TBATE-REDEMPTION

Chapter 20

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"Ugh... what the heck happened?" Grey muttered as he clutched his head, slowly regaining consciousness.

As he sat up on the white floor, his attention was immediately drawn to the sole figure in the realm—well, besides himself, of course. The other individual was seated in a chair, playing chess at a table in front of him. Across from him sat an empty chair.

'Wait... he didn't finish me off? How am I still alive...?'

A sudden realization hit Grey as his gaze snapped down to his body, noting that all his limbs were intact.

' I remember him cutting off all my limbs...'

'Even with Aether, it should've taken me a while to regrow all four limbs... just how much time has passed since I lost consciousness?' he wondered.

"Sixteen minutes and forty-two seconds." A cold voice echoed throughout the empty realm, snapping Grey back to reality.

"That's how long you've been unconscious," the black-haired man added.

"As for why you're still alive... it's because killing you wouldn't benefit me. It would only bring me more trouble."

Just as Grey was about to speak, the other man cut him off.

"To answer all your questions:

First, you're in your own mind-realm, present here only mentally. Yes, I could have killed you, even in this form. Destroying your mental form completely is the same as turning your physical body into a zombie.

Second, the reason I'm here is to make a deal with you, Grey. And to answer how I'm here... well, I've been here for the last three years, ever since you regressed.

Third, no, I can't read your mind. But I can predict most of what you're thinking right now. Sure, I could dig into your memories if I wanted to, but that doesn't interest me, nor do I have the time for it.

Fourth, you're right—about the chess. I'm also from your previous world."

"That's it. Now, go ahead and ask me whatever you want. I already know what you're thinking, but for the sake of courtesy, I'll let you speak."

Grey opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, struggling to form words. It felt as if the man before him could read him like an open book, answering everything before he could even speak. Throughout the entire time, the black-haired man never took his eyes off the chessboard.

Grey tried to process the new information. After a few moments, he sighed, stood up, and walked towards the empty chair. He sat down across from the other man.

"I think I get the gist of it now. But I still don't understand what you gain from making a deal with me. You're already the strongest person in this world, as far as I can tell."

"I doubt you're trapped here. You could leave if you wanted to, considering the amount of Aether revolving around you. So, why would I need to help you escape? What would I gain from this deal?"

"But most importantly, who are you?" Grey asked, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms.

Finally, the other man looked up from the chessboard, locking eyes with Grey.

"Right. Let me introduce myself. I am Sam Frostbane. You can just call me Sam."

"As for who or what I am... you'll find out when the time is right."

"And you're correct—I'm not making this deal to free myself. I could leave at any time. What you'll gain, though, is strength. I will teach you my swordsmanship and everything I know."