TBATE-REDEMPTION

Chapter 6

I could hear a soft humming. It was soothing, almost like a lullaby meant to calm a restless child. My mind, still groggy from sleep, relaxed instantly. I opened my eyes, drawn by the gentle voice, and found myself staring at a beautiful woman. Her creamy white skin seemed to glow softly, her elegant white hair flowed like silk, and her lavender eyes sparkled with warmth. Her voice was calm, a tone so serene that it felt like everything in the world was right.

Noticing I was awake, she smiled at me—motherly, warm, and caring. "Had a good rest, dear?" she asked, her tone light but affectionate.

I blinked, slightly confused, but her presence put me at ease. "Yes, but... may I know who you are and where we are right now?" I asked, my voice calm despite the whirlwind of questions in my mind. The last thing I remembered was standing with Art as we activated the magic circle, aiming to go back to the past. But now, everything was different. Where was I? And where was Art?

She smiled again. "Ah, forgive my late introduction. My name is Sylvia. Surely little Art must have told you about me, right, Caera? And if you're wondering where he is, just look to your left."

Her name struck me like lightning—Sylvia? The asura dragon Art revered as his grandmother, the one who had protected him and gave her life for him in the past? I had heard so much about her, and yet, seeing her here with my own eyes... so many questions crowded my mind. I turned to my left as she instructed, and there, fast asleep, was a young boy, no older than five. Beside him lay Regis, small and curled up.

The boy's features were unmistakable. It was Art, only much younger. What had happened to him? And then it hit me—I felt odd too. Glancing down at myself, I realized that my body had also reverted to when I was a small child, perhaps no older than five.

Sylvia watched me, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she read my bewildered expression. "You must have a lot of questions, right, dear?" she asked kindly.

I nodded, still processing everything.

She leaned back, her lavender eyes reflecting a strange calm as she began to explain. "You and Art succeeded in activating the spell, but the process is still incomplete. We're currently in a unique space, created by a combination of my beast will and Art's reforming mana core. This realm exists outside of time, which is why both of your bodies have reverted. We have about three months here before you and Art are fully transported back to the past."

Her words sunk in, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Sylvia, someone Art cherished deeply, only had three months left to stay with us. I knew how much she meant to him, and after just a short time with her, I was starting to understand why. There was an unmistakable kindness, wisdom, and warmth about her.

Seeing my downcast expression, Sylvia gently patted my head. "Don't be sad, dear. This is just the way of things. Life is full of fleeting moments, and while we may not have forever, I want you and Art to be happy with the chance you've been given. I'll help train you both in the time we have left. Together, we'll prepare for what's to come."

Her words were both a comfort and a challenge. The idea of training with her was thrilling, especially when she mentioned something I had only dreamt about.

"I can teach you how to use mana like the mages in Dicathen," she said, her smile widening as she saw the spark of excitement in my eyes.

"Is that really possible... Lady Sylvia?" I asked, still uncertain.

She nodded, her tone gentle but sure. "It wouldn't have been possible if your body was older. But now that you've reverted to your younger self, when both your mana core and body haven't matured, it is possible to learn Dicathen's mana control techniques."