TBATE-ALLIANCE

Chapter 29

Arthur Eralith POV

A radiant light shined behind my eyelids as I felt a blanket of warmth over me. Though it wasn't an uncomfortable warmth, it was almost tranquil.

I slowly opened my eyes and was met by a beautiful blue cloudless sky. The sun was at its peak, indicating it was most likely midday. I pushed myself into a sitting position with my legs stretched out. I looked down curiously, noticing I was still wearing my lance uniform, which was in pristine condition.

I lifted my right arm, noticing it felt weightless. I continued to wave my arm around curiously until I felt a smooth, calm, cool wind blow around me. I placed my arm down, with my eyes scanning the ground, noticing the lush green grass I was sitting on. The sudden sound of waves crashing snapped my head to the left.

My mouth went slightly agape, seeing that I was sitting on top of a cliff overlooking the crystal clear blue sea. I slowly stood up, walked over to the cliff's edge, and looked down, seeing the steep drop.

I looked up as the wind blew around me again, rusting the grass beneath me. I turned around, seeing the lush field of grass stretching out endlessly past where the eyes could see. There wasn't a building or anyone in sight. I looked back out to sea with my eyes narrowed in confusion.

"W-Where am I?" I whispered to myself. "Am I dead?"

"No," An angelic voice chuckled behind me. A voice so familiar I would never forget it. "You're not dead, dear child."

My mouth went slightly agape, my eyes widened while growing warm and watery, and my heart pounded in my chest as I slowly turned around. My body began to shake as my eyes fell onto a beautiful woman with flawless pale white skin, white hair with stands of gold, lavender eyes, and a smile to fit that of an angel who was wearing a white dress.

"S-Sylvia?!" I stuttered in disbelief.

Sylvia nodded, "It's been a long time."

Like a child reuniting with their long-lost mother, I dashed forward. Sylvia grew wide-eyed in surprise as I closed in and wrapped my arms around her in a hug. I laid my head on her shoulder and cried out, not even caring how pathetic I looked.

I heard Sylvia chuckle lovingly as she returned the hug, gently rubbing my back, "Shhhhh, it's ok. It's just us here. Let it all out."

I lost track of time as I cried into her shoulder, but I knew I had fallen to my knees at some point as Sylvia continued to hold me in a loving, motherly embrace. Once I began to calm down, we slowly broke the hug, and I looked up at Sylvia, who gave me a warm smile.

Sylvia reached up and gently caressed my cheek. "You've grown up so much," she chuckled. She gave me a sympathetic look. And you've been through a lot, haven't you?"

I leaned my head into her palm and shrugged. "Just a little," I jested.

Sylvia smiled as she took her hand away and sat elegantly before me. I followed suit and crossed my legs so we were facing each other. My eyes broke away from Sylvia, and I looked again at our surroundings.

"Sylvia," I began, looking back at her, confused. "Where are we?"

Sylvia laughed a little and gestured around us, "Where do you think? It's where we last met."

My brows scrunched up in confusion until they raised in realization. "The soul realm," I breathed out.

Sylvia smiled and nodded before she reached out and lightly poked my forehead, "Correct."

I laughed slightly at her gesture, but my smile soon faded, "But how are you here? You're..." I looked down and choked up as I couldn't finish the sentence.