I Refused To Be Reincarnated

After training all night, he returned to the arena for the fifth day of qualifications.

Thadeus welcomed him warmly before he shoved his hand into the drawing box, retrieving a gem encased with a number.

The old teacher pointed to the correct desk, his encouraging words warming his heart as he departed.

A moment later, he took position and retrieved his deck, frowning at the menacing magma elemental he got from Carl.

With the Banshee Queen, the monster burdened his deck so much that he dreaded drawing it. Its effect wouldn't help either since it focused on fiery creatures. Therefore, he grimaced, replacing it with an ant chimaera.

He placed the deck on the slot, a pensive glint in his eyes as he waited for his adversary's arrival.

Even after four days of intense competition, he failed to draw a particular card, as if it avoided him on purpose.

'Bah. I don't really need it for now. However, during the final rounds...'

As he appreciated the silence and pondered, Shepard noticed the approaching teenager.

A disappointed sigh resounded when he glimpsed at his uniform.

"We should add a rule to force everyone into betting."

His grudging gray eyes landed on Orion's smiling figure.

"We can do that."

The old arcanist's whisper reached his ears as he noticed him move his finger to tell him to approach.

Intrigued by the old fox's idea, he sat by him, the comfortable chair enveloping his back in softness.

"We'll bet on him together and adopt the same rules in next year's tournament."

Orion's sudden offer caused his head to collide with the chair-back and his eyes to narrow.

"Even if I agree, the others won't accept."

He shook his head.

Yet, he noticed Orion's grin and the mischievous spark brightening his eyes the next second.

"I don't know how they can refuse. I'll be teaching him at that time. So, can't we say he is our disciple?" Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire

A pensive frown creased his brows.

With the sudden addition, Orion's offer made much more sense. It also had a perk no one could ignore.

Although the others would have to bet more to match them, they could also get twice the rewards. And since Adam spent his time learning magic related to crafts, those combat-oriented academy deans will underestimate him.

His hand met his cheek, massaging it as he continued to ponder.

For this plan to yield the best results, Adam had to win this tournament first. Their pride wouldn't allow them to back off, not to mention combat had nothing to do with the card game.

Yet, he knew how lethal his disciple was.

He removed his hand from his cheek, extending it to Orion.

"That's why no one likes you. You're always planning something insidious to reap more benefits. But I'm in."

"And that's why I like you. You're just like me."

Orion chuckled, shaking his hand with a bright smile.

Then, they both focused on the duel.

Without any big surprise, Adam played aggressively.

In his first turn, he summoned Lala, the sun-attuned flower. Using her effect, a lesser version of herself sprouted from the field. Together, they destroyed his opponent's lineup.

"I-I draw."

A stutter echoed from the boy's side as he drew his card.

He couldn't tell if the teenager was acting or if his apparent lack of self-confidence was genuine.

'Doesn't matter. I'll show no mercy either way.'

Determination burned in his eyes as he observed Luke summon his next monster.

"W-When I have two monsters in my graveyard, I can ignore the cost and summon Virgo's lesser incarnation."

Upon hearing the effect, a deep frown creased his brows. Trouble brewed like a storm. He could sense it.

Under his enlarging eyes, the field's light dimmed the next second. Bright stars illuminated the dark sky, but one cluster drew everyone's attention.

Emanating a fierce glow that forced the crowd to shield their eyes with their hands, the constellation descended onto the field. It condensed next, shaping itself into a gorgeous teenage girl.

Her bright blond hair fluttered as her bare feet landed on the lush grass. Her eyes fluttered open, making him gasp in awe.

He felt like he was in the middle of the infinite space just by gazing at them, creating an incredible but soul-chilling experience.

Then, a dark sapphire dress pulsing with starlight covered her slender body before glistening battle armor encased her.

On the balcony, Shepard glanced at Orion, scrunching his nose in disapproval.

"I hope you're not going to tell me he hunted her himself."

"Nop. I gave him the card. But he won't end first anyway, so who cares?"

The old arcanist offered him a sly smile, making him understand he implied something else.

Then, he roared with laughter upon seeing the playful wink.

Meanwhile, Luke's voice echoed again, drawing their attention back.

"I activate her effect. Once summoned, she forces you to discard a card."

"..."

'The heck is that effect?'

Fingers trembling and soul throbbing, he placed the Pontianak in the graveyard.

Raising his head, he noticed the enchanting yet powerful girl's strength value shining above her head.

ATK 3000

He squinted at Luke, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes and a shiver running down his spine.

Yet, his pupils constricted the next second.

Before him, Luke bowed several times, causing his brows to shoot up in confusion.

"I-I'm sorry. I'll attack Lala now."

'What is he apologising for? Did he hit his head before the duel?'

The idea sparked in his mind as he watched the lesser incarnation condense a long spear from starlights.

In the blink of an eye, she charged at the flower. With a swift, vertical swipe, she cleaved Lala in two, her bright petals scattering across the plain.

As her remains exploded into a rain of light particles, Luke continued.

"I use a s-spell field."

Tall columns pierced the ground, and a grand mansion's courtyard replaced the vast plain a moment later.

"When Virgo's lesser incarnation stands in this courtyard, a veil of starlight protects her from enemies' effects. I end my turn."

Upon hearing the words, he bit his thumb's nail, worry gnawing at his soul.

'Shit. I can't use the haunted soul to destroy it!'