COTE x TBATE | A Masterpiece

Chapter 04: Sylvia - A Bishop

(A/n Re-posting this chapter since I got a Sylvia Art. She looks like this :) I will post the art at the end of chapter

All credits go to MaiFurumi

An eerie silence followed by the brisk wind ensued right after I said those words. It wasn't just an intuition. The foreign presence that seemed to peer into my very being during the attack by bandits. Then during my fall, the alien mana that tried saving my life. It all indicated one particular outcome.

Someone was watching me. The real question remains- Why?

Was it related to my early awakening? Or if my reincarnation was planned, then was the one who was responsible for my reincarnation looking for me? No other reasons came to mind since by simple process of elimination these two possibilities remain the highest.

This continent was ruled by kings and queens. Meritocracy didn't exist. Power bestowed upon birth was what mattered. It wasn't really earned. The king and queen of the human kingdom would be no different. Selfishness is a disease that plagues every human- even the holiest of saints. And I was no different.

It was entirely possible that the royal family had known of my early awakening, and they wanted to take me and turn me into a military asset of their own. But this possibility seemed unlikely. If it was, they would've taken me away by force. But that didn't happen. Which means it must be the latter. The one who reincarnated me, or someone related to him- close enough.

I waited for a brief moment- hawing for a reply. The branches of the trees in that particular direction made a crackling sound, leaves rustling, wind howling. I stood my ground, mana augmenting my limbs.

"My my... no need to be so wary of me, child." An effeminate voice spoke. Her voice was honey tinted, carrying a certain sense of familiarity. My head cocked to the right, more mana augmenting my entire body as it was covered in a thick layer of flames.

"I mean no harm, child. I merely wanted to have a chat with you", she said in her glacé tone. It was suspicious in more ways than one. However, the only feeling that was alive in me made me listen to it. The natural curiosity that came with being human. There were many things I could get closure on. And even if I couldn't, I am sure I'd be able to get some other benefits out of her.

"So... where to?" I asked, trying to act as casual as I could. I heard the voice giggle slightly as she spoke once again, "I am sure you already know where to come. That technique is quite unique." She said, a genuine curiosity laced in her voice.

"It is? It's a pretty common technique from where I was born", I replied as I took quick mana augmented steps toward the direction from where my mana pulse showed no response. The way to the place was even for the most part with boulders being the main stoppage for the most part.

My feet pressed against the soft fertile soil of the forest while a cold wind blew. Withered leaves crunched under my steps. It was rejuvenating. Not only the wind, the mana density increased the closer I got to the source. As I was walking in the predetermined direction, I heard a sound.
It seemed like the sound of slapping vigorously- but instead deeper, closer to heavy rumbling. I stopped turning my head towards the north-west. Sounds of water falling downstream reached my ears. My feet turned, changing course. My pace increased as I continued my way towards the water source. After a few minutes I arrived at the stream.

Crystal clear water glistened under the sun. Numerous pebbles of different shapes, sizes and colours made its bedrock. My eyes trailed off in multiple directions- probing for anyone around. Once confirming no one was around, I unbuttoned my shirt and removed it. Next up were my pants. With a swift motion of my index finger, I removed it. Dipping my feet slowly in the water, I dived into it.