[[ OOC: I apologize for the long post so I tried to break it down into two more manageable parts. Then again it still doesn't change the fact that it's long.<img alt="^^;" src="./images/smilies/sweatdrop.gif" title="Sweat drop"/>]]<br/><br/>Even in the darkness Nero got the impression that the figure was grinning. "I have no name. I'm merely the embodiment of the black gem you carry around. All that you see before you is merely an illusion created out of my own mind. Don't look so surprised. Gems aren't magical by nature you know. It takes a . . . being of my caliber to make such a thing possible. I've been watching you, and I must say I'm rather disappointed. Not for calling out to me while I was asleep, or even using my powers to enhance your own. No, what I'm upset about is the fact that despite all the help I gave you, you've still allowed yourself to be defeated! And what's worse is that not only were you defeated by an overgrown wolf, but by a harpy, and a slime girl as well! I won't stand for that! You can make a fool of yourself all you want, but don't drag me down with you."<br/>The chamber suddenly got quiet. Not even the rustle of dust or the whisper of a gentle breeze could be heard. The sound of silence was so deafening that it could drive a person mad. Nero dared not speak, nor did he dare break his gaze away from those piercing, red eyes. It remained silent for what seemed an eternity, but was suddenly broken once more by the figure.<br/>"I had planned on killing you. However, you may still be of some use to me. So I'll give you another chance. Show me the ruthless warrior you once were! Show me the your killer instinct! Show me your fearlessness! Show me the true Nero!!"<br/>The red-eyed figure drew itself back into the darkness from whence it came, and as it disappeared so too did the chamber. A red flash suddenly lit up the place, blinding him temporarily. When Nero opened his eyes again he found himself laying in an open field. The trees were gone along with the enemies he was fighting.<br/>"Was it all . . . a dream?" Nero thought.<br/>"No." came the reply.