The relationship between Nightmares and the Star of Sylaveth.

Written by Urique Zirkov

We were planning to write a report about various new scholarly studies upon Venelux's request. Coincidentally, we recently got an opportunity to speak with the prominent scholar, Clay. I'll write briefly about the meeting and include it in my next book.

Urique: You've been researching a new area of study, right?

Clay: Yes, I'm sure you're aware that there are many interpretations on what dreams are. Among scholars, the majority currently believe that dreams act as prophecies or revelations, telling you what's to come. The minority think that dreams are merely a realization of the unconsciousness. Amid such uncertainty, countless scholars have attempted to define once and for all what dreams are, but they remain a mystery. My studies focus on the relationship between the Star of Sylaveth and nightmares, the most ominous dreams of all.

Urique: Does this artwork you're showing me have something to do with your studies?

Clay: Yes, this is "The Nightmare and the Portrait of Nerve" by Nerve, one of this century's greatest artists. Interestingly, Nerve only used black pencils for this work. He appears somewhat ambiguous in this self-portrait. You can't really tell whether he's smiling or crying. And Bynorn, a prominent art critic, obviously has his explanation as to what the meaning of the word "Nightmare" in the title could be referring to.

Urique: Could you please explain that to us?

Clay: Take a look at Nerve's eyes in the drawing. Within the reflection in his eyes, you see Nerve looking into a mirror. And in the mirror, there is another Nerve with purple lights in his eyes. If you're lucky, you can now submerge yourself into the artwork, your senses disappearing one by one. Your eyes, ears, nose, and tongue seem to abandon you. And when these senses come back, you find yourself in Nerve's nightmare; a cold space filled with the sound of weeping. What do you think? Do you feel like you're in Nerve's nightmare now?

Urique: Um, is that a metaphorical question?

Clay: No. You have to actually feel it. But not everyone can immerse themselves in the work in this way, myself included. This method for entering nightmares is actually a mechanism intended for the star-bearers. It's important to remember that Nerve and Bynorn were both star-bearers. There is a phrase from The Study of the Star of Sylaveth and Rituals by Hale Verpheus that you can refer to: "Those who have the Star of Sylaveth are all connected and can interact with each other using a certain type of signal via dreams." The author didn't elaborate on what the "signal" was, but it's obvious that he believed that star-bearers were having different sorts of dreams from ordinary people. They were mentally connected to each other. I think this is also evidence that the Star of Sylaveth is still active, even after it was shattered into pieces. Of course, this is still a theory that needs to be investigated.