Orum's Memories

Reveal

Orum, a young man on the brink of adulthood fleeing for his life with his little sister, was overwhelmed by fear and despair as their world descended into chaos. After losing grip of his sister’s hand, he quickly returned to her, only for a terrifying, infected creature to lunge at them from the smoke. Paralyzed with fear, Orum’s body instinctively reacted, pushing his sister back and using his newfound power to trap the infected in the ground.^[4]

This power came from his experience — Orum had once been infected himself but had survived after dreaming of a world where gods, demons, and extraordinary powers existed. With the creature trapped, Orum clumsily fired a military handgun, killing the infected and receiving a "Memory" as a reward. Now left without bullets and facing an uncertain future, Orum realized the full scale of the catastrophe around him: the world was ending.^[4]

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Orum is rattled after killing an infected creature, realizing it had once been human and taking a life in the real world. As he tries to escape with his sister, his leg wounded and the world collapsing around him, they are soon cornered by a group of infected. Faced with the overwhelming threat, Orum prepares to die fighting with an iron pipe in hand, unwilling to abandon his sister.^[5]

Just as the infected close in, several are mysteriously killed by precise shots to the head. Orum uses his powers to raise an asphalt wall, crushing a few infected, and manages to kill others in brutal combat. Exhausted, he realizes they’ve been saved by a young, pregnant woman named Song Jiwon, who wields a magnetic rifle. She casually introduces herself and explains that Orum must learn about soul shards, Memories, and how to survive the apocalypse, offering to teach him what he needs to know as the world ends.^[5]

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Orum, now Awakened, stood confidently in a crowded square in NQSC, having survived the end of the world thanks to Song Jiwon, known as Ravenheart, who taught him how to grow stronger and fight the Nightmare Creatures. Years earlier, they had fought their way to safety and joined a caravan to the Northern Quadrant Siege Capital. They later parted ways, but Orum often thought about her.^[6]

On this day, they reunited unexpectedly. As they watched a ceremony announcing the formation of the United Human Government, which symbolized a return to order after the chaos of the Nightmare Spell, Ravenheart remained modest about her accomplishments. However, she was one of the few with a True Name. After the announcement, Ravenheart and Orum decided to join the city's celebrations.^[6]

Ravenheart then introduced Orum to her daughter, Little Ki, whom he hadn’t seen since she was a baby. Seeing her now, Orum reflected on how far they had come, realizing the world was no longer ending, and that they had saved it. Looking at the sweet child, he hoped for a warm, happy future for her.^[6]

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Orum attends a grand celebration in honor of Immortal Flame, who has achieved the impossible by conquering the Second Nightmare. Despite the festive atmosphere, Orum feels somber, reflecting on the horrors of the Nightmare Spell and the many lives lost. Immortal Flame's achievement brings hope, proving that conquering Nightmares and achieving Ascension is possible. Orum knows the significance of this feat, especially with the increasing danger of Nightmare Gates, some of which have been classified as Category Three and theorized to escalate further.^[7]

As Orum contemplates the dire future, he observes a group of children at the gathering, including the younger son of Warden and the daughter of Immortal Flame. Amidst the lively crowd, he notices a lonely girl who looks familiar. Upon closer inspection, he realizes she is Little Ki, the daughter of his old friend Ravenheart, bringing back memories and emotions from the past.^[7]

Orum hadn't seen Ravenheart and her daughter, Ki, often since their time together in NQSC, as life pulled them in different directions. Orum pursued his ambitions in the Dream Realm, conquering his own Citadel, while Ravenheart remained distant, isolated in a remote and dangerous region. They lost touch, and Orum hadn't thought of her for years.^[8]

When he met Ki again, now a teenager, she didn’t recognize him. Orum reminisced about Ravenheart’s sacrifices for him, feeling guilt over their lost connection. He invited Ki to spend time with him, learning about her struggles fitting in with other Awakened families. Orum helped her socialize, recalling how her mother had saved him and expressing his gratitude.^[8]

Amid new chaos in the world, with Masters emerging and new dangers from the Nightmare Spell, Orum's focus shifted again, until the day he bitterly regretted not thinking more about Ki. The next generation, including children like Ki, was more vulnerable to the Nightmare Spell’s effects, a grim realization for Awakened like Orum.^[8]

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Almost eighteen years later, Orum observes the nearly completed construction of the Awakened Academy, a fortress-like facility created to train children of the Awakened, especially as more children, including those of powerful figures like Valor and Immortal Flame, become infected by the Nightmare Spell. While watching, Orum encounters Ascended Jest, who appears drunk and cynical. Jest discusses the grim reality of infection rates, revealing his complicated feelings about legacy and power. He mockingly advises Orum to prepare his children well, emphasizing that in their world, survival depends on embracing the cruel nature of the Nightmare Spell. Despite Jest's grim outlook, Orum attended the Academy's opening ceremony, where he reunited with Ki Song.^[9]

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Orum attended the opening ceremony of the Awakened Academy, which welcomes nearly 500 young Dreamers, including children of powerful figures like Anvil (Warden of Valor's son) and Smile of Heaven (Immortal Flame's daughter). Orum noticed their strength and maturity, especially since they survived the First Nightmare, a sign of their resilience. Though dressed poorly, one mysterious youth stood out with his boldness and intensity. Orum is also struck by seeing Little Ki, an old acquaintance’s daughter, who has also endured the Nightmare Spell. Despite his concerns, Orum believed she would survive like others from prominent families. After the ceremony, Orum approached Warden of Valor and offered to serve as an instructor at the Academy to help guide the next generation.^[10]

Orum unexpectedly found himself as a combat instructor at the Awakened Academy, despite his original plan to challenge the Second Nightmare. Orum is distracted by the presence of Little Ki, a young woman he feels responsible for but maintains a stern facade to teach her how to survive. He asked the students about the essence of combat, receiving three distinct answers: Anvil spoke of glory and skill in battle; a cynical youth claimed combat was simply murder; and Little Ki suggested that being forced to fight was already a failure. Each answer reflected the students' varied perspectives, foreshadowing that these individuals would go on to shape the world in significant ways.^[11]

In the months leading up to the winter solstice, the Academy worked diligently to train the Sleepers, a group of youths learning to harness their unique powers. Orum, who had unexpectedly taken on the role of an instructor, helped guide them through a rigorous training regimen. Among the Sleepers, four individuals stood out: Smile of Heaven, a remarkably strong and charismatic girl; Anvil, a serious and talented young man with a mastery of metal; a nameless boy with extraordinary swordsmanship and perceptive abilities; and Ki Song, a balanced and skilled survivalist with a potent, albeit eerie, Aspect that exacerbates wounds.^[12]

The Sleepers were prepared to enter the Dream Realm as the solstice approached. Orum formed a close bond with Ki Song, and on her last day before entering her sleeping pod, she revealed that her mother had died while defending the Citadel from a volcanic creature. Orum, struck by this revelation, felt a deep emotional connection to Ki Song. She assured him that she would return stronger, and after several weeks in the Dream Realm, she did, keeping her promise.^[12]

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After the winter solstice, Orum felt numb and detached, spending time with his family and managing his Citadel. However, his thoughts were consumed by Ravenheart, whose death had left him filled with regret. Though their time together had been brief, her absence weighed heavily on him. The only trace of her that remained was her daughter, Ki Song.^[13]

Back at the Academy, Orum encountered Ki Song, who had returned from the Dream Realm. In a quiet conversation, she asked Orum to help her reach her mother's Citadel, Jade Palace, located in a remote and dangerous region of the Dream Realm. Despite the immense risk and distance involved, Orum agreed, driven by his sense of debt to Ravenheart. He vowed to ensure Ki Song's safe journey, recognizing that deep down, he had already decided to help her.^[13]

Orum spent several days preparing to travel to the Jade Palace, confident in his abilities as a seasoned Awakened. After a perilous journey through the wilderness, he arrived at Rivergate, where he met Ki Song. She explained that her mother, Ravenheart, had arranged for the Citadel, Jade Palace to be hers, but those managing it had seized control, challenging her to claim it once she Awakened.^[14]

Ki revealed her ability to animate objects and control them like puppets, though she refused to disclose her Flaw. Orum reassured her and arranged passage across the dangerous Stormsea, knowing the journey ahead was treacherous but necessary for her to reclaim her mother's legacy.^[14]

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Orum, who has faced many horrors, finds the journey across the treacherous Stormsea to be the most terrifying experience of his life. The sea is filled with unpredictable dangers, from monstrous creatures beneath the waves to deadly storms. Despite these challenges, Orum and his companions, including the newly Awakened Little Ki, survive. Orum is surprised by Little Ki’s calmness amidst the horrors, realizing it stems from her having grown up in a world filled with nightmares, unlike him, who remembers a time before the Nightmare Spell.^[15]

After landing on a desolate shore, they travel inland, facing more dangers. Orum reflects on humanity’s struggle for mere survival in the Dream Realm, with progress and development seeming far away. Little Ki’s powers, especially her ability to slowly turn even minor wounds fatal, prove invaluable during their battles. Orum is impressed by her potential, confident she will be a valuable ally to any group, though their immediate goal is simply to survive the journey together.^[15]

Orum and Little Ki complete their long and perilous journey through the Dream Realm, traveling from Citadel to Citadel. Though the journey is dangerous, they occasionally rest in the human strongholds or return to the waking world to recuperate. Orum is surprised by how populated the western territories have become, with many Awakened humans now forming communities and even achieving some stability despite the dangers.^[16]

As they move north toward Little Ki's mother’s Citadel, Orum notices how much Little Ki has grown, becoming a skilled and confident warrior. However, he worries she hasn’t fully grasped the darker side of humanity, warning her that humans can be as dangerous as the abominations they face. Little Ki acknowledges this with a matter-of-fact response, indicating her understanding of human nature.^[16]

As they approach the Jade Palace, Little Ki asks Orum not to interfere once they arrive, as she must face the challenge herself. Orum agreed though he feels a deep sense of foreboding about what awaits them.^[16]

Reveal

Orum and Little Ki arrive at the Jade Palace, where a small group of Awakened awaited them, some recognizing Little Ki with unease. One of the Awakened, a blonde man, dismissively welcomes her and downplays her claim to the Citadel. Little Ki, cold and determined, challenged him and the others, accusing them of abandoning her mother when she died. The man tries to pacify her with veiled threats, but Little Ki responds by swiftly killing him.^[17]

Her attack sparks a bloody massacre. Using her sword and eerie powers, she slaughters most of the Awakened, leaving the palace littered with bodies. Orum horrified, witnesses her brutal efficiency and the cold indifference with which she kills. He is deeply disturbed, realizing how far Little Ki has fallen into ruthlessness.^[17]

When Orum questions if this is what her mother would have wanted, Little Ki responds that her mother’s kindness led to her death. She believes in a ruthless world where there is no place for mercy, echoing lessons she attributes to Orum. Though Orum warns her that she still needs people to defend the Citadel, Little Ki reveals her chilling solution: she animates the corpses of the Awakened to serve as her new army, showing how far her abilities—and her mindset—have evolved.^[17]

Reveal

Years after the Jade Palace became a thriving Citadel known as Ravenheart, Ki Song gained prominence as an Awakened, while Orum grew distant from her over the years, partially because both were busy with their affairs and partially feeling slightly intimidated by her. Now in her twenties, Ki’s confidence and beauty were striking, a stark contrast to her former self.^[18]

At this time, the prominent families of the first generation were already called the Legacy Clans. Valor, Immortal Flame and the newly established House of Night were at the height of their power, known as the best among their equals. Although not yet called Great Clans, their distinction was evident.^[18]

Orum returned to the Academy for his niece’s training after she conquered her First Nightmare but unexpectedly encountered Ki, where their interaction was polite yet distant, highlighting the gap that had formed between them. Soon after, Ki’s meeting began as notable figures, including Broken Sword, Smile of Heaven, and Anvil of Valor, joined her to discuss a significant matter. Among them was a promising young Awakened named Asterion, whom they intended to recruit for a mission to challenge the Second Nightmare.^[18]