Transmigration Into The Beginning After The End

CHAPTER 21 - MIRACLE

By the time I had awakened, I was in my room that was provided to me. 

It had already been early in the morning because of the orange and yellow colors rising in the horizon. 

Was I too early? 

I let out a deep sigh and laid back on my bed, arms stretched all while my eyes stayed focused on the ceiling but not entirely. Instead, my mind rambled around in thought, many things that should be discussed when the time is right, yet, the question remains. 

When will it be the right time?

Maybe I should just get ready and head out to see if anyone is awake. I thought. Hopping into the shower and later then using some clothes that were different in texture and detail from what I had on earlier. 

As I headed out the door, a tall and beautiful elven woman walked past me, winking at me, a four-year-old boy. 

She had short black hair, black eyes and a skin color that can only be described as snow-white. 

She seemed familiar but it was impossible to remember with how things are progressing right now. Lets just go to the main lobby right now…

Having said that in my mind, I had to realize that I was not here alone, that I was not the only human boy here. Taking a deep breath, standing still just a few meters away from the hallway that connected mine with Arthur's. I finally decided to spin my heels, and walked towards the main character's room where I was set to meet the princess along with the whole royal family. 

Being a couple of rooms down from his, I could tell that there was a small silhouette in front of a certain door. "G' morning Art! Wake up!" 

The young lady walked into the room still trying to wake up the tired boy.

Still not being far from them, there–especially Tessia's–voice was still loud enough to make out the sentences said there. 

"Come on sleepyhead! You need to meet grandpa soon! H-hey! Don't go back to sleep!" 

Soon, the boy responded by the time I was already in front of the door. "I get it! I'm up Tess! Please get down from my stomach so I can get up!" Arthur groaned, still half asleep.

"Hehe~ Art, your hair looks funny. Hey hey, is it true that you and Luke are going to be staying here for a while? Grandpa told me this morning! I'm so happy! You're really staying, right? Right?" Tessia exclaimed with a wide smile pasted on her face.

"He is, princess, after all he is your only friend right?" I teased with a smirk on my face. 

"Lu!" 

Tessia walked fast towards me while hiding her face. For a second I was scared that she would punch me but something else unexpected happened. She lifted her hand which was formed into a fist aiming at my chest. 

Huh?

It landed softly?

When I looked down, Tessia's face was full red. 

This was new. 

Was Tessia really into Arthur this early into the story? Well what can I say, after all he saved her life. 

Having a sense of pressure, the elven princess turned around and did some small breathing procedures before being back to normal. 

Confused by this, I looked at the boy with azure eyes, for him to be the same as me. 

"You okay?" I sent a halfway fist bump to him which he did the same. 

"Well let us just hope that we get something of an answer in our trip with Elder Virion. But most likely, it seems that we'll be bothering the princess for a little longer." 

She stabbed Art's side with her finger, "Not Princess! Tess! T. E. S. S. ! I'm going to get upset if you don't treat me better." 

Expected as the main heroine for the Main Character, showing her cute sides to him was definitely giving her some points. 

"All right, all right! I have to shower and get ready so unless you want to see me naked, I think you should leave the room. Tess." Arthur waggled his eyebrows lewdly. 

"Eek! I'm leaving you pervert! And you! You two better call me Tess!" A threatening gaze. 

Complying to her "request", I said, "Then you can call me Lu as well Tess." 

"Sure!" Another bright and cute smile from Tess sparked again as she left the room. 

Moments later, Arthur was staring at the waterfall that was a shower for a couple of minutes. Perhaps he was embracing the moment or the feeling of finally getting to see his family. 

"You want me to leave?" I asked, already seated down on his bed.

I motioned his head. "No. I wanted to ask about what we are going to do with everything now that we are in a safe place. With Sylvia, the stone that she gave me, the demon that appeared in her hideout, the reason why she was hiding…" 

He took a couple of seconds before facing me. 

"Luke, just what is happening around us? It suddenly feels like this is all a dream that I still have to wake up from."

I let silence veil on us before even saying something, more like I couldn't say anything. He was right, in all my time as a normal human being on Earth, I never thought that I would end up here in my favorite novel as a character. Much less experience everything that the main character had previously. 

My mouth opened but nothing came out. I pondered on what I should tell Arthur. This was exactly what happened when Elder Rinia and Sylvia had asked me about my existence. 

I could either risk it all here and now by telling him the truth, that his world is a fantasy novel of his life, how he seeks redemption after being a King in his old world. How many deaths he unveils as he grows older, as he gets stronger in hopes of protecting those he holds dear but still can't. 

It was eating me up. 

A dilemma as others would put it.

If I said anything about this world being a novel, things would change. 

The Butterfly Effect. 

Or maybe not. 

A strong sigh left my body as I tried to reason with my old self, telling him that saying anything of the previous world would and can affect this one with just a few main words. 

"If you think this is a dream. Why not live it to the fullest of your abilities without leaving any regret behind?" I smiled at him but I could even see that he knew it was a weak smile. That didn't matter. What mattered was knowing how things were going to progress at this point and on. 

I waved at him without looking back, opened the door and said, "Anyhow, take a shower already, yeah? You stink. You don't want to smell in front of the Royal family do you?" 

My body leaned on the wall right next to the door, though I had slept for some hours, it was still exhausting to be awake right now. There were eyebags under my eyes which got darker with every minute. 

The feeling of my mana core was still an unreal feeling to me, let's not even talk about this young body and how uncomfortable it was. Despite everything, it had its perks. Mana manipulation, mana core development, understanding and gift of being able to feel mana and store it. 

My dominant hand moved from my chest to where my eyes could see it, a bright translucent light surrounded it as it called for the elemental affinities. 

But nothing came to its call. 

Useless for now. The best I can do now to make up for it would be sword training but even that right now is… No, I have to do it if I don't want to become dead weight during future fights. 

As I made my way down the flight of curved stairs, a butler opened the front door for me and I spotted a small carriage with Elder Virion and Tess inside. 

"Father! It is not appropriate for a human to be residing within this kingdom!" 

"Alduin is right, Elder Virion. Although saving Tessia is something I will forever be grateful for, having not only one but two human boys stay here goes against all traditions." 

The King and Queen seem to have a little too much morning energy to say that much, but they were right. Yet, I don't think the Elder will back down just because of some traditions when he has noticed Arthur's power.

"BAH! Screw traditions! I've taken a liking to these brats and so has Tessia, haven't you child," he snorted.

"G-grandpa! It's not like that! Lu is just a friend… but Art is…" her voice trailed off at the end, face glowing red. 

I was glad that she considered me a friend. 

"Hahaha! Anyways! Those two are going to be under my direct guidance from now on so make sure to let everyone know that they are not to be trifled with!" 

"F-father…" 

"ENOUGH! This is not up for discussion! Oh brats! You're here! Come! We should hurry!" His expression changed into a smile after seeing Arthur–which I hadn't noticed him next to me.

Going with his words–which gave sense of an order–we hopped into the carriage, avoiding the frowns that the King and Queen were giving us. 

***

A little into the journey, Art asked Elder Virion, "Hey Gramps, where are we headed anyway? You said we were meeting a friend of yours, right?" 

"Haha! Gramps eh? Well aren't you awfully comfortable with me now. Good good! As for where we're going, it's a surprise." He threw in a wink.

Tess had fallen asleep with her head leaning against Arthur's shoulder. I'm sure any kid waking up this early would get the same reaction as that.

"Take good care of her, Art. She grew up in a very lonely environment," the old elf muttered, a look of compassion filled in his eyes as he looked at his granddaughter. 

"What do you mean?" 

"Growing up as the only princess of an entire kingdom is very stressful, too much for a child to handle. Growing up with no close friend, it was hard on her. She had gotten hurt too many times by people pretending to befriend her, only to use her for their personal gains. This has made Tessia into someone cold and distant to those around her. Imagine how surprised we all were when we saw you two holding hands." 

I let out a small laugh, which no one heard thankfully.

"Yeah, I noticed when I heard her talk to the guards," Art added. 

Arthur. Tessia has shown more expression, more smiles and laughs, now than she ever had growing up; around you, both of you, she finally seems more like a child. For that, I thank you." He patted the boy's shoulder. Then he turned to me without saying a single word, signs of regret and some other unknown emotions known to me. 

Finally, I spoke, trying to get the silent attention out through the window. "Don't worry, Elder Virion, if Art were to do something dumb to Tessia, I would scold him for it!" With blatened words and motioned gestures, the elf's eyes widened before settling back 

"Brat, you can still call me Grandpa, you now?" Virion said. 

I hesitated to answer back to the old elf. Matter of fact, I couldn't do that, I felt guilty that I couldn't tell him or anyone else anything. 

But I had to do so, putting on the mask of someone who goes with the flow, perhaps? 

It is confusing as to what I can think of as an answer. Not only to him but again, to everyone around me now and in the future. 

Finally, after just letting my thoughts flow down like a slow but raging river, I spoke, correcting my previous statement. "Then, don't worry Grandpa, I will scold Art if he were to do something to hurt Tessia's heart." 

"That's my boy!" Gramps excitedly said, making everyone in the carriage jolt. 

Then, the carriage came to a halt before the driver opened our carriage door to inform us of our arrival. 

I was the first to walk out, next was Virion, after was Arthur with Tessia. 

"Hey, you old witch! Come out!" The old grandpa suddenly yelled while knocking on the door with a kick.

The door flew open to reveal a hunched elderly lady with grey hair that seemed like it was struck by lightning and wrinkled eyes that were strangely a mixture of multiple colors, all blending together. Dressed in a simple brown robe, she peered down at Arthur who was in front with a studying eye. 

"Took you long enough to get here!" The familiar voice scowled. 

Hahaha! Arthur! Let me introduce you to Rinia Darcassan. She's a very special deviant amongst us elves," Grandpa Virion announced. 

"It's good seeing you again, Virion. Charming as always, little Tessia," she smiled, patting Tessia's head. 

Looking at Art, she stuck out her hand. "We finally meet young Arthur. I am Rinia. A Diviner." 

Rinia Darcassan's multi-colored eyes then struck me rapidly like I was a threat to her. Her mouth opened slowly as if she was scared to say something but quickly regained her composure after Gramps tried asking her what was wrong. 

Virion noticed where she was looking. 

"Oh right! Luke, as you might have heard of earlier, her name is Rinia Darcassan. A Diviner." With my presence being acknowledged, I bowed to her. 

"Hello, Elder Rinia. I am Luke Hodges. It's an honor to meet you." 

After some moments passing by us in complete silence, the gray haired elf finally let us in, placing us around a circular table with a jar of water in the middle.

"Umm… Elder Rinia? You said that you were a diviner, correct? I'm a little lost as to what it is you can do. Gramps said that I'd be able to find out if my parents are okay by seeing you." Art asked, his eyes staring at the jar of water curiously.

"Kekeke! Gramps huh? Virion, you've really let yourself go if you're letting youngsters like him call you that," she snickered.

"Bah! He's an exception like the other one! If any other brat dares to call me something like Gramps, I'll have them hung upside down and beaten with a cactus!" He grinned looking at me and the blue eyed boy.

Well, that joke was… horrendous for my taste in jokes but it was something to improve on. I thought. Eyeing Grandpa Virion and then switching my attention to Elder Rinia, thinking of what she would do next. Would she follow her current lines like in the novel, because if so she is doing a great job ignoring me, or will she go off the rails by taking me somewhere private to have a conversation with me after two years of not visiting me during my stay at Heartz. 

"Brat! You don't even know where your parents are but you want to travel all over Sapin, find them and then come back to train? You'd be already dead by the time you make yourself back here." Elder Rinia barked.

She saw Arthur's future? Or his thoughts? It is confusing to find that right answer as to what she did to know his correct thoughts. Though, the question that is being begged here is, can she read mine as well now?

My mind was brought back to the present moment, when Virion spoke. "I didn't tell Rinia any of this. There isn't much you can hide from her, but usually she doesn't bother looking into a person. What made you so nosy Rinia?" Grandpa Virion said, directing a worried gaze towards the elderly lady. 

"You and I both know how special he is. So special, in fact, that there are parts of his life that even I can't see. Arthur, whatever the beast that passed its will onto you, it's not an ordinary beast. Limiting it to an SS class wouldn't give it justice." She pondered for a bit before continuing, yet I can't seem to be correct but I thought I caught her glimpse at me for a second before speaking. 

"Enough about that, though. Arthur, you're here to see your parents so that's what I'll help you do. Close your eyes for a moment and picture your parents. Focus on their appearance and their mana signature. I'll take care of the rest." 

 The boy in front of the giant bowl filled with what appeared to be water, closed his eyes. 

Seconds passed on and Elder Rinia gave her signal, "Okay, you can open your eyes now." 

I could tell even from far away that Arthur's expression turned from doubt to relief when he opened his eyes. He is looking at his family. If I am correct right now. 

From where I was sitting, it was impossible to tell what he was watching, or at least the details of what the water was reflecting aside from his features.

"T-thank you Elder Rinia. Thank you truly for showing me this," he said while he sniffled.

The gray haired elf looked uncomfortable and waved it off.

"Ahem! Let me see where they are now." 

Awaiting her actions next, I expected her to motion her fingers like how some people do when they look at a picture in their smartphones, but I was wrong. 

There was no motion, rather it was done mentally instead of physically. 

A content look appeared on Rinia's face as she said, "It seems like they've made their home in Xyrus. That makes things simpler for us." 

Tess, who had made her way to Art without me noticing, patted his back but her gaze didn't leave the swirling water. 

As she did that, her mouth opened and perhaps muttered something that I couldn't hear or didn't bother to enhance my hearing with mana. 

I knew what she said from my reading in the novel. 

On the other hand, Grandpa Virion clapped his hands together and stood up. 

"Okay! Arthur! Let's let your parents know that you're alive!" 

Elder Virion then explained to us on the spot that there were strict regulations controlling communications between the Kingdom of Elenoir and Sapin. However, Elder Rinia, being a diviner not discovered by the Kingdom of Sapin, allowed us a certain unregulated freedom in a sense.

Next, it was Rinia who explained to Art how the communication was going to work between him and his parents. "How this process will work is that I will pour some of my innate mana into you, establishing a temporary link. When I give you the signal, start speaking as if you're talking to your parents. It's important to know that they will hear your voice inside their heads so they may not believe what you're saying at first. Make sure to get them to believe that it's really you that's speaking to them and that they're not going crazy. Remember, we're just doing this to let them know you're still alive. I'm going to emit your voice directly into both your parents' minds. I can't keep the connection up for long so say what you need to within two minutes," she asserted, a serious gaze from her eyes.

The boy in question nodded. Preparing himself for the next words he would say to his dear ones.

Elder Rinia yelled the signal. "Begin… NOW!"