I Refused To Be Reincarnated

He scratched his cheek and frowned at Hecate's sudden show of gratitude.

Still, a warm sensation spread around his soul, and he smiled at her.

"I don't think he'll need it. But I'm sure many people like me can use a bit of help. It's up to you to offer it, though."

He shrugged, noticing her hesitant smile.

Even if she wanted to repay him, he wouldn't accept since he'll reap his reward by completing the mission.

'The best reward would be for them to live happily and far from the brewing chaos.'

Despite their status, he wanted to force no one into doing something they detested, just like he hated to be forced.

'Being on the arcanist level doesn't mean they want to embroil themselves into problems.'

He knew they had been living for millennia, thought of by many as legendary existences or bed stories to scare children. And their reputations spoke louder than words. They had remained in their territories and didn't interact much with the outside.

He gazed at Hecate and Soma, his smile reaching his eyes and the burden pressing on his soul lightening a little.

"Go now. I'm right behind you."

The duo nodded, a determined glint flashing in their eyes as they stepped into the circle.

Then, light engulfed them, and they disappeared.

He took this short period to affirm his convictions and cement his realisations.

'I can't run away from the trouble I created. I'll embrace my responsibilities and fix them!'

His vow thundered in his mind. Fists clenched, he took determined steps and disappeared in a flash of luminous mana.

Lips twitching, he scanned his cramped bedroom when light returned to his eyes. His living room and training room were the same.

"Open the door and let me pass. I'll inform the dean to avoid misunderstandings."

Without wasting a second, he cleaned the magic circle, breaking its connection with the one in Durazmarn and pushed through the hundreds of amazed individuals.

Finally, he rushed into the flowery-smelling corridor to Shepard's room and drummed on the door.

"Who's disrupting me during my pause?"

His mentor's outraged tone filtered to reach his ears, making him chuckle at his plight.

"Just wait to see what I'll do to you if it's not critical! Oh! It's you."

Shepard's anger melted like ice, and his lips curled into his usual relaxed smirk.
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"When will you save this old mentor of yours from that heartless Nathan? Or do you remember me only when you have something to ask?"

"I'll save your city-state and rule it in your stead, too."

He rolled his eyes at the shameless arcanist and shook his head.

"I completed Selene's request. I have a few hundred individuals in my room, so let me use the Gate and warn the college's staff."

"..."

Shepard's pupils constricted, jaws gaped open, and a wild tremor rocked his shoulders.

He knew where his shock came from. After all, Shepard had little to no chance to beat Soma in a duel, so adding Hecate into the mix and bringing them alive? Impossible. Even worse, it would mean he had surpassed him in a brief year and a half.

He chuckled at Shepard's pale face.

"Did you doubt the best enchanter? I crafted my arsenal to counter them. It's almost a shame I can only use the puppet for a year."

He raised his head, gazing up in faked despair before smirking.

"Of course, it's because of your equipment. Hahaha!"

Shepard laughed nervously, sweat dripping from his forehead as he realised the surreal situation.

Even if Adam would lose ten times out of ten in a magic competition against an arcanist, so what?

Power was power. No matter how you got it, only the result mattered because, in a duel to the death, only one would return home while the other rotted on the field.

Shepard continued with a cough to mask his turmoil, curiosity and respect sparkling in his eyes.

"I'll accompany you to the Gate. Tell me how you made them follow you on the way."

He nodded, beginning as he gathered everyone at the colossal tower's foot.

The dwarfs stepped up at this moment, gratitude written all over their faces.

"Thank you for saving us. Don't hesitate to call us if you need help. We'll come anytime, anywhere."

They all expressed their agreement with loud cheers and solemn head bows.

Yet, he waved his hand in response and stepped with the long procession of werewolves and vampires.

"Take care, guys, and don't get captured again."

After a ten-minute walk and lengthy explanations, Shepard entered the Sunfire bastion's coordinate into the Gate.

The familiar hum of mana resounded in his ears as the thick blue veil encased the towering frame and pulsed with energy.

"I'm off. Don't forget to prepare a living space for their return."

He grinned at Soma and Hecate, showing them he hadn't lied and that they'd be safe here.

Meanwhile, Shepard's amused chuckles reverberated on the plaza.

Even if his disciple's plan carried risks, he only had to keep them hidden for a few years. In return, he'll get powerful fighters and occasional helpers. After all, their affinities and control would prove invaluable in potion brewing, not to mention the most crucial detail that forced his heart rate to shoot through the roof. They were immortal.

Shepard's mind already raced with plans and hopes to pierce their secret as his voice echoed.

"They're welcome to stay for as long as they respect my rules."

"We won't interact with humans and help you protect your kingdom if it faces a crisis."

Soma's deep, guttural voice echoed as he struck his chest twice.

"Thank you for housing us, Shepard. We'll never forget this debt."

Hecate nodded, striking him with her beauty accentuated by her solemn expression.

As they bid the arcanist goodbye, he pondered their choices.

Despite the rocky start and the duo's initial reluctance, he knew they didn't enjoy the situation. Yet, they still agreed to lower their ego and accept to take a loss for their survival.

'Should I do the same?'

He thought about the hateful bastard. Would he also cast his ego aside and comply, or was he up to something again?

He averted his eyes from them, grumbling as his mood worsened and threw himself through the mana veil, disappearing in a flash of light.