Dualities | Solo levelling X Tbate

Visions of the past/Greeting

The creature's demonic head, with a gaping maw that could swallow cities, was adorned with a host of jagged, spike-like horns. The back of its skull was outlined by particularly large horns, while even larger ones sprouted from either side, lending the creature an almost infernal crown. Its teeth were dark and razor-sharp, contrasting with the deep crimson of its gums.

Arthur gaped in awe as he beheld the creature's immense size, taking in the full scope of its terrifying presence. Even from this great distance, its head alone filled the vast expanse of his vision. The creature seemed to radiate a palpable aura of malevolence.

"So you finally show your true form." The man in black stood tall and composed, his voice cutting through the tumultuous air. His words carried a weight that seemed to echo across the very fabric of reality. Arthur watched in awe as the man and the dragon turned to face him, their eyes blazing in their respective colours. The crimson and purple orbs seemed to hold within them a power that could shake the foundations of the world.

The man's words were like a clarion call, ringing through Arthur's essence and shaking him to his core. It was as if the man had reached into the depths of his being and pulled him back to consciousness.

"It's time to wake up," the man said, his voice steady and sure. It was a command, not a suggestion. And as he spoke, Arthur felt himself being pulled back to the waking world, his mind clearing and his senses sharpening. He was no longer lost in the chaos of his dreams, but firmly grounded in reality once more.

Arthur jolted awake with a strangled scream, his breaths coming out in ragged gasps. He clutched at his chest, as if trying to grip onto his racing heart in an attempt to steady himself. The world around him slowly came into focus as he looked around, his eyes scanning his surroundings. The feeling of his dream still lingered, the memory of the giant dragon and the man in black etched deeply into his mind - he definitely knew them but for some inexplicable reason, it felt like he was manipulating his own consciousness, as if someone or something was tampering with his thoughts.

Hearing some noise, he raised his head only to gasp for air as Caera embraced him tightly. Her navy blue hair fell around them like a curtain, but he could still see her tearful eyes and trembling lips. Her hands rested on his shoulders, and he could feel the warmth of her touch.

"So-sorry" she quivered. Relaxing his arms he gently placed it on her scalp and patted her head. As he ran his fingers over the smooth surface of the horns, he felt a strange energy emanating from them, pulsing like a heartbeat. 

Noticing his touch she raised her head up in shame, "Arthur..." she paused unable to find reasons to explain herself, but Arthur responded back with a smile. "You don't need to say anything, I already had a hunch from the start. Besides if you're still alive with those two around then I figure there's nothing to worry about." He said, his gaze wandering to Igris and Beru who stood with their arms crossed, their expressionless faces giving no hint of their thoughts. Arthur turned back to Caera and gently lifted her chin with his finger, so she would look him in the eyes.

"You're my friend, Caera. That's all that matters to me. No matter what you are or what you've done, I'll always be here for you," he said with a gentle smile.

Ceara's eyes began to well up with tears, and she threw her arms around him once more. This time, Arthur hugged her back tightly, feeling her body shake with sobs.
"Ah, quite the touching scene, but I must admit it's rather fitting." Sylvia's voice interrupted as she cradled a sleeping Sylvie in her arms, seated on a chair formed of mana. Arthur turned to face Sylvia, a small smile playing on his lips. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Sylvia chuckled softly, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Well, you and Caera seem to be getting quite close, don't you think?" she said, nodding towards the two of them.