Another Beginning After The End - A TBATE Fanfiction(re-written)

Should i fight the war? But for what? For what reason should I fight? Noctis thought. These are not my people, this is not my world. I was thrown into this dying world by some higher being, and I don't even know if I would get a second chance or not.

As the realization settles, Noctis's mind races with possibilities. He glances around, ensuring no one has noticed his eavesdropping. His eyes dart nervously, trying to calm the storm inside him. He doesn't want people to think he's just a crazy kid lost in delusions. Yet, his face betrays him—shifting from anger to a grin, then to a thoughtful expression, before settling on a small, determined smile.

Just then, an elderly man walks by, pausing to look at Noctis with a mix of confusion and worry. Noctis catches the glance and quickly composes himself, brushing it off with a casual shrug.

Noctis taps his chin thoughtfully, a small smile playing on his lips. Yes that should be it "For my own freedom, for starters. And maybe... just maybe, I could help others like Arthur someday. Wouldn't that be something?" Why, you may ask? Why should he help and not just mind his own business? The answer is simple—since he's already here and doesn't know if he'll get another chance at life, he might as well save this world if he has to live in it.

With a new sense of purpose, Noctis begins to move away from the pub, his steps light and careful.

He weaves through the thinning crowd, keeping his head down. "First things first," he thinks. "I need to get out of the city. Can't exactly practice mana core creation and physical training here without raising suspicions."

As he approaches the city gates, Noctis notices the guards lounging lazily at their posts.

Noctis casually strolls past, blending in with a group of merchants. "Thank you, overworked and underpaid city guards. Your lack of enthusiasm is my gain."

Once outside the city walls, Noctis finds a secluded spot near the forest beside Eistin city to catch his breath and gather his thoughts.

He sits cross-legged on the grass, closing his eyes in concentration. "Now, about those breathing techniques... Fire and Thunder Breathing. What if I combined them?"

Memories of the techniques flood Noctis's mind, their purpose and mechanics becoming clearer.

His eyes snap open, a look of realization spreading across his face. "Of course! The elements were just visualizations for the Demon Slayers. But here, with real mana... the possibilities are endless!"

Excitement bubbles within Noctis as he considers the potential of merging these techniques with elemental magic.

He rises to his feet, a determined glint in his lavender eyes. "Fire and lightning... that's plasma, isn't it? But for now, let's call it Blaze Breathing." It's a hybrid Breathing Style, one that fuses the speed and reaction time of Thunder Breathing with the raw power and destructive force of Flame Breathing. The style focuses on overwhelming opponents with blinding speed while delivering devastating, singular strikes that leave no room for retaliation.

Yet, the thought of creating such a technique feels daunting—it would take years of refinement. He pauses, a flicker of realization crossing his mind. "But... science. It might take some time, but it's possible to create a new Breathing technique." His focus shifts. "But for now, I should learn something already out there... Sun Breathing, after all, is the strongest."

Sun Breathing Techniques

Dance - The user performs a singular downwards vertical slash in an arcing motion.

Clear Blue Sky - The user spins and twists their upper body in a circular motion, releasing a 360° slash.

Raging Sun - The user unleashes two consecutive horizontal arcing slashes around themselves to strike incoming attacks.

Burning Bones, Summer Sun - The user performs a singular slash utilizing a spiraling motion which extends in front of themselves to defend from imminent frontal attacks.

Setting Sun Transformation - The user backflips into the air before performing a singular horizontal slash which aims to decapitate the target.

Solar Heat Haze - The user rushes forth, now attempting to deliver a strike seemingly enveloped in a heat-haze, masking the true length and location of the blade to deliver an unexpected strike.

Beneficent Radiance - The user spirals into the air whilst performing a swirling slash upwards to strike the target.

Sunflower Thrust - The user performs a singular thrust utilizing the tip of their blade to strike the target.

Dragon Sun Halo Head Dance - The user assumes a high stance, before unleashing a number of consecutive slashes in a fluid motion in the form of a Japanese dragon made of solar flames. This technique is capable of decapitating multiple targets at once.

Fire Wheel - The user flips into the air behind the opponent before unleashing a singular vertical slash in a circular motion to swiftly cut the target in half.

Fake Rainbow - The user performs high-speed twists and rotations, thus creating afterimages used mostly to evade attacks. The afterimages work most effectively on enemies with sharp vision.

Flame Dance - A two-combo strike which starts with a vertical slash leading into a horizontal slash right after.

Thirteenth Form - The user continuously performs all twelve forms of Sun Breathing in repetitive succession to increase the accuracy and agility of their movements, and attacks. This form was created solely for the purpose of killing Muzan Kibutsuji, since the repetition of all twelve forms aims to destroy Muzan's twelve vital organs (seven hearts and five brains) that move freely inside his body.

As the sun begins to set, Noctis makes his way back to the city, his mind whirling with ideas.

Noctis slinks through the shadows, eyes fixed on the nearby fruit stand. The ripe apples gleam in the soft moonlight, practically calling to him. Sorry, he thinks, but a growing mage needs his strength. A smirk tugs at the corners of his lips as he calculates the perfect moment to strike.

With practiced ease, he swipes an apple and a chunk of bread, clutching them to his chest. His heart races with the thrill of success. Every muscle tenses as he prepares to slip away into the alley, but just as he begins to move, a hand grips his shoulder with shocking force.

Before he can react, a slap lands across his face with a deafening crack. The world tilts as the sting explodes on his cheek. For a moment, everything blurs—his vision falters, his ears ring. Pain radiates from his face, hot and searing. What just happened? he thinks, dizzy and disoriented, but the voice of the man who slapped him cuts through the fog.

"You think you can steal from me and get away with it? I'm taking you to the guards!" The man's voice is gruff, thick with anger and pride.

Noctis freezes, the dread sinking into his gut. The idea of being caught, dragged to the city guards... it's enough to freeze his blood. His stomach twists in fear. But then—No. A spark of defiance flickers in his chest. No way... not this time.

His body reacts faster than his mind, instinct taking over. With swift desperation, he drives his foot up into the man's groin. The man's expression twists in agony as he gasps, collapsing to the ground. Noctis doesn't wait. He shoves some fruit into his pocket and grabs a handful of bread before bolting.

His legs surge into motion, carrying him faster than he ever thought possible. The adrenaline courses through him, turning him into something more than human as he pushes himself forward, away from the chaos.

His feet slap against the cobblestones, each breath ragged and panicked. I need to get out of here. I need to disappear. His heart pounds in his chest, the sound of his steps drowning out everything else as he races through the alleyways, weaving through narrow streets. Finally, he reaches the flat rooftop of the abandoned house he knows well. He hauls himself up, breathless and desperate to escape the madness below.

Crouching on the roof, his back pressed against the cool stone, Noctis clutches the stolen food to his chest. I almost didn't make it. A cold shiver runs through him, and for a moment, it's not just fear—it's the reminder of his reality. I need to be smarter. His mind races with possibilities. If I keep doing this, next time... I might not be so lucky.

The gnawing hunger is still there, pulling at him. He takes a quick bite of the fruit, the sweetness almost bitter in his mouth, but the cold weight of his situation digs deeper. I need a new plan. The thought lingers in his mind. I can't keep doing this forever.

He sighs, his lavender eyes narrowing as he watches the city lights flicker in the distance. I'll figure it out. I always do. And for a fleeting moment, a small, bitter smile touches his lips.

As night falls, Noctis settles onto his chosen rooftop, the city sprawling below him, its lights flickering like distant stars. The cool air brushes against his face, calming his restless mind, but his thoughts are far from peaceful. His body hums with the aftereffects of his training. Every muscle still feels the strain, but he knows it's all part of the process. 

He closes his eyes, focusing on his breathing. Slow, deep inhale, expanding his lung capacity, fueling his movements... Quick, sharp exhale, releasing the stored energy to power his strikes, the force of his breath cutting through the air...

Noctis begins to experiment with the Sun Breathing technique, alternating between slow, controlled breaths that draw deep from his core and quick, explosive exhales that seem to ignite his very being. The energy inside him begins to crackle and surge with each breath, as if he's channeling the essence of fire itself.

His body begins to hum with energy as he exhales. Slow and controlled, like gathering the sun's power, soaking up the warmth of the day's last light... then fast and precise, releasing it with every movement, like a flare of solar brilliance.

As he continues the exercise, Noctis feels the surge of energy coursing through him. His strikes, initially hesitant, become sharper, more fluid, his muscles responding to the rhythm of his breath. It's as if the power of the sun is flowing through his every action, bending the very air around him.

His eyes flutter open, a faint glow emanating from his skin. "Is this... mana? No, not quite. It's like physical energy, like my stamina, but something more. A spark... something I can feel but can't quite touch. A start, at least."

Encouraged by his progress, Noctis pushes himself further into the night, determined to master this new technique. The city, silent and distant, becomes a blur as his focus narrows to the rhythm of his breath.

He pauses for a moment, gazing up at the stars. The night sky is vast, its endless expanse reminding him of just how small he is in the grand scheme of things. But tonight, the stars seem to promise something—hope, perhaps, or maybe the certainty that if he keeps pushing, he'll find what he's searching for. "One step at a time. First Sun Breathing, then a mana core. And after that..."

Noctis goes to sleep at midnight, tired from the exercise and the thoughts that have consumed him. The weight of his journey presses down on him, but he drifts into a deep, quiet sleep, knowing tomorrow brings another day of training.

As dawn breaks, Noctis stirs from his slumber on the rooftop, the first rays of sunlight warming his face. The city is quiet, still wrapped in the soft embrace of early morning, but he's already awake, his body and mind primed for the challenge ahead.

He sits up, crossing his legs into a meditative pose, the sun's warmth spreading through him like liquid gold. "Alright, let's do this. Sun Breathing and then mana core formation, here we go."

Noctis closes his eyes, focusing intently on his breathing technique. Each inhale feels like drawing in the very essence of the sun, each exhale a release of power. His chest rises and falls in a controlled rhythm. "In through the nose, out through the mouth. Feel the energy building up, like drawing in the power of the sun... hah, of course it's not actually the case, but it feels like it."

Hours pass as he maintains his focus, the sun climbing higher in the sky, its rays now fully illuminating the world around him. But his thoughts remain still, rooted in his training. He knows that this technique will demand more than just physical endurance—it requires mental discipline, clarity, and the strength to push past his limits.

Why practice mana core creation with Sun Breathing? Because breathing techniques do more than fuel physical power; they sharpen mental focus and strengthen resolve. Total Concentration Breathing, something Noctis had read about, was not just about stamina—it was about mastering control. Mastery of the body leads to mastery of the mind, and that's the true path toward unlocking his potential. As his stamina improves, so too will his strength, speed, and endurance, each improvement taking him closer to the elusive mana core.

His eyes snap open, a faint glow emanating from his chest. "Is that... Did I just...? One percent down, ninety-nine to go! Mana core formation."

Exhilarated by his progress, Noctis springs to his feet, ready for the next phase of his training. His muscles burn with exertion, but there's a fire in his chest now—a promise of what's to come.

He begins a series of push-ups, his breathing steady and controlled, each movement synchronized with his breathing. "One hundred push-ups, just like Saitama. Let's see if this world's physics are as forgiving."

As the day wears on, Noctis pushes through sit-ups, squats, and a long run around the city. His body protests at first, aching with every step, but he refuses to slow down. The sun beats down on him, but he doesn't mind the heat. It's a reminder that he's alive, that he's pushing forward.

He collapses onto the rooftop, chest heaving. "Okay... maybe... not quite... Saitama level... yet..."

After a brief rest, Noctis heads out to the market, his stomach growling insistently. But this time, there's a difference in his approach. His thoughts are sharper, his movements more deliberate.

He considers quickly pocketing an apple and a chunk of bread, but his mind drifts back to the events of the previous night. His instincts have become sharper since he began this training, and something about the market today feels different. He's more alert than he's ever been, his senses honed. Remembering his close call last night, he heads to the back of the pub he visited before, where discarded food lies untouched at the back side of the pub. finding some half eaten bread and fruits ect.

He gathers what he can, moving quickly and quietly, a plan forming in his mind. He'll find another way to survive, one where he doesn't have to rely on anyone else. As he scavenges, he's already thinking of the next step—of how to push further, get stronger, and maybe even turn the tables on his fate.

As the sun begins to set, Noctis returns to his rooftop, ready to continue his grueling routine.

Yes, like some of you might think—why is he training here? Wasn't he going to go near the forest outside of the city? Well, the first time he ventured out, he immediately realized that surviving outside would require more strength than he had. A poisonous snake and a wild boar, larger than any he'd seen, had been enough to make him rethink his strategy. The wilderness wasn't ready for him yet—not until he grew stronger.

Noctis settles into his meditation pose once more. "Alright, round two. Let's see if we can bump that core up to two percent."

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, yet Noctis's dedication never wavered. He knew the path ahead was long and uncertain, but with each passing day, he felt himself inching closer to something greater. The fire burning within him refused to be extinguished.

Survival pushed him to adapt. At first, he relied on scavenging scraps of food from the backs of pubs and restaurants. However, as time passed, he realized this wouldn't be enough to sustain him. Driven by necessity, Noctis began venturing toward the forest's edge. Though fear gripped him at first, the thought of survival—and the need for a steady source of food—forced him to overcome it.

His determination led him to explore the nearby shore, where fishing became another means of survival. Luck played a role, and on days when he managed to catch a large fish, he could even sell it for extra coin. With each small victory, Noctis grew more resourceful, slowly transforming fear into resolve.

SIX MONTHS LATER

He stands at the edge of the rooftop, surveying the city below. "Six months... It feels like forever and no time at all. I wonder if anyone's noticed my 'training montage' up here. Probably not. But I'll keep going, no matter what."