I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Chapter 143: Jean's Machinations

"Humph..." She turned to a weak and chained skinny woman, her gaze filled with hate as she raised her hand and slapped her face.

Blood flew from the woman's mouth, revealing her beautiful hazel eyes as her hair flew to the side.

"What kind of mother have you been for your son? Why does he seem not to care about you, huh? Answer, Alina!" She screamed, venting her frustration on the poor woman.

Alina spat blood before raising her head with dignity, her gaze unwavering and full of defiance.

"You'll never catch Julius. Not with his brother accompanying him." She said, proud of her son's escape and survival against all odds.

"Julius? Hahaha." Eleanor laughed madly, tears of amusement welling in her eyes. "Julius is already dead." She revealed, smirking evilly before continuing, "Do you really think he stood a chance against Gaston, that disgusting anomaly?"

"Enough!" Gabriel interjected, stopping Eleanor from revealing more unverified information. They assumed Gaston had succeeded in his ritual and possessed the boy, but they had no definite proof.

Moreover, many things lacked sense. Why would Gaston join the College of Alchemy and Transmutation instead of the School of Dark Magic and Necromancy? Was it a plan to throw them off, or did the boy really win against the monster?

"He is alive," Alina said, her eyes glowing. She trusted the ghost who spent so many years helping her family in the shadows. She knew he wouldn't let anything happen to her son.

That faith allowed her to endure the mistreatment of Eleanor for four years, certain that she'd reunite with her son.

"Humph..." As Eleanor raised her hand to strike again, the Gate suddenly emitted a bright light, piercing the night's veil of darkness. Eleanor and Gabriel's eyes lit up in excitement, awaiting to see Thomas and the boy cross it.

However, a single, lonely man traversed it, his black hair fluttering in the wind.

He gazed at the duo with his beautiful green eyes, nodding as a greeting before saying, "Thomas has failed. He is most likely dead."

Upon hearing the tragic news, Gabriel's eyes narrowed dangerously, wisps of blue and red mana emanating from his eyes. "Are you sure?" He asked, his voice cutting through the silence.

"Yes. I just saw the kids returning to their rooms. So, either Thomas died, or he betrayed you." Jean Castle said, smirking at Gabriel, seemingly unafraid of the man's wrath.

PFUUUU

A thin jet of compressed water cut his cheek superficially as he gazed at Gabriel's extended finger.

"Don't provoke me, failure." The old man said, his voice dripping with hate. Thomas was his most trusted subordinate and an old friend. His demise irked him to no end. Not to mention his crippled spy network.

"You made contact with the boy two months ago." He started, clenching his teeth. He then asked, his hands trembling. "Who is he?"

"Julius. He survived. The ghost is alive, too." Jean revealed in a playful tone. He advised against any rushed actions. Yet that's precisely what they did.

Upon hearing the confirmation that her son was alive and well, learning magic, Alina smiled brightly. She had never lost hope.

On the other hand, Gabriel exhaled, calming himself and recovering his bearing. "We can finally use her, then." He said, pointing at Alina.

"Once again, I advise against taking hasty actions," Jean said, gazing at the marquis in annoyance.

"You already alerted them and lost a valuable piece. You should have known better and learned from Gaston's mistake." He snarled, his gaze disdainful.

"Alright, cripple. I'll give you full authority on this matter. However, if you fail, you're dead." Gabriel answered, succumbing to Jean's provocations.

Those accustomed to wielding power over extended periods were so easy to manipulate. Striking their pride was all it took... Jean shook his head in pity.

"I still have ten months. I want full support from the family." He said. His plan was almost fully devised. He only needed support and investment to cement and make it inescapable.

Gazing at him, Gabriel snorted, "You have it. Don't forget, I'll either have success or your head." Then, water and fire mixed in his location, obscuring his body for a brief moment before he disappeared, leaving Eleanor, Jean, Alina and a few knights behind.

After ordering the knights to bring Alina back to her cell, Eleanor walked to Jean, her lips curling into a bright smile.

"Long time no see. I prefer your hair blond." She said, her voice happily resounding against the night's silence.

"Me too. But I can't take any risks. Don't stress yourself anymore. I got everything covered." He said, smiling back.

"I trust you. You are the smartest man. Even that anomaly couldn't compare to your bright mind." She said, her voice dripping with pride.

"But he could fight, wield mana, deceive and was extremely patient. Don't belittle him. His real strength lay in his versatility." He shared his opinion before adding. "I need to return. The sun will rise soon, and I must guard the library."

"Take care of yourself, and don't forget, I love you," Eleanor said, gazing lovingly at the leaving Jean.

"I know. Love you too." He responded as a flash of light engulfed him after he traversed the Gate.

As Jean materialized back in the college, he remained composed, his mind focused on the task at hand. With a determined stance, he whispered to himself, "But I love my future more."

What was left of the night quickly passed as the sun rose, illuminating the academy's dorms with its warm, golden rays.

In dormitory three, room 207, Julius tiredly opened his eyes. They returned too late yesterday, leaving him only a few hours of sleep.

Even if today was Sunday, he refused to skip his daily training. He had to cultivate and improve his fighting style and techniques, or he would remain mediocre.

"Big brother said we lack decisiveness and miss too many opportunities." Julius pondered, determined to spend the whole day finding applications to Adam's advice.

Simultaneously, Adam was lying lazily on his bed, reading a thick leather-covered book while creating and dismantling two mana fingers in the dream place.

The weight of time pressed on his shoulders, but he was determined to speed up his progress drastically.