I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Chapter 201: The Clawed Embrace

Accompanied by the mage, the duo gazed at the dirty streets of Highvale. Filled with suspicious shops and hooded figures, they felt they were in a bandits' den rather than a city.

Noticing the boy's worried gaze, the mage shook his head and complained, "Haaa. Who would have thought a talented mage like me would end up manning the Gate of such a terrible place? Even I'm afraid of taking night strolls with all those scoundrels running free."

"Why don't you arrest them?" Julius asked, his hand resting on the pommel of his gladius and his eyes scanning the surroundings.

"Arrest them? Why bother? They practically rule the streets, killing each other in their rivalry. Ultimately, they crawl to us, coin in hand, to cover up their wrongdoings." The mage answered, a sly grin tugging at his lips.

Julius' eyes widened in response, confusion veiling them as he thought, 'Isn't he here to maintain order and protect the innocent citizens?' To him, the mage looked as guilty as the criminals.

"Don't stare at me like that, kid. I was young and full of dreams, too. But you'll learn one way or another to adapt to the kingdom's hidden face." The mage replied, his brow twitching before falling silent. After years spent in this hole, he understood most of the kingdom's cities were similar, ruled by bribes and corruption under the safeguard of the high-ranking nobles.

His words lingered in the air as the boy's eyes narrowed in focus, deliberating the question. After all, he had witnessed how the Ashford family acted, abducting his mother and sending knights to capture him later. So, was the mage really guilty of complying with the blurred laws of the kingdom?

"He is wrong," Adam started, breaking his concentration, his voice filled with disdain. "Everybody has different strengths and specialities. And I believe that ultimately, a balanced society needs the expertise and join effort of everyone to progress organically." Adam continued, scrunching his nose at the hateful city.

Adam's unexpected wise words caused his mind to race until he nodded five minutes later. A city where everyone was a guard couldn't work. They would need carpenters, masons, bakers, architects... Each role contributing to building a better life. Yet, the ghost had to add something that forced him to facepalm.

"Unless the residents are like me, with the potential to excel in all areas. Hahaha."

As Adam's boasting echoed in his ears, the city's sturdy walls greeted their eyes. Upon noticing their approach, a heavily armored knight strode to them indifferently. "Your horses are already saddled and ready to depart.

Remember, we are lending them, and you must bring them back healthy or compensate us in a week." He said, raising his finger to point at a nearby stable before returning to man the gates.

"Our deal reached its end. Please, contact me again if you need anything after returning." The mage said, his sly smile broadening and greed flashing in his eyes, betraying his intentions before walking away.

With a scornful glance, Julius gazed at his departing silhouette silently. Then, he followed Morgane, mounted his brown-coated horse and directed it towards the exit.

While travelling silently, he admired the landscape surrounding Highvale and understood the name's origin. Deep canyons crisscrossed the mountainous region, showcasing nature and time's prowess.

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As the sun hung high in the sky after half a day of boring travel, the group finally reached an exceptionally complex and somber canyon. Its form reminded Julius of a clawed strike from a gigantic creature thousands of meters tall as his hair bristled.

Contrary to him, Morgane led her horse fearlessly inside, penetrating the ethereal mist and peering into the darkness.

After gathering courage and thinking he already had experience with a ghost, Julius turned towards Adam and said, "Let's follow her, big bro." Yet, his eyes widened at what he saw.

His fearless brother, who stood proud before the Beast Emperor, was subtly trembling, his pupils dilated, and his face deformed into a grimace. 'Does it even make sense for a ghost to be scared of them? He thought in disbelief before attaching his horse and walking onwards to catch up with the girl.

"This place is filled with tier-three evil ghosts. The further we progress, the stronger they become." Morgane started, her emotionless voice breaking the silence. Then, she continued, "Rumors say that most of the country's evil ghosts are gathered and thrown here to guard something in the deepest parts of the canyon."

Glacial sweat formed on Julius' forehead upon hearing her words. He was only in the middle of the second tier, and besides her guide's role, Morgane was a dead weight needing protection. Only Adam could contend with them efficiently, but his trembling hands didn't reassure him.

'Where is the bordering madness ferocity he always showed in dangerous situations?!' He screamed inwardly, fearing for their future.

"Big bro, we can't see a thing. Use your spell, please." He said, uncomfortable in the dark.

"I-I'm sorry. I f-forgot." Adam stuttered, casting his illuminate spell and chasing the shadows away. Then he added, "I really hate mysterious things. What if they silently curse us?"

However, before the echo of his words dissipated in the dimly lit canyons' pass, a scarlet-red silhouette appeared before them. Its body, condensed by potent negative energy, contrasted sharply with Adam's grey swirling ethereal form.

"Trouble," Morgane murmured, gazing at the beautiful feminine features and smelling the flowery scent of their adversary. Then, she exclaimed, her brows furrowed, "It's a Pontianak, a vicious spirit seeking revenge on men by gutting them with her sharp nails and eating their intestines..."

As she was about to continue her explanation and warn the two men about her specific abilities, the Pontianak moved with speed equal to the hybrids from the third trial, reaching Julius in a flash.

Caught off guard, the boy gazed at her raised nails and dreadful smile, his mind racing to find a counter to the incoming deadly strike. Alas, despair clutched his heart as he understood he wouldn't have time to protect himself.

Powerlessly, he watched the ghost's hand plunge towards his stomach.