I Went Viral Across the Stars by Taming Beasts - Chapter 4

Perhaps Snowy’s nightmare had affected me, because later that night, I had an oppressive dream of my own.

In the dream, “I” was born into a military family.

As the only son in three generations, “I” should have been showered with love. Reality was the exact opposite.

Every elder in the family was an upright, unyielding soldier. From childhood, “I” was taught that my life belonged to the nation.

“I” had to be strong. “I” had to be honorable and kind. “I” could never entertain a selfish thought.

No weakness was permitted in that household. Even when the young “me” was injured during punishing training, there was no comfort.

Only cold rebukes from the elders.

“Why couldn’t you do your best? You’ve brought shame upon the family.”

Yet even when “I” did achieve perfection, there was no praise.

They merely said, “That is what you should have done. It is only expected of you.”

The atmosphere of the dream was suffocating. My teeth began to chatter.

There was no blatant malice, but the family’s indifferent words and the instructors’ brutal expectations gradually crushed “me.”

“I” came from a renowned family, so naturally “I” should carry a greater burden.

“I” had always excelled, so “I” could never lose a competition or a battle.

On the surface, “I” was flawless—the most dependable rising star in everyone’s eyes.

Only I knew that one piece had always been missing inside “me.”

It was nothing important. Its absence did not diminish “my” strength or perfection.

And yet, perhaps it mattered desperately.

Because that piece was missing, “I” fell into an ambush during a battle that should never have been dangerous.

“I” won. “I” brought the soldiers behind me home and protected the people of the Federation.

Only “I” suffered grievous wounds. “My” mental energy spiraled out of control, and no key could be found to bring “me” back to reason.

The dream ended abruptly.

When I woke from the nightmare, its bone-deep cold still clung to me.

I shivered and started to get out of bed for a glass of warm water, only for the back of my hand to brush against soft, warm fur.

Snowy was still muddled with sleep. Yet the instant I moved, he squeezed against me without even opening his eyes.

The aching emptiness from the dream vanished at once.

Smiling, I cupped his little head and planted a loud kiss on it.

“Whose dependable little knight is this? Oh my, it’s our Snowy—the best Snowy in the whole wide world.”

Snowy’s clear eyes flew open in surprise, reflecting my smiling face.

The two chubby paws resting on my leg shifted uneasily, as though he wanted to flee, yet they exerted no strength at all.

Even his head remained soft and pliant in my palms.

After a long moment, Snowy gave a quiet whine and buried himself in my arms.