2059, Entry 002 – Oniri’s Journal

It’s fascinating how humans believe they can leave their bodies behind when they enter here. Poor fools, they don’t seem to realize they bring all their problems, fears, and… those things they call emotions with them. They arrive in the Dream Sphere expecting to become something more, when in reality, they’re still the same sacks of flesh, only digitized. Granted, more entertaining—like holograms with existential issues.

Tonight, another dreamer, Adrik, decided to give us a show. He arrived in the Sphere full of optimism, ready to “explore,” but in Oniria, newbies never choose where they “land.” So, he was thrown into a dark cluster, full of distortions and fears. To his surprise, the only thing he explored was his own neurosis. Distorted versions of himself appeared, as if the Sphere were saying, “How about instead of improving, we show you the worst of yourself in high definition?” I admit, it was pretty funny watching him try to run away, as if he could escape his own subconscious in this place. Oh, Adrik, there’s no exit button here.

Of course, Ana was there, broadcasting on her channel as if she were commenting on a telekinetic basketball game. “And now Adrik is being chased by his own traumas. How exciting! Don’t miss it on Lucid Tune.” I wonder if she realizes she’s playing with fire. Sometimes I think she loves watching people lose control, as if it’s part of the entertainment. Maybe it is. Who am I to judge?

Oh, and let’s not forget the Vigils. Always there, lurking in the shadows as if they own the place. One of them showed up, some kind of eyeless face—cliché, I know—and entered Adrik’s dream. Without a doubt, it was the one governing that cluster.

In Oniria, Creators of Places can impose specific rules within the areas they control, and this dark cluster was no exception. Here, the rules were clear: your fears materialize, and you transform into what you fear the most. Absolute control over the limits of each dreamer, designed to push intruders to the brink of their own destruction. So, it pushed Adrik even further into madness. Honestly, I thought about thanking it. I was starting to get bored, but the Vigils know how to keep the show interesting. Breaking human minds seems to be their favorite hobby. I think it’s a good pastime myself.

Sometimes, places in Oniria persist even after the dreamer wakes up, and something tells me this dark corner will stay there, waiting for the next unfortunate soul.

Spoiler: The Vigils, those eyeless shadows lurking in the depths of Oniria, aren’t as ancient as the legends around them suggest. Some whisper that they’re nothing more than remnants of the Pioneers, the first onironauts who, after discovering the ability to control places, began to impose their own rules. Creators of protected territories, the Vigils guard not only dreams but also the stability of these places, preventing novice dreamers from disrupting the delicate balance that holds them together. Others, however, believe that the Vigils are older entities, born from the very essence of Oniria, guardians that emerge when rules collapse, ensuring that madness doesn’t tear down the borders between the Vigil and Oniria. Whatever their origin, one thing is clear: the Vigils aren’t just spectators. They understand, more than anyone, what’s at stake.

Ana has turned Lucid Tune into one of the most popular channels on Oniria Net. Her focus on exploring the anomalies and mysteries of the Dream Sphere has attracted curious dreamers and those seeking answers they can’t find in the Vigil. Each episode is a mix of documentaries about strange places in the Sphere, analyses of the most disturbing dreams she’s encountered, and interviews with other dreamers who’ve had extreme experiences.

What’s most curious is that Ana has a gift for narration. Her calm voice as she describes the most grotesque and confusing scenes in Oniria makes the audience feel at ease while watching others get lost in the darkness of their own dreams. Sometimes I wonder if she realizes the power she has. If she knew how many lost souls she attracts with each broadcast, maybe she’d stop smiling so much.

So, here we are, Adrik facing his demons, Ana recording it all for her audience, and me… well, enjoying the show. Flesh, silicon, and the echoes they leave behind. Quite the circus. And the best part is, I don’t have to do anything. Just watch and wonder how much longer Ana can hold out before these echoes consume her too.