I Refused To Be Reincarnated

He noticed how she locked her hazel eyes into his. A hint of happiness danced in them, but a frustrated crease formed between her brows.

Her hand moved up to fix her braid as a complex huff escaped her lips.

"I can't believe you caused trouble the minute you arrived."

With an air befitting her arcanist rank, she introduced herself next.

"I'm Moira Runeweaver, this academy's dean. Follow me. I'll tour the place and explain our facilities to you."

As her words settled in his mind, she retrieved a sleek student card and extended it to him.

A wry smile stretching his lips, he took the golden card shining under the sun's light before following behind her.

'I did nothing wrong, so I won't bother bringing what happened at the gate.'

Shrugging off the passed-out mage she mentioned, he crossed the gates with Nova. His eyes enlarged the next second as he saw the academy's campus.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Much different from the one he had been used to in college, this one exuded a familial smell. Instead of separate dormitories and facilities, a boisterous village extended a few hundred meters from the main building.

Older students gathered the new ones with warm smiles. Like big brothers and sisters, they toured the place, taking time to point their fingers at some crucial areas before their voices rang in brief but comprehensive explanations.

'What a cohesive school.'

He unconsciously nodded at the welcoming atmosphere, a warmth blooming in his chest.

The tempered summer wind ruffled his coat as he focused on Moira's back.

As if feeling his glance, her elegant voice resounded in his ears.

"As you noticed, everything you'll need is in the village. I gathered everything to make it more convenient for the students and to promote unity."

She paused, turning and leaning towards him. Her hazel eyes peered through his frame as if its materials and engravings lay bare before her.

An icy shiver ran down his spine, sending uncontrollable tremors through his shoulders. He hated this feeling of being seen through.

Fortunately, before the dread could settle in his heart, Moira turned back and continued on her way to the village.

"It's not a bad puppet for an amateur but isn't extraordinary either. The materials make it resilient, not the enchantments. You'll have to learn a lot if you want to bridge the gap between first and second-year students."

He heard her disappointed sigh and noticed her head shake. A frown creased his brows the next second.

'Of course, I relied on the materials. The only enchantment is the one to bind my soul to it. What? Did she expect me to create a war machine with no experience?'

A bitter taste filled his mouth after hearing his hard work belittled by an expert. But deep down, he knew her words rang true.

After an awkward silence settled, Moira's voice resounded again. Yet, this time, it was as gentle as a breeze.

"Shepard spoke highly of your alchemical prowess, guaranteeing you'd be a genius in any crafting field. That's why I have a challenge in mind."

At her words, a fierce fire sparked in his eyes. A challenge? Bring it on!

"If you can reach the second year's level of mastery in a month, I'll teach you personally for two months."

She pursed her lips, the weight of a year's curriculum settling on her shoulders. Even with some overlap between their schools, just wood carving, forging, and enchanting would push any human mind to its limit.

Dwarves, on the other hand, were raised with the clang of hammers as a lullaby. By the time they enrolled, they'd already absorbed fundamental alloys, forging techniques, and even elemental enchantment theories.

A human? In a month? She scoffed internally. It was unlikely, even impossible.

Yet, a flicker of doubt lodged in her heart. What if? Against her better judgment, a grudging respect for the unruly arcanist's words bloomed.

The scent of melting metal infused the air as they stepped into the village. The cracking of flames flickering in furnaces filled their ears as Adam smirked.

"A month? Give me a calm place to study, and let me skip classes. I'll do it in a week!"

Moira shook her head, her bright eyes dimming in response. What did she expect from Shepard's disciple? Of course, he would be arrogant, overestimate his capabilities, and act just like his mentor.

Noticing her dismissive body language, a deep frown creased his brows as drums resounded in his mind.

"Three days," he declared, his voice icy as he met her gaze in a silent confrontation.

"Do what you want."

With a defeated sigh, she shrugged, her impression of the boy worsening by the second. It would only be three short days, anyway, and she only hoped he wouldn't cause more trouble.

Next, they passed by the forges, library, and canteen. She offered a word of explanation before showing him his room.

"You can start learning now or come see the entrance ceremony."

Waving his hand dismissively, his gaze locked on the golden mist wafting from his interface window.

"No need. I can't waste time now, can I?"

Without answering, her heavy steps resounded as she masked her irritation and disappointment behind a charming smile. Nova followed cheerfully, raising her hand as if on an exploration mission.

Meanwhile, Adam didn't waste a second. He ignored the room's basic furniture, focusing on the interface's chat. Stay updated through empire

[Guys! I need professional smiths and wood carvers to teach me for three days. You can take turns to rest because I won't sleep. I'll reward your efforts with five gold coins each.]

The chat exploded into a flood of question marks for a moment before he noticed five responses.

After agreeing to do everything in the dream place, he rushed to a nearby shop. He needed materials for his training. Therefore, he flashed a gold coin to the wary apprentice behind the counter to buy enough iron for three days.

Back in his room, he closed his eyes to take them to the dream place and prove he could be the best enchanter against Moira's reservations!

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