Translator: SumTLMan
As the myriad stars began to adorn the cloudless night sky, Toby finally opened his eyes.
Angel was initially seated at a desk, reading Freud’s research report quietly under the glow of a luminous wall lamp. However, as soon as Toby woke up, he immediately put down the paper he was holding and turned his attention to Toby.
“How did it go this time?” Angel inquired with curiosity.
Today, Toby was set to enter the House of Hearts five times, and this was his final attempt. In the previous four attempts, Toby had triumphantly defeated the Tribulation of Resentment every time. Hence, Angel was eager to know the outcome of this last session.
Toby shook his head, casting aside the negative emotions that had filled his mind, and then chirped a few times at Angel.
“Did you succeed?” A gleam of surprise and delight flashed in Angel’s eyes. If this session also ended in victory, it would mean that all of Toby’s five experiences today concluded with him overcoming the Tribulation of Resentment, achieving a success rate of 100%!
Toby responded affirmatively, and then, while flapping his wings in a gesture, he chirped again.
After listening to Toby, the joy on Angel’s face gradually faded, and he frowned, saying, “Are you planning to face the tribulation tomorrow? So soon?”
Toby nodded very seriously, and the initially cheerful chirping became somber.
According to Toby, he had essentially mastered the method to deal with the Tribulation of Resentment. Hence, he planned to rest for the night and face the tribulation directly the next day.
Though Angel knew that the earlier Toby faced the tribulation, the easier it would be, he still felt concerned when the moment was actually upon them.
“There are still over ten Demon Flower Fairy Magical Bloodstones left. How about accumulating more experience?” After hesitating for a moment, Angel suggested.
Nevertheless, Toby flatly declined. He seemed steadfast in facing the tribulation tomorrow. According to his perspective, he had meticulously etched every detail of the projections of resentment from the House of Hearts into his memory. Reentering the House of Hearts for a trial wouldn’t bring any progress. Thus, instead of wasting time, it’s better to directly confront the tribulation.
For ordinary people, claiming to remember might merely be a superficial recollection. When it’s time for application, the brain often goes haywire. However, for extraordinary beings, once they commit something to memory, they rarely forget — unless inflicted by irreparable damage.
Angel understood this principle. After some contemplation, he nodded in agreement. Although concern filled his heart, since Toby seemed so resolute, any advice Angel offered would only become an unnecessary burden for Toby.
Given the current circumstances, retreating would only foster inner demons. Only by moving forward could one genuinely overcome this dark phase.
After agreeing with Toby’s perspective, Angel escorted him back to reality.
Angel relayed Toby’s sentiments to Gloria. Gloria’s reaction mirrored Angel’s, laden with worry, hoping for more trials. However, in the end, she too was persuaded by Toby.
Having Decided to face the tribulation tomorrow, Gloria ensured that Toby received the best rest. Not only did she personally prepare a sumptuous meal for him, but after Toby felt both physically and spiritually satiated, she took him to the world of “Dream Twins,” riding the Catbus to the Ethereal Forest. Here, amidst a quiet forest filled with chirping birds and insects, Toby rejuvenated his spirit.
While Toby rested alone in “Dream Twins,” Gloria and Angel exited the illusionary realm.
Gloria seemed to have something on her mind. Avoiding Shirley and Azaz in the mansion, she and Angel retreated to the main hall.
Upon sitting down, Gloria remained silent for quite a while, her expression fluctuating as if wrestling with a dilemma. After what felt like an eternity, she hesitantly inquired, “Do you think Toby can overcome this tribulation?”
After some thought, Angel responded, “At the very least, the chances of success are much higher than before.”
“Meaning, in your heart, you don’t have a definitive answer either,” she deduced.
Angel nodded, “Changes are always possible, so I can’t give a definitive answer. However, I believe Toby’s experiences during this time have prepared him well enough to handle various unforeseen situations.”
“Yes, that’s reassuring. But I’m still a bit apprehensive,” Gloria paused, looking intently into Angel’s eyes. “Can you answer one question for me?”
For the first time, in Gloria’s eyes, Angel saw a flash of unease and fear.
Perhaps Gloria also saw a reflection of her own feelings in Angel’s eyes, and she shyly lowered her gaze, “I feel like I’m not acting like myself, being so indecisive. Maybe this body is influencing my thoughts. Never mind, I won’t ask…”
“Go ahead and ask,” Angel interrupted Gloria’s self-deprecation. “If I know the answer, I’ll tell you.”
Perhaps it was Gloria’s fleeting vulnerability that evoked Angel’s compassion. At that moment, he was even prepared to reveal the truth about the Wilderness of Dreams to Gloria, but she did not inquire about it.
“I don’t care about anything else. I just want to know one thing: Is the Tribulation of Resentment that Toby encountered in his lucid dream the same as the one he is going to face in reality?” Gloria paused for a moment, voicing her biggest doubt during this period.
If the Tribulation of Resentment in the lucid dream was merely a virtual dreamscape, could Toby’s experience of overcoming it truly be applied to real-world challenges?
Without hesitation, Angel nodded in response to the question, “They are the same.”
Although he was not privy to what Toby experienced inside the House of Hearts, he was certain that the Tribulation of Resentment was identical in both scenarios. Owning the power of the “Gate of Dreams,” Angel could distinctly sense that once Toby entered the House of Hearts, a peculiar creature… or perhaps a power, seemed to connect with Toby.
Based on Angel’s investigation, it was evident that this power was a fusion of overwhelming negative emotions. These concentrated emotions gave rise to the projection of the Tribulation of Resentment within the House of Hearts.
So, Angel was certain that the Tribulation of Resentment Toby encountered in the House of Hearts was actually the very Tribulation of Resentment within himself.
However, due to the nature of the House of Hearts, the Tribulation of Resentment was drawn in and simply became a projection to hone Toby.
“You’re sure?” Gloria stared intently at Angel.
Angel nodded affirmatively, “I am sure. Toby’s recent battles against the Tribulation of Resentment weren’t in vain. When a crisis descends, and Toby truly confronts the Tribulation of Resentment in reality, this experience will be the key to his victory.”
Seeing the conviction in Angel’s eyes, the anxiety in Gloria’s heart diminished slightly. She let out a long sigh of relief, “I truly hope that’s the case.”
Gloria sank into the couch, her face wearing a complex expression. It was a mix of concern for Toby and a disdain for her own over-worries.
Time, in this quiet moment, slowly passed by.
About an hour later, a creaking sound suddenly emanated from outside the hall.