TBATE: Shadows Of The Past

Chapter 11 - Is This... A God?

[1st POV - Cain Leywin]

I woke up feeling aching pain in my limbs, particularly in my left arm. The cold night air brushed against my skin, and it was then that I realized my clothes were in tatters, torn in various places, leaving much of my skin exposed.

I glanced at my chest, observing the steady rise and fall of my breath. Determined to get up, I pushed aside the resistance from my body and managed to rise, though it was a challenging task.

Ignoring the persistent pain that screamed for rest, I focused on assessing my situation. How long had I been unconscious? How much time had passed since nightfall? Were there any nearby animals or mana beasts? I had to proceed with caution, aware that danger could lurk at any moment, potentially putting my life at risk.

My survival instincts, finely tuned from my previous life, kicked into gear as I carefully surveyed my surroundings. I made sure not to make any sudden movements, mindful of the fragility of my body in its current state.

Taking in the scene around me, I realized I was in a forest, likely situated below the cliff from which I had fallen. I had expected the fall to be fatal, but somehow, I had managed to survive. It occurred to me that my Mana Heart, with its ability to enhance and strengthen my body, may have played a role in my survival by enhancing my blood cells.

As I pondered my situation, a deep and majestic voice echoed in my mind, "Ah, you are awake, I see."

My body immediately tensed, anticipating a possible attack. Despite the pain, I assumed a defensive stance and scanned my surroundings, but found no one in sight.

The voice chuckled, resonating within my mind once more. "There's no need to search. I am not physically present where you are. My corporeal form resides elsewhere."

I maintained my tense posture, refusing to let my guard down. Speaking in a detached and cold tone, I directed my gaze into the air. "Who are you?"

The voice evaded my question and instead posed one of its own. "Would you like me to heal you?"

I squinted my eyes, the words echoing in my mind. With an emotionless expression, I responded, unwilling to let this individual—assuming it was a person—gauge my current emotions and thoughts through my facial expression.

"No, thank you. I have nothing to offer in return, and I certainly won't offer my body as payment," I firmly responded.

The voice chuckled, the laughter echoing around me. Did I say something amusing? I wasn't well-versed in jokes or humor from my previous life, so I couldn't be sure.

As the laughter subsided, the voice adopted a teasing tone. "Don't worry, I don't require repayment. Although, if you're inclined, you could always offer your body as payment."

My expression remained unchanged, not a flicker of emotion in response to the voice's remark. Sensing my lack of reaction, it shifted the subject.

"Ahem. I can assist with your healing, and I genuinely don't desire anything in return. However, if you're willing to repay me, would you mind spending some time with me?"

Assuming the voice belonged to a male due to its deep tone, I swiftly responded with a serious expression. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in other men. I'm a normal human with my own preferences. Besides, don't you think your request is rather peculiar? Are you fond of children or something?"

The voice fell silent, likely irritated by my comments. Suddenly, the atmosphere around me began to vibrate, and the chilly air transformed into a warm sensation.

But that wasn't the only change. I witnessed some of my wounds healing almost instantly. Even the internal injuries I had neglected started to mend, causing me to cough up the dried blood that had accumulated within me.