This is a duplicate of ch21, disregard and skip to the next until its deleted Apologies for the inconvenience) A lengthy dream… Murphy’s journey resumed on a hot spring like any other. Struggling to sleep, he groggily opened his eyes and stared into the dark. Across the bleak canvas of the twilight sky, vivid visions came into view. Their whispers enthralling, and clear. They spoke directly in his ears, narrating a lifetime in mere hours. Before long, he was awake. He chased away distractions and heeded the sybil message from his muse. ==This is a duplicate of ch21, disregard and skip to the next until its deleted Apologies for the inconvenience)

A lengthy dream… Murphy’s journey resumed on a hot spring like any other. Struggling to sleep, he groggily opened his eyes and stared into the dark. Across the bleak canvas of the twilight sky, vivid visions came into view. Their whispers enthralling, and clear. They spoke directly in his ears, narrating a lifetime in mere hours. Before long, he was awake. He chased away distractions and heeded the sybil message from his muse. Opening his laptop, he once more opened a draft.txt, but this time it would be different. Whereas last time he jutted down a few lines, this time he wrote for hours on end. Time passed fleetingly, his keyboard singing with a rhytm never before seen. His fingers danced on it with force, as if afraid the revelation would fade from his mind. It didn’t. Even when the alarm rung, reminding him of the family gathering he was set to attend, the prophecy did not vanish. He stared in a daze, surprised by it himself. As far as Murphy knew, dreams faded away come mor

Staring at the fleeting river and almost crushing the phone in his grip, Murphy simmered with frustration.“Of course she wouldn’t believe you, fool.”Cursing, he lifted the phone and almost tossed it in the river. He was convinced by now that there was no way to redeem that relationship. He was angry at himself, for only a dumb lunatic would believe in something as elusive as a dream.“It was all a stupid dream… why would I ever think it could be real? I’m just going insane…”« System: » Neurablink 1.0.23-beta restarting, please wait. “Huh?”He held the urge to blink, as text streamed across his retina anew. This time, it was clear and crisp. He stood entranced on the spot, his phone slowly lowered back to his side. « … System reset complete; The date is 23.05.2023; all functions online »Blink to confirm!He blinked, no longer able to hold his eyes squinted that long. This made the text fate, and he fidgeted in anticipation, but nothing else appeared.‘Ellie…’ he asked tentatively

The following days were pure torture.On one hand, he was barely getting any views. Once more, every refresh lingered on a fat zero. He was nowhere near his goal of 1000 true fans even after a week.Still, with his future-past experience, he was almost used to the silent releases. What truly troubled him was his other grind, where he likewise had no gains.« You have failed to meet the daily quota. Administering encouragements. »“Please, no!” he begged, all in vain.He dreaded this moment, but was helpless to avoid it. No matter how much effort he thought he put into it, he found it impossible to meet the workout routine Ellie set for him.Even after several days, he was stuck with sore muscles and barely made headway into forty percent of the daily routine. Whenever he failed, he would be met with ten minutes of sheer agony. His muscles felt as if they were being stretched by a torture instrument, acting entirely against his will. He was as close to quartering as he could physicall

Another week passed since his arrival in Romania, and Murphy settled right in. Whether it was because he’d lived for years here in his dream, or some innate predisposition towards the Carpathians that saved his life, he felt strangely at home here.He owned a secluded two story house, which was frankly way too large for his lifestyle. He sealed a portion of it away, unwilling to bother with regular clean ups. So far, he had no interest in livening the place up with a family, so it was entirely wasted on him.“Why did you get a place this big, anyway? I could’ve settled for a studio…”« I can see your thoughts, Murphy. What you’re really complaining about is the expenses… »“Eh… there is that too. Do you know what I could’ve done with thirty grand!?”« I have a plan for it. »“Which is…? Oh, wait, let me guess! I’m not authorized to know…” « Right on the money. Now, I recommend you get started on your exercise. »“Yes, mistress,” he deflated mockingly, “Whatever you bid, mistress.”Af