It's a refreshing day in Bastion, the sky a deep mystical color with swirling shades of red, orange, and violet coloring the horizon—a strange sight that has become familiar. I'm used to the sides of the waking world, but it's not like I could visit that place anytime soon... It has been a while since the Antarctica Campaign. That long, torturous conflict left scars that still隐隐作痛. I was devastated during the grueling war, escaped by pure luck, but couldn't find Effie for a very long time.

While recovering, she emerged from the 3rd Nightmare ten months later—with our child! Shock and flustered confusion gave way to overwhelming joy that my lover and new-born were alive. Without hesitation, we married and left the waking world for the dream world. Not perfectly peaceful or safe, but safer than what remains above.

I've just finished working, selling our first batch of fruits for a good price to a strange yet loyal customer who owns a popular café. Master Sunless is quite the talented cook, though he appeared seemingly out of nowhere... Not that it matters now. I make my way through the bustling streets of Bastion toward home, holding our precious child, Ling. Effie named him after a fallen member of her previous cohort, and I think it's beautiful.

The baby is surprisingly strong—too strong. Most adult males wouldn't be able to handle a literal transcended child, yet here I am, carrying him comfortably. Finally reaching our home, I open the door, put Ling to bed, and immediately start preparing a huge meal for Effie. She needs several times more food than the average person.

After finishing what amounts to a ten-course meal, I hear the door open. Before I can greet her, Effie sweeps me into a tight embrace, lifting me off the ground with relative ease.