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."
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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.
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 70: Apostle Zaina [4]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC70: Apostle Zaina [4]
Chapter 70: Apostle Zaina [4]
He kept on staring at the mangled corpse at the side of the place.
The body lay slumped beside the cave entrance, partially hidden by roots and thick moss.
Zaina's gaze quickly fell on the dead body that sprawled on the side.
Her eyes widened in horror as she saw its skin peeled in places as though it had been melted rather than torn.
Akamir slowly walked towards the corpse and Zaina a few steps behind. "H-how did this happen?"
Akamir didn't respond as he crouched beside the body.
'It's old. Maybe half a year or more.'
He thought, observing the body closely as his hand gently moved its head.
There were a few markings here and there but it wasn't deadly.
'Did he have a fight with someone before he died?'
Akamir wondered, rubbing his chin.
Zaina quickly pointed at his hand. "There is something there."
Akamir looked down at the piece of paper the body was holding tightly.
He took the paper and unfolded it and the words that were written made his expression harden.
Zaina grew curious as she leaned forward. "What is it?"
Akamir passed the paper to her. "Read it for yourself."
Though confused she took the paper and saw the words.
With a trembling voice she began to read it.
"W-welcome home, Zaina."
"What...?" Her voice cracked, barely above a whisper. "What does this mean?"
Akamir's gaze remained fixed on the corpse. "You know this place?"
"No," she said shaking her head before she whispered. "I—I don't think so..."
Akamir just nodded as he stood up and looked at the cave once again.
Zaina clutched the note tighter. "Is this some kind of joke?"
"It's not," Akamir said. "This wasn't written recently. The ink is faded. Whoever this was... wrote it long before."
Zaina stepped back, her breaths turning shallower.
"That doesn't make any sense—why would anyone...?"
"Calm down." Akamir said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Panicking won't do anything good."
"But why me?! I've never been here! I don't—" She stopped mid-sentence as she looked back at the cave.
"....Wait."
She began to walk closer towards the darkness.
"Zaina?"
Akamir called but she didn't listen.
She moved inside the cave and the light immediately dimmed down.
Akamir formed a rune of fire in the air and it illuminated the place.
Zaina kept on walking further inside until she stopped at a left corner.
Akamir could feel cold chilly winds coming from the inside of the cave.
'Is there another exit out of it?'
He wondered before his gaze turned to Zaina who was tracing something on the cave wall.
Akamir frowned. "What are you doing?"
Zaina didn't reply immediately as her fingers slowed down.
"When I was a child, I used to have dreams of a woman in a white robe holding a blue lantern."
She explained as her hand stopped and she stepped back.
"She used to show me things and always told me that 'I'll return one day. When the roots remember my name.'"
"Roots....?" Akamir mumbled rubbing his chin.
She didn't reply, instead she closed her eyes.
"Huh?"
Much to Akamir's surprise, the place began to glow in a bluish light.
The whole cave began to give out the light forming a glowing path further inside the cave.
"...What is this?" Akamir mumbled, examining the closest glowing spot.
'It's like a pattern.'
Akamir rubbed his chin as he tried to understand them but wasn't successful in doing so.
"...I feel weird, Asher." Zaina said, looking at him. "...What should I do?"
Akamir looked at her then glanced at Nayomi who floated silently.
"It's her decision." She said. "Make her the choice."
Akamir sighed. "Do you want to go out?"
Zaina lowered her head as she didn't reply.
Akamir continued. "If you want we can go out."
She bit her lip before she shook her head.
"I...I know the cave." She mumbled. "I don't think there is anything dangerous here."
"So, we are going in?" He asked, tilting his head. "Right?"
Zaina just gave him a short nod before she turned and began to walk and Akamir followed behind her.
The light around them flickered as she moved.
'It's responding to her steps, huh?'
When Zaina stepped forward again, the light brightened once more.
"They're not just patterns," she said quietly. "They're...like roots."
"What do you mean by that?"
"..I don't know." She mumbled quietly. "I don't understand as well."
Akamir nodded and walked closer. "Do you know who that lady was in your dreams?"
"..She always had a mask on her face." Zaina replied, shaking her head. "But when she took it off, she looked like my late mother."
"....I see." Akamir mumbled, looking forward.
They walked slowly, the glowing path guiding their feet deeper into the cave.
Winds collided with the walls making strange noises.
Each time Zaina drew near, more light bled through the carvings.
Their steps slowed down as they reached an exit.
...That led them to a wide chamber.
Akamir frowned as he looked at it. "...What is that?"
At its center stood a circular stone dais surrounded by withered vines, blackened as if by fire.
An altar of roots had grown into the wall, holding an object...a mask made of wood and bone.
Its eye sockets empty and mouth curled into a knowing grin.
Zaina stepped forward instinctively.
Akamir held out a hand. "Wait. This could be a trap."
"I know this mask," she said, voice distant. "She wore it sometimes. The woman in the dreams."
"Really?" Akamir wondered rubbing his temples. "Does that mean that woman is real?"
Zaina had no answer for that as she stood above the altar and grabbed the mask.
Akamir quickly moved closer standing up on the altar as well.
"Brace yourself."
Nayomi suddenly said, looking at him.
Akamir tilted his head—.
Only to notice the ground shook and broke in an instant.
"Huh?"
They both began plummeting down into the pit of darkness.
'You could have warned me earlier, Stupid idiot!'
Akamir moved and quickly grabbed Zaina by the waist and leapt towards the wall.
He took out his sword and implanted his hand on the stone wall.
Their speed slowed down enough for them to break the fall.
"Urgh!"
Akamir was the first to fall down and Zaina over him.
'My back hurts.'
Akamir groaned inwardly as Zaina curled over him.
She refused to move holding him tightly.
Akamir shook her. "Zaina?"
"Uh, yeah."
Zaina quickly replied as she began to stand up.
Akamir stood up as well as he began to look around the place.
Yet...
There was nothing but darkness all over the place.
The air was damp, thick with the scent of earth.
Zaina held her hands tight against her chest, her breaths shallow. "Where... are we now?"
Akamir stood still, his eyes adjusting to the void around them.
His sword remained drawn.
"We fell deeper than I thought," he muttered, scanning the walls. "There's no natural light source here."
But just as Zaina took a step forward, the place glowed with the same bluish color as above.
Akamir looked at Zaina as she glanced back at him.
"Shall we move?" She asked, looking back at the straight path.
"After you." He said, glancing around in the debris. "Where is the mask?"
"It should be here." Zaina mumbled softly. "There it is."
Akamir followed her gaze as it landed on the mask.
He reached towards it.
But...
[You are in the presence of a sealed Artifact.]
Just as he held onto it, a small message flickered in front of him.
[Would you like to use "memories"?]
[Yes/no]
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 71: Apostle Zaina [5]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC71: Apostle Zaina [5]
Chapter 71: Apostle Zaina [5]
[You are in the presence of a sealed Artifact.]
Just as he held onto it, a small message flickered in front of him.
[Would you like to use "memories"?]
[Yes/no]
Akamir looked at the message then he glanced at the mask itself.
'It's an Artifact?'
He examined the thing more carefully.
There was nothing that made it stand out except the two markings on either side of the cheek.
'What should I do?'
"Asher?" Zaina mumbled softly, snapping him out. "What happened?"
Akamir turned to look at her.
"Nothing." he said , passing the mask. "Don't lose it."
Zaina nodded, holding the mask carefully, tracing the strange markings with her thumb.
"Have you seen this place in your memories?" Akamir asked, glancing at her. "Or anything like this?"
Zaina hesitated before she softly nodded her head. "I do remember this place."
He nodded. "Shall we move?"
"...Yes."
They once again began to walk on the glowing path while being closer this time.
Akamir slowly looked up at Nayomi who floated silently.
"Give me a heads-up." He mumbled softly. "Is there anything dangerous inside or not?"
"Be prepared to fight." She replied, glancing at him. "There is a thing protecting the place."
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Zaina noticed his behavior but didn't shook anything.
As they walked deeper into the ruins, the air grew colder.
The broken walls were covered in strange faded murals.
'What is this place?'
Akamir wondered, rubbing his chin.
There were so many things that didn't make any sense.
Like how does Zaina even know of this place?
Was she guided here? Destined to be here?
'Whatever it may be , it's making me uncomfortable.'
He thought, glancing back at Nayomi for explanation.
She caught his gaze as she cleared her throat.
"Remember how I told you about the first elf?" She asked, looking at him. "The one created by the golden Sun?"
"...Yeah?"
"She had a son named Asaemon by herself who was born with the potential of becoming a god." She continued, floating closer to him.
"But her son fell in love with the Head of their eternal rivals....Inola El Lunari."
'The house of the moon, right?'
He wondered, looking at her while he slowed down to keep a little distance from Zaina.
"Both the houses lived peacefully for a while and the couple also had three children."
She explained, looking at Zaina's back.
"Things were going well until Morana charmed Asaemon and made him leave Inola."
Akamir frowned. "Goddess Morana?"
"Yes." She nodded. "But she was a demigod back then."
Akamir nodded thoughtfully as he waited for her to continue.
Nayomi's voice lowered slightly.
"She seduced Asaemon, promising him everything. Power enough to rival the Sun and Moon themselves."
"And?"
"And Asaemon... he fell for it."
"What happened to Inola?" he asked.
"She was cast aside," Nayomi replied. "And well, let's just say she became crazy and tried to reach Godhood herself."
Akamir nodded silently as he looked at her.
Akamir frowned. "And Asaemon?"
"He tried to become a god....but the ritual failed because Morana betrayed him. Instead she killed him and became a goddess herself."
Akamir rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he glanced back at Zaina.
'And she is an Apostle of such a goddess?'
Nayomi's voice grew colder.
"To make things worse, Morana sealed Inola inside an Artifact. An eternal prison, just to torment her."
Akamir's eyes narrowed. "That Artifact... it's in the hands of the Moon House?"
"Yes."
"What about her children?" He asked, looking at her.
"They still live." She replied, grimly. "But they are cursed....half-divine, half-broken."
Akamir nodded silently. "And what does that have to do with me being here?"
"I'm getting there," she said with a scoff. "See, Morana made one mistake when she sealed Inola."
"What kind?"
"She let her have her consciousness attached." She replied.
"And Inola never stopped growing inside the Artifact. Once she is out Inola will become a goddess stronger than Morana."
Akamir glanced at her as a picture began to form in his mind.
"Let me guess." He mumbled. "Morana makes an Apostle to have—."
"Yes, to keep the Artifact in check." She completed his words.
"Every soul her Apostle kills is used to strengthen the Artifact and this place is a mural for her to share her powers."
Akamir nodded. "And she knew Zaina would come here?"
"Divination," Nayomi said simply. "She foresaw this moment. Zaina, in the right place, at the right time."
Akamir's brows furrowed deeply. "That's possible?"
"It is," Nayomi replied. "That's the terrifying part."
Akamir nodded, rubbing his chin. "How old is this story again?"
"It all happened in the second epoch." She replied. "So almost 5000 years old."
"That's a long time." Akamir mumbled as he came to a halt as he looked forward.
Zaina had also come to a halt just in front of him as she looked at the crack that was created in the middle.
"What happened?" Akamir asked, walking closer. "Is something—."
But his words halted as he looked inside the crack.
It was another chamber.
A lot bigger than the one on the upper side.
Zaina walked inside the crack and Akamir followed behind.
They both looked like ants in the giant structure, small, almost insignificant.
There, in the center of the chamber, stood a raised platform.
Upon it rested a towering statue...its face cracked and worn but unmistakably beautiful.
Around her feet were broken pieces of mirrors.
A cracked and broken voice escaped Nayomi's lips. "Morana."
Akamir faintly noticed the anger in her voice but he kept his silence.
Zaina , as if caught by an unforeseen force, moved closer to the statue.
"Hey!" Akamir quickly grabbed her wrist. "Are you alright?"
Zaina met his eyes, her body trembling violently.
"I need to do this." She whispered, breaking his grip. "If I don't then I won't be able to keep myself sane."
Akamir couldn't understand what that even meant.
She quickly moved towards the statue leaving the mask behind with him.
Akamir folded his hands as he looked at her.
The shards of mirror at her feet began to shimmer faintly, there was a glow in her eyes that soon burned brightly.
Slowly her body began to rise higher and higher until she was just at the level of the statue's face.
Akamir rubbed his chin as he looked at Nayomi.
"So." He began. "Where is the guardian?"
Nayomi smiled as she pointed at the ceiling.
Akamir looked at the ceiling and his eyes widened immediately.
There far above them was an enormous black snake staring at him.
'At least forty foot.'
Akamir thought looking at its pale yellow slit eyes.
The snake's forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air, its gaze locked on Akamir.
"It won't attack you as long as you are close to the statue." Nayomi said, looking at him. "That's the easiest way to avoid his attack."
He nodded looking at the mask. "Is this thing usable or not?"
"You can't use it unless you are an apostle of Morana." She explained. "It's made for Zaina."
Akamir nodded silently.
'It's strange.' he thought. 'I don't feel any fear for it.'
Was it because of the void fox presence?
He doesn't feel much of a threat from the snake.
Akamir glanced at Nayomi once again. "Can I beat that thing?"
She gave him a weird look and then sighed softly. "...Maybe if you use everything."
Akamir nodded, unbothered. "Let's try it then."
The snake jumped down from the ceiling at Akamir at a threatening speed.
Akamir remained calm as he took out his sword and wore the mask over his face.
[Would you like to use "memories"?]
[Yes/no]
He clicked on "yes."
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Show menu NOVEL BIN5Novel Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win Chapter 72: Apostle Zaina [6]CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC72: Apostle Zaina [6]
Chapter 72: Apostle Zaina [6]
Akamir's vision blurred.
"Hmmm?"
As the world settled down, he found himself in a different place.
'.....'
The world of utopia.
Everything looked beautiful, shining in a hue of golden.
A tall field of golden wheat stretched in front of him to infinity.
At the very end of the field was an enormous golden tree.
A tree whose branches covered the entire place.
'Is this the memory of the Artifact?'
Akamir wondered, rubbing his chin.
"Hey?"
A sound from behind made him panic and look behind him.
A beautiful tall lady stood in front of him with long black hair and skin paler than paper.
Her eyes were molten gold that stared at him.
"What are you doing here?"
Akamir opened his mouth to speak only to notice something.
'She isn't talking to me?'
He slowly moved out of the way as she began to walk.
And just as he expected, the woman moved past him and stopped in front of a man.
'An elf?'
Akamir thought, observing the golden-haired man.
The man smiled gently. "I made something for you, Inola."
'Wait, are they—?'
Akamir wondered, rubbing his chin.
Inola tilted her head. "What is it?"
Asaemon slowly brought a mask forward, the same mask Akamir wore.
"This is for you," he said softly. "I made it with my own hands."
Inola blinked in surprise. "But you don't know—."
"I learned how to make one," Asaemon said, smiling. "Just for you."
There was silence between them.
"...I can't accept it," she finally said. "You should give it to your mother."
He grabbed her hand and placed the mask on it.
"I made it for you and only you."
The world twisted and shifted around Akamir.
The scene continued but with one difference.
It wasn't Inola but someone else who stood in her place.
A woman wearing a veil.
Asaemon continued in a hollow voice.
"Because I love you."
Everything blurred once again.
---
'Hmm?'
The moment Akamir blinked, he was back.
A rush of heat surged up his spine as the mask pulsed once, then went still.
His vision shifted.
Threads of blue and violet mana flickered faintly in the air, reacting to his presence.
He could feel the Artifact syncing with him, even if he wasn't its intended wielder.
He raised a brow beneath the mask.
'There is still something missing.'
Akamir jumped to warm himself up as he looked at the beast.
The snake slammed down onto the floor, its massive tail whipping to the side, tearing a chunk of stone clean from the wall.
Its head jerked toward Akamir with speed that didn't match its size.
'Let's see, it's fast and definitely strong.'
Akamir took a step back toward the statue, his sword in one hand, the other reaching out in front of him.
'A mask that can turn mana into a solid object.'
A thin trail of light-blue mana spiraled from his palm and formed into a solid spear.
He threw it instantly.
The spear struck the snake square in the eye, but the creature twisted its head at the last second, letting the attack graze past.
Its scales flared briefly, shimmering with mana.
'It can reinforce its scales with mana.'
Akamir muttered inwardly, pulling his sword back in front of him.
He exhaled slowly.
Purple lightning crackled along his limbs, tracing across his body.
His speed kicked up as he rushed in.
With a flick of his hand, another projection formed, a long chain coiled in mid-air.
He swung it using telekinesis to send it even further.
The chain wrapped around the snake's jaw as it lunged, halting its strike for just a second.
Akamir leapt up, aiming at its exposed eye, but the snake twisted again, throwing its body sideways.
Akamir hit the ground hard but rolled out of the way as the snake crashed down after him.
'Alright, it's not just strong but smart.'
Good.
He dashed along the side of the chamber, maintaining his distance.
The glowing floor shook furiously as he effortlessly dodged the crashing strike.
The snake opened its jaws and released a low hiss, but the sound wasn't normal.
A strange vibration rang out.
Akamir's mana fluctuated.
He stumbled briefly, gripping his chest. His flow had been disturbed.
'A mana disruptor?'
The snake darted in again, its tail lashing across the ground.
Akamir ducked under it, sliding close to the statue to recharge his stance.
He pressed his palm to the ground.
Three spears formed in an arc ahead of him.
Using telekinesis, he shot them forward.
One pierced the snake's lower jaw.
The beast roared in fury, its form thrashing wildly.
It pulled back, blood trickling down its scales.
[Foxdrift.]
Lightning crackled on Akamir's body as he blurred towards the beast.
He jumped over the tail as he formed a gauntlet over his hand.
He swung it down at the beast.
A muted explosion resounded from the impact, but the snake only stumbled back a little.
He charged again.
Purple lightning flared around him, coating his limbs in a haze of violent energy.
His form blurred once again as he leapt forward.
He projected two short daggers in the air mid-dash, snatched them, and drove them into the snake's side as he vaulted over its head.
It screeched, twisting its massive body upward to shake him off.
Akamir flipped backward, landing on a stone platform near the edge of the chamber.
He formed a long chain again—this one thicker, forged from three layers of mana.
He anchored it to a broken column, then hurled the other end around the snake's neck, locking it in place with a tug.
The snake thrashed violently, but the more it struggled, the deeper the mana chain dug in.
Its eyes glowed suddenly.
Akamir froze as a pulse of darkness spread across the chamber.
The snake's body shimmered, and then in a burst of speed, it lunged not at him but toward the exit at the end of the chamber.
'Tch, what a pain.'
Akamir clicked his tongue and threw his sword.
But before the weapon reached, the snake moved and dodged the attack without any problem.
'What a pain.'
He jumped down from the platform.
Mid-air, his body began to glow in a purple light as he moved towards the thing.
Lightning licked across his skin as he formed a halberd mid-air and slammed it down onto the snake's skull.
Much to his surprise, a crack formed in the skull.
Akamir had to stop as he felt something move on his chest.
Looking down, he found the void fox yawned as she came out of his body.
"Ella?"
She didn't respond; instead, she turned into a wisp of violet and entered the snake through the crack.
The moment Ella seeped into the crack, a hush fell over the chamber.
The snake froze.
Akamir landed lightly, his halberd dispersing into flickers of blue light.
'What is she doing?'
He stared cautiously at the beast, whose enormous body had stiffened.
He got his answer soon as a low hum resonated in the room before the snake spasmed.
Its entire body convulsed, its scales flaring violently before dimming.
Wisps of violet mana began leaking from its eyes and nostrils.
And then—
BOOM.
The snake's body twisted violently and slammed to the ground.
There was nothing but hollow in its eyes as life left it.
A gust of blood escaped its mouth as something came out of it.
"Ella?"
Akamir called, looking at her body covered in blood.
The void fox jerked to clean the blood as she rushed towards him.
Wagging her tail, she took out something from her mouth.
It was a glowing yellow core.
"A mana core."
Nayomi mumbled as she came closer towards him.
"It was a core beast."
Akamir frowned.
"Wasn't it pretty weak?" he mumbled. "I beat it easily even though I am a rank lower."
"You are the problem here, not the beast," Nayomi grumbled. "Wait, have you not noticed it?"
"Noticed what?"
"Your mana core is far bigger than your rank," she explained. "It's almost twice the size."
"I did notice the increase in mana," Akamir mumbled, picking up the saliva-coated core. "So, was it because of Ella?"
"Yes." She nodded. "You changed when she bonded with you."
"Hmmm."
Akamir nodded, rubbing his chin. "So, what should I do with this?"
"You can sell it for a hefty price," she said simply. "Or you can just give it to her."
Akamir looked at Ella who gave him the puppy eyes.
He smiled. "Here."
Ella quickly jumped at his arm and began eating the core.
Akamir let her be as he looked at Zaina.
A lot has changed in her body.
She now had markings all over her along with a faint light that moved on her skin.
"She looks like a light bulb," he mumbled. "Or a human torch."
"She will wake up soon," Nayomi said as she looked away from her.
"By the way," he mumbled. "Why do you want to help her?"
"I am not—"
"Don't lie." He cut in her words. "I can tell with how you behave."
Nayomi didn't say a word for a while.
It was only when he sat down on a stone did she speak.
"I want to help her not because I like her," she whispered. "But because it's beneficial to me."
"How so?"
"An Apostle can be more than just a container of the god," she replied, looking into his eyes.
"It can also be the reason for their demise."
Akamir tilted his head. "I don't understand."
She looked back at Zaina. "You better get ready once again."
He frowned. "For what—"
The mask he wore left him and rushed towards Zaina.
"Huh?"
Akamir looked at Zaina who was now looking at him.
She raised her hand and formed an arch blade.
"Zaina—?"
She threw the blade at him.
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