I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Chapter 171: The Third Trial: Friendship Amidst Darkness

Name: Adam

Talent: Unlocked at thirteen

Job: Tier one alchemist

Class: T3 Mana Conjuror

LVL: 4

Exp: 20/320

HP: 434/434

Vitality: 29.4->43.4

Strength: 32->44

Agility: 32.4->44.4

Intelligence: 48->50.4

Free attribute points: 20->1

Passive: Mana Control T4, Enhanced Intuition T1, Dagger mastery T1, Spear mastery T2,

Mana Shaping T3, Mana cape T3.

Note: Soul is damaged... Liar! I hope your soul crumbles.

He saw his cape added to his passive list besides his improved mana shaping before noticing something that made him curse.

"The Xp required doubled as well! Is the system taking revenge?" He exclaimed in annoyance, realising his leveling requirements were multiplied by four.

He rapidly developed a theory. 'Either the requirements increase every three tiers, or Kwame's technique is the cause.'

After a brief moment, he shook his head, dismissing his second idea. With how rare mages were, it made sense for the difficulty to rise since he could directly take the system's promotion quest once he reached level ten to become one.

As he believed his theory correct, Octavia joined him, her appearance completely different.

He glanced at her smooth, cascading blonde hair, golden eyes and enchanting face. He also noticed she became shorter than him. Next, he gazed down at her supple, immaculate skin before blushing.

Hastily turning to the side, he coughed and said, "Congratulations on reaching the third tier." Then, he removed his t-shirt, extending it to her and added with embarrassment, "Please, cover yourself."

With her body becoming more human, he couldn't let her travel with him naked. After all, the fur covering her sensible parts was gone, and he took pride in his decency.

"How cute! I guess I found your weakness." She teasingly said, a sly smile tugging at her lips as she shamelessly bent forward in a seductive posture to take the t-shirt.

Jumping back as if he had seen a ghost, he yelled, "Stop that, temptress!"

"Yes, yes, little Adam," she answered with her melodious voice, her playful tone twisting his own words against him.

Adam's expression darkened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features as he realised the mockery in her response. His jaw clenched slightly, and a furrow formed between his brows as he struggled to contain his irritation.

"Octavia," he started, his voice low and steady, drawing her attention with a piercing gaze. His smile broadened, but there was a sharpness to it that hinted at underlying danger. "Do you want to die?"

Upon feeling the situation deteriorate, Octavia's smile widened as she declared doubtlessly, "I understand you better than you think and know you won't attack me except if I do first."

After progressing to the hybrid converge realm, she felt her intellect soar. All the small hints she missed became crystal clear, and she realised why she thought he was trustworthy.

Despite his immaturity, he was inherently good and courageous but seemed not to realise it himself.

"Here, I'll dress. Happy?" She added, covering her body with his ample t-shirt that reached her knees, her innocent smile contrasting with his grimace.

"..."

He froze on the spot, failing to find words to answer before giving up on the conversation entirely. However, his mind was already plotting to prank her when she least expected it.

An icy shiver ran down her spine before she swiftly turned and exclaimed, "Wow, we reached so far. Who would have thought? It's all thanks to you... Hum... Follow me to the next lab!"

Then, she hurriedly stepped away as her instincts rang an alarm in her mind.

Sighing, he followed behind her in silence, wondering how a beast could become so sharp after evolving a few times and scrunching his nose.

Even after two days in this underground facility, he still had trouble adapting to the revolting smell of blood and decaying bodies permeating the air. Worse, it became more pungent the higher they climbed.

"How do you cope with the odor?" He asked, his eyes glinting as he thought he found her weak spot. As a beast, her nose must be in agony.

Octavia turned to look at him, smiling gently, as she believed he cared for her and replied, "It had been killing me on the previous floors, but now that I evolved, I can control my nerves and neural system to cut the smell transmission."

"Cheater!" He screamed, his face darkening as he lamented in defeat, 'I'm the only one who suffers from the stench...'

Surprised by the reaction, her light chuckles echoed through the eerie place, illuminating the dim corridor contagiously.

'Why is she more cunning than Julius?' He thought in amusement. It's been a long time since he had those types of interactions, and even if he wouldn't admit it, he enjoyed them.

Simultaneously, Octavia caught the slight smile stretching from his lips, understanding that he, too, longed for a friend.

Then, gathering her courage but too shy to face him, she offered, "Once we've defeated Ignatius and escaped from this place, can I accompany you outside?"

"It's... complicated." He started, unable to find how to answer. After all, he was in the tower's trial, and everything was probably fake. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to tell her the truth.

Then, he continued, his expression serious. "But I wouldn't mind your company in my journeys if it's possible."

Despite his initial suspicion and plan, he enjoyed their banters and her newfound quick-wittedness. Moreover, who was he to judge people on appearance or origins? Outside, he was still a ghost searching for a solution while chained to the boy.

Upon hearing the last part of his answer, her eyes glowed in happiness, and her balled fists relaxed as she excitedly turned to grab his hand.

"Does it mean we are friends now?" She asked, her smile reaching her ears as the damp wind made her hair flutter, giving her face a mesmerising allure.

After a brief moment, he smiled warmly and nodded.

"Yes, we are friends."