AN: If you have read the manhwa or the novel of tbate, I suggest that you skip chapters 13 to 16, as they merely contain grammar and wording corrections, along with minor character development for Arthur (which means it will mostly stay canon). If you still read these chapters and comment about it not being any different than the original story, then I will reply back with: Next time you should read Author Notes.
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[1st POV - Arthur Leywin]
The journey through the dimensional rift was an odd experience, like being trapped in a fast-forwarded movie scene. Everything rushed by in a blurry mess of colors as I sat on the ground, my gaze empty and devoid of tears.
I landed on a cushion of leaves and vines, but it didn't matter. I wouldn't have noticed even if it were jagged rocks beneath me.
She was gone.
I would never see her again.
Those thoughts unleashed another wave of emotions, and I curled up into a ball, my body convulsing with dry sobs.
Memories of the four months we spent together flooded my mind. How she cared for me, treating me like family. I didn't mind that she delayed sending me home so I could stay with her. In that short time, Sylvia taught me so much and gave me a sense of belonging that I had been missing since coming to this world.
Giving in to the overwhelming need for sleep as a way to escape the pain, a sharp jolt shot through me, bringing me back to reality.
The burning sensation radiated from my mana core, coursing through my body, and a voice echoed in my mind.
"Ahem! Testing, testing. Aha, good! Hello, Art, this is Sylvia."
My heart skipped a beat as I immediately responded to the voice. "Sylvia! I'm here! Can you hear me?"
"If you're listening to this right now, it means I have revealed my true nature to you."
Ah, it must be some kind of recording she infused into me when she made that small hole in my mana core.
"...You're not yet ready to know the whole truth. Knowing you, if I had told you who that figure in the sky was, you would have impulsively tried to fight him. Little Art, you're just past the age of four. Upon examining your mana core, I've realized that you possess a rare talent, considering your mana core is already a solid red. I have bestowed upon you my unique will, something far beyond a normal beast's will. Your future progress as a mage depends on how well you can harness the will embedded in your mana core."
Was that why the purple in her eyes and the golden patterns disappeared?
"The moment your mana core surpasses the white stage is when you will hear from me again. At that time, I will explain everything, and what you do from there will be your choice."
There was a stage beyond white?
"Lastly, Art... I understand you may be grieving, but remember that you have your family to look after and the stone I entrusted to you. My only wish is for you to embrace the joys and innocence of childhood, train diligently, and make your parents, siblings, and me proud. Do not go chasing shadows in a fit of rage. Killing those responsible for my death will neither bring me back nor bring you solace. There is a reason for everything, and I have no regrets about what has transpired. Remember to protect your family, the stone, study what I have left you, and enjoy this life."
"With this, I bid you farewell... King Grey."
"..."
That name and title were from my previous world. She had known all along... Did she discover something in my mana core? Was she able to delve into my memories? So many questions, but the one who could answer them was now gone.
YOU ARE READING
TBATE: Shadows Of The Past
FanficA soul finds itself in a new world, reincarnated in the body of a new born. He soon finds out that his world isn't as simple as it is. With the help of magic, will he be able to grow to overcome any and all his challenges? Or will he ultimately end...
