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The following contains spoilers from the manhwa and light novel not yet adapted to the anime
Recently, fans ofThe Beginning After The Endwere treated to the first anime adaption of thehighly popular isekai manwha and light novel. Things started off slow as the show took its time to develop Arthur/King Grey and his relationship with his new parents. While there was not much action to speak of in the opening episode, those who stuck around until the very end were teased with the introduction of a new character.
Those coming in fresh to the animewith no context might assume that this large and imposing monstrous figure is foreshadowing a looming threat that Arthur will have to face. Just who is this figure, and how will they fit into Arthur’s reborn life in a different world?
A Mysterious Being
Are they Friend or Foe?
Despite the teased character’s intimidating appearance, which features red glowing eyes and a spiky exterior, this monster is actually one of the most supportive characters for Arthur early in his journey. Her name is Sylvia, and this is not her true form, she is actually wearing dark armor. While wearing armor, she possesses glowing red eyes and towers of the tiny Arthur. However, she later reveals her true appearance to the young boy, which turns out to be a kindly dragon with glowing and shimmering scales.
“Such good manners for a child. Do not worry; I am expecting neither a favor nor your gratitude. I am simply doing this for my own amusement. Come! Sit here closer to me and keep me company. I haven’t talked to anyone in a while.” -Sylvia to Arthur Leywin.
After a plot event that sees Arthur separated from his parents, Sylvia reaches out to the injured young boy and invites him into the cave she has been hiding out in. Arthur, following her presence and voice, travels to her location and falls down a cavern to meet her. Once together, Sylvia promises to open a dimensional gate with her powers to send Arthur back home and assures him that his friends and family are safe.
“As the fearsome figure clad in dark armor walked away, I couldn’t help but think how lonely she appeared.” -Arthur Leywin.
Over several months, Slyvia introduces herself to Arthur and develops a close relationship with him as she starts taking care of him. Arthur consumed by thoughts of revenge, is tempered by Sylvia’s caring demeanor as he is taught how to utilize mana under her wing.
Tragedy Strikes
Her Final Gift to Arthur
During the time they are together, unbeknownst to Arthur, Sylvia had been helping him at the expense of her own life. She would feed him fruit while the act of creating the dimensional gate would bring her closer to death.
“I have many enemies that desperately wish for something that I have” -Slyvia.
It is revealed that she has been intentionally hiding out after suffering a grave wound in a previous battle. Just as she finishes the portal for Athur, her enemies find and attempt to capture her. Sylvia entrusts Arthur with a small dragon egg and her beast will. Before they part ways, she asks as her final wish for Arthur to call her grandma just one time, which he obliges after being flung into the portal while desperately trying to save her.
“Thank you.. My child.” -Sylvia.
While distraught by the loss of Sylvia, Arthur would suddenly hear her voice again in the form of a recording. The recording encourages Arthur to keep moving forward, and promises that more will be revealed when he progresses his mana core past the white stage, when she will explain everything. Before her message ends, she confirms she knows more than she had let on, signing off by calling Arthur by the name of his old world, King Grey.
The Beginning After The Endanime choosing to tease Sylvia this way at the end of episode 1 set the scene for anime watchers to speculate and for webcomic and light novel readers to be hit with a wave of old emotions. Hopefully,the anime is able to do Arthur and Sylvia’s scenes justiceas it serves as an important early emotional foundation for the story.
