Discordant Note: Crescendo | TBATE

Chapter 192: A Vision of Him

Arthur Leywin

My body ached as I sat myself down on my bed. My clothes stuck to my body in uncomfortable patches, the results of the day's training making themselves known.

I took a few steadying breaths, allowing myself to settle back into my natural rhythm. Behind me, my window of the castle looked out on the sprawling expanse of the beast glades. A few rays of moonlight stretched through the opening, the touch of silver light on my back doing little to soothe my pains.

In the wake of my battle with Uto, Virion had assigned me a strict training regimen in the castle. As I was on call to respond to any sightings of the Asclepius Retainer, increasing my strength had become a paramount focus. Every day, I battled with Elders Camus, Buhnd, and Hester, with assistance from Kathyln Glayder. When they became exhausted, I was tasked to spar with whatever Lance was present, be that Varay or Bairon.

Perhaps the only thing I'd enjoyed this past week or so was the satisfying feeling of my fist grinding across Bairon's face. But I'd been forced to do nothing but train for every waking moment of my day.

I shut my eyes tight. I'd wanted to spend more time with Ellie in the castle now that I'd basically been permanently stationed here, but I couldn't afford to with my training. My current predicament reminded me painfully of my past life. Where I'd engrossed myself so much in training with Lady Vera that I neglected my friends.

By immersing myself in my quest for revenge, I'd forsaken the only two people in my life who truly mattered. Nico and Cecilia were swallowed by my selfishness, their emotions fuel for the fire of my vengeance.

"You can't think like that," Sylvie pushed, her white fox form hopping up onto the bed beside me. "This life isn't like your past one. You're not King Grey. You're Arthur. My papa."

I chuckled, tiredly scratching Sylvie's head. The warmth she sent over our bond as I did so was reassuring, but I found myself questioning how true her words were.

Now, as in my life as King Grey, I found myself being forced to dedicate my mind and body to a cause bigger than I. The only difference now was that I had people I cared for. People I loved and would give anything to protect.

My heart clenched painfully as I thought of my mother and father, so determined to enter this war. I had to do my part to protect them, so they wouldn't have to throw away their lives.

With an effort of will, I withdrew two select items from my dimension ring. Uto's horns settled into my palms, the crisp inky objects settling solidly.

Sylvie's ears immediately perked up as her eyes dilated, focusing on the horns. "Arthur," she said excitedly, bouncing over like a cat that had been presented with a treat, "Are those what I think they are?"

"Yeah," I breathed out, staring at the ridges on each horn. "Seris said these would help me grow stronger. It's about time we both used this avenue. I haven't had time to absorb them with how rigid my training has been, but..."

I handed one of the horns off to my bond, who took it excitedly. We'd talked before about plans for these horns in passing, and my foxy little dragon knew she needed to get stronger just as I did.

"I'm going to start absorbing this horn," I said seriously. "Our enemies always seem to be one step ahead of us, Sylv, but that will start to change with this."

A serious look crossed my furry bond's face. "We'll face whatever comes, Arthur," she said, putting a paw over the horn I'd given her. "And know I'll be right beside you the entire way."

I felt a soft smile split my face. "I can always count on you, Sylv," I said. "Let's get down to this, shall we?"

After Sylvie's affirming nod, I settled myself more comfortably, allowing my shoulders to relax. With a deep breath, I began to probe the inside of the horn with my mana.