I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Most teachers shared Adam's belief. They could reduce the tension between them by lending a few books and marking him present. Therefore, they agreed without asking too many questions. Instead, relief washed over their faces and relaxed smiles blossomed as they thanked Elara for her quick problem-solving approach.

Together, they descended into the library and borrowed three books, each on the apprentice or mage level, making for a grand total of twenty-one. They scrutinised the selection, picking the best in each field. Some covered basic to advanced forging techniques, heat control, tempering, and other aspects.

Meanwhile, others covered various manners of woodcarving, from an ordinary flute to a magnificent sculpture, detailing each step and the use of each tool.

Of course, they also borrowed encyclopedias on magic minerals, flora, and the most used monster parts like bones, beast cores or blood.

Satisfied about the collective selection, Elara nodded, bid her colleagues goodbye and made her way to Adam's room.

Nova welcomed her with her usual cheerful smile as Adam gazed at the thick tomes, his grin widening.

"I like your efficiency."

With a compliment and a snap of his fingers, two mages' hands engulfed the books. Gradually, they enlarged, turning into a glistening, hovering sky-blue box.

"I'll see you tomorrow for our first lesson, then."

Elara smiled back. Despite their rocky start, she found Adam much more honest than most. True, he was a bit direct and prideful, but could he be blamed for trusting his training and having strong moral values?

Amidst her pondering, Adam's voice resounded.

"By the way, keep a secret about whatever you saw with your scanning spell. Shepard's orders."

Upon hearing the arcanist's name, she nodded in understanding. His mentor knew how dangerous revealing his potential could be. After all, she had seen all the elements dancing around him.

"Don't worry. My lips are sealed."

With this promise, she waved and left.

An enjoyable calm settled in the room for a moment as they gazed at her departing back. Then, Adam's voice shattered it.

"I'll leave to learn again."

He cast an apologetic glance at Nova. He knew she just wanted to explore with him like an adventuring duo. But his hands were constantly full with urgent matters.

Contrary to his expectations, Nova offered a caring smile and shook her head.

"I know you are doing your best. But rest sometimes, too. You won't hold on if you keep pushing yourself so much."

"I'll... keep that in mind. Thank you and sorry," Adam said, adjusting his hat as he nodded with gratitude.

He turned, hugged the book's box and closed his eyes to bring everything to the dream place, missing Nova's murmur.

"I followed you for your dedication and decisiveness, not because you helped me. I wonder how long you'll take to walk the path that fits you."

***

When he reopened his eyes, the lush grass of his soul sea rustled under his leather boots. A gentle breeze carried the forest's scent to his nose as the blue sky shone on his wooden frame.

With a glance, he saw the silvery fruit tree on its mound. Surrounded by a patch of unnatural night and bathed under the cascading Moonglow, it showed signs of recovery. Its dead branches fell around as fresh and tender ones sprouted in their place. The once-dry bark peeled off slightly, revealing a moisture-filled new layer.

Satisfied by the revival, he gave a nod of approval.

Then, an idea shook his mind.

'I can collect the branches! I'm sure they are incredible materials.'

Acting on his idea, he raced to the tree and bent to collect the wood. He probably could use the bark, too. But he wouldn't hamper the tree's recovery.

'I'll wait until it drops naturally.'

His mind set, he brought the fallen branches to his material box, placing them carefully by Gaston's eye, Thoma's legs, and Misha's D.N.A.

'Wait...'

His eyes enlarged as Prometheus' cryptic message resurfaced like a rising tsunami.

"You failed to notice the alternative solution despite its simplicity."

The mutter resounded louder than a blast in his ears.

Without wasting a second, he retrieved Selene's grimoire and opened it.

"Each soul subtly brands its shell, making it their unique properties. You must bind the targeted body or item over the years to let your soul mark it gradually."

He read the passage, his eyes enlarging with each word.

"How did I miss it?!"

Dust rose, and his head jerked back as he facepalmed.

Luna had always hinted at the answer. The grimoire explained it straightforwardly, too. Yet, he missed it because... It was too simple.

He took a deep breath to fix the raging longing and self-blame swirling into a chaotic vortex in his soul. After a minute, he pondered aloud.

"The materials are all soul-bound, making them compatible. Since my second day in this world, I knew but never noticed the underlying implications."

A bitter taste filled his mouth. He had been chasing something he already had.

"With these three materials, I can already create a terrifyingly adaptable and fast body, not to mention the nightmare's eyes..."

However, now that he discovered the answer and could grasp his dream of possessing a proper body, a flicker of doubt flashed in his eyes and a knot tangled in his guts.

He knew this sensation. It was the one that made him smile innocently, like a merchant. The one that wouldn't allow him to settle for anything but the best: greed.

"Since I can create my body, I'll make it a true marvel nature can't replicate!"

If Gabriel called Gaston an anomaly, he would become the ultimate one! And he knew how. The answer had been waiting there, a silent echo of the man he considered the brightest genius.

In the blink of an eye, he took Kwame's grimoire out and read his ritual.

"Materials have innate properties. You'll need a few of each tier to balance them in a harmonious mix. But don't use mythical ones. They escape ordinary rules about tiers and are exceptional in their own rights. Depending on their effects, even one of the first tier can rival a legendary one of the seventh!"

His hands trembled, letting the grimoire slip from his fingers as a heresy sparked like wildfire.

"W-What if I build it with mythical materials only?"

His voice cracked. Even Kwame hadn't dared to entertain the idea. Yet, he did.

"A body forged from tier one to tier nine mythical materials! What would the result be?"