I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Chapter 187: The Third Trial: The Courage Within

'Stronger to protect my friends?' Her words reverberated in his mind, forcing him to change his perspective as a torrent of questions flooded him.

"Why did I train for so many years?" He questioned himself, reviewing his journey until inconsistencies in his personality began to unravel.

His eyes narrowed as a startling revelation dawned on him, prompting the frightening question, 'Who am I?'

Buzzing noises echoed in his ears as he desperately tried to recall his past on earth. What was his job, what studies had he done, who were his friends and... How did he die?

In addition, as a fan of literature and animation, how come he never used this knowledge to progress faster? The answer was simple. He couldn't remember anything...

The knowledge he always thought he had was only superficial, a decoy to distract him from the truth. The chilling realisation that his life might have been forged gripped him. Or had he been manipulated like a puppet?

Noticing his trembling hands and terrified eyes, Misha released her grip and hugged him gently. "I'm certain you are good and courageous. You just don't know it yourself."

"I don't even know who I am," he muttered, fear grasping his heart despite her warm embrace. His mysterious situation terrified him. How did he even accept it so easily twelve years ago?

"It's ok to be scared. I'm, too. Even Ignatius is trembling in fear. What's important is to overcome it with our own strength." Misha reassured him before releasing her hug and looking him in the eyes.

"If you're unsure about who you are, decide who you want to be," she said, her bright smile chasing the doubts clouding his mind away. Jumping to the worst conclusions wasn't the answer. There must have been clues he missed.

Then he remembered a minor detail. Twelve years ago, the system tried to seal his memories but failed. Did he misinterpret the message and, in fact, it succeeded to some extent, but not entirely? Also, why were the notes so targeted and snarky when the system clearly defined itself as an informative tool?

As questions he failed to consider before, or rather, was prevented from studying, popped up one after the other, his interface suddenly appeared before his eyes, the note entirely different.

[So... hea... d... Sigh. You don't need to deal with those questions. Reaching thirteen and reclaiming the boy's body will answer them all.]

Upon reading it, his eyes bulged, startling Octavia as he shouted, "Who are you, and why are you messing with my mind?"

However, the system's screen stayed silent and vanished, refusing to communicate. Simultaneously, Octavia answered his question.

With sadness flashing in her eyes, she said, "I'm Misha Voltia. A little girl who caused her parents and friend to die. I'm the human-based chimaera created by Ignatius and..." Her eyes brightened as she added. "Your friend."

Distracted by her words but swearing to uncover the system's plans, he asked, "Do I even deserve to have friends?"

Nodding, she said, "No one deserves to be alone. Remember this: many may like loneliness, but no one can endure solitude."

Her words made him fall silent. Every phrase she said struck a cord in him, raising questions and pointing out problems in his personality.

However, they didn't have time to waste as the conflict was unresolved, and the madness controlling his body was still battling against Ignatius, weakened by the purifying energy.

"Thank you, Misha." He said, gratitude filling his voice as a small fire ignited in his frozen heart, chasing his fears away. Then, he added with a gentle smile, "Time to wake up and banish this madness for good."

Echoing his words, the part of his mind that snapped on that tree twelve years ago shook and merged with the ghost essence manipulated by Morgane, mending itself through his growing resolution to face his future challenges with his own strength.

******

Simultaneously, in the college's tower, Shepard had already materialised his obliterating spell and faced the two boys. Exasperation covered his features and voice as his words echoed solemnly.

"Move! We did everything we could to save him, but he is already too far gone and refuses salvation. I won't allow the birth of a scourge." He said, his grey eyes firm. Nothing would change his mind at this point. Adam had to die if he was determined to turn into an evil ghost.

"I'm sure he has a reason to resist. Give him some time!" Julius yelled in response, his right arm's muscles so tensed that the veins bulged like snakes. No matter what or who threatened his big brother, he would protect him, even against an arcanist!

"Director Shepard," Arun started, gazing at the terrifying typhoon swirling in Shepard's palm with trembling legs, "Why can't you wait until he wakes up? We'll help him recover gradually, even if it takes time." He tried to convince him.

However, Shepard was adamant and explained in annoyance, "We'll need a tier seven ghost essence to save him. Don't you understand the implications behind that rank?"

Upon seeing the boy pale, he continued, "Where do you want to find an essence coming from a being of the archmage tier? They don't exist! Or do you want to kill one of the three, turn him into a ghost, and kill him again? If you understand, move, or I'll knock out the two of you first."

Realising how impossible it was to help Adam if he turned evil, Arun's eyes shook. Would his mentor desire such a life? Hesitation filled his mind for a second before he gazed at Julius' firm stance.

"I don't care! You can't kill him." His friend answered, righteous determination burning in his eyes as wisps of multi-colored energy illuminated his eyes. Read new chapters at m_v-l'e|-NovelBin.net

As the face-off climaxed and Shepard moved to end the sterile discussion, Morgane suddenly said, her emotionless voice laced with hints of relief, "He is absorbing and merging with the essence!"

Echoing her words, everyone turned to look at Adam's red face in joy and anticipation as the red mist lightened until it resumed its usual grey color and the blood tears faded.

The recovering figure captivated them, relieving the tension as Shepard closed his hand, snuffing the raging miniature typhoon, and Julius opened his mouth.

"I told you to wait. You almost killed him for no reason!" He said, his voice reproachful but his face beaming with happiness.