I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Adam woke up the next day, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He didn't remember how he fell asleep but understood his state was worrying if he didn't spend the night in the Dream Place.

He muttered "Interface" with a tired voice before reading the note.

[Note: Warning! Soul is heavily damaged. Serves you right for your false bravado against an arcanist.]

"Shit..." Adam despaired. He felt that ever since he awakened in this world, his soul had been wounded, and no matter what he did, the damages only worsened instead of healing.

'Sight... I'd better find useful books in the library.' He thought, hoping to find a way to accelerate his recovery through alchemy like he had so many years ago.

Remembering the old days, he couldn't help but smile faintly. 'No matter where you are now, old dog, I hope you are happy and will see the new potions I make.'

He silently prayed, in his own way, for Theodore's soul before returning his attention to the note. 'Arcanist?' Adam searched his memory, attempting to remember the power hierarchy Lucius mentioned years ago.

'Wait, Arcanist? As in the sixth tier of mastery?' His eyes widened in fright. He knew Shepard was stronger than Vikram, but not two whole tiers higher.

A shiver ran down his spine as he recalled the events of the previous day and how, without even lifting a finger, the college's director could decide their fates.

Wouldn't having such a mighty and knowledgeable teacher be advantageous?" He couldn't help but seriously consider the option. The potential benefits of accepting seemed boundless.

Before diving too deeply into Shepard's proposition and its implications, he was interrupted by the sound of whistling air and heavy breathing.

He narrowed his eyes, gazing toward the source. Before him stood Julius, every contour of his muscled physique chiselled with precision. Beads of sweat adorned his glistening chest, accentuating the marble-like definition of his muscles.

The boy's gaze exuded concentration and determination as he vigorously swung his gladius against what seemed to be an imaginary adversary.

'... Is he still human, or a statue depicting Greek heroes?' Adam thought with a hint of jealousy before shaking his head. Why the jealousy? Wasn't he witnessing the result of his long plan?

Adam groaned as he stretched under the dawn's rays streaming through the window. "Didn't you sleep at all?" he asked Julius.

"Nope," Julius replied, grabbing a towel from the bag Asha had given him.

Adam glanced at the schedule paper and noted they had six hours of class ahead. The first lesson was three hours of mana control and application in alchemy, followed by a lesson on transmutation, a subject he knew nothing about. Only after those classes could they go to the library to search for potion books, just as he wanted.

Adam used his mana to help clean Julius, removing the remaining sweat and dirt. Once Julius was freshened up, he changed into his school uniform, a stylish black and red robe adorned with the academy's emblem woven in golden thread on the chest area.

With Julius ready for the day, they headed to the cafeteria. Julius hoped to meet with his friends. After all, it became a habit for them to eat together while sharing stories.

After a short walk, Julius glanced around the bustling cafeteria, the cacophony of voices mixing with clinking utensils.

With his plate of food in hand, he made his way to the serving area, selecting three eggs, brown bread and a cup of refreshing mint tea. He remembered that the enrollment cost covered meals, alleviating any worries about payment.

His eyes scanned the room, searching for his group of friends, but they were nowhere to be seen. Instead, he spotted Morgane alone at a table. Deciding to join her, Julius sat across from her and started to eat.

However, just as he began to enjoy his meal, Morgane's voice sounded as she frowned in annoyance. "I already told you to tell your friend not to gaze at me."

Astonished, Julius turned his head to see his big brother fixing the red-haired girl. Why did it feel like he was interested in her? Julius' thoughts wandered for a bit before he nudged his brother, asking him to stop.

"I don't know why, but I feel we might have met her in the past," Adam answered apologetically before turning his gaze away from the girl And signalling Julius to answer her.

"I don't know who you are talking about. As you can see, we are the only two sitting at this table." Julius denied her words, keeping Adam's existence secret despite Shepard's discovery.

"Sure." Morgane snorted disdainfully in response, clearly not believing him, before drinking the hot and flavorful soup from her bowl. "I don't want to be stared at daily. So, you either make him stop, or I'll officially complain."

Julius' face paled as he heard her threats. Even though he never heard of her, she was from the Bellorian Kingdom's royalty. He had no doubts that her complaints might have terrible repercussions on his life. He didn't want yesterday's incident to repeat but with his teachers this time.

Julius apologised with a wry smile, "I'm sorry, I'll tell him no to. You have my words."

Adam's eyes widened in response. He quickly shook Julius' shoulder, screaming. "Why did you say that? You just admitted my existence!"

Julius scratched his head before murmuring with a shrug, "She already knows. Makes no difference if I admit it or not." Then, he returned to finish breakfast, unbothered by Adam's angry gaze.

'Tch, Cheeky brat. Since when do you answer to me?' Adam thought in annoyance. However, deep down, he acknowledged Julius' words. It was true that Morgane noticed him gazing at her twice already. It couldn't be a coincidence.

As the bell chimed, signalling the start of their lesson, Adam and Julius exchanged excited glances, eager to uncover the mysteries it held and deepen their understanding of the arcane arts.

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