I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Chapter 193: Morgane's Warning

Julius instantaneously calmed down upon hearing his big brother's sincere words, confusion covering his features. When did Adam ever thank him or apologise without arguing? Scenes of their pasts flashed in his mind, yet in none did his brother verbally express gratitude.

Worry covered his face as he realised his big brother might not be the same anymore. An icy shiver ran down his spine as he turned to Arun, sadness in his eyes and said, "I think we failed to save him."

The tower's radiant glow projected dancing shadows on the boy's face as he answered, his gaze fixed intently on the ghost. "I agree. I never heard him say thank you. Do you think it's an impostor?"

"..." Adam lost his voice for a second, wondering how they could be so stupid. He rarely apologised or thanked others, but for good reasons! Take Arun's case, for example. Didn't he save the boy and gift him the snake-eye necklace to repay him for lodging them? For him, actions spoke louder than words.

Annoyed to be misunderstood by the two kids even after his heartfelt words and repayment policy, he snorted in frustration, "Alright, I'll return to sleep since I'm an imposter. See you in a week." However, instead of the panicked faces he expected, soft smiles and sighs of relief greeted him.

"Alright, it's him!" They exclaimed simultaneously, dropping their apprehension, and reassured Adam was still himself. They had grown accustomed to his shenanigans, wit, and sharp remarks, eventually learning to appreciate his out-of-the-norm behavior.

Yet, Adam's rapid apology and promise astonished him. Even without his increased cultivator's senses, Julius knew him so much that he could tell if he was lying. At least, thanks to the unexpected comical moment, he regained control of his emotions and asked once again, his tone heavy. "You really won't return to that place?"

"I won't," Adam shook his head and floated to the boy, ruffling his hair gently before continuing, "It's a promise."

As the tension eased and everyone watched the duo with smiles, Morgane chimed in, her words full of gravitas, "You are lucky we found a ghost essence potent enough to treat you. The next time it happens, you'll be gone for good."

Despite her emotionless tone and features, deep down, she had been worrying about Adam's potential death. Not because they were friends or had a deep relationship, but for their expedition. She had to meet that person but needed a powerful ghost to lead the way. After all, living beings weren't accepted in the dead's territory.

'Don't tell me...' Adam thought, her words striking his mind like thunder as his heart tightened and sweat covered his forehead. His voice cracked as he turned towards Morgane and said, "Don't tell me you used my tier six ghost essence?"

Sadly, the taciturn girl's red hair fluttered as she nodded, causing him to facepalm in frustration. How hard would it be for him to secure another one? Even low-tiered ones were rare on the market, not to mention one from a being on Shepard's level.

Thinking about the arcanist, he turned towards Shepard, his eyes glowing with hope and his lips curling into a sly smile. If someone had another tier-six ghost essence, it would be him. Continue reading at m|v-l'e -NovelBin.net

However, before he could ask, Shepard said, his brows twitching, "Don't waste your time. Thaddeus got his from me after I teamed up with Elisabeth, Zane and Aurora to clean an evil ghost's dwelling in Durazmarn."

An icy shiver ran down his spine as he remembered their nightmarish fight against the ghost king. Despite the joint effort of four arcanists, they almost perished under the dreadful creature's negative energy and terrifying hexes. That's why he was so intent on killing Adam earlier.

With a deep breath, he chased those memories away before saying, "I can't help you with that. Anyway, I'm waiting for an explanation! What happened to you?"

"Well... I can't tell anyone. Trust me, even if I did, you wouldn't believe me," Adam answered, smiling wryly. How could he explain the mysteriousness of the dream place and its tower to others when he didn't understand them, and who would believe the appalling trial he just faced?

But Shepard didn't share his opinion. His eyes narrowed, annoyance veiling his face as he said, "I wasted half a day here. You'd better give me a convincing story or face punishment!"

'Not good,' Adam thought, feeling the situation go south. He didn't want to endure another question session under the arcanist's mana pressure but didn't want to lie after receiving his help. So, he turned to the boys and used his most potent tactic. "Run to our room!"

Startled by the sudden command, Julius and Arun gazed at each other in confusion before nodding, a playful smirk tugging at their lips. Then, without delay, they ran at top speed towards the tower's exit.

"Thank you for your help, Director Shepard!" Julius screamed, crossing the door in a flash, followed by Adam and the lagging Arun.

In response, Shepard gazed at the departing ghost with a playful smile as he muttered, "You are too cunning to be under someone."

He realised Adam understood him better than he thought, knowing he wouldn't do anything too harsh after becoming his disciple. Most importantly, he was glad to see him back in one piece, even if he didn't show it, and the promise not to return to whatever dangerous place he was in brought him relief.

When the duo disappeared from view, he prepared to resume his research, but the slow Arun drew his attention with his reddened face and labored breath, making him laugh.

"Why bother to run when you're so slow?" he teased, his voice carried by the wind. Then, with a touch of seriousness, he added, "Learn a movement spell, or you won't know how you died in the wild."

Upon hearing the director's words, Arun froze, his already reddened face turning bright red in shame before he answered, "Thank you for your guidance," while scrambling away.