TBATE: The Beginning of My Redemption

Chapter 9 : Awakening in Frost

"Why am I in an ice cave?" I wondered aloud. Looking around, I saw only ice. I glanced down at my hands, noticing they were almost invisible, like a ghost's. I walked cautiously, the cold air biting into my skin despite my usual resilience.

Activating the Mangekyou Sharingan, I scanned the environment. The cave seemed endless, its icy walls reflecting fragmented images of myself. As I continued to walk, a shape began to form in the distance, standing out amidst the blue and white expanse.

I approached, realizing it was a coffin made entirely of ice. Intrigued, I moved closer, each step echoing in the eerie silence. My breath formed clouds in the frigid air, vanishing almost as quickly as they appeared.

"Hm? A girl," I murmured as I peered into the transparent coffin. Inside, a girl lay in deep slumber. Her long, silvery-white hair spread around her like a halo, and her serene face was framed by the soft glow emanating from the ice.

Her armor was pristine and regal, shining even in her slumber. The faint blue light of the crystals embedded in it pulsed gently, as if in sync with her heartbeat. My Sharingan analyzed every detail, trying to understand what I was seeing. Is this a dream? I touched her hair. No, it's not a dream—I could feel her hair. As I continued to stare at her, the girl suddenly opened her eyes, looking at me and opening her mouth as if wanting to say something.

Then everything went black.

I woke up completely sweating and breathing very fast. "What was that?" I gasped. After a while, I finally calmed down. "Who was that girl? And what did she want to say?" I asked myself. No, I could tell what she wanted to say. "Save me." Although I couldn't hear her voice, I could decipher her plea from the movements of her lips.

I sighed. Since coming to this world, my only constant has been questions with no answers. Thinking back, it was the same in my old world too. But there was no use dwelling on it.

I pushed the thoughts aside, getting out of bed. I walked towards the closet, pulling out some clothes and underwear. Heading towards the bathroom, I undressed and stepped into the cold water. "So good," I murmured, enjoying the refreshing chill. I've always preferred cold water to warm; it invigorates me in a way nothing else does.

As I let the cold water wash over me, my mind wandered to the future. What should I do with these three years? Arthur wants to be an adventurer, but what about me? Although becoming an adventurer sounds interesting, I've had enough of that kind of life. Maybe it's time to focus on something different.

Going to the academy might be a good place to start. Although I'd love to see Ellie and the others grow and develop more, maybe I can negotiate something with Director Cynthia.

The morning came.

As we sat at the table to eat, Lilia whispered, "Are you okay?"

Rubbing my eyes, I responded, "I am okay, just a bit sleepy."

"You should sleep more," she said. We talked for a while, then I heard Mother say, "No one is going to steal your food."

Father, who was eating with enthusiasm, replied, "I'm just happy to be enjoying a meal without being rushed for work."

Pointing at my father, Uncle Vincent said, "Wait, aren't you going to the auction house later today to show some of the new recruits around?"

Father responded, "That's just an excuse to hold a welcome party afterward."

Laughing, Uncle Vincent said, "That's where those meal expenses are coming from."

Seeing this, Lilia covered her eyes. "So embarrassing."