Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 61: Birthday [3]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC61: Birthday [3]
Chapter 61: Birthday [3]
"I have chosen whom I will marry."
He said, smiling brightly.
"And she is right in this place."
The hall held its breath for a moment longer than necessary.
A royal engagement, especially that of the future king, was no small announcement.
It had the power to shift the political landscape and shape the kingdom's future.
Murmurs spread through the gathered nobles, and Akamir could hear them clearly.
'Most are guessing it would be from a duke house.'
He thought, glancing around the place, hearing them.
Even Zaina looked curious about the topic, standing close to him.
"Kyuu~."
Ella leapt into her arms, the void fox settling comfortably as Zaina caught her.
Lucien cleared his throat.
"Alright, my choice may seem absurd," he said, drawing everyone's attention again. "But trust me, I know what I'm doing."
"No one's judging you, Prince," a voice called from the back. "We don't deserve to."
Akamir turned.
He didn't recognize the boy who spoke, but standing beside him was Arthur... who, for some reason, was glaring at him.
'Hm?'
"How can you say that?" Lucien replied, giving him a fake smile. "I won't mind criticism."
"No, I mean it," the boy replied. "We really don't des—"
"Are you going to let him announce?" Akamir cut in his words. "Or would you be satisfied only after sucking his cock?"
"..."
"Pfft."
A silence filled the place before someone muffled their laugh.
The effect was contagious, as more began to laugh.
Akamir didn't even look at the boy again. His eyes stayed on Lucien.
Zaina leaned in. "Why would you embarrass yourself like that?"
"Can you be quiet, lady?" Akamir replied, irritated. "I'm not in the mood."
Zaina opened her mouth but then thought better of it.
Lucien stepped forward. "Alright, enough. I'll announce my fiancée now."
The place turned silent once again.
With a growing smile, Lucien raised his hand.
"I've decided," he said, "to take Lady Zaina as my future bride."
Gasps rang out across the garden, loud and immediate.
Zaina's breath caught, her fingers curling slightly around the hem of her scarf.
Her body stiff, as though bracing for something she hadn't prepared for.
No one had expected the prince to forsake a political alliance for a baron's daughter.
'Just like Nayomi said,' Akamir thought. 'He really did become obsessed with her.'
Akamir didn't hesitate as he stepped forward, drawing attention as easily as the prince had.
"Let me remind you, Prince Lucien," he said evenly, "she's already engaged to me."
Lucien tilted his head, as if trying to make sense of a joke.
"I know that, Asher," he said calmly. "And that's why you're going to break the engagement."
The murmurs returned, this time louder and more pointed.
Nobles leaned closer, some whispering, others staring between the two young men.
Akamir frowned. "Why would I do that?"
Lucien narrowed his eyes. "You're engaged to my sister. Is she not enough?"
"Don't try to shame me, Lucien. That won't work."
Lucien scoffed. "You can't be serious. Do you really think it's acceptable to marry two women?"
"No," Akamir said, still calm. "But I don't think my marriage is your business either."
Lucien's lips twitched, as if he were holding back a sneer.
"I suggest you reconsider which engagement you plan to keep."
Akamir didn't answer immediately.
Nayomi floated closer to him, staring at Lucien as well.
"Don't say anything rash," she warned. "This is exactly where things start to split. Say one thing wrong and he will win."
'What a pain,' he thought. 'I should really consider just killing him.'
Akamir ground his teeth slightly but gave no outward sign of frustration.
Lucien, even bolder by Akamir's silence, turned toward Zaina.
"Then let her decide," he said, gesturing toward her.
"Let her choose between an engagement to a nobody or a future as queen."
Every eye turned to Zaina.
She stood frozen, her mind clearly struggling to catch up to the moment.
Her hands trembled slightly, her gaze shifting between Lucien and Akamir.
Lucien stepped down from the platform, walking toward her.
"I'm sincere," he said gently. "If you choose me, Zaina, you'll be a queen. You won't be just another noble's daughter passed around for alliances."
Zaina opened her mouth, then closed it again.
Lucien gave her a soft smile, coaxing like one would a nervous animal.
"I've seen the way people look at you. But I see someone who deserves more."
'If she chooses him, then he dies early.'
Knowing the future that Nayomi told him, Akamir wasn't going to let the future be the same.
But for now....
Akamir quietly looked at Zaina, letting her decide.
Zaina finally turned her head, meeting Akamir's gaze for a long, tense moment.
Then, quietly but clearly, she spoke.
"I choose Asher."
The words hung in the air, fragile and final.
It made nobles gasp, and Lucien's smile faltered, just slightly.
"You're sure?" he asked, trying to keep his tone level. "You'd rather be the second bride of a disgraced heir than a queen?"
Zaina stood straighter. "I am sorry, Prince, but that's my choice."
"Do you even realize what you're throwing away?"
Lucien's voice rose, just enough to reveal the crack beneath his composure.
Zaina flinched slightly, but Akamir stepped forward before she could respond.
"That's enough," he said, tone low but steady.
Lucien turned to him, walking closer.
"You think you can talk down to me?" he snapped. "Take what's mine?"
"No," Akamir replied. "But I can stop you from threatening her."
"You're defending her over the royal family?"
Akamir didn't hesitate.
"I'm standing by someone who made a choice. If your pride can't take that, then that's on you."
The tension in the hall shifted again, now sharpened.
The crowd, though silent, leaned in closer.
Not even the guards moved, watching the confrontation with uncertain eyes.
Lucien's fingers tightened around the goblet he still held, the wine inside trembling.
He looked at Zaina again, then back at Akamir.
Finally, with a forced chuckle, he walked closer to Akamir.
He leaned in until his lips were close to Akamir's ear.
"Are you out of your mind?" he whispered. "You dare disobey me?"
Akamir's expression hardened... The tone of his voice, he didn't like one bit.
"End the engagement," Lucien threatened. "Or I'll tell them you framed Morris."
Lucien then took a step back, waiting for him to speak.
Akamir looked at him for a long second before he leaned closer to his ear.
"Do it," he whispered. "Tell everyone what I did."
"Wha—?"
"Go ahead, tell them," he continued coldly.
"Then watch me burn down everything you want. I'll make sure there's no kingdom left for you."
Akamir quietly moved back.
Though they were nearly the same height, Akamir somehow looked down on him.
Lucien's expression shifted—anger, then resentment, then nothing at all.
With a short laugh, he placed the goblet on a nearby table.
"This was supposed to be a celebration," he said, raising his hands. "Let's not ruin it with drama."
Akamir didn't move.
Lucien's smile returned, brittle and hollow. "You've made your choice, Lady Zaina. I hope you'll live with it."
Zaina didn't answer.
Lucien glanced at Akamir one last time, then brushed past him without another word.
His entourage followed quickly, murmuring among themselves.
Once he was gone, the hall buzzed with new energy.
Conversations erupted again, this time louder, more chaotic.
The prince's announcement and rejection would ripple through every corner of the kingdom by dawn.
Zaina turned to Akamir, unsure of what to say.
But he beat her to it.
"Looks like you're getting scolded by your father again," he said, heading toward a table.
Zaina swallowed hard. "W-will he... do something bad?"
"Don't worry," Akamir replied. "Just tell me if he does."
"But I rejected a prince," she muttered. "I will be bullied once again."
"Don't think about it," Akamir said once again. "Just learn to stand up for yourself."
He poured two drinks and passed one to her. "You are my fiancée after all."
Zaina just nodded, taking the drink.
'Now, that's settled,' he thought. 'I can have some rest.'
Akamir glanced sideways, catching Camilla at the edge of the hall, her gaze locked on Ella again.
She hadn't reacted much to the drama—but she was smiling.
Just as Nayomi predicted.
The bait had been set.
Now all that remained was the wait.
But....
How could life be so easy for him?
But of course, only after a few minutes passed of him talking with Zaina—
"Asher!"
A voice called from behind.
"I challenge you to a duel!"
Akamir sighed.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 62: Birthday [4]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC62: Birthday [4]
Chapter 62: Birthday [4]
'Why is this happening?'
Arthur sat in the corner, gulping down a glass of beer.
His fingers ran roughly through his vibrant orange hair as he sank deeper into the chair.
The weight on his chest grew heavier with each passing moment.
He had been watching from the beginning.
He saw Akamir tie the ribbon on Zaina's dress.
The way his hands moved, the way she looked at him... Arthur saw it all.
'Why does this keep happening to me!?'
His grip on the glass tightened until a crack split along the rim.
He hadn't said anything when Lucien walked in with that usual confident grin.
He hadn't moved when Zaina caught the fox in her arms.
He hadn't even reacted when Lucien stepped onto the platform and began his grand announcement.
'Why did that damn fucker come in our life!?'
There was something about Akamir that lit a fire in him.
The way he had the air of a king around him, the way he spoke... Especially the way he subconsciously looked down at him.
'I hate him.'
Arthur's eyes flicked to where Akamir was speaking to Zaina.
He raised the glass to his lips again, but the crack gave way.
Beer spilled down the front of his coat.
He cursed and slammed the broken glass on the table, roughly wiping at the mess with his sleeve.
"I don't get what she sees in him."
Arthur glanced up. One of his friends—Mikel—stood nearby with a frown.
He was the one Akamir had humiliated not too long ago.
"Seriously," another boy added, "he barely talks, and when he does, it's like he's judging everyone."
"Maybe she likes being looked down on," Mikel muttered with a bitter laugh.
Arthur didn't respond. He just looked at Zaina.
'She isn't like that,' he thought. 'Zaina is sweet and lovable.'
He had known her since they were kids and he knew what she liked.
What made her laugh.
What made her cry.
And Akamir wasn't any of it.
'I am sure she is doing this for her family,' Arthur thought, his heart clenching. 'Maybe she is trying to help them.'
But to go that far... to give herself up?
He couldn't stand it.
'She was supposed to be mine,' he thought, grimly. 'Mine and mine alone.'
'He didn't deserve her.'
The thought pounded in his head like a war drum.
"Maybe you should do something about it," Mikel said after a pause. "You just gonna sit here and let him take her?"
Arthur barked, "What do you want me to do? Beat the Duke's son in front of everyone?"
Mikel raised both hands in surrender, but the smirk never left his face.
"I'm just saying, I wouldn't be sitting here nursing warm beer while someone else was walking off with my girl."
Arthur clenched his jaw and looked away.
Another voice chimed in. Caleb, leaning in from a nearby bench.
"I mean, come on. Challenge him. You've got the skill. We've all seen you spar."
Arthur stayed quiet, but the words lingered.
They weren't wrong.
Akamir hadn't even done anything special.
He hadn't boasted or made a show.
Yet here he was, standing in the center like he owned everything.
"I heard he's a pain to deal with," Caleb shrugged. "Barely stays with his family, and even his father doesn't seem to like him."
"Yeah, and now he wants your girl," Mikel added, then quickly glanced away when Arthur shot him a glare.
Before Arthur could snap back, a new voice cut through the group.
"Sounds like a lot of talk but not much action."
They turned as a boy approached from the other side of the path, dressed in a dark jacket that bore the subtle crest of the Marson family.
Cleanly dressed, calm, but his eyes carried an unmistakable sharpness.
Gale Marson.
Arthur recognized him immediately.
The son of Duke Balkri of Marson.
One of the few noble youngsters who never attended the academy and was more interested in fighting.
Gale stopped in front of them, gave a glance toward Akamir, then looked at Arthur.
"I've seen you fight," he said. "You're good."
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "And?"
"And you're letting him walk all over you."
Arthur scoffed. "I'm not afraid of him."
"Then why are you sitting here?" Gale tilted his head slightly. "You want her thinking he's better than you? Because that's how it looks."
The others fell quiet, even Mikel looked unsure now.
Gale may be known for his strength but he is definitely a smart person.
"I fought Asher once," Gale continued.
"He's easy to trip up. Rush him fast enough, and he stumbles. If he loses here, in front of everyone..."
He let the silence speak for itself.
Arthur looked back at Akamir. He was still beside Zaina, still talking like nothing else existed.
Zaina laughed lightly, brushing her hair behind her ear.
That did it.
Arthur stood.
Gale gave a small nod, like he'd expected this outcome all along.
"Don't wait for someone to hand her back," Gale said quietly. "Take her."
Had Arthur been in his right mind, he might've seen it.
Mikel, trying to get back at Akamir for his own embarrassment.
Gale, baiting him to test Akamir's strength.
Caleb, just looking for a show.
But Arthur wasn't thinking clearly anymore.
He walked straight toward them, stopping a few steps behind.
"Asher!"
He called from behind.
"I challenge you for a duel."
Akamir sighed.
---
'Why do idiots always drag me into this?'
Akamir turned in his chair at the sound of the challenge.
Arthur stood there, glaring at him while his voice had already gathered everyone's attention.
"Arthur?" Zaina looked up, surprised. "What are you doing?"
Arthur didn't look at her. "Something I should've done a long time ago."
"What—?"
"Don't worry," he said. "I'll keep you safe."
'..Ahh, idiot.'
Akamir rubbed his temple, trying not to groan out loud.
He knew getting involved with Zaina would bring trouble.
'But this much? Really?'
"Kyuu~."
Ella purred at Zaina's lap making him look at her.
"I refuse," Akamir said flatly.
"W-What?" Arthur blinked. "Don't you have any pride!?"
"Fuck off," Akamir muttered. "I don't want to."
"You can't just—!"
"I can," Akamir interrupted, already tired. "Unless someone of higher rank asks me to fight, I'm not obligated."
A voice rang out before he could regret his words.
"Then I'll ask."
Akamir turned to look at Camila who stood nearby, smiling.
"I'm a rank higher. I want to see it."
He wanted to refuse but was tied by his own words.
'Alright, let's get this over with.'
Akamir stood up and Zaina immediately grabbed his arm.
"Asher," she whispered. "He doesn't mean it—"
"I do!" Arthur yelled. "I mean every word! And I'll beat him!"
Akamir gently loosened her grip. "Don't worry," he said, smiling faintly. "I'll go easy on him."
Before she could respond, he turned and stepped into the open.
'Alright, how should I make an example out of him.'
He took off his jacket, rolled his sleeves.
The crowd backed away, giving them space.
"Give them swords."
Camila said and the royal knights obeyed without hesitation.
Akamir caught the sword tossed his way.
He guiltily looked at Camila.
'She has more influence than I thought. Even the knights listen to her like she's in charge.'
"I'll make sure you regret going near her," Arthur said, drawing Akamir's attention back.
"....Yeah."
'Is he drunk?' Akamir wondered. 'Not that it changes anything.'
Camila raised her hand from where she sat.
"Get ready."
She said giving them time to get in position before letting the silence settle.
"Start!"
The moment Camila's hand dropped, Arthur lunged.
It was a wild charge, emotional, clumsy, and exactly what Akamir expected.
Akamir didn't even bother to raise his sword.
He stepped aside, letting Arthur stumble forward, then struck the back of his leg with the flat of his blade.
Arthur stumbled, nearly falling to his knees.
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
'What a pain.'
Arthur growled and turned, swinging recklessly.
Akamir parried twice, then twisted his wrist, knocking the blade aside.
He stepped in and drove the hilt into Arthur's chest.
Arthur gasped, breath knocked from his lungs as he staggered back.
Akamir waited for him to get up without moving.
Arthur came again, furious, swinging wide.
Akamir ducked and kicked him sharply in the shin.
Arthur fell, gasping.
The crowd fell silent.
"Get up, Arthur," Akamir said quietly. "We're not done yet."
"...Fuck."
Arthur growled, raising his hand.
A magic circle began to form.
'Finally.'
Akamir thought.
'A good study material.'
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 63: Brithday [5]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC63: Brithday [5]
Chapter 63: Brithday [5]
'Finally.'
Akamir thought.
'A good study material.'
Arthur's palm lit up with a faint orange glow as the magic circle bloomed to life in the air above it.
The lines pulsed with unstable mana, wild and raw, clearly affected by his emotions.
'It's so clumsy and weak.'
Akamir could already see the gaps in its structure, the uneven lines, the rushed layering.
That spell was meant to do damage, with no thought about safety.
The circle crackled and a firebolt rushed towards him.
'That doesn't seem too dangerous.'
Akamir didn't bother raising his sword.
He lifted his hand slightly, and the table beside him shuddered as he used telekinesis.
It lurched into the air, floating between him and the spell, catching the firebolt head-on.
Flames burst against the wood, burning the surface, but the rest of the attack died out harmlessly.
"Fight me like a man!"
Arthur yelled as another circle flared in his hand, and this one was larger.
"There is a difference between stupid and bravery." Akamir replied, tilting his head. "And in you, all I see is stupidity."
"Shut up!"
Another sphere of fire rushed towards Akamir, a lot larger than before.
'What a pain.'
Akamir exhaled.
Two moves and Akamir could already determine that Arthur wasn't worth much.
He stretched his hand out again, and a nearby chair rattled and launched upward, intercepting the fireball.
'Hmm?'
A piece of stone burst from the flames towards him, but a sharp twist of his wrist sent a tray that was left behind by a passing servant spinning into its path.
Clang!
A loud sound—the tray and the stone dropped harmlessly.
'A sneak attack, huh?'
Akamir thought as he looked back at Arthur.
When the stone didn't work, he began forming another magic circle.
But...
The circle this time was sluggish, and Arthur's hand also trembled.
He was channeling mana through brute force, there was no refinement, no care for efficiency.
It reminded Akamir of someone who had learned to use magic through pain, not guidance.
Another circle flared.
'Still, he's too slow,'
Akamir thought, stepping sideways as the next firebolt hissed past his ear.
He raised his fingers, gently pulling a wine bottle from the table behind him and using it to deflect a wind slash aimed for his torso.
"Why!" Arthur gritted his teeth. "Why are they not working!"
The sword in his hand trembled.
He charged again, but this time, he didn't swing.
He tossed the blade aside.
'Is he really—?'
Arthur's fist clenched, and his knuckles began to glow, leaving a trail.
Mana surged through his arm, coating his skin with a faint bluish hue.
It was crude body enhancement magic—a short burst of speed and strength forced into the body with little regard for balance.
He reached Akamir in a second and threw a punch.
Akamir sidestepped, letting the blow whistle past his jaw.
Another punch followed, this time faster, stronger, but Akamir leaned back just enough for it to miss.
"Stay still, fucker!"
Arthur roared and aimed low, sweeping with a kick.
Akamir caught it on his shin and twisted his foot, locking Arthur's leg and flipping him over.
Arthur hit the ground hard, rolled, and scrambled back up.
His breaths came fast now, ragged, but his eyes blazed with anger.
He rushed again.
'Let's just end this.'
Akamir parried his punch with the flat of his palm, turned Arthur's wrist inward, and landed a clean jab to his ribs.
"Haah!"
Arthur gasped, barely blocking the next strike to his jaw.
He ducked the third and swung his fist wide, but Akamir leaned away, using the momentum to pivot behind him.
He planted his foot into Arthur's back and shoved.
Arthur stumbled forward, stopping himself from falling.
The crowd had long fallen silent, left in disbelief at how easily Arthur was getting beaten up.
Most of them couldn't do that, with how Akamir was doing.
Only the sound of footfalls, breathing, and the light hum of mana remained in the garden.
Arthur came again, more desperate than ever, throwing wild punches charged with mana.
Akamir caught one, twisted it, and sent a pulse of his own mana into Arthur's arm to numb it.
The next punch was slower and more sloppy.
Akamir caught it as well and used the force to spin.
He pivoted sharply, stepping to the side and grabbing Arthur's coat mid-spin.
In one swift motion, he hurled him across the stone courtyard.
Arthur flew backward, completely off balance.
Akamir's sword came with him—hovering in the air, drawn forward by telekinesis.
As Arthur hit the base of a marble statue, the blade followed brutally after him.
Crack.
"ARGHHH!!!"
Arthur screamed as pain assaulted his mind.
The sword pierced through his hand, nailing it to the base of the statue.
His body slumped, the pain hitting him fully a second later.
Everyone stood frozen.
Akamir didn't speak.
He walked over slowly, calm as ever, and stopped in front of Arthur.
His eyes flicked to the impaled hand, then to Arthur's face.
Arthur's lips trembled, breath catching in his throat.
"Don't challenge people when you're not ready," Akamir said quietly.
He stepped back, letting the royal knights rush forward.
Camila rose from her seat, finally smiling.
"I think that's enough."
The knights hesitated, then moved to pull the sword free.
"Argh."
Arthur cried out again as his hand was released.
Zaina covered her mouth, horror in her eyes.
Akamir turned his back without another word, rolling down his sleeves and picking up his coat.
He looked over at Ella, who had hopped off Zaina's lap and padded over to him, rubbing her head against his leg.
He crouched to lift her, cradling her in one arm.
Zaina walked forward, reaching for him. "Asher—"
"I'm fine," he said simply, cutting her off.
Her concern turned into a glare as she looked back at Arthur. "You said you would go easy on him."
Akamir looked at her. "I did go easy. Otherwise, he would be dead by now."
Zaina's lips trembled at the word 'dead.' "W-wait, you can't kill him! He is like my brother."
He looked at her for a second, then walked off without another glance.
"That's why he isn't dead," he said, walking away. "Better explain to him why he shouldn't go out of his boundaries."
'Still, he is pathetic.'
Akamir thought as he glanced up where Nayomi was floating.
"Was he really closest to the male lead in the novel?" Akamir asked, as Ella jumped on his head, laying comfortably.
"The novel was a tragedy," Nayomi replied. "If he was strong, then he could have actually helped her."
"...So, he is weak so Zaina could get more tortured?" Akamir mumbled, rubbing his chin. "Huh, that's not a bad explanation."
Nayomi didn't reply as she floated close to him.
Akamir stopped right at the entrance of the garden as he leaned against the wall.
He planned to stay for a little longer until Zaina returns back to the academy dormitory.
'Just in case something happened....'
---
SLAM!!
The door of a luxurious room slammed open as a boy angrily rushed inside.
His short blonde hair was a mess, and his dark blue eyes had only anger in them.
"FUCK!"
Lucien cursed aloud as he grabbed a chair and slammed it into the bed.
The chair splintered against the edge of the bedframe, wooden shards scattering across the carpeted floor.
Lucien paced the room like a caged beast, chest heaving, fury radiating from every movement.
"That bastard humiliated me in front of everyone!"
Lucien couldn't understand why.
What changed in Asher?
The boy who was always walking behind him like a loyal dog began to stand up against him.
"And that bastard looked at him as if I am lesser than him!"
His fists trembled as he turned to face the full-length mirror mounted near the dresser.
"Me? I am the greatest person in this kingdom, and yet he dares!"
Lucien slammed his fist into the wall, a loud thud echoing through the room.
"He stopped you from doing something stupid."
A voice echoed, and a man clad in full-body armour walked inside the room.
"A prince marrying a baron's daughter? Don't make me laugh."
Lucien turned to look at the man who closed the door behind him.
He was the same man that Akamir deemed dangerous at the first encounter.
Lucien's scowl deepened at the man's words, but he didn't speak right away.
"Don't mock me, Caldron," Lucien growled, but the tremor in his voice betrayed the insecurity underneath.
Caldron removed his helmet slowly, revealing a sharp face with eyes like obsidian and long, elongated ears.
One glance was enough to tell he was an elf.
"I'm not mocking you," Caldron replied coolly. "I'm telling you the truth. That girl will ruin your future."
Lucien clenched his jaw. "I love her."
Caldron snorted. "You don't know what love is. This is just plain obsession."
A heavy and tense silence lingered between them.
Lucien finally broke it, his voice low. "Why are you here?"
"To remind you of the deal," Caldron spoke slowly.
"You see, my master—the Royal Advisor of Elves, won't like you losing your position as the new king now."
Lucien's breathing calmed slightly, but his glare didn't waver. "I want Asher dead."
"Too easy," Caldron replied. "Buy why don't you break him before killing him."
Lucien stood still. "How?"
Caldron rubbed his sharp jaw.
"You said he framed his brother," he said, smiling.
"How about we use it against him?"
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 64: World Reserve Bank [1]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC64: World Reserve Bank [1]
Chapter 64: World Reserve Bank [1]
[15 May 1568 W.R.]
[Vesseran, Lythanis Kingdom.]
The day had already begun to unfold with the soft rustle of papers on Akamir's desk.
Some floated in the air as he looked at the logs presented to him.
Necro and Vesha knelt in front of his desk, their heads slightly bowed as they awaited his orders.
'Things are looking good here.'
Akamir thought, leaning back on his chair as he examined all the products they had purchased.
Most of them were items that were at the lower end of pricing compared to what they are sold for in Krivos Kingdom.
'We can easily sell them for twice the amount and everyone will buy them happily.'
All they needed to do was establish a place for a company in Krivos Kingdom.
'I should talk with Elore and see if the church can back it up.'
Things were going well and he was satisfied with the growth of his company.
Akamir placed the logs down as he looked at Vesha or the one wearing her skin.
"I asked you to capture more sums that I can use." Akamir said, looking at her. "Did you do it?"
The short crimson-haired woman looked up at him. "I captured five of them, my lord."
Akamir nodded in response. "Good, we will soon turn them into mimickers."
Vesha lowered her gaze again, her fingers twitching slightly, as if eager to follow his commands.
'This is really fucked up.'
Akamir thought, observing her behaviour.
The thing with the Mimickers was that they don't have their own free will.
No matter how cruel the crown holder is, they will always serve him with utmost loyalty.
Nothing can make them oppose their king.
Akamir's eyes lingered on her a moment longer, then shifted to Necro.
"What about the tracking?"
"Rest assured, my lord," Necro replied, his voice dry and hollow as ever. "No one will trace us back to you, we would rather die than bother you."
"No." Akamir sighed. "Just tell me if it's important."
"As you say, my lord."
"Good." Akamir's fingers drummed softly against the desk. "Then we move to the next phase."
He stood, causing the room's floating papers to fall gently to the floor.
"Send the next batch of Mimickers to Velryn city in Aure Kingdom." Akamir said, looking at the map of the three kingdoms.
"I want a warehouse there but keep your presence low there."
Necro nodded once and rose, reaching out to his overcoat's pocket.
He passed a newspaper to Akamir.
"What's this?" Akamir asked, taking the newspaper, reading it.
He frowned as soon as he read the headline.
"Do you wish for us to overtake them?" Necro asked, his voice abnormally cold. "They are stepping out of their boundaries."
Akamir let out a sigh as he placed the newspaper down.
"No." He ordered. "Focus on what I told you."
"Yes, my lord."
"I need some time alone." Akamir said, picking up his robe mask and the newspaper. "I will be out for a while."
They both nodded as they moved out of the way. Vesha hesitated but didn't stop him.
Akamir walked out of the warehouse into the old construction area.
He moved towards the streets while a figure began to float beside him.
Nayomi quietly looked at him without a word.
"They are showing like I am a joke." He said, opening the newspaper again. "What a pain."
The news was on point.
It told the events of Lucien's birthday and how the kingdom will fall in ruins because of incompetent rulers.
One proposed to a baron's daughter and the other—.
"What the fuck do they mean by 'in love with a retard?'"
Akamir grumbled as he threw the newspaper in the dustbin.
"How the hell am I a retard?"
"They could be talking about previous Asher." Nayomi replied, holding back her smile. "And I don't see any reason for them to show you as a better man."
Akamir moved towards the streets as he let out a sigh.
"I know that." He mumbled, rubbing his neck. "Why would they glorify their rival kingdom?"
The newspaper belonged to the Lythanis Kingdom, the one that was the competitor of Krivos Kingdom.
Even though they are diplomatically tied through marriage, that doesn't mean they are on good terms.
'Hell, they are even trying to take over Krivos Kingdom through Inara.'
And if they got a chance to humiliate Krivos, why would they not take it?
By doing so they are giving their citizens a false sense of satisfaction that they are better.
'I have seen this type of tactic a lot of times and surprisingly it works every damn time.'
Nayomi floated beside him, her form invisible to the crowd.
"Still," she murmured, "they wouldn't dare print something like this unless they were confident in your silence."
"Confidence and stupidity often look the same until the sword falls." Akamir shrugged. "I mean we have prime examples like Arthur and Lucien."
"Talking about Lucien." Nayomi said, looking at him. "Are you not afraid about what he might do?"
Akamir tilted his head. "And what can he do?"
"I don't know." She replied sarcastically. "Maybe frame you for killing your brother."
"Aren't you naive." Akamir replied, shrugging. "He would have already done that if he could."
Akamir stopped walking as the streets grew quieter, the crowd thinning around the old district.
Nayomi tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"Well, Lucien is smart. If he does frame me, then he knows that I will drag him with me."
Akamir replied, looking into her sky-blue eyes.
"I am sure he did remove everything that related him with his brother's death."
Nayomi quickly caught up with what he was trying to convey.
"Are you saying there is something else that he is trying to hide?" She said. "Something that he doesn't want others to know."
"Exactly." Akamir replied, resuming his walk. "That's why he is being so cautious about me."
Nayomi turned silent as she fell into deep thoughts.
As they turned into a quieter alleyway, the sounds of the market faded as Akamir reached a river that flowed through the centre of the city.
"What about Inara?" Nayomi asked softly. "Have you thought what to do about her?"
Akamir fell silent as he leaned on the stone block used as a partition with the river.
"I don't know." He mumbled softly. "...I have no idea if I should support her or not."
Akamir, for better or worse, doesn't know much about the woman.
He does have a vague idea that she is good, but good people also betray others.
Akamir feared that she would turn against him once she becomes a queen.
'For now let's wait and see.'
He thought, glancing at the river that was devoid of any type of ships.
"It would have been nice if there was a port in Krivos Kingdom." He mumbled, his voice soft. "We could have grown a lot."
"You can't do anything about that." Nayomi said, looking at him. "No one can do anything."
Akamir just nodded without a word.
Even though there is a port at Krivos Kingdom, it couldn't be used because of the sea monster.
The gigantic tentacled monster that resides at the depth of the sea and kills anyone that enters his area.
In all three human kingdoms, only Aure Kingdom has a port that doesn't align with the area of the monster.
Akamir let out a sigh as his gaze moved around the place.
He raised his hand and began to form a rune in the air.
Mana flickered in his hand and a firework formed in the air.
Akamir once again made the same rune, deep in thought.
"Hey, Nayomi." He said, looking at her. "Can you tell me more about runes?"
She tilted her head in confusion. "What do you want to know?"
Akamir hesitated for a while before he let out a sigh.
"Uh, I just....There is a weird feeling that I have when I use them."
He mumbled, rubbing his neck thoughtfully.
"Like these runes are part of something greater.... Something that I can't understand no matter how much I try."
Nayomi quietly looked at him, surprise flickered in her eyes that she quickly hid.
"That's a long story." She mumbled softly.
Akamir replied immediately. "I am free for a while."
She let out a sigh as she looked at him.
"...You see, there are five main religions right now."
Her voice echoed in the air.
"But before all this there was only one religion....
....The oldest religion."
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 65: World Reserve Bank [2]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC65: World Reserve Bank [2]
Chapter 65: World Reserve Bank [2]
Her voice echoed in the air.
"But before all this there was only one religion....
....The oldest religion."
Akamir tilted his head in confusion. "Oldest religion?"
"Yes." Nayomi nodded her head in response.
"See, the world has a history of uncountable years but only six thousand years' history is recorded...that too was mostly destroyed."
"I have read about it before." Akamir replied, looking at her. "It was mostly because people didn't want to talk about the oldest religion."
Akamir looked into her eyes calmly. "And you know about that because?"
Nayomi let out a sigh.
"Six hundred years ago, when Solomon empire summoned us, they let us use their library which has major events in history recorded in them."
Akamir's brow furrowed slightly, his eyes narrowing as he leaned against the stone partition.
"So, this oldest religion, what was this about?"
"Oh, they say this world is ruled by a powerful elder God being called the golden Sun."
Nayomi replied, floating just a little higher as she stared into the sky.
"And they had only one goal....to erase the concept of dead from this world."
Akamir blinked. "...Erase the concept of death?"
Nayomi gave a slow nod, her voice now hushed in the air.
"Not death as in dying—but the concept itself. No endings, no decay, no rot. They believed that existence was meant to be unbroken, forever basking in the golden Sun's warmth."
Akamir was silent, processing what she meant.
"That sounds like... a utopia. Or a prison."
She looked down at him, her eyes solemn. "Both. To those who worshipped the golden Sun, it was paradise. To those who rebelled... it was madness."
Akamir looked at the flowing river in silence.
Isn't he one of those who had escaped the concept of Death?
Doesn't that mean he was like them?
He sighed, throwing that thought away.
"Why do you tell me that?" He asked, looking at her. "Is it related to runes?"
Nayomi gave him a look for being so impatient.
"The golden Sun needed to expand his religion." She said.
"So, he made three things and sent it to the mortal world....They were an...eight finger hand, a tree and an elf."
'Now, that's interesting.'
Akamir thought as he began to walk and Nayomi floated just beside him.
"The enormous eight-fingered hand," Nayomi began, her voice barely above a whisper,
"was a living being. Each finger etched with a divine rune...the last form of runes."
'A rune that even Velyrian wasn't aware of, huh?'
Akamir rubbed his chin as he looked at her. "What did that hand even do?"
"Wherever it touched, it branded minds with the will of the golden Sun."
Akamir narrowed his eyes. "A living rune... that writes its belief into others?"
"Exactly," Nayomi said. "It didn't kill anyone. It just converted and reshaped the soul."
They walked in silence for a moment, the river murmuring beside them.
"And the tree?" he asked at last.
"It was worshipped as a holy relic in the Age of the Cradle." Nayomi whispered. "A world tree that bore golden leaves and blood-red fruit. Anyone who ate from it stopped aging."
Akamir glanced at her sharply. "Is that tree still there?"
"Yes and no." She replied simply. "It was broken into two—one is in a different continent and one with the elves."
Akamir's pace slowed. "An elf created by the golden Sun?"
"The first elf of divine blood." Nayomi said, floating further. "She was a saintess who, along with her husband, fought wars with dragons and giants."
Akamir quickly matched her pace. "So, it was dragons and giants who ruled the world before her?"
"Yes." She confirmed. "But after countless wars with the followers of golden Sun, they were forced to live in isolation on an island."
Nayomi paused mid-air, her gaze drifting toward the horizon where the sun dipped just below the clouds.
"She was more than just the first elf. They called her Iriel of the Dawn. She was the closest being to the golden Sun's image—flawless, eternal, beloved by many... and cursed by just as many."
Akamir raised an eyebrow. "Cursed?"
"She defied her god," Nayomi murmured. "She gave the knowledge of runes to every elf of her time."
"Let me guess," Akamir muttered. "The Church has its own version of her."
"They call her a betrayer. A fallen saint. They teach that she tried to hoard the Sun's gifts and was struck down for her greed."
Akamir frowned, his thoughts spiraling. "So... what happened to the oldest religion?"
"After the saintess' fall, the others followed behind her." She replied, looking back at him. "...In the end, they were also forgotten with time."
Akamir nodded in understanding. "And the elves immigrated to live in this continent?"
"Half of them." Nayomi corrected him. "The other half are still fighting with their eternal rivals."
Akamir raised his brow. "Rivals?"
"The family of moon...House El Lunari." She replied, her voice soft.
"They are one of the ancient factions that lived long before. They are also the ones who are in charge of the World Reserve Bank."
The last words caught Akamir's attention.
'So it wasn't a group of factions who managed the entire bank, huh?'
The more Akamir thought about it, the more he felt like it wasn't a good thing.
A united group instead of factions of many is far more dangerous than anything.
"Don't worry." She replied, glancing at him. "They are always in civil wars to care about the humans."
'Did she just read my mind?'
He wondered, narrowing his eyes at her.
Despite her telling that she could easily read him....this still doesn't sit him right.
He frowned as he thought of something. "Why does it feel like the house of moon are Vampires."
"They are Vampires." She replied, looking at him. "And they are far stronger than normal humans."
Akamir just nodded in response, not arguing with her.
He looked ahead, his eyes tracing the path that curved with the river.
"How do you know so much?" he asked after a long pause.
Nayomi tilted her head, then gave him a tired smile. "Because I am one of the few who remembers."
"You're not that old," he scoffed.
"I'm not," she agreed. "But I'm bonded to something ancient. I'm not supposed to exist anymore."
"...The spirit world, huh?" Akamir mumbled in response.
She didn't deny or confirm his words, she just remained silent.
"Anyway, is that weird finger thingy." Akamir said, looking at her. "Is it still alive?"
"Yes." She confirmed his doubts. "As far as I know, it is sealed by the El Lunari and is in their custody."
"I see." Akamir nodded. "And what about the saintess, how strong was she?"
"Exalted Empyrean."
"The fuck is that?"
Nayomi snorted. "A rank above demigod and a rank you will never reach."
"Haha, very funny."
Akamir looked thoughtful. "So... three divine relics. One of them's sealed. One is split. The third...?"
"The elf?" Nayomi said, smiling faintly. "There is nothing known about her but she is most probably alive."
That made Akamir stop mid-step.
"Wait, wait." He said, looking at her. "Then the elves being genderless—."
"Elves weren't always genderless, yes." She said, looking at him. "They were cursed to live that way."
"Hah. I knew it." Akamir said, rubbing his chin. "So, it was the elves who gave away the runes?"
"More or less." She replied, looking at him.
"And you don't know why I feel that when I use them?"
"I am...not sure." She mumbled, looking away. "I do have some theories but I will keep them to myself for now."
Akamir shrugged. "Sure, why not."
Akamir grumbled as he reached the end of a street to the wall of a huge building.
He looked around the place, finding nobody except him.
Taking in a deep breath, he raised his hand and willed to move back to his room.
A crown formed over his hand and a portal in front of him.
'I should just fall asleep after reaching home.'
The instant he entered it, Akamir vanished.
---
"Argh!"
The loud crashing sound made Akamir groggily wake up from his sleep.
He looked around the place until he found Zia close to him.
His head fell down on the bed once again. "Why are you here?"
Zia awkwardly looked at him. "Young master—."
"We will talk later." He grumbled, hiding his face with the pillow. "Get out for now."
"...."
Zia remained silent as she stood there.
"Did you not hear—."
"Should I also go away?"
A voice interrupted him.
Akamir looked on the other side of the bed.
'Fuck.'
Only to find Duke Darvin sitting on a chair.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 66: World Reserve Bank [3]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC66: World Reserve Bank [3]
Chapter 66: World Reserve Bank [3]
"Should I also go away?"
A voice interrupted him.
Akamir looked to the other side of the bed.
Only to find Duke Darvin sitting on a chair.
Akamir blinked a few times, groaning internally.
Of all the people he didn't want to see first thing after waking up, Duke Darvin topped the list.
He sat up, dragging the pillow off his face and tossing it to the side. "How long have you been sitting there?"
"Long enough to know you sleep like a rock," Darvin replied calmly, his fingers laced together over one knee.
"And that your servant has no sense of propriety."
Zia bowed slightly but didn't say anything.
Akamir didn't reply right away.
He rubbed his eyes, swung his legs over the side of the bed, and stretched his back.
Standing up, he looked at Zia. "Can I get something refreshing?"
"Yes, young master," she replied and rushed out of the room.
Akamir looked back at Darvin. "Why are you here?"
Duke Darvin stood up from his seat and began to walk. "Can't I come to see my son?"
Akamir chuckled. "...Yeah, I am not buying it."
Darvin didn't reply as he walked out of the room.
Akamir just stood there, not moving an inch.
There was silence in the room before Darvin walked back. "Follow me."
Akamir sighed as he began to walk behind him.
Darvin kept his eyes around the place as he looked at the condition of the estate.
"How is your academy life going?" he asked, glancing back at Akamir.
Akamir gave a noncommittal shrug. "It's school. What do you expect from it?"
Darvin didn't smile, but his gaze lingered. "That doesn't tell me much."
"Then maybe you're asking the wrong question."
Darvin stopped as he looked back at him. "Were you always this sharp-tongued?"
Akamir looked dead into his eyes. "You would have noticed if you actually cared for me."
Duke Darvin stared back before he turned and began to walk out toward the garden.
The evening air in the garden was crisp as it hit them.
Darvin slowed as he approached an old stone bench beneath a leaning cypress tree.
He gestured to it. "Sit."
Akamir didn't move. "I'll stand."
Darvin didn't argue.
He sat down himself, resting his hands on his knees.
"Are you here to just stare at me?" Akamir asked, tilting his head in confusion.
For a long moment, he didn't speak.
Then—
"There has been a rumour circulating around the kingdom," Darvin said. "A very terrible rumour."
Akamir's face turned serious as he looked at him. "What rumour?"
He pointed at Akamir. "That you killed the crown prince," he said, "and framed your brother Morris."
Akamir tilted his head. 'Can I kill him right now?'
"You can't," Nayomi's voice echoed from behind him. "He is still stronger than you."
Akamir took in a deep breath, calming himself down. "Do you believe those rumours?"
Darvin didn't answer right away.
He just stared at Akamir for a long moment.
Then, slowly, he said, "It doesn't matter what I believe."
Akamir narrowed his eyes. "That's a political answer."
"Did you do it?"
Akamir leaned forward just slightly. "What would you do if I said yes?"
Darvin met his gaze. "Depends on why."
'Hah. Look at this fucker.'
Akamir sneered internally.
If it had been the time before the engagement, Darvin would have jumped at him to get the answers.
'And now, he's just shrugging off his son's death like nothing.'
Akamir wasn't seeing a father but a man hungry for more power.
"I did no such thing," Akamir replied, looking into his eyes. "And I would never harm my brother."
Darvin just nodded, looking at him. "I thought so. You aren't the type to do such things."
"And where are these rumours coming from anyway?"
"I will look into them, don't worry," Darvin said quietly. "They will be punished accordingly."
Akamir nodded, keeping his face stoic. "Anything else?"
Darvin stood slowly, brushing imaginary dust from his coat.
"The Aure Kingdom has sent an official statement after what happened at the engagement party," he said, looking at Akamir.
"They have asked for compensation for the humiliation."
'Well, I guess money can also buy a royal's dignity.'
Akamir quietly asked, "And what if we don't pay the price?"
"Then they will wage war on us," he replied, moving toward a flower. "A war with no restrictions."
Akamir stared at the flower Darvin had stopped to observe.
War.
A war with no restrictions.
Being the king in his previous life, he had led a lot of wars himself.
He knew what it did to people and was well aware of the consequences of it.
If a war really happened, only the poor will suffer.
He looked at Darvin. "What are you going to do?"
"Nothing," he replied, picking up a violet flower. "It's more beneficial for us if the kingdom goes to war."
He turned to look at Akamir, who stared at him without any emotion on his face.
"This way we can strengthen our army and make the royal family bleed," he continued, walking closer.
"And the weaker they are, the easier it is for us to take over them."
"..."
Akamir just looked at him without a word.
Had he been strong enough, he might have just killed the man right here.
'He is way too dangerous for everyone.'
"Even the World Reserve Bank has given their word to support me," he said calmly. "All I need to do is show my worth."
'...'
There was so much Akamir wanted to say, but he chose to remain quiet.
He tilted his head. "Anything else?"
"Duke Vareon of Polama will enter the core dungeon soon," he said, looking into his eyes. "If he doesn't return, then we are overtaking their lands."
Akamir just nodded and didn't even bother to argue the loopholes in his plans.
"Are you going to stay?" he asked, tilting his head. "Because I have my classes tomorrow."
"No, I will be leaving now," he replied as he walked past him. "I just came to check on my son."
Akamir remained silent as he waited for him to leave.
"Asher," Darvin called from behind.
Akamir turned to look at him.
"Impregnate Princess Inara," he said, his voice cold. "I don't care what method you use....just do it as soon as possible."
Akamir was already aware of the reason for him to ask such a thing.
She's of direct bloodline to the throne.
If she bears his child, it will make it easy for them to capture the kingdom.
'What a sick bastard.'
Akamir let out a sigh as he saw him leaving the estate.
The first thing he did was look at Nayomi.
"How strong is he?" he asked.
"Blue core."
Akamir frowned. "Wasn't that impossible for humans to achieve?"
"Not all of them," she replied quietly. "Some can achieve it—like Darvin, who is light blue core, or King Aldric, who is dark blue core."
Akamir nodded silently as he began to stare at the sky.
"I still have a long way to go, huh?" he mumbled, raising his hand upwards. "Still a long way."
Nayomi curiously moved just above him as she stared into his eyes.
He frowned. "What?"
"Are you really going to impregnate Inara?" she asked curiously.
"Why would I do that?" he grumbled, brushing her aside. "And what right does she have to have my child?"
"Wow. You talk like you're the royalty here."
"Think what you want."
He let out a sigh as he began to walk back to his room.
'Anyway, I should talk with Inara about this.'
Akamir thought silently.
'She needs to know the consequences of her actions.'
---
The next morning, Akamir walked through the teachers' building, his mind still occupied with yesterday's conversation.
"Akamir," Nayomi said, making him look at her. "Something is wrong."
"Hm—?"
"ARGHH!!!"
As he moved past the first floor, a sudden scream pierced the silence.
'Wait, what was that!?'
Instinctively, he rushed toward it, prepared for the worst—only to find Professor Velyrian, arms raised, grinning like a madman.
"We did it!" the professor shouted, eyes wide with happiness. "We made it stable!"
Akamir blinked, confused. "Made what stable?"
Milo was standing close to him, looking happy yet concerned.
Velyrian pointed at the glowing orb at the centre of the room.
"The Ven! It's stabilized!"
Akamir's eyes narrowed as he looked into the lab, where a suspended core pulsed rhythmically.
He glanced back at Velyrian. "Show me everything."
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 67: Apostle Zaina [1]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC67: Apostle Zaina [1]
Chapter 67: Apostle Zaina [1]
He glanced back at Velyrian. "Show me everything."
Velyrian didn't need to be told twice.
With a motion of his hand, he gestured for Akamir to come inside.
Akamir walked past Milo, who was looking at the Ven core seriously.
The core pulsed slightly as it floated at the centre of the room.
"Hmm?"
As Akamir walked closer, he felt a slight pull from the core.
He quickly moved back from the core as he looked at the thing in astonishment.
'Wait, how can it be—?'
It doesn't make sense unless it has its own gravity.
"How heavy is that thing again?" Akamir asked, looking at Professor Velyrian.
He looked up at him from his wheelchair. "It's a few tons. Why do you ask?"
"A few tons won't give it its own gravitational pull, Velyrian," Akamir mumbled, rubbing his chin. "It's definitely far more than that."
'Come to think of it, when I first saw it there was no gravity around it.'
Akamir still remembered the time he first came into its contact.
But unlike that time, now this thing has a gravity that's pulling things inward.
'That's concerning.'
Velyrian tilted his head, the excitement still present in his eyes.
"We measured it multiple times. The outer shell doesn't weigh much. But—"
"The inner mass is dense," Akamir finished for him.
"The readings we've been getting are inconsistent," Milo nodded beside them, arms folded.
"It's like the core's mass fluctuates depending on the observer."
"That shouldn't be possible," Akamir muttered, stepping forward again, more cautiously this time. "Unless it's alive. Or sentient."
Velyrian chuckled like he had heard a joke. "That's not possible. It's a thing, not a living being."
"Grade Zero Sealed Artifacts have their own minds," Akamir replied quietly. "You should know better than me."
He stared into the orb, watching the pale-blue energy shift and spiral inward like a heartbeat.
'Yep, it definitely wants me to get closer.'
"It's not a Grade Zero Artifact," Velyrian defended with a tired groan. "Ven is classified as a Grade Four artifact."
Akamir looked back at him, blinking in surprise. "You are kidding, right?"
"He isn't," Milo said, awkwardly. "Ven is a Grade Four artifact."
"That thing can connect us to the Clandestine....the world of mana," Akamir said, trying to emphasize his words.
"And you are saying it's merely Grade Four?"
"That's the problem," Milo replied. "Ven at its core is just a teleportation portal and every one of them are classified—"
"It can lead us to a higher plane of existence."
"Still a teleportation portal."
Akamir groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Fine, whatever you say," he grumbled. "But we should still keep in mind about it being alive—"
"You are focusing on the wrong thing, boy!" Velyrian yelled grumpily as he glared at him. "What a buzzkill you are."
"Pardon me for being smart then," Akamir said, folding his arms. "So, what's the great thing you did?"
"Look at Ven," Velyrian said, pointing at the thing. "What's the difference from before?"
Akamir narrowed his eyes at the glowing crystal.
The more he focused, the faster he noticed small glowing carved stones rotating around it.
"Wait... Are those runes on stones?" Akamir mumbled, looking back at Velyrian.
The elf grinned. "Exactly. I made two opposite runes on either side of the stone. At first, Ven didn't react, but it gradually accepted it."
Akamir's eyes lit up with cautious curiosity. "You forced Ven to adapt to an artificial rune system?"
"Not forced," Velyrian corrected with a sly smirk. "Persuaded. There's a difference."
Milo crossed his arms again, clearly still on edge. "It took weeks of tuning. Half the runes shattered before Ven even acknowledged them."
"But these ones remained?" Akamir stepped closer to get a better look.
"They're stabilizing it," Velyrian explained. "Or maybe it's stabilizing them. Hard to tell."
"Opposing runes usually repel or neutralize each other," Akamir muttered, eyes narrowing. "How are they not exploding?"
"Because they're feeding off Ven's internal mana balance," Velyrian replied.
"It's not just acting as a conduit. It's functioning as a regulator. Like a nervous system."
Akamir's mind raced.
"That... shouldn't be possible. For something to interpret runes, adapt to them, and then regulate their flow—it needs pattern recognition... A decision-making."
"Exactly," Velyrian said with a maddening grin. "You were right about it!"
Akamir didn't reply; instead, he just stared at the Ven.
For some reason, he felt like he did something he shouldn't have.
"Quick, grab the plant," Velyrian said, patting his arm. "And throw it at Ven."
Akamir looked at him for a second before he picked up the pot of a dying plant and threw it.
Woosh!!
The plant, when coming in contact with Ven, began to glow.
Slowly, it started to regenerate, and in a blink, flowers began to bloom.
A flower that was a beautiful red but with... black and white patches on it.
The pot fell down as the glow dimmed till it wasn't there.
"See?" Velyrian pointed at the pot in excitement. "It didn't die unlike before!"
Akamir used telekinesis and made the pot float towards him.
He grabbed it and began to examine the thing.
Everything was beautiful and lively except the patches of black and white.
They felt less like mistakes...
And more like warnings.
"What are these patches?" Akamir asked, looking back at Velyrian.
Velyrian's excitement faltered for a moment.
His smile thinned. "That's... the part we don't fully understand."
Milo shifted uncomfortably. "It's like the Ven healed it but—wrong. Like it filled in the gaps with whatever it could find."
"But we are still going somewhere," Velyrian said as he grabbed the wheels and began to move.
Akamir quickly grabbed the handle and pushed him to his desk.
"If we go on at this rate and take into account a few more breakthroughs before you—"
Velyrian said, as he looked at Akamir in excitement.
"We can maybe complete Ven in the next ten years."
Akamir frowned. "...That's a long time."
"For you humans, it may be," Velyrian replied. "But it's a blink of an eye for me."
Akamir just nodded as he kept on staring at the crystal that pulsed softly.
"Say..." he mumbled, rubbing his chin. "You really have no plans to open the gate, right?"
"Of course not," the elf denied aggressively. "I am not foolish enough to do such a thing, boy."
Akamir chuckled. "Yeah, you aren't."
Just as Akamir turned his gaze away, he heard an unrecognizable whisper in his ear.
He stiffened. "Did... did you hear that?"
Milo raised a brow. "Hear what?"
Velyrian was already scribbling something down. "Don't tell me the thing's talking to you now."
"Uh, no," Akamir mumbled, rubbing his ears. "Anyway, I have something to ask from you."
Velyrian paused as he looked at him. "What is it?"
"There are rumours going on," he said softly. "About a company that has found things from the spirit world."
Velyrian scoffed. "That's impossible."
"Yeah, I thought the same," Akamir mumbled, rubbing his chin. "But let's say they are real... what do you think the elves will do?"
"They will try to get the source of the things, from where they are getting the items," he replied, grimly. "And they will go to any lengths for it."
Akamir gave him a look. "...I see."
"But knowing the current empress," he said, going back to his work. "She will just offer an appropriate price."
Akamir didn't look reassured.
He stood silent for a long moment, watching the soft pulses of Ven.
'Looks like I need to be a lot more cautious with how we deal with the elves.'
The Imoyan company, for better or worse, doesn't have ties with any big foundations.
They are part of no factions, making them free but also an easy target.
'I need to do something to strengthen them.'
Akamir thought, rubbing his chin.
'And fast as well.'
There was a lot for him to do, and time was spilling from his hands.
He began to walk out of the place.
"I will see you later."
Velyrian said without looking at him.
"And learn all the runes quickly so we can work together."
"Sure."
Akamir replied as he walked out of the office.
As soon as he did, Nayomi began to float just beside him.
"You should attend the next class,"
she said, looking at him.
"It will be important."
Akamir tilted his head in response. "And why do you say that?"
"It's today,"
she said solemnly.
"When Zaina awakens her powers as an Apostle."
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 68: Apostle Zaina [2]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC68: Apostle Zaina [2]
Chapter 68: Apostle Zaina [2]
'What a pain.'
Akamir grumbled inwardly as he let out a sigh.
Looking around, he found himself standing in line alongside the rest of his class.
Their mummers filled the academy's training ground.
Most of the students looked half-awake, their uniforms slightly rumpled as the class was just after lunch.
"Haven't seen you here before." Viros, who stood beside him, mumbled. "What's the special occasion?"
"Nothing much." Akamir shrugged. "Just felt like it."
"Must be nice." Luca grumbled beside him. "Having connections to bunk any class."
"You jealous, ginger—?"
"I am not ginger!?"
"SILENCE!"
A voice boomed in the place, making them all flinch.
Akamir followed where the sound came from.
Professor Danyal stood at the front, arms behind his back, his sharp eyes scanning the row of students.
He was built like someone who had once lived on the battlefield.
The burn scars on his neck and the metal bracer on his left wrist spoke louder than any of his lectures.
'A war veteran, huh?'
Akamir thought, observing the man who didn't look like a teacher at all.
The look he gave was enough to tell he had no patience.
"Fancy seeing you here." Danyal said, glaring at Akamir. "This is your first class, isn't it?"
"Yes, sir." Akamir replied, looking at him.
"Where have you been in all the previous classes?" he asked, tilting his head. "The way you bunk classes, I don't think you will go far."
"Thanks for your concern, Professor." Akamir replied with a straight face. "But I have a fiancée who will take care of me."
Danyal's lips twitched as his glare intensified, but he chose not to argue further.
Instead, he looked at the students.
"You lot are too soft," he said, his voice cutting through the silence.
"You rely too much on magic, artifacts, and bloodlines. It's disgusting."
Some students shifted uncomfortably.
Akamir noticed a few of the more privileged ones draped in designer uniforms and golden family sigils lower their gaze.
'Were they humiliated before or something?'
He wondered as he looked back at the professor.
Danyal didn't hide his disdain for nobles, and he certainly didn't sugarcoat it.
"This academy's purpose isn't to polish your names. It's to train survivors. And the first rule of survival is that your body must obey you before your mana ever will."
He paced slowly, the ground crunching under his boots, the silence was so heavy in the place.
"I have already given the basics of survival." he said. "And today I will test what you have learned."
He stood in front of a noble and just looked down at him.
"You will form pairs. One pair per group." he continued.
"You will be entering a live-zone forest. It's crawling with wild beasts. If you want to make it out, you work together."
Whispers spread quickly among the students.
Some seemed excited, others looked worried.
"Form your pairs," Danyal barked.
The group broke into a mess of movement.
Friends moved toward each other, flocking together.
Others scrambled, trying to secure someone they could at least trust not to die.
Akamir looked to his side, and just as he expected, Viros and Luca had already formed a team.
"Ugh, no one?"
He grumbled as he looked around him, finding himself alone.
'Well, I should have expected it.'
He wasn't particularly close to anyone in his class.
Most of the people only knew him from the rumours.
'And all the rumours around me are nasty to say the least.'
One by one, the pairs were formed.
Akamir looked around and noticed that only one person hadn't moved...Zaina.
She stood near the edge of the group, her worried eyes looked around, shoulders slightly tense.
Their eyes met, but none of them moved from their place.
'I shouldn't be paired with her.'
Akamir thought as he looked away from her.
Even though he wasn't particularly against the idea, there was something else that bothered him.
'If I do then she might not awaken her powers.'
Nayomi had already given him a brief on how the events would unfold.
And for better or worse, he didn't want to be with her.
But....
When do things go as he wants them to be?
Danyal scanned the group once again before his gaze landed on the two of them.
"You two," he said, pointing at Akamir and Zaina. "Leftovers. Pair up."
"But—."
"What?" Danyal snapped, glaring at him. "Do you want to bunk this class as well?"
"...."
Akamir's lips twitched as he glanced to his side.
Zaina began to move towards him before she stood just beside him.
She smiled softly. "Got no friends to pair up with, huh?"
"You are one to talk." Akamir replied, glancing around. "Even your girl friends didn't choose you."
"I rejected their offer."
"Does that change anything?" Akamir scoffed. "Loner."
"Says the one guy who doesn't have any friends." she rebuked, crossing her arms.
"At least I have an excuse of not attending much classes." Akamir replied. "What's your excuse?"
Zaina didn't respond right away, her mouth opened up but no words came out.
"Humph!"
So she simply ignored him.
'What am I supposed to do now?'
Akamir wondered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Danyal walked past them without another word, stopping near a tall metal structure that stood at the end of the training grounds.
With a quick flick of his bracer, a faint hum filled the air, and a swirling portal flickered to life before them.
Akamir's interest piqued immediately as he looked at it.
'A type of teleportation portal?'
He wondered, examining it.
The world, as he had noticed, was bizarre to say the least.
'Even though they have technology, they still refuse to use it properly.'
Even though he did know that the World Reserve Bank doesn't want them to grow.
'A lot of things still don't make any sense.'
"This portal leads directly to the northern section of the Kyrin Forest," Danyal announced.
"It's a wild zone. No instructors watching you guys. You'll have your full abilities—but so will the beasts."
Some students straightened at that. Others tensed visibly.
"The goal is simple," he continued.
"Reach the marked location on the other side. There will be a return portal waiting for you. You'll be timed. And ranked."
A hand shot up from the middle of the group.
"What if we get attacked by something too strong?" someone asked nervously.
"Run. Hide. Use your partner. Think." Danyal didn't even look at the student.
"You're not being thrown in helpless. You have your training, and if that's not enough, then you shouldn't be here."
The portal pulsed brighter.
"Groups will go in one at a time. You'll have ten-minute intervals between deployments. First group, step forward."
Names were called, and the first few pairs walked toward the portal.
The line moved quickly, the number of students growing fewer and fewer.
When their names were finally called, Akamir stepped forward with Zaina beside him.
"Good luck," Danyal said flatly, without even looking at them.
Akamir rolled his shoulders. "He's really not subtle with his hate."
"He probably thinks you're the worst kind of noble."
Akamir gave her a look. "What about you?" he asked. "What do you think?"
"I think the same." she replied.
"Tch."
Akamir clicked his tongue as they both walked inside the portal.
The world shifted around them.
The academy training grounds vanished, replaced by the dense, musky scent of trees and damp earth.
Kyrin Forest stretched ahead...tall, thick trees with gnarled roots, vines hanging like curtains, and mist hugging the ground.
It wasn't pitch dark, but there was barely any sunlight because of the tall trees.
Akamir looked back as he didn't find the portal behind them.
For a few seconds, neither spoke.
Finally, Zaina looked at him. "Do you know the directions?"
He shrugged. "I have no idea."
Zaina twirled around in one place before she chose a random direction.
"Let's go there."
"...."
Akamir just looked at her blankly.
'Is she stupid?'
He wondered, still trying to process how she can just walk randomly.
'I suppose, I should just follow her.'
In the novel, she was paired up with Arthur, but because of Akamir, he was on the bedrest.
'They were supposed to get injured and had to spend some time in a cave to rest.'
That cave was the catalyst for her awakening.
Zaina stopped in her trail, looking back at him. "Are you coming or not?"
Akamir sighed. "I am."
But just as he moved.
"AWHOOO."
A howl echoed in the forest.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - ToS
Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 69: Apostle Zaina [3]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC69: Apostle Zaina [3]
Chapter 69: Apostle Zaina [3]
But just as he moved.
"AWHOOO."
A howl echoed in the forest.
Akamir froze mid-step, his ears straining.
Another howl followed.
This one was closer.
Zaina's face paled slightly. "Was that... a wolf?"
"No," Akamir said, narrowing his eyes. "Wolves don't sound that guttural. That was something bigger."
The forest around them seemed to hush, as if even the insects knew better than to make noise now.
Zaina clutched the edge of her uniform tightly. "Maybe we should hide."
Akamir turned to look at her. "Do you know how to fight?"
She hesitated before she smiled awkwardly. "A little bit."
"Cool." Akamir said as he began to walk towards the direction she chose.
"H-hey, Asher."
Zaina whispered, looking around before she meekly followed him while looking around anxiously.
Akamir quietly looked around the place as he noticed a few trails.
They weren't new enough for students but still not old enough.
He quickly glanced at Nayomi who floated silently with them.
"Yes." She confirmed his doubt without him speaking. "There are instructors ready to help if needed."
'I see.'
Akamir quietly nodded in response.
It was honestly a given as the academy won't just throw nobles in a jungle unsupervised.
"Why are you nodding suddenly?" Zaina mumbled, narrowing her eyes at him.
"It's nothing." Akamir replied, shaking his head. "And why are you so close?"
Zaina was almost attached to him as he could feel her shoulder brushing against him.
"S-so I can h-help you if you need it." She stammered, looking away.
"...Right."
Akamir mumbled as he resumed his walk and Zaina followed him quietly.
After a while she mumbled. "Hey, can I ask a question?"
"No."
"....."
"....Just ask."
She hesitated for a while before she lowered her head.
"Are you really going to marry Princess Inara?" She mumbled.
Akamir thought for a while. "...I don't know."
"What about me?" She whispered. "I am your fiancée as well, remember?"
Akamir didn't answer immediately.
Zaina trailed behind him, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.
"Honestly." He mumbled. "I don't want to marry a child like you."
"C-child?" Zaina stammered. "Who are you calling a child!?"
"Who is my fiancée?"
"Inara?"
"She is twenty-six—."
Akamir drew in a deep breath to keep himself in check.
"I am talking about you." He grumbled. "You are a child."
"How can you say that?" She rebuked, groaning in disbelief. "We are of the same age."
"Same age doesn't mean same maturity," he said flatly.
Zaina flushed. "Stop acting like you are an old man."
Akamir's lips twitched. "I am not old."
She stuck out her tongue to mock him but quickly looked away when he looked at her.
'Hmm, why is it so quiet?'
Akamir wondered, looking around the place.
There were no sounds of bird or insects in the place.
Akamir placed his hand on the hilt of the normal sword he was carrying.
"So...." Zaina began, unaware of the danger. "You like mature women?"
Akamir gave her a look. "I never said that."
"But you implied you don't like girls your age...."
She mumbled then eyes widened in disbelief and disgust.
"Don't tell me you like little girls—."
"Shut up!"
Akamir snapped, glaring at her.
"One more word and I will throw you at the wolf that is following us."
"Huh?" Zaina blinked. "What wolf—!"
The greenery behind her moved and something instantly launched at her.
Akamir raised his hand, curling his fingers up as if trying to grab something.
The beast whimpered loudly as its body suspended in the air, a strain marking clear around its neck.
Akamir clenched his fist, crushing the beast's neck through telekinesis.
The body fell limply on the ground.
Zaina quickly moved back, sticking with him. "W-What, since when?!"
"From the start."
Zaina's breath hitched as she looked at the lifeless beast.
Its neck was twisted at an unnatural angle, eyes bulging from its skull.
"Can't you tell me this before?!"
"Why?" He replied. "So you can panic?"
Zaina wanted to protest, but she bit her tongue.
"Let's go." Akamir said, resuming his walk.
Zaina quickly moved and grabbed the sleeves of his shirt.
Akamir didn't even have to look back at her to tell how scared she was.
'And this girl is supposed to be the tyrant queen who caused human race to go extinct.'
They walked for another minute before Akamir suddenly stopped.
Zaina nearly bumped into his back. "What? What is it—?"
Akamir raised a finger to his lips.
He grabbed Zaina by the wrist and pulled her toward a thick cluster of bushes just off the trail.
"Stay still." He whispered. "Don't make any sound."
Zaina didn't argue.
They crouched together, their breath shallow.
Zaina kept on glancing at his lips that were too close for her comfort.
Akamir, on the other hand, was serious.
'What did I see?'
He wondered, peeking his head out a little.
There, he saw it again.
A beast that was taller than a man walked past the trail.
It looked like a wolf, but it wasn't.
Its limbs were too long, too lean.
Its eyes glowed faintly green, and its fur glowed like ink in water.
More disturbing was the way it moved; it made almost no sound.
Zaina clutched Akamir's sleeve unconsciously.
The creature sniffed the air, its head tilting unnaturally, and for a moment, it paused.
Akamir instinctively reached for the hilt of his blade.
The creature exhaled a low grunt... and then walked away, fading back into the shadows.
They waited several heartbeats before either of them moved.
"Is it gone?" Zaina whispered.
"For now," Akamir replied, his voice low. "But it didn't look like an ordinary beast."
Zaina stood up beside him. "We should move quickly."
Akamir nodded silently as he stood up as well.
But....
Something still bothered him.
Akamir glanced up at Nayomi who quietly looked at him.
"Where are we?" He whispered. "And what was that thing?"
"At the center of the forest." She replied simply. "And that thing was a core beast."
"Core beast?"
"Most beasts don't have a core but they can use mana by strengthening their bodies like a beastman."
She explained quietly.
"But those things can rank up like humans and actually have a decent amount of intelligence."
'....I see.'
Akamir nodded while Zaina looked at him weirdly.
"Why do you keep on nodding your head?" She asked. "You have a problem—."
"Let's go."
He said as he began to walk once again.
They remained silent while Nayomi floated in the air to have a clear look of the forest.
After a long while, she returned back to them.
"You need to move just a little more to reach the cave." Nayomi said. "It's close by."
Akamir nodded his head without any words.
"Why do you keep on doing that?" Zaina grumbled. "Does your neck hurt?"
Akamir sighed. "Do you ever stop talking?"
Zaina puffed her cheeks. "Do you ever start talking?"
"Why should I talk with you?" He asked, looking at her. "You aren't a princess or anything."
Zaina opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it.
"I still hate you for what you did to Arthur." She mumbled. "Aunt was really pissed."
"I don't care." He replied, without looking at her. "And he came to challenge me."
"Still—."
Akamir stopped on his path as he felt a sudden shift of mana in the place.
He glanced back at Nayomi who quietly nodded her head.
Akamir slowly began to walk further, clearing the vines in his path.
"Where are you going?" Zaina asked, following close behind.
He didn't answer immediately, his eyes scanning the dim light.
The trees became fewer as they reached a different place.
"What....?"
Zaina mumbled as she looked at the large cave in front of them.
But Akamir's gaze was on something else.
He kept on staring at the mangled corpse at the side of the place.
REMOVE ADS FROM $1
Report chapter CommentsContact - To