Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 47: Mana Theory [2]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC47: Mana Theory [2]
Chapter 47: Mana Theory [2]
The teacher arrived.
'...The fuck?'
Who was none other than their headmistress.
The room fell into a suffocating silence.
Everyone straightened in their seats as she stepped onto the platform with a light tap of her heels.
'What is she doing here?'
Akamir wondered, narrowing his eyes as he looked at the woman.
She was tall, with skin like polished bronze.
A floor-length black coat hugged her form.
Her black hair was bound in a sharp ponytail, and her cold golden eyes swept across the room like she was measuring their worth one breath at a time.
"I know you're confused," Zavan said, placing her books down. "As to why the hell I am in this class."
She leaned against the table, looking directly at Zaina, who sat in the front bench.
"Long story short, I wanted to see the potential of the new students."
She quickly looked away. "Alright, welcome to the Basics of Mana class."
'Is she here for Zaina?'
Akamir wondered, rubbing his chin.
The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
After all, Zavan was one of the most powerful mages in the kingdom.
'It makes sense for her to be interested in the literal apostle of a goddess.'
Zavan clapped her hands as she looked around. "Who wants to tell me what mana is?"
A few hands hesitantly rose.
Most students looked nervous, either unsure of the answer or too intimidated to speak under her sharp gaze.
"You, boy with glasses."
One boy stood up, voice stiff. "Mana is... the energy that flows through everything. We use it to cast spells and enhance physical abilities."
Zavan raised an eyebrow. "Correct—but boring."
She glanced around. "Anyone want to add something useful? Insightful? Or at least interesting?"
Silence.
"Hey."
Viros, who sat beside Akamir, poked his ribs.
"I feel like I'm gonna fall asleep."
Akamir scoffed. "Then do it."
"...No, Headmistress will kill me." He grumbled, pulling out a sandglass from his bag. "I'll pass time by watching this."
He turned it over.
The sand emptied in an instant.
"...."
"...."
Akamir quietly looked at the boy.
Viros scratched his chin. "It was on sale."
'...What type of idiot is he?'
Akamir focused on the class again.
Zavan's gaze drifted to the back of the room.
Akamir sighed.
'Here we go.'
"You, Inara's lover."
She pointed at him.
Akamir lazily raised his eyes to meet hers. "Yes, Headmistress?"
"Tell me what mana is to you."
He leaned back. "Mana is a tool. It's used by the powerful to control everyone else."
For a long second, Zavan stared at him.
Then, she gave the faintest nod.
"Interesting perspective. Cynical, but possibly true." She turned back to the class. "But not everyone."
'Nice ass.'
"She's in her sixties," Nayomi said, startling him.
'Did she just read my mind?'
"No. You were just being too obvious."
"..."
Akamir quietly looked away from her.
Zavan picked up a piece of chalk and began writing on the board.
"There are roughly one in a thousand children who can sense mana and create a core," she said, turning back to them.
"A core, as you all know, is the rawest form of measuring one's power."
She pointed at the board. "But humans invented a more standardized way to measure mana output—tiers."
She looked at them. "How many tiers are there?"
"Seven," most of the students replied.
She nodded. "Correct. Seven tiers, each with different capabilities."
Raising her hand, she formed four different magic circles at once.
"There are four main or basic elements: fire, earth, water, and wind," she said, showing them.
"Tier One, or red-core mages, can make these circles easily."
Two of the circles vanished, leaving only fire and wind. "Tier Two, or orange-core mages, can fuse two elements."
Crackle!
The two circles combined, forming a new one—lightning.
She extended her hand upward, and the lightning turned into a storm. "Tier Three, or green-core, can expand the scope of their spells."
The storm vanished, and Zavan tapped her heels on the ground, forming a circle that spread across the class.
"Tier Four, or blue-core, can do this..."
As her words finished, gravity shifted.
'Woah.'
Everyone began to float until Zavan quickly dispelled the effect.
"Unfortunately, Tier Four is the limit for ninety-nine percent of humans." She leaned back against the table. "Reaching beyond that is nearly impossible."
Akamir rested his chin in his hand, watching her with interest.
'She's not wrong. Ninety-nine percent... and yet they still fill this place with hopefuls.'
"You'd be wise to forget about Tier Five," Zavan added coolly. "No one's reached it in the last fifty years."
"But... it's real?" one girl asked timidly.
Zavan nodded. "It is."
Then she turned her head slightly—toward Zaina.
"And some say Tier Six has already awakened in this era."
'So it is her. Or she thinks it is.'
Zavan returned to her desk.
"There are other types of magic—sacred, cursed, divine, forbidden—but for now, you'll learn only the basics. Most of you will never get past Tier Two."
She smiled, not kindly. "Might as well manage your expectations now."
A boy raised his hand. "Can there be a difference in strength in the same core?"
"Yes." She nodded. "It all depends on the purity and mana capacity."
Akamir rubbed his chin as he glanced at Viros beside him.
The boy was almost asleep as he barely had his eyes open.
Akamir sighed.
"That's all for today." Zavan said, packing her stuff. "Inara's lover. Come with me."
Akamir blinked. "...What?"
Zavan was already walking out the door, not even looking back.
'What a pain.'
Akamir stood, adjusting the collar of his uniform, and followed her out.
The hallway was empty, save for the tapping of her heels echoing against the stone floor.
She didn't slow down, leading him past two corridors before finally stopping near a wide window that overlooked the outer training grounds.
She leaned against it, observing Akamir from head to toe.
He tilted his head. "Do you need something?"
"What did you do to Inara?" she asked, staring into his eyes.
Akamir frowned. "I did nothing."
"Don't lie to me, boy." Her voice was cold. "I've known her for over a year. She's not the type to like guys like you."
"...Then what are you suggesting?" Akamir asked flatly. "That I blackmailed her?"
"I'm considering that too." Her eyes narrowed. "How else would she—"
"Inara kissed me. In front of everyone," Akamir cut in. "You think that was a lie too?"
Zavan stepped closer, folding her arms. "You're hiding something, boy."
"And if I am?" he asked, his expression calm.
"Then I'll find out," she said. "Inara might not see it yet, but I will. I don't care if you're a prodigy or a noble's bastard. If you hurt her—"
"I won't," he interrupted, his tone quiet but firm.
He had no plans to harm her.
Not yet.
"That's for me to decide," Zavan said, studying him a moment longer.
Then she turned and walked away.
Akamir rubbed the back of his neck and headed in the opposite direction.
He didn't care for the rest of his classes today.
'I should talk with Inara about this.'
If she can resolve the issue with Zavan, then he won't have to be on her radar.
'I don't want to deal with her.'
He let out a sigh before he stopped at his place.
His gaze was on the other side of the hall, where a few guys stood.
At the front stood a boy with dark blue eyes.
And he was staring at Akamir like he wanted to kill him.
Akamir smiled softly, walking over.
"How have you been?" the boy asked, tilting his head.
Lucien, the second prince of the Krivos Kingdom.
"Asher."
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 48: Conflict.CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC48: Conflict.
Chapter 48: Conflict.
"How have you been?"
Lucien, the second prince of Krivos Kingdom, asked, tilting his head.
"Asher."
Akamir looked at the three sturdy boys standing behind Lucien.
They looked like they would bark if Lucien told them to.
"Who do you want, prince?" Akamir asked, tilting his head.
Lucien turned around. "Follow me quietly."
Akamir stood still for a while before he eventually followed behind him.
"He can kill you," Nayomi said, floating beside him. "Why bother with him anyway?"
"He knows I framed Morris," Akamir whispered. "He may be annoying, but he still is one of the anomalies that I have to look out for."
She quietly nodded without any other word.
Lucien led Akamir through a series of quiet hallways.
The guards behind them moved in perfect sync like dogs on a leash, trained to intimidate.
They eventually reached a private lounge carved into the side of the academy building.
Though still in the first-year building, they were still far away from the class.
No one was present as Lucien walked inside along with his guards.
He sat on a lounge and ordered, "Close the door."
One of the guards did as told.
Akamir stood in front of him, rubbing his neck. "So?"
"I will give you one chance," Lucien said, glaring at him. "Break your engagement with Inara at once."
Akamir blinked, then gave a short, breathy laugh.
"So that's what this is about?" he said, lowering his hand from his neck.
Lucien didn't respond.
His jaw was locked, his knuckles pale where they rested on his knee.
"Inara isn't some pawn you can bargain over," Lucien said coldly. "She doesn't belong to you."
Akamir tilted his head. "And who does she belong to?"
"Her engagement was fixed with Aure Kingdom's prince," Lucien barked, glaring at him. "Do you know what your little stunt has done to us?"
"I don't, prince," Akamir shook his head. "Enlighten me."
"We are on the verge of war."
Lucien's voice cracked with fury. "This isn't just a game. The Aure Kingdom sees this as an insult. A spit in their crown. And you—"
He jabbed a finger toward Akamir. "You've become the face of that insult."
Akamir's gaze didn't flinch.
If anything, he looked mildly amused by his behaviour.
'I can say for certain he had some kind of deal with Aure Kingdom.'
Help in claiming the throne?
Akamir was pretty sure that was the reason.
"I didn't know the second prince of Krivos cared so deeply about foreign diplomacy,"
he said, holding back his smile. "Or is this about Inara after all?"
Lucien stepped closer.
"You think you're clever, Akamir. You're not. You're just a spoiled noble with too much time and too little restraint."
"I could say the same," Akamir murmured. "But at least I don't throw tantrums in hidden lounges with lapdogs flanking me."
One of the guards tensed, but Lucien raised a hand to silence him.
"Think of all the lives you are going to ruin because of your stubbornness, Asher."
Lucien said calmly, taking a step closer.
"You know, break this engagement and I will forget everything that happened with Morris."
"Why forget?" Akamir tilted his head. "I want you to always remember it."
He smiled, taking a step closer. "After all, it was us who did it. Together."
Lucien smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You don't have any proof, but Asher... I do."
Asher just smiled back.
"I am not going to break the engagement," he said, looking down at him. "Not after kissing those lips of your sister."
Lucien drew in a deep breath before he sighed.
Turning around, he gestured to one of his guards. "Break his arm."
One of the sturdy guys grinned as he walked towards Akamir.
Akamir sighed.
'Here we go again.'
The moment the guard reached for Akamir, he raised his hand, catching the man's wrist mid-swing.
Without hesitation, he extended the guard's hand and snapped it down at the elbow joint.
Crack!
"Aahhh!!"
The joint cracked, and the guard cried in pain.
Akamir didn't stop.
He grabbed the guard's collar and slammed him down on the table, splintering the wood beneath the weight of his skull.
The impact echoed like a gunshot in the room.
The other two guards took a step forward—but Akamir was faster.
With a kick, he sent the first guard's limp body skidding across the floor and into the lounge door.
It snapped off its hinges, crashing outward.
Akamir drew in a deep breath as he turned towards Lucien.
"I'm tired of this," he said, cracking his neck. "Wouldn't it be nice if you were an obedient prince for once?"
Lucien's expression turned colder as he glared at him.
"What are you planning to do?" Nayomi asked, looking at him.
"Use one of the seven Mimickers to take his place," Akamir muttered. "To end this trouble once and for all."
"That's stupid," Nayomi said firmly. "You only have six left."
"It's worth it," he replied, raising his hand into a fighting stance.
Lucien pointed at him. "I gave you a chance. Now die."
Both the guards stepped closer.
"...What's going on?"
A startled voice stopped all of them in their tracks.
Akamir looked back at the entrance only to find Zaina walking inside the room.
She took in the shattered door, the splintered table, and the moaning guard on the floor.
Her brows furrowed as she looked between Lucien and Akamir.
"What the hell is going on here?" she asked again, her voice sharper now.
'What is she doing here?'
Akamir wondered, tilting his head.
'Wouldn't Lucien be pissed—.'
His thoughts halted as he looked back at Lucien.
But Lucien wasn't glaring.
He was staring.
He looked at her... like he fell for her.
"It already started," Nayomi whispered softly. "His obsession with Zaina."
'Ah, right.'
It was supposed to happen at the engagement event, but Lucien never had the chance to meet her.
'So, it was bound to happen, huh?'
Lucien's lips parted, but no sound came out.
His hands, once clenched with fury, trembled slightly at his sides.
Akamir was greatly annoyed by how he was behaving right now.
"What happened, Asher?" Zaina asked, looking at him with her ember eyes. "Why is the prince—."
"Don't concern yourself with this," Akamir said, walking towards her. "Let's go."
"Wait for me." She looked at him, then at Lucien before she quickly followed him.
"Miss—wait!" Lucien's panicked voice called. "Uh... what's your name?"
Zaina paused mid-step, her hand already reaching for the broken doorframe.
"...It's Zaina, Prince Lucien," she replied with a slight bow.
She acted like how any noble would do in front of the prince.
"Are you free?" Lucien asked, taking a step closer. "Would you like to—."
Akamir rolled his eyes and grabbed her wrist. "She is my fiancée."
Zaina allowed herself to be pulled away, but her eyes lingered on Lucien for a second longer.
Lucien opened his mouth, but no words formed.
The burning anger from earlier had shifted—now it was something else.
Something far worse.
Obsession.
And a hatred for Akamir deeper than ever before.
They both quietly walked on the hallway without a word.
"What were you doing there?" Akamir asked, glancing at her.
"Uh, I was trying to find the library," Zaina replied, her voice soft. "But I got... lost."
Nayomi's gaze lingered on the girl for a long while.
But...
In the end, she kept her words to herself.
Akamir tilted his head. "Do you want to go with the prince?"
"Are you an idiot?" she scoffed. "Nothing good ever comes from getting involved with royals."
"Your father seems to think otherwise," Akamir said with a shrug. "Otherwise, we wouldn't be engaged."
"Ugh, shut up." She groaned, walking faster to get rid of him.
Akamir didn't bother following her as he looked around.
There was a gnawing feeling in his mind that was going on for a while.
Like someone was trying to contact him.
Finding himself alone in a corner, Akamir summoned his Crown.
The voices in his head began to become even clearer.
Until he heard it clearly.
"My lord?"
It was the Judge of Apathy's voice.
'We can even talk with this thing?'
Akamir wondered, finding another feature of the crown.
"What happened and how did you even contact me?"
He asked calmly.
"The company."
She replied grimly, Akamir's expression harden.
"Someone tried to attack
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 49: Imoyan Company [1]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC49: Imoyan Company [1]
Chapter 49: Imoyan Company [1]
[10 May 1568 W.R.]
[Vesseran, Lythanis Kingdom.]
'This is troublesome.'
Akamir sat at the head of a long oak table, sunlight filtering in through the tall windows.
His body still remained limp from traveling a distance of an entire kingdom, but he didn't mind.
It was worth coming here to check on the company he was planning to grow.
'...This is really troublesome.'
Dozens of folders were floating before him—ledgers, land rights, purchase orders, even forged inspection reports.
Despite having all these, his company was attacked by—.
"How can some random thugs attack you guys?"
Akamir groaned, letting go of his telekinesis as they all fell back on the table.
The faces of those Mimickers who had taken the identity of the dead row prisoner came to his view.
They all had their heads lowered in front of him, not daring to look into his eyes.
The middle-aged merchant who was leading the company knelt in front of him.
"It was my fault, my lord!" He shook, lowering his head even further. "You can take my life for my incompetence."
"I am not going to kill one of my important men," Akamir said, raising his hand. "Just tell me what actually happened."
"Two days ago, we were attacked at night," he replied, looking up at him.
"They destroyed the carriages that were supposed to be transferred that day."
Akamir frowned. "And they attacked once more last night?"
"Yes, my lord," he replied, his voice low.
Akamir nodded, feeling the strength returning back to his body.
'I should have taken it more seriously.'
Akamir thought, glancing up at the plain ceiling.
When he got the news about the attack two days ago, he didn't bother with it.
He was sure the Mimickers could take care of it, but—.
'It was a mistake.'
No matter how gruesome or threatening they are, in the end their strength is limited.
'Not to mention they can't kill humans here.'
The city of Vesseran isn't lawless; there are police and knights who keep people in check.
People can complain about the death of one of the thugs, and Akamir wasn't going to take the risk of getting them involved.
'One of them is captured and the entire company will be exposed.'
And in no condition does Akamir want the world to know about Mimickers.
Letting out a sigh, Akamir stood up from his seat.
"It's my first time here," he said, looking at the middle-aged merchant. "Mind showing me around?"
He beamed in response. "Yes, my lord!"
Akamir wore a mask and a robe to hide his features as he walked out of the office.
The middle-aged merchant rose quickly, still a little shaken.
"We'll begin with the main warehouse, if that pleases you. It's where we process the imports before they're moved further."
Akamir gave a nod, adjusting the sleeves of his coat.
The company's Vesseran branch was nestled in the old industrial district; not only was it helpful, but there wasn't any regular inspection here.
Despite the chaos of recent attacks, the compound was bustling.
Men and women in neutral uniforms carried crates and nodded respectfully to the middle-aged merchant.
'It was a good idea to hire normal humans as well.'
This way, things won't be too suspicious.
The warehouse doors creaked open with a groan.
Inside, towering shelves of goods loomed under a ceiling threaded with pulley chains.
Akamir nodded once as he began to walk out of the place.
The middle-aged man followed behind him.
"Oh, what's your name?" Akamir asked, looking back at him.
"It's Nerco, my lord," he replied, bowing slightly.
"Nerco. Alright," Akamir said, walking down the main street. "Tell me about those thugs."
Nerco quickened his pace to match Akamir's stride, hands clasped nervously behind his back.
"They're called Wolf Fangs," he said. "They are the only gang of thugs in the area, and everyone pays them protection money."
"So, they attacked 'cause you guys didn't pay them?" Akamir asked, tilting his head.
"Well, we did, but they started demanding absurd amounts of money," he replied grimly. "Almost thrice what they ask everyone else."
Akamir's brow furrowed beneath the mask.
"That sounds more like a robbery, or they are trying to suppress us."
"Yes, my lord. That's what I thought too." Nerco's voice dropped. "They are targeting us."
Akamir nodded softly as he reached the main streets of the city.
He looked around the place where a lot of shops were opened up.
'..Hm?'
As he looked around, he noticed the same small statue in front of every shop.
It was a statue of a smiling man holding books close to his chest.
His other arm was raised with coins in them.
"Who is he?" Akamir asked, glancing at Nerco. "That statue, I mean."
"He is Aaron—God of Wealth and Knowledge, my lord," Nerco replied, his voice soft. "The kingdom follows his religion."
"...I see."
Akamir lingered for a moment, studying the statue of Aaron.
The expression was almost too serene for his taste.
Wealth and knowledge—two things the world respected, feared, and killed for.
Wrapping them into the image of a kindly god made him uneasy.
"Do these statues serve a purpose beyond symbolism?" he asked.
Nerco nodded. "They're considered wards. Merchants believe Aaron blesses their trade and protects them from ruin."
Akamir nodded as he began to walk further into the streets of the city.
Now, shops had turned into makeshift stalls with people selling their stuff.
"Did you learn more about the trades between kingdoms?" Akamir asked, glancing back at him.
"Yes, my lord," he replied, keeping up with him.
Nerco cleared his throat. "The Aure trade is stable with Lythanis, but the Krivos routes are always seeing delays."
"Because of Forest of End, I believe," Akamir replied, stopping at a shop selling knives.
"Yes, my lord. The prices change depending on the time, and the most imported items from here are spices."
"I see," Akamir mumbled, inspecting a knife. "What about Aure Kingdom?"
"They... my lord, have a complicated case."
"How so?"
"They are the only humans who have a port that connects them to the other side of the world," Nerco whispered softly. "They use spices and other rare materials to get advanced weapons."
Akamir turned to look at him. "What type of weapons?"
Nerco leaned in, glancing around as if afraid someone might overhear. His voice lowered further.
"Cannons, automated bows, and something called Black Glass. I don't know what it does, but it's dangerous." He hesitated.
"And there's a rumor saying those weapons are outdated for those on the other side."
"...."
Akamir nodded quietly without another word.
'I did hear they were a lot more advanced than those in this continent.'
Akamir's eyes narrowed behind the mask.
'So they're modernizing... secretly and slowly.'
And he insulted them by kissing their prince's soon-to-be bride in front of everyone.
Akamir felt another headache coming for him.
He let out a sigh as he selected three fine knives. "How much for them?"
Nerco quickly moved forward. "Let me pay, my lord."
Akamir let him be as he hid those knives inside his robe.
He looked up at Nayomi, who was quietly floating above him.
"What do you think?" he asked. "Why are they so advanced?"
"Because they don't worship gods," she replied simply.
Akamir just nodded as Nerco paid the stall owner.
"Where should we go now, my lord?" he asked, looking at him.
"Let's go to the hideout of the Wolf Fangs," Akamir said, resuming his walk. "Let's settle the score with them."
Nerco hesitated before he quickly followed him. "...Yes, my lord."
"By the way, how do you use mana?" Akamir asked, glancing back at him. "You don't have a mana core, right?"
"We use mana like beastmen," he replied. "Instead of storing it in one place, we let it roam all over our body."
"...I see," Akamir mumbled, rubbing his chin. "Do you know how strong their leader is?"
"Uh, Tier Two in human terms," Nerco replied thoughtfully. "But I can't be so sure."
Akamir just nodded as Nerco led the way.
The streets began to thin as they left the market behind, the cobbled paths growing cracked and weeds sprouting in between.
A collapsed building soon came to their view with a group wearing mismatched armor standing outside.
One of them, chewing on a toothpick, stood up as Nerco approached.
"Oi. This ain't a place for your kind, merchant," he growled, squinting at Akamir's masked face. "And who's your friend?"
"Tell your boss," Nerco said, his voice low. "We are here to pay the price."
The men grinned. "Looks like someone returned to their place."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned around. "Come in."
Akamir followed his lead along with him.
The inside of the place was filled with those thugs.
'There are at least a hundred of them.'
He thought, glancing around the place.
The man led them to the end of the building where a bunker-type gate was present.
"What's this?" Nerco asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Our boss makes people scream too much," he replied, grinning. "That's why we made it a soundproof room."
Akamir's lips twitched as the man opened the door.
A foul scent of sex filled Akamir's nostrils.
"Boss, you have visitors," the man said, giving them way.
Akamir walked inside only to find a muscular woman lying half-naked on the bed...
...along with some weak-looking men.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 50: Imoyan Company [2]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC50: Imoyan Company [2]
Chapter 50: Imoyan Company [2]
Akamir walked inside only to find a muscular woman lying half-naked on the bed...
...along with some weak-looking men.
The bunker-like door closed behind him with a loud thud.
The woman lounged across a plush bed like a lioness basking in the sun after a feast.
Her skin was marked with scars and tattoos.
She raised her head lazily, short crimson hair sticking to her sweat-soaked brow.
The weak-looking men beside her flinched at the intrusion, some trying to cover themselves.
"Well, well," she purred. "If it isn't the little merchant come crawling back."
Her crimson eyes locked onto Akamir with interest.
"And who the hell are you?" Her voice was raspy, raw, and held the coarse confidence of someone used to violence.
"I don't recall ordering a masked boy."
Akamir didn't speak, he just stared at her without a word.
"I'm not here to crawl," Nerco said, his voice firm.
"You destroyed our goods. Attacked us twice. You've overstepped."
"You think you can tell me what I've done?" she said, rising from the bed without a hint of shame, muscles flexing with each movement.
"This city lives because I allow it. Because my boys keep the real monsters out."
She tossed aside the silk cloth that had covered her lower half and stepped into leather pants.
She stepped closer, towards Nerco.
"And you—" she jabbed a finger at Nerco's chest, "—owe me. Because you walk in my territory. You breathe in it. So pay, or I'll take your tongue next."
Akamir stepped forward and the room silenced.
"I have a counter-offer," he said, voice calm and soft.
The woman cocked her head. "Oh? The pet speaks."
"I will give you exactly one chance," Akamir said. "Lay down your weapons, disband your gang, and disappear."
There was a beat of stunned silence before she walked closer.
She put her finger under his chin, lifting his chin up.
"I got a better offer." she purred. "Be my toy for a day and I will cut the price in half."
Akamir tilted his head. "No, thank you."
A flash of silverish hue rushed past her finger.
Then—.
It fell down cleanly cut.
Vesha stared at the bleeding stump where her finger had just been.
For a moment, her mind didn't catch up with what had happened.
Vesha's expression twisted not in pain, but in pure, seething rage.
"You little shit—!"
She lunged.
Akamir twirled past her punch as he took out a knife and lodged it inside her back.
Vesha let out a roar of fury as the knife sank deep into her back, but it was the moment she realized the situation had shifted.
Her body went rigid, her eyes wide with shock more than pain.
Akamir stood behind her, his hand still on the hilt of the blade.
"You should have taken the offer," he said softly.
Vesha spun around with a speed that defied her size, her hands reaching for Akamir's throat.
[Foxdrift.]
But Akamir was already several steps back, his knife still in his grip as he watched her.
"Not very graceful for someone who's supposed to rule this place," Akamir remarked, rubbing his neck.
"Shut up!"
She lunged at him again, magic circle forming at her palm, but Akamir didn't let her get the upper hand.
Using telekinesis, he grabbed the knife on her back and twisted it.
"Aghhh!!"
Vesha screamed, gasping for air.
Her hand reached for the bedframe to support herself, but she felt someone loom over her.
Akamir raised his hand and—.
Smack!!
—punched her hard enough to knock her out.
---
"Arghh!!"
Pain flooded Vesha's mind as she groggily opened her eyes.
"Oh, you are up?"
A voice alerted her as she looked around—.
"Good morning."
—only to find the masked boy standing in front of her.
"Argh."
She tried to rush at him, but her body was tied to a chair.
Akamir walked around the room as he noticed a few unique things.
"I have a few questions to ask." Akamir said, picking up a saw on the shelf. "Mind answering them?"
She snarled. "Fuck you!"
"Thought so." Akamir mumbled, passing the saw to Nerco who stood at the corner. "Cut her leg."
Nerco grinned. "Yes, my lord."
"W-wait! What are you doing!?"
Panic creeped into her mind as Nerco grabbed her bound leg and began using the saw.
Vesha screamed.
The sound bounced off the bunker walls, raw and animalistic, as the saw bit into her flesh.
Blood sprayed, staining the cold stone floor.
"Stop! STOP!" she howled. "I'll talk! I'll talk, damn it!"
Nerco didn't stop right away.
He let the blade grind just a moment longer, enough to make the point clear.
"See?" Akamir said, tilting his head slightly. "That wasn't so hard."
Vesha's head lolled forward, sweat dripping from her brow.
Akamir grabbed a chair and sat down in front of her.
"It's impossible to run a gang at this scale without a backing." he said. "Tell me, who is it?"
She spat blood at his feet.
Akamir didn't move. "Nerco."
"No! No—wait!" she cried, eyes darting wildly.
Nerco raised the saw again, slowly, dramatically.
"There's... ther—I work for World Reserve Bank, damn it!" Vesha gasped out. "I work for them!"
Akamir placed his chin in his palm. "And why would they need a thug like you?"
Vesha panted, her chest rising and falling with ragged breaths.
"They don't need me," she spat. "They need control. Fear. The Bank funds dozens of gangs, they keep the company contained under their leash with our help."
Akamir remained quiet for a while.
Things had gotten a lot more serious than he had anticipated.
"And why would they do that?" Akamir asked, standing back. "It doesn't make sense."
"They don't want the kingdom to grow!" she growled, already on the verge of losing consciousness. "They want the continent to remain backward."
Akamir frowned. "....Why?"
"I don't know." she mumbled. "Now...please let me go."
Akamir didn't reply, instead he walked past the unconscious men towards the bed.
A diary caught his eyes as he picked it up and began flipping the pages.
....It was Vesha's personal diary.
"I'm sorry, Vesha." Akamir mumbled, closing the diary. "I can't do that."
"What?" Vesha turned to look at him only for her eyes to widen in horror.
A crown formed over his head and a portal materialized beside his leg.
"...No."
A creature crawled out, moving towards her.
"No!"
---
'What should I do about them?'
Akamir wondered, lazily sitting in the chair as he looked at the unconscious men.
He didn't want to kill them as it would be hard to explain.
"Can you take care of them?" Akamir asked, turning to look in front of him.
A mimicker with Vesha's face knelt there.
She bowed deeply. "I will, my lord."
He nodded, standing up.
'Even though it's a normal mimicker, things shouldn't be bad.'
The thing with normal mimickers is that they can't copy power.
No matter whose skin they wear, they always start from zero.
Another deep flaw about them was that they can't copy memories, making it easier to notice the change in their behaviour.
'But this could help her.'
Akamir thought, playing with Vesha's diary in his hand.
'...World Bank, huh?'
There were multiple reasons he could think of for their behaviour.
Why they wouldn't want the continent to grow.
'Perhaps to avoid wars?'
Akamir highly doubted that analysis.
It was something else entirely.
'And I don't have enough information to determine what.'
He let out a sigh as he stood up and Vesha did the same.
Akamir tossed the diary in her direction. "Memorize it and lead the gang like always."
"Yes, my lord." she replied, bowing slightly.
"And don't die." Akamir said, placing his mask back. "No matter what."
"As you wish."
He walked out of the room along with Nerco, who had changed into different clothes.
The rest of the gang members just glared at him as they didn't hear a word.
As soon as he walked out, Nayomi floated beside him.
"You need to stop using them to solve your every problem." she said, looking at him. "It will only create more problems."
"...I understand that." Akamir sighed. "But—."
"One bad day, Akamir." Nayomi interrupted. "And you will have the whole world against you."
"....."
Akamir slowly nodded his head.
He understands the risk of using mimickers more than anything.
Those things are not something anyone should have.
'Let's limit ourselves to using proper humans from now on.'
"Oh, Necro."
As if remembering something, he looked back at the middle-aged merchant.
"What's the name of our company?"
"That...." He scratched his face. "I haven't decided it yet, my lord."
Akamir nodded as he glanced back at Nayomi.
'Should I use her name?'
No.
Using the name of the Witch of End as his company's name would be stupid.
'Then....'
"Imoyan."
Akamir said, smiling.
"That will be the name of our company."
"..."
Necro nodded enthusiastically while Nayomi gave him a weird look.
He frowned. "What?"
"That's cringe."
"Shut up."
He turned around, resuming his walk.
"Anyway, it's time to go."
He said, looking at the sky.
"I need to prepare for my date as well."
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 51: Date [1]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC51: Date [1]
Chapter 51: Date [1]
[Barkin Sea Port, Krivos Kingdom.]
"...."
"...."
Akamir and Inara stood in front of each other as both of them remained silent.
Both having their faces altered enough so no one could recognise them.
The scent of salt in the air and the endless hush of waves echoed.
"Are we really just going to stand here?" Akamir sighed, walking closer.
"N-no. I just don't know where to start," Inara replied quietly, her eyes never meeting his. "It's my first time."
'Why did I even agree to it?'
Akamir sighed as he took the pamphlet from her hand.
What does happen when a princess kisses a boy in front of everyone?
It creates gossip that everyone knows about.
Gossip about why would the princess do that?
Why she chose him of all people?
Things that don't make sense that everyone tries to solve.
And the more that happened, the more people began to doubt.
Was it hard to find loopholes in the princess' statement?
'It wasn't really hard to find them.'
As time passed, people began to doubt the princess' actual motive.
Rumours spread like wildfire.
Theories turned into fear.
And fear has a way of making people see threats where none may exist.
Some called it scandal. Others called it treason.
So, to keep herself safe from the rumours that questioned her love, she planned a date.
A date with Asher.
'And she has no idea how to proceed with it.'
Akamir thought, his eyes trailed her once, quietly taking her in.
She wore a simple pale blue dress that flowed gently with the breeze, her silver hair tied back in a ribbon the colour of coral.
It was a casual look, but one that suited her nicely.
'Did she really have to choose a port for our date?'
Akamir wondered as he read through her plans for today.
It was a simple and normal plan, and he memorised it easily.
"Let's go, princess," Akamir said, turning around.
Inara quickly moved to his side, matching his steps.
"Don't call me that, in front of everyone," she muttered, her voice barely audible.
Akamir didn't look at her. "Then stop acting like one."
"I am one."
"Yeah. I don't care."
Their steps fell into rhythm against the stone road of the central part, the scent of fresh fish, sea salt, and roasted chestnuts carried by the breeze.
Vendors shouted offers in the distance, the occasional gull crying overhead.
Akamir looked around until he found a vendor selling octopus.
"Let's try that first," Akamir mumbled, looking at the pamphlet.
She just nodded, following behind him.
Akamir ordered two skewers of grilled octopus.
The vendor, an older man with sun-creased skin and calloused hands, handed them over with a grin.
"Your sweetheart's treat?" he asked, winking at Inara.
She blinked, startled. "W-what? No! He's not—"
"Thank you," Akamir cut her off smoothly, slipping a few coins to the man.
He handed one skewer to Inara without looking at her.
"You didn't have to—" she started.
"You planned the date," Akamir interrupted, already chewing. "I'm just following along."
'This is really good.'
Akamir thought, looking at the skewer in surprise.
'How did they even make this?'
"Have you gone on a date before?" Inara asked, glancing at him.
"Uh, not really," Akamir replied, shaking his head. "It's my first date."
"...I see," she mumbled, finishing her skewer a little too fast.
For a while, they walked without any words.
Akamir tossed the stick into a nearby bin and glanced sideways.
Their disguises held well enough. No one looked at them twice.
Just another couple exploring the Barkin Sea Port.
A boy and a girl.
That was all.
"Next stop's the ferry ride," Akamir said, flicking a glance at the pamphlet again. "....You wanted to see the lighthouse?"
Inara nodded quietly as she looked around, only to stop in her place.
"Hm?"
Akamir tilted his head as she began to walk towards a store.
He quietly followed behind her.
"How much for this?" Inara asked, picking up a hat.
...A straw hat.
"Ten copper, my lady," the vendor replied.
Akamir paid the price as Inara began to play with the hat.
"Something special about it?" he asked while she wore it on her head.
She blinked at him. "Wait, you don't know about the legend of Sir Raijin?"
Akamir tilted his head. "Who is that?"
Nayomi quickly floated close to him. "He was my classmate."
Akamir turned to look at her in confusion.
"He was one of the most famous people in history," Inara explained with a smile. "The only demigod pirate."
"...Uh, those two words don't fit together,"
Akamir replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
Inara grinned, spinning the straw hat on her head before settling it back into place.
"That's what made him special. An otherworldly demigod, but he chose the sea. They say he wore a hat just like this and could call down lightning with a snap of his fingers."
Akamir raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like a show-off."
"He was," she chuckled, and for the first time that day, she looked directly at him. "But people loved him anyway."
That confused him even more. "Why would someone love a pirate?"
"Because he wasn't like any other," she replied, clasping her hands behind. "He actually cared about the poor people and always helped them."
"That's not a pirate."
"It is."
"Who did he loot?"
"Pretty much every kingdom of that time."
"And what did he do with the loot?"
"Spent most of it on the poor."
"Ah. No. Pirates are just supposed to loot others and take it all," Akamir frowned. "Why would he—."
"Because he was kind," Nayomi spoke, startling him. "Kinder than anyone."
"....."
Akamir turned silent as he felt nostalgia in her voice.
'Were they friends?'
He wondered silently.
"You know what made him a legend?" Inara said, grabbing his attention. "It's his legacy and treasure."
At the name of treasure, Akamir's interest spiked.
Akamir moved a little closer. "Now, that's interesting. Tell me about it."
"Sir Raijin hid all his treasure before he died, and his last words are still known to everyone," Inara said, her voice malevolent.
"My fortune is yours for the taking, but you will have to find it first. I left everything I own at the end of Fog Sea."
Akamir slowed down as they continued to move towards the ferry ride.
"Is that even real?" he asked, looking at her. "The treasure, I mean."
Akamir highly doubted it.
It's been almost six hundred years since he was summoned.
How could no one have found the treasure till now?
"It is real," Inara replied, smiling brightly. "The Two Piece is real."
"What the hell is Two Piece?" Akamir frowned like never before. "Is that a bikini?"
Inara just laughed. "No. Idiot."
She began to walk away, leaving him behind.
Akamir looked at Nayomi, who quietly floated beside him.
"What do you think?" he asked, tilting his head. "Is it true?"
"He was my friend, and knowing him, it might be true," she replied, letting out a sigh. "I can't believe he just made a show real."
"Show?" Akamir frowned. "What show?"
"Don't worry about it," she replied, shaking her head. "It's nothing."
Akamir just shrugged as he moved closer to Inara.
"Still, it's hard to believe," Akamir said, walking beside her. "A princess being the fan of a pirate."
"What's so hard about it?" she asked, flaring her nostrils. "Can I not be a fan?"
Akamir chuckled under his breath.
"You can. It's just... unexpected. I thought you were the type to admire noble knights or tragic poets or something."
Inara tilted her head, squinting at him. "What makes you think that?"
"You carry yourself like someone who reads sad romance novels under moonlight."
She made a face. "Excuse you. I read adventure books too. And war chronicles."
"Oh? Big fan of blood and guts?"
"No. Strategy and warfare."
Akamir gave her a glance, slightly surprised. But he didn't say anything more.
It made sense though.
She is a princess after all.
They reached the pier where the ferry bobbed gently against the docks, ropes creaking.
Inara adjusted her straw hat as she looked at the ferry. "It'll take us around the port and past the lighthouse."
The ferry was small but charming, painted white and blue, with faded gold and automated one so it doesn't had a sailor.
They stepped aboard and took seats near the edge and Akamir paid the price to rent it.
"Hey," Inara murmured after a long pause, her voice almost stolen by the wind. "Thanks... for going along with this."
Akamir turned slightly. "You're the one who dragged me into it."
She chuckled softly. "Yeah. Sorry about that."
He gave a faint nod. "I guess... I don't hate it."
"..."
She just quietly nodded as the boat began to move.
The town behind them grew smaller, the sounds of Barkin replaced by wind and waves.
Akamir leaned back slightly, letting his guard drop for a moment.
"Hey."
Inara mumbled, looking back at him.
"I want to tell you something."
Akamir nodded. "I am listening."
She took her time to prepare herself before she looked at him.
"The Lythanis kingdom contacted me yesterday."
She said, her voice soft, but her expression remained hardened.
"They want to support me as the next queen."
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS