Questions is the 8th chapter of The Beginning After The End Novel.
Summary[]
Arthur Leywin finds himself back in his old body, within the castle he knows well, yet feels disconnected from his title as King Grey. He is greeted with respect but pays little attention to those around him, including a young maid and the trainees in the courtyard. His role as king is more symbolic, a one-man army in a world where traditional wars have been replaced by Paragon Duels to resolve disputes without the devastation of nuclear arms.
Despite holding a position of power, Arthur feels like a mere soldier, with the real governance left to The Council. He reflects on his life, realizing that his pursuit of strength, admiration, and glory has left him without personal connections or experiences of love. In a decisive moment, he resigns from his position, leaving behind his badge of honor, and contemplates the relationships and life he missed in the town of Ashber.
Suddenly, Arthur finds himself in pain, lying amidst nature, confused about his survival and unable to move. His harrowing experience continues as he awakens to the sight of a gruesomely disfigured conjurer, leading to an overwhelming sense of nausea. Despite the horrific scene and his own weakened state, Arthur is perplexed by his survival and apparent lack of injuries compared to the conjurer’s fate. His focus shifts to survival as he manages to consume some food, only to pass out once more.
Upon waking again at dawn, Arthur uses mana to aid his movement and secures a knife from the mage’s corpse for protection. Suddenly, he’s startled by a voice, prompting him to prepare for combat, only to realize the voice isn’t coming from the corpse but another, unseen source. The mysterious presence assures him there’s no threat of the corpse reanimating.
The mysterious voice had a regal and trustworthy tone, but Arthur was still wary and on guard. The voice, belonging to a lady, promises to guide him home and insists he start his journey immediately. As Arthur sets out, he finds his pain lessening with each step, a testament to the lady’s potent magic. Despite the relief, Arthur is puzzled by the magic’s reach and the lady’s selective assistance.
His journey leads him to a stream where he eagerly cleanses himself, only to be teased by the voice about his vulnerability. Embarrassed but determined to maintain his composure, Arthur reminds himself of the dignity required of a king, even in the face of such odd and humbling circumstances.
Arthur, after a brief moment of silence from the mysterious voice, focuses on his immediate needs, securing his water supply and acknowledging the scarcity of food. His journey through an unfamiliar landscape, rich with mana, prompts him to ponder his location and the miraculous survival he can’t yet explain. Despite the peacefulness of his travel, Arthur is driven by the urgency to return home, concerned about the well-being of his parents who believe him to be dead.
Upon reaching the destination indicated by the voice, Arthur finds himself at a seemingly ordinary cluster of rocks. The voice guides him to a hidden crevice. Trusting in her direction, he strengthens himself with mana and enters, only to fall into darkness. The fall, cushioned by his use of mana, leads him to finally meet the enigmatic helper face-to-face, leaving him shocked and overwhelmed by the unexpected encounter.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Arthur Leywin
- Unnamed conjurer
- Sylvia