together. Cook for others. Make food not just for yourselves, but for your people. Connect with them. Feed them. Nurture them. Love them as you would your own child."

"...Hm. Is that so...?"

Oceanus, Brontys, and Coraleia exchanged puzzled glances, then slowly nodded. Somehow, it all felt connected.