I Refused To Be Reincarnated

After hearing the confession, Morgane lowered her face. Slight tremors shook her body occasionally as her hair covered her face.

"Trust me, I didn't do it by pleasure. I hope you'll understand I had no choice," Adam said, his eyes dim and his lips curled into a bitter smile. Then, he added, "She also shared her last words before departing."

Silence descended on the room. Everyone stared at the short girl, their thoughts heavy with empathy and heart pounding against their chests. They knew her desire to meet her mother compelled her to disobey royal orders and venture into this deadly canyon. Yet, fate played a cruel joke on her, making the one who safely escorted her this far her mother's killer.

After ten brief seconds, perceived as ten hours by Julius, he grimaced, unwilling to hear them blame his big brother. "Your mother had already turned evil and tried to kill everyone in the cemetery, including my mom and me, when I was a baby. Big bro really had no other choice," he said, scrutinising her to spot any reaction. Yet, the girl remained silent.

Thankfully, Nova stood up next. With gentle steps, she reached Morgane and hugged her tenderly. "I know you are disappointed and sad, but don't let past events define who you'll become," she said, her melodious voice, warmth, and joyous aura comforting her.

In response, Morgane raised her head, revealing her tearful face. "I r-really wanted to see her," she sobbed, her shoulders trembling. "Why, why did she die? We could have helped her turn back!" She yelled, her voice cracking under her emotions. Despite the duo's explanations, she couldn't accept the result after dreaming that many years.

"I hate you! All of you killed my mother!" She roared, succumbing to her distress, before opening her mouth to pronounce ancient words.

Holding his forehead with his hand, Adam shook his head. He expected her reaction and understood she would need time to digest the information. Maybe even years wouldn't suffice. Yet, he didn't regret his choice. At least, he fulfilled his promise to Rachel, helping her daughter free herself, and told her what happened, showing he regretted the event's turns.

As he prepared to protect himself against her spell, Nova raised her right hand and slapped the girl. "Did you lose your mind? Were you about to attack him for real?" She screamed, outrage filling her voice as her eyes narrowed.

Then, she added, "Wake up, little sister. Your mother turned evil in a village. She would have gradually killed everyone before a mage destroyed or threw her here. Is that what you wanted for her? Even if she regained her sanity later, do you think she would want to live after everything she had done? If the answer is yes, she deserved to die in the first place!"

Shocked by the pain, Morgane raised her hand to hold her reddened cheek and glared at Nova. Despite knowing she was right, could she accept losing her dream right after touching it? No. She couldn't admit it!

"I don't want to speak with any of you anymore," she said, standing up and walking away, anger and sadness mixing in her eyes. Then she climbed the stairs, adding solemnly, "After we return to the college, consider me a stranger."

"Morgane..." Julius started, moving to accompany her before feeling a hand grip his shoulder from behind.

"Leave her alone until she sorts her emotions," said Adam, halting his steps. Then, he added, focusing on their urgent situation. "Let's move to Ossian's palace to plan our departure."

With defeated nods, Nova and Julius walked towards the door, their mood at an all-time low. With a sad gaze cast towards the stairs, they sighed and left the house.

"Did they forget about me?" Asked Banshee N.01, smiling wryly at the empty seats.

***

"Can you guide us to the smith's shop, then to the palace later?" Adam asked the waiting soul reaper, his voice low.

With a nod, he answered, "I hope you'll find a solution to your predicament."

After a short walk, Adam retrieved the soul orb from the smith and produced a mana replica of the Luminous Wildeblade for him to study, explaining it wouldn't last more than ten minutes before bidding him goodbye. Then, they retraced their steps amidst the spotless streets, silently entering the palace's throne room fifteen minutes later.

Soon, Ossian phased through the ground, his tall and majestic silhouette appearing before them. "I know why you are here, but I can't intervene directly," he said, black lines covering his forehead.

After witnessing the mage battalion penetrate his canyon, he understood his hands would be tied. After all, he spotted a crowned blonde man leading them. Of course, he could kill the foolish king right here. But then, what? The kingdom's army would still threaten him, and would discover his presence. Not to mention the potential investigations from arcanists after a royal's death.

As everyone's faces turned sour, he added grimacing, "I'll sacrifice a soul reaper to guard the passage. Use the chance to escape while the royal mages are distracted. That's all I can do to help."

As his words lingered, a heartache assaulted him at the thought of losing a loyal subordinate not deserving such a tragic fate. Yet, he didn't have many options and must keep his canyon's reputation as a dead zone filled with powerful evil ghosts after letting Thorian escape. This way, he would remain hidden without exposing himself or the city.

"That's a risky plan. Why don't we wait after you repel them?" Asked Julius, scratching his head.

"Because after reorganising their ranks, they'll most likely station mages to guard the canyon's entrance for a while," Adam answered, understanding Ossian's plan better.

"Exactly. The king moved in person, meaning he won't give up. If he can't explore the canyon's depth, he'll block the entrance to catch the girl," Ossian said before adding solemnly. "Time is running short. Prepare yourself and leave now, as they'll reach the passage in an hour."