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Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warnings:
Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death
Categories:
F/MMulti
Fandoms:
転生したらスライムだった件 - 伏瀬 | Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken | That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime - FuseThe Beginning After the End - TurtleMe
Relationships:
Manas: Ciel/Rimuru TempestRimuru Tempest/VelzardManas: Ciel & Rimuru TempestRimuru Tempest & Velzard
Characters:
Rimuru TempestManas: Ciel (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)Velzard (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)Arthur LeywinJasmine FlamesworthTessia EralithCaera DenoirSeris (The Beginning After the End)Agrona VritraSylvia IndrathSylvie (The Beginning After the End)Varay Aurae
Additional Tags:
MagicAetherRomanceDramaPsychological TraumaTraumaThrillerIsekai and TransmigrationTime TravelTime ShenanigansReality BendingDeveloping RelationshipCharacter DeathCharacter DevelopmentAngstFluff and AngstCrossoverCrossovers & Fandom FusionsFate & DestinyFateAngst and TragedyTragedyFanfictionCross-Posted on WattpadBlood and ViolenceOriginal Character(s)
Language:
English
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Published:2024-12-19Updated:2025-03-18Words:107,665Chapters:20/?Comments:10Kudos:24Bookmarks:10Hits:2,552
A New Life [TbatexTensura]
Asuryii
Chapter 10: Meetings Rot With Questioning
Chapter Text
Chapter 10: Meetings Rot With Questioning
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King Grey(Arthur Leywin) POV:
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I never particularly believed in the idea of 'The light at the end of the tunnel'. The idea of a guiding light being shown to you as your life comes to its climax; showing you the way forward, was far too foreign an idea to me.
The idea of it even being something you'd see in near-death experiences made it even more unbelievable. It was frankly nothing but folly. Or at least so I thought-
Here I am staring at the very same light spoken of. The same light I felt was nothing but gobbledigook, pure folly. Yet here I am, staring down that light; walking- being dragged- towards it.
I don't have a clue as to what brought me to this situation. I could only speculate but it was clear to me that I had died. Assassination was likely the reason due to my status and position. It didn't matter that I couldn't remember if I wronged anyone, being a political figure was more than enough reason to many.
No point in pondering over it now. Letting my thoughts halt I allowed myself to gravitate and approach the light. I felt a tinge of excitement and curiosity at the possibilities that lay beyond this light. Yet at the same time I could only assume what would happen and fighting the lights allure seemed pointless.
Time passed by unceremoniously and quite slowly if I may add, it felt as if this journey was lasting a practical and literal eternity. After a while I half expected the black abyss to open up like the curtains of a theater and reveal a parade of some sort or a choir of children humming an angelic and harmonious tune. The tune beckoning me to heaven.
I didn't know what lies beyond the light- I knew of the theories that people subscribed to and the various beliefs but I didn't particularly follow or believe in any one of them. Yet I wouldn't mind heaven existing. I could use a life in the supposed pearly white gates of peace and serenity. Though I know, I was not a particularly devout or virtuous person. The way I lived my life and my pursuit was more in line with sin than virtue but heaven is also about redemption and recognition, right?
Yet instead, contrary to my thoughts and expectations my vision began to blur and turn into a deep red shade- one like blood, and with it a violet sound or buzz assaulted and practically violated my ears. As I tried to speak, ask what was happening- call out to something- nothing escaped my lips but a sound reminiscent of a cry.
The buzzing sound grew clearly and soon I was able to understand as I made out a few words. "Congratulations Sir and Madam, he's a healthy boy." It took a moment for me to process and recognize the inconceivable words I'd heard. But I heard them clearly.
I should've been questioning things, as normally you would. Something like "Shit, was I just born? How'd I become a baby? Am I a baby?" But those normal thoughts did not come to me as I had a single thought come to my head, 'So the blindly bright light at the end of the tunnel is just the light coming from a woman's vag…'
Yep, nope nevermind. Ima let that thought die right there. No need to think about it further.
Rationally as a king should, I began to assess my situation. I started by notating what I knew and could observe at the moment. I could understand the language clearly. This alone was a great sign- learning a new language is a pain in the ass.
After noting that I painfully pried my eyes open, it was a slow and arduous process. It felt as if I'd taken a whole day's work of hard labor in order to just open my eyes– all to allow my infantile retinas to be bombarded and practically overwhelmed by the immense collection of colors and figures around me. It took more than a few moments to adjust to the blinding light, but it wasn't g8
anything a few rapid blinks couldn't fix to clear and adjust my vision.
Yet rather than a beautiful woman greeting my eyes first, or at least a mildly attractive doctor- I was a frankly not-so-appealing face, with long graying hair on his head and chin. Yet it was worse that it was thinning, and with it he wore a pair of glasses so thick I felt they must've been bulletproof, maybe bomb proof wouldn't surprise me.
This was also made worse by the fact that he wasn't wearing a doctor's gown and we weren't even in a hospital room. I appeared to have been born in the middle of something akin to a satanic ritual, the room was only lit by candles and the floor was cushioned by a bed of straw.
Finally my attention was drawn elsewhere and I saw a female- the female who pushed me out the tunnel or in other words my mother. I took a few moments to take in her appearance and I had to admit. My mother was quite a beauty. I felt that part of it was due to my blurred vision but I didn't have to question.
Rather than a beauty like that of a supermodel, a glamorous beauty she was more lovely; a kind and gentle sense. Her distinctly auburn hair and brown eyes stuck out and complimented the long eyelashes and perky nose she had. She permeated this motherly aura. I felt as if I wanted to cling to her. I couldn't help but wonder- if this is why babies were attracted to their mothers?
Peeling my gaze away from my mother I turned barely to my right and made out the figure who I assumed was my father. This was purely an assumption based on his idiotic grin and teary eyed gaze- a look of pride but not in oneself.
Immediately as he recognized my gaze he spoke, "Hi little Art, I'm your daddy, can you say dada?" With a single glance around the room I could see my mother and the house doctor sigh, rolling their eyes. My mother managed to scoff, "Honey, he was just born."
I took a closer look at my father and despite his loose screws expecting a newborn to be able to formulate words let alone articulate a two-syllable word(I'll give him the benefit of the doubt; it's just his joy at becoming a father). He was quite a charismatic man, a cleanly shaven square jaw line complemented his features. Ashy brown hair laid atop his head, it seemed like he took care to keep it groomed based on its length- he had fierce and strong eyebrows, the extended out almost like swords meeting in a V shape. But despite the strong appearance he held gentle eyes. It could've been partly due to the way they dropped near the end or the deep blue, practically sapphire hue that his irises radiated.
I was partly lost in my train of thought checking out… I mean observing my parents as the doctor reassured my mother that my lack of crying was quite normal but to still remain vigilant if anything happens.
The doctor began to excuse himself as a wash of dread tangled with the feeling of comfort and warmth filled the room. A foreign presence that radiated and expressed an air of discomforting familiarity. I felt as if my worst nightmares and yet my greatest dreams entered the room as the doctor closed the door behind him.
I held an immense curiosity to look towards the doorway, towards where the doctor walked out and the place the paced, confident, and light footsteps came from.
Honestly I hadn't felt emotions or feelings like this once in my life. I was at an impasse, my mind and body conflicted. I was in a state of mental chaos. My mind shatters and reshapes itself with each moment that passes. A tumultuous and violent confusion flooded my mind. The footsteps came to a halt, the weight of my conflicting thoughts dissipating.
The feelings of weariness and excitement came to a halt, as the door of the room my mother gave birth to was knocked on. A soft symphony of knocking came from the door. A quick glance towards my father calmed any worry and confusion in my mind, his face wore an expression of gratitude, an odd excitement, and a hope. Not a single negative emotion or tinge or worry was truly laid on his face.
My father walked towards the door before calmly closing it after a moment. "Congrats Uncle Reynolds, Aunt Alice. I brought a gift basket Mr. Dollard asked me to deliver. He arranged guards in your place and allowed me to excuse myself." I looked towards the source of the voice. The person was clearly male due to the infelections in their voice, yet they spoke in a higher pitch, but despite this they radiated confidence mixed with calm.
I was able to turn and see the person as my father spoke, "I'll have to thank Mr. Dollard it seems. Well Rimuru, this is our son, his name is Arthur." The higher pitched voice made it clear the person was young, likely not finished with puberty but I wasn't prepared to see a child. One that looked as if they had barely entered kindergarten based on their size.
My father gestured towards me as he introduced Rimuru to me, his newborn son. I felt conflicted that he possibly assumed a newborn would remember people they meet but those thoughts disappeared as the boy's gaze met mine.
He wore a head full of long and luscious hair(oddly well treated if I may add) as black as night, it practically looked as if he ripped out strands of the night sky and allowed it to grow from his scalp. He had mostly rounded features like what one would expect from a kid about his age but despite this he seemed more lean and muscular than a kid should be; his features more defined because of it. But I couldn't turn away as he and I locked eyes.
His eyes were more feline than man, yet they were as red as blood. His eyes expressed wisdom beyond his years and a stark understanding of the horrors of the dark side of life. Experience in all aspects of life practically emanates like an aura from him. His eyes, especially sharp, trained, and analytical. He walked slowly towards me and as he approached I only could muster a single thought.
'How could a child walk with such regality?' Everything about the boy, about Rimuru, screamed odd. The presence I felt as he entered the house, the torrent of rampant emotions that washed over me, the stark contrast between his appearance and expression of it, but more than anything it was the look of an instant realization in his eyes as he made his final step towards me.
He stopped a few feet from me and my mother. As his footfalls came to a halt a wave of warmth and comfort filled the room, it was like the comfort I felt before but without the discomfort. It was as if my body had adjusted or realized- he wasn't a danger, a foreign inexplicable entity. He was an extremely odd boy.
Yet as he stood before me I couldn't help but see him as family like my mother and father, but in a different sense. It was like I'd finally met a kin, a family member I never saw but was destined to be acquainted with.
A soft smile filled his face, his dimples showing slightly. "It's nice to meet you Art, I hope we'll get along." He put a single finger before me, my innate infantile nature taking over partly as my fingers tightly grasped his finger.
I hadn't known at the time but this was a meeting that would forever alter the life I would live. I, King Grey, now Arthur Leywin. Wouldn't be a lonely king, ruthless, and remorseless; empty from a pursuit of revenge and senseless violence. No one to look up to, forever trapped as the height others gazed upon with envy and ire.
This day, I had gained something I never knew I wanted or needed. I gained a brother, an older brother. Someone to look up to, someone I could trust to forever be beside me. A ride or die.
Today King Grey gained not only a family, a new life and a second chance. All things he never thought possible, but he also gained a brother. One he'd forever be supported by.
My birth marked the birth of the greatest brotherhood to cross all of Alacrya, Epheotus, and Dicathen.
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The following months of my journey in this new life were quite unceremonious and frankly tortuous- I wouldn't wish such a fate on my worst enemy. The extreme lack of motor control, being left unable to do anything but wave them around- yet even that little movement quickly became tiring. Yet the lack of motor control isn't the truly terrible part. That title would go to the 0 control I have over my bowels, I can't even excrete my wastes at my own discretion. I've yet to master my bladder. Fuck…it came out.
I wasn't sure how to break it to you all but a baby doesn't grab your finger because they like you, it's a reflexive movement; like hitting your funny bone. Yet despite this on the bright side, one of the perks was being happily accustomed to being breastfed.
I have no ulterior motives, don't doubt me. Breast milk is just better tasting than baby formula and more nutritious. Please, you gotta believe me.
I know that my older brother Rimuru doesn't, and he's 4. It's not like he has years of life and knows I'm reincarnated. It's actually kind of a shot in the heart seeing his face after my mother, Alice, is done feeding me and leaves us together.
It does feel weird, I was a King in my previous life yet here I am. Looking up to a four-year-old as my older brother, I know we aren't related but he's a brother figure nonetheless. It would stand to logic that I see him as a child I need to care for once I can move properly but Rimuru, my brother, is oddly mature.
I don't want to assume anything but I wouldn't mind if he ended up being someone who also reincarnated. At least then maybe that'd mean this is a normal phenomena. "Alright Art, today I'll be reading you this." I sat in front of Rimuru in the library as he held up a book with a leather cover, it seemed quite worn but of high quality.
I was already quite interested due to what he has been doing the last few weeks. Since I began to make discoveries regarding my world. This started ever since my mother proved one of my hopes wrong. At first after learning that the Satanic room was actually my parents bedroom, I found a sense of hope in the thought that this world could be the past of my own world. Obviously in a time before electricity was invented.
That hope would quickly be shattered one day as my mother healed a scratch on my leg, after my idiotic father bumped me into a drawer while swinging me around. It wasn't a band-aid for your boo-boo's or a kiss and heal but a genuine shining verdant light with a faint hum from her fucking hands type of healing,
It was like magic, I only had a single question as I saw that. Where the hell am I?
My parents were good people, maybe the best of people. Secretly I was suspicious that my mother may be a real-life angel due to how kindhearted and warm she is. She took me around the town of Ashber- which was more of a glorified outpost than anything but lining the main dirt trail was rows of tents with merchants and salesmen selling a variety of things– from everyday necessities to odd instruments I couldn't help but raise questions about like weapons, armor, and rocks..SHINING ROCKS!!
The strangest thing was trying to get used to seeing people carry around weapons like a designer bag. Hell, I saw a man around 170cm tall carrying a gigantic war axe that was larger than him! My mother constantly talked to me, likely to help me learn the language faster. She talked to me while shopping for groceries, exchanging pleasantries with various people we passed by.
Yet Rimuru after I began eagerly growing curious about the world around me started to read to me- he began to talk to me in a more professional manner as if he was speaking to an adult. He used words like expedite, expansive, habilmente, and hell even words I couldn't recognize without taking a moment to read into the context. He still played with me like you would for a child my age but he spoke as if he was an adult talking to his junior coworker.
At times I even felt as if I was talking to a fellow king, but one thing I could count on after my curiosities grew was Rimuru to satisfy my desire to learn. After trips out with my mother and my bodies required naps. He would come and pick me up- together we'd go to the library and he'd sit me in his lap as he began to read various books to me.
His finger tracing the line he was reading, giving me a good look at the writing system and making following along a breeze. Each time he would read a book to me, I would gain more than I could've gleaned alone. I may be able to read alone, but the insight he provides along with reading the book to me has proven instrumental to my understanding of the world.
Rimuru opened the book and began to read it to me- the book was called 'Basics of Mana Cores and Affinites'.
Clearing his throat Rimuru began to read the words lining the pages to me- the pace was somewhat fast. Yet the pace wasn't an issue, I was fully invested. Curious and gaining every bit of information I could as fast as I could. His voice is quite soft and the way he takes pauses to point out various lines; speaking on them in further detail is quite investing.
He'd make a wonderful teacher.
Despite me being a baby- barely a few months old. He seems to have understood how I take in information, but not in the way parents know that talking to babies promotes their understanding of language. He seems to innately understand that I am actually understanding and comprehending what he's saying. It's a little creepy in a way, it feels as if he could almost read my mind or he was aware of my reincarnation…
But recently having achieved my life's greatest achievement– Learning to crawl. While I, sadly, am still tormented by a diaper rash I was finally able to witness my own greatness. This was the first day I thought he could read minds.
As soon as I learned to crawl, my first destination was the mirror- my parents laughing in the background as I eagerly crawled as fast as I could towards the mirror. They likely thought it was cute crawling at mach 20, but Rimuru wore a knowing smirk. I tried to ignore it as I admired myself. It would be a lie to say I wasn't attractive- I was extremely blessed. I got my fathers deep blue, sapphire eyes and my mothers auburn hair. I had soft yet defined features.
'"Watch out, future ladies prepare to be heartbroken."' It took me a second as I finished my thought to realize, Rimuru had said what I was thinking the same moment the thought crossed my mind. His reflection in the mirror showed a small smile filling his face- one of satisfaction and recognition. "That must be what little Art is thinking."
My parents laughed at Rimuru's words but I was frankly creeped out- everyday after then he changed the pace of the reading sessions and how he would explain things. It was advanced to begin with but after then he was making sly remarks and references. Connections to things that only an adult would understand.
I tried not to think about it but couldn't help but feel anxious. This all was made worse as he read about mana affinities to me, and with it small bits of history regarding the continent we live in. Dicathen.
I couldn't help but notice a seething rage building under his breath as he read. "The three types or people known to inhabit Dicathen since ancient times are- The humans in Sapin, the elves in the Elshire Forest, and the Dwarves in the mountains of Darv." I could almost feel a sense of hatred as he read the next line, "In ages long forgotten the Deities blessed the people of Dicathen with the ability to fight- to protect themselves."
I knew then, Rimuru knew more than he let on- more than my parents knew. Something about him was different, he was too emotional and aware.
It was then that I came to a conclusion. My brother figure, Rimuru. He was a reincarnated man, from an age long forgotten. An age the history books and stories of Dicathen recorded wrongly.
Something was missing from history. And he knew it.
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Chapter 10 End~ 3638
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