TBATE: Shadows Of The Past

Chapter 10 - Sylvia..

[1st POV - Arthur Leywin]

"What are you?" I managed to stammer, my voice trembling with both fear and curiosity.

Even with the experiences from my two lives, my brain struggled to comprehend the sight before me. A being that could only be described as a monster, towering over ten meters high, sat casually in a cross-legged position on a throne carved from jagged stone. Its arm rested lazily, propping up its massive head. Petrifying red eyes locked onto me, emanating a menacing aura, yet paradoxically possessing an unsettling sense of tranquility.

Two massive horns arched from the sides of its head, curving down and around like a regal crown. Its mouth revealed two sharp fangs protruding from its lips. Clad in sleek black armor, devoid of any embellishments or decorations, the creature exuded an aura of magnificence, akin to a priceless treasure.

As a former king, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of insignificance in the presence of this being. The being seated upon that colossal throne was one that would compel even the most defiant heretics to bow down in submission.

Yet there it was, in all of its glory, with its head resting on its arm while its other hand nonchalantly scratched its nose.

What I had failed to notice until now, however, due to the dim lighting in the cave and its entirely black body, was the gaping hole in the side of its chest, from which blood continuously oozed.

"We finally meet," it repeated with a lazy half smile, revealing a row of pointed teeth.

I tried to get up, but halfway through, I ended up back on my butt, my face still slack from the shock of what my eyes were seeing.

"Bugs will fly into your mouth if you keep it open that wide," it remarked.

Great. At least it has a sense of humor.

"As for what I am, I won't say anything more than what you can see from looking," the horned humanoid monster said, its eyes seeming to gaze straight through me.

"...."

"It is going to take a while for me to open a dimensional rift that will transport you to your house, so until then, just be patient and wait here. There are special roots that grow here. You will be able to live off those until I finish," it sighed.

That's right. That's why I was here. I managed to regain a bit of my composure and stood up, walking a little closer to the being.

Giving a courteous bow, I replied, "Thank you for everything you've done for me and for what you will do. If there is any way I can repay you, I will do whatever is in my power."

"Such good manners for a child. Do not worry; I am expecting neither favor nor gratitude. I am simply doing this for my own amusement. Come, sit closer to me and keep me company. I haven't talked to anyone in a while." The being laughed, patting an area of its throne for me to sit on.

I climbed up onto the platform rather awkwardly, forgetting to use mana to just jump up, and I propped myself on the throne next to the being.

"Uhh... excuse me for being rude, but you don't exactly look like a lady. How should I address you?" I said, making eye contact with the being.

"You're right. I don't exactly look like a lady, now do I? I wonder why I said that. My name is Sylvia," she replied, letting out a soft chuckle.

This giant demon lord-like monster looked anything but a Sylvia to me, but I chose to keep that to myself. "Elder Sylvia, do you mind if I ask a few questions?"

"Go ahead, young one, although I may not be able to answer everything," Sylvia responded.

I immediately rattled off all the questions that had been on my mind ever since waking up and meeting Sylvia. "Where is this place? Why were you here all alone? Where did you come from? Why do you have that huge wound? ...Why did you save me?"