I Refused To Be Reincarnated

After browsing Durgrim's deep knowledge about engravings, a wide grin stretched his lips. The ghost's soul orb was a bottomless well of knowledge he could draw water from for a long while.

For the challenge's sake, he focused on the ones related to the first tier. But even then, the effects were surprisingly decent. For example, one increased an alloy's durability by twenty percent. Another could ensure the blade remained sharp no matter how its wielder used it.

He didn't have time to check the others. But the promise of fabulous knowledge caused his eyes to sparkle.

With an excited push, he rose to his feet.

"Alright, guys. Time to continue the lessons."

He glanced at the two woodcarvers and dwarves, rubbing his hands.

"Let me show you the technique I use. Tell me if it's decent enough or if I should use another one altogether."

The four masters nodded, their brows creasing into focus frowns.

Before their enlarging eyes, he extended his finger towards the ground.

PSHH

The noise of high-pressure water cutting through the soil reverberated in the verdant plain for a moment. His finger moved with lethal precision, leaving marks of different depths in their wake. Finally controlling the intensity, he carved the only enchantment he knew of, making everyone's jaw drop open.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

With a satisfied nod, he turned to look at them.

"That's what I used when I carved a tier-five block of wood. Is it good?"

His genuine tone and smile made them click their tongues in unison.

"Of course, it's good since it comes from Earth!"

Despite the compliment, he could see jealousy flash in their eyes. This technique could be used for everything. Even in battle, it could cleave magic alloys apart like paper.

Unfortunately, they didn't have water affinity nor sufficient mana control to use it with so much precision.

"I can almost do the same with my wind affinity."

One of them interjected, his head held high in pride. Although his technique lacked precision compared to Adam's, especially in making intricate carvings, it was probably the second best.

The next second, a miniaturised hurricane spun on his palm. Unsheathing his knife and retrieving a small wooden block from his pouch, he exhibited his method.

With a trembling hand, the man shoved his blade in and out of the spinning wind. Wood chips flew as the square block transformed into something else.

A moment later, he nodded in satisfaction at the rough forms before sheathing his blade back and taking out carving tools one after another from his belt.

With narrowed eyes, he used them to smooth his creation, defining the forms better and engraving the details.

Soon after, Adam almost spat in anger.

'Why does it have to be a figure of Prometheus?'

The thought rumbled in his mind like a hurricane as he gazed at the ugly mask and tattered clothes, giving the original a unique but hair-bristling style.

"Do you think it makes me happy?" He asked, his voice as cold as an icy desert.

"No? We know you aren't the same anymore. But we still respect Prometheus the most! You can't be angry each time we mention him."

They all nodded in approval. In fact, if Adam didn't scare them the first day, they would have placed a statue of Prometheus by the tower to honor humanity's pride. Instead, they sold miniature figurines at material cost to recall the man's bravery.

"I have no problem with him. I have one with all of you who keep calling me by his code name. Why? Because of a few titles hovering over my head?"

They scratched their heads, eyes darting in confusion for a moment. They didn't understand the problem, and he knew it. So he continued, fists trembling and eyes dimming.

"Listen and share it with the others. We are two different people. It's not a matter of remembering. I'm really not him at all. When you keep calling me his name, I feel like you are all denying my existence. So please, stop."

Moved by the emotions they perceived, the five men opened and closed their mouths a few times. They didn't predict the heartfelt explanation and did not know how to break the awkward silence.

After a second of gathering courage, one's eyes sparkled with determination.

"Don't worry. We'll tell the others about it. It might take some time to convince and reach everyone, but I'm sure they won't misunderstand you anymore."

"Thank you, guys."
Your next chapter awaits on empire

He bowed his head, feeling the identity crisis weighing on his heart alleviate.

Then, with a sigh, he asked the man to teach him his technique in depth. Since Shepard advised him to show two elements at maximum in public, he planned to use lightning and wind while hiding the rest. Therefore, he had to replace the water jet cutting to show something to Moira.

Upon hearing he didn't resent them, the crowd's eyes brightened. For the next hour and a half, they taught him how to make precise cuts, use the classic carving tools, and polish the wood once done.

Next, he focused on Durgrim's soul orb, absorbing the theories and intricate symbol carvings like a sponge before switching back to forging.

After three revolutions, the five experts showed signs of tiredness, tumbling on the ground. The heat made them sweat and turned their thoughts sluggish, turning their explanation into incoherent mumbles.

But he had expected that much.

"Rest in turns so I can always have at least one of you to guide me. Don't give up. It's only the first day!"

His fists clenched under his chin and his tone epic, he tried to motivate them. Then, he flashed eight shining gold coins, hoping they would speak louder than words.

"Your pay for today. We can do it!"

He knew his training method could be... would be considered self-abuse. Yet, he had no time to waste. Ever since he awakened, the world gave him two options: do or die. Therefore, he would train and learn more than anyone to become a better version of himself.

With relentless focus and a fire burning hotter than the smelted iron in his heart, his mana hammers pounded on the anvil. Each clang echoed his determination.

Amidst his deep concentration, three days passed by in a flash. Finally, with an exhausted but radiant smile, he dropped to the ground, allowing his racing mind a well-deserved rest.

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