CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC127: [Core Dungeon] [14]
Chapter 127: [Core Dungeon] [14]
[Lyselle's POV]
The door slammed shut behind her, the sound ringing in her ears.
She jolted, her heart jumping to her throat as her father's grip tightened around her wrist.
"F-Father?" she asked, turning to him.
He didn't answer immediately.
His head was bowed, his shoulders trembling, and every breath he took came with a rattling wheeze.
Then, slowly, he lifted his face, his eyes hollow and unfocussed.
"I'm sorry," Vareon whispered.
Lyselle froze in her place.
Her breath hitched as she looked down... his stomach was no longer just swollen.
The grotesque bulge twisted under the armor, pressing outward in sharp angles as if something inside was clawing for release.
"W-What... what's happening...?"
She stumbled backward and fell onto the ground, still staring at him.
Her body refused to move, caught in the shock of her father's condition.
"ARGHHH!!!"
Vareon's body shook violently.
His back arched and a raw scream tore from his throat.
Then finally... it burst.
His chest cracked open, ribs splitting apart as a grotesque mass pushed through flesh and armor.
A creature spilled out—wet, half-formed, with too many limbs and a face that didn't resemble anything human.
Its skin was slimy and black, glistening in the dim light, pulsing like it was still breathing through his flesh.
"Ahhhh!"
Lyselle screamed and scrambled backward.
The creature snapped its head toward her.
It was still connected to her father by a thick fleshy cord, pulsating with blood and glowing veins.
Vareon groaned weakly, still alive, even as the thing that had been growing inside him began crawling toward her.
She reached for the weapon at her side but found nothing.
Her eyes darted around, panicked, until they landed on a jagged stone near the broken edge of the wall.
The creature lunged and she barely rolled out of the way.
Its tentacles slapped the ground beside her, cracking the dirt.
It was fast, even though half-born, it was too fast.
She stood, grabbing the stone with both hands.
Her fingers trembled around it.
Her heart pounded.
The creature didn't come again right away.
It writhed in the air, turning toward her and toward Vareon, twitching like it couldn't decide.
It wanted her.
No... it needed her.
And in that second, she understood.
It couldn't survive without a host.
Her father had been that host, but now his body was giving out.
It wanted to enter her, to continue living inside her.
"No..." she whispered, her voice hoarse. "No, no, you won't..."
She ran toward her father.
"L-Lyselle...!" Vareon choked out. His eyes were wide, filled with terror. "Don't... don't do it! Please... help me... don't leave me like this!"
Tears burned her eyes.
Her knees buckled as she stood over him.
"Kill the beast," he whispered, "not me..."
But it wasn't the beast that kept breathing.
It was him.
That cord connected them.
His life was feeding it, and as long as he lived, it would stay alive.
As long as she didn't kill him, it would survive and eventually, it would get inside her.
"Please, my child..." he whispered again, reaching a shaking hand toward her. "Be a good daughter and save me... let me live..."
Lyselle sobbed, shaking her head.
Her hands trembled as she raised the stone.
"I'm sorry, Father..."
"No! No, wait! Lyselle—!"
She brought the stone down on his face with full force.
It crushed his entire face.
She did it again and again.
Her cries drowned beneath the sound of bone breaking.
Her arms moved on their own, smashing down the stone until his pleading stopped.
She stopped when the creature shrieked.
A high-pitched, unnatural sound that filled the place.
It flailed, convulsed, then collapsed beside the corpse.
The cord connecting them snapped and disintegrated like ash.
It spasmed once more, then lay still, its body already beginning to rot.
Lyselle stood there, her knees giving out beneath her.
She collapsed beside the two corpses, blood dripping from her hands and splattered across her face.
Her chest heaved with every breath, but she couldn't cry anymore.
She had nothing left.
The man she wanted to save and needed to save—had begged her not to.
And she'd killed him anyway.
When the door creaked open behind her, she didn't look up.
She just sat there in the silence, clutching the bloodied stone in her hands.
---
Akamir looked at Lyselle as he walked out from the door.
She sat on the ground with her eyes hollow, staring at the ground.
The others also walked in and were immediately shocked at her condition.
'Well, this didn't go well.'
Akamir thought as he let out a sigh.
Viros was the first to break the silence. "Did she... kill him?"
"She had to," Akamir said simply, not looking at them. "He was already gone."
He approached slowly, giving her space, but not too much.
"Lyselle."
She didn't respond.
He crouched in front of her, trying to meet her eyes, but she didn't blink, didn't move.
Her breath was shallow, barely noticeable.
His hand reached out slowly and gently took the stone from her grip.
He turned to the others. "Zaina, give her water."
Zaina quickly moved, pulling a small flask from her belt and kneeling beside Lyselle. "Here, can you drink?"
She gently placed the flask against her lips.
The girl didn't react.
Zaina looked up, helpless. "She's in shock."
Akamir nodded. "We don't have time to wait for her to come out of it."
He stood up and turned to Viros. "Can you check his body?"
Viros grimaced but obeyed, stepping cautiously toward Vareon's broken form.
He used the edge of his axe to nudge the remaining armor pieces aside.
The man's chest was split open, the flesh collapsed inward.
"Whatever was inside... it's dead." He said. "And so is he."
Akamir nodded without any words as he glanced at Vareon.
'Pity, mimickers can't copy dead beings otherwise I would have a Duke as my puppet.'
He turned his eyes back to Lyselle.
She was blinking now, slowly, her hands trembling slightly more than before.
"I killed him," she whispered.
Akamir didn't speak.
"I killed my father..." she said again, her voice cracking.
Zaina took her hand. "You didn't have a choice."
Lyselle turned toward her, her lips quivering.
"He begged me to let him live..."
Her eyes welled up, but no tears came out.
"He was... he was already gone," Zaina said softly. "That thing was just using him. If you hadn't done it..."
Lyselle looked away.
Akamir crossed his arms, his tone calm. "He was already gone, we all warned you."
She didn't answer.
He sighed. "Can you walk?"
Lyselle didn't reply immediately, but after a few seconds, she nodded weakly.
Akamir reached a hand toward her. She stared at it for a long moment before taking it.
He pulled her to her feet, her knees wobbled, but she stood.
"You can mourn later." He said softly. "For now, we need to get out."
Viros gave a slow nod. "Yeah... let's go."
Luca muttered something under his breath, but followed.
Zaina stayed close to Lyselle, supporting her as they started walking.
Akamir walked ahead, leading them through the far archway in the chamber on the other side of the door.
Nayomi once again floated in front of him. "Follow the trail of blood that creature left."
Akamir looked into her eyes. "Why?"
"So you can find a way out." She replied, her voice sweet. "And to eliminate the danger that might attack you."
Akamir looked at her in confusion. "Is there something else?"
"You think those weak creatures were real threats?" She asked. "No babyboy, the real threat can kill you in an instant."
"And you want me to go where that thing is?"
"It's not active." She replied. "Just follow me and you could kill him instantly."
Akamir frowned but nodded nonetheless. "Fine."
"Do you always talk to yourself?" Viros asked curiously. "Or it's just—."
"Shut up." Akamir frowned. "Just follow me."
"Aye, aye."
Akamir led them further inside as he followed the trail of blood.
"You know, it's hard to believe that we are surviving in such lower floors." Viros said softly. "It's not normal don't you think?"
"Which one of us is normal here?" Luca muttered. "Us two foolish fuckers, an Apostle and... whatever this thing is."
Akamir glanced at Luca but didn't say anything.
They kept on moving in silence as they finally reached another chamber.
But....
This time they all turned alert as they looked down.
Below them, the entire floor was submerged in crimson liquid.
Viros mumbled uncertainly. "Is this blood?"
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC128: [Core Dungeon] [15]
Chapter 128: [Core Dungeon] [15]
Viros mumbled uncertainly. "Is this blood?"
Akamir stared at the blood then at the chamber in front of them.
The light once again was barely enough for them to see a few metres away.
He glanced at Zaina, who immediately understood.
Raising her staff, she formed a spell and it illuminated the place immediately.
Everyone tensed at the sight in front of them.
The chamber was far larger than they'd guessed, stretching beyond where the spell's light could even reach.
Tall, crumbling pillars stood half-submerged in the thick blood, some leaning as if ready to collapse.
There were skeletons too, floating in the pool or stuck to the base of the walls.
Most were humanoid, but some weren't.
Akamir's eyes swept the area carefully, his crimson narrowing.
"There," he said quietly, pointing at the far end.
Far across the chamber, just barely visible through the mist, was a structure.
It looked like a platform or maybe a staircase leading upward, half-sunken but still intact.
"That's the way out," he said, unsure if that's the truth.
Viros frowned. "And the blood?"
"We walk through it," Akamir replied.
Luca grimaced. "Figures."
Zaina looked down, nudging a stone into the liquid.
It sank slowly, bubbles rising to the surface.
"I don't like this," she whispered. "It feels wrong."
"Just hope there isn't anything that bites in there." Akamir said, dropping inside the chamber.
The blood soaking his boots instantly, it was warm, almost hot and thicker than he expected.
The others followed, still tensed by the situation.
Zaina held Lyselle's hand tightly as they moved in together, one foot at a time.
Viros and Luca flanked the sides, weapons drawn even if there was nothing in sight.
Time kept on ticking as they covered half distance.
The further they walked, the higher the blood reached—past their ankles, up to their knees.
Every so often, a ripple passed through the surface, but no one said anything.
The platform was closer now.
"W-Wait, what was that!?" Luca said, as he frantically looked around. "I felt something!?"
Akamir looked down and immediately noticed a hand.
He blinked and now dozens of corpses were drifting just beneath the surface.
"Go!" Akamir shouted.
They began to run.
The blood fought their movements, thick and heavy like it didn't want them to leave.
Akamir turned and grabbed Lyselle's other arm, pulling her along with Zaina.
The blood churned behind them as they reached the platform.
One of the corpses rose higher than the others and screeched.
But they didn't stop.
Akamir reached the base of the staircase and shoved Lyselle and Zaina ahead.
"Go, up now!"
Viros and Luca followed, panting, drenched in blood, swinging wildly at anything that moved.
Once all of them reached the platform, Akamir turned around to have a clear look.
'What the fuck?'
Those corpses...
They don't seem like they belonged to the people of this world.
'Why the hell are they so tall?'
Akamir wondered as he turned again and took the steps two at a time.
By the time he caught up, the others had reached a corridor that branched out from the top of the platform.
The air was drier here, the smell of blood still present, but faint.
Everyone collapsed for a moment, breathing heavily.
"I hate this floor," Luca groaned.
Akamir wiped the blood from his face as he looked in front of him.
The walls were made of dark stone, cracked and uneven. The ceiling dipped low in places.
"You should walk alone from here." Nayomi suggested, looking at him. "The others will be nothing but dead weights."
Akamir looked at her for a while before he let out a sigh. "I will scout the area, you guys should rest—."
"Wait." Zaina quickly interrupted him. "You aren't going alone."
Akamir shrugged. "Don't worry, I will be fine."
"But still—."
"It's fine." He cut in her words. "I will be back in a few minutes."
"And if you don't?" Luca asked, staring at him. "What do we do then?"
"Well, hope that I come back."
Akamir said, before he turned and walked further inside the chamber.
The corridor was tight, barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
"Explain." Akamir said, looking at Nayomi. "What am I up against?"
"You don't have to fight—."
"Just tell me." Akamir interrupted as he took out his sword. "What is it?"
Nayomi stared into his eyes before she let out a sigh. "It's the same creature that you fought before but bigger."
"And how is that creature related to Starburn flower?" Akamir asked, looking at her.
The Starburn flower is the item that is needed to create a new body for her.
It was the reason why he came into the dungeon in the first place.
'Otherwise, I could have just ignored the place and stopped Zaina from entering inside as well.'
"You seem to misunderstand something." Nayomi said, floating close to his face. "The creature is the Starburn flower."
Akamir blinked in confusion. "Pardon?"
"It's as I said." She replied, moving a little back. "The Starburn flower is on the forehead of the creature, it's what keeps the thing alive."
"So, if I take the flower the thing will die?" Akamir asked, finding it a little too good to be true.
"Exactly." Nayomi replied, nodding her head. "You just need to make sure, it doesn't wake up."
"And if that thing wakes up?"
She looked dead into his eyes. "You die."
Akamir nodded silently, rubbing the back of his neck. "Why does it feel like only you are benefiting from our deal?"
"Because you aren't strong enough." She scoffed, folding her hands. "If you were then you would understand how important I am."
"You sound narcissistic."
"I am not." She replied as they reached the end of the place. "Be ready."
The corridor slowly widened, opening into another area.
Two different paths stretched infront of him.
"Take left." Nayomi said. "Take right when you come with the others."
"Hmm."
He kept on walking until he arrived into another chamber.
This one wasn't as tall as the last, but the air was heavier.
The chamber was circular, with a dome-like ceiling that dipped slightly in the center.
In the middle of the room lay a massive creature, curled in on itself like a sleeping beast.
Its body was black and glossy, almost like obsidian, but pulsing faintly beneath the surface as if it were breathing.
And right at the center of its forehead...
Akamir's eyes narrowed.
There it was.
The Starburn flower.
Glowing with soft white-blue light, almost ethereal, petals folded like a lotus but slightly translucent.
It didn't look like it belonged on something so monstrous.
It was... beautiful.
"That's it," Nayomi said, her voice soft now, more serious than usual. "That flower is older than your kingdom."
Akamir didn't answer.
He took one slow step forward.
The creature twitched, just slightly.
He froze in his place, making sure not to even let his muscles twitch.
"I just have to cut it off?" he whispered.
"Yes," Nayomi replied. "But don't touch the petals. If it senses direct skin contact, it might wake up."
Akamir nodded as he slid his sword out slowly.
He drew in a deep breath as he whispered softly. "Float."
A translucent form began to cover his body as he began to levitate in the air.
Akamir used the nearby rocks to slowly push himself towards the creature.
The flower pulsed softly, rhythmically, like a heartbeat.
The sound of his own breathing filled his ears.
Three more pushes, and he was right next to the creature.
The stench hit him fully now, old blood, rotting meat, something unnatural.
'Urgh, I hate the smell.'
Akamir raised his body just a little as he aligned himself with the flower.
But....
Just as he moved his sword, he noticed it.
The eyes of the creature staring at him.
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC129: [Core Dungeon] [16]
Chapter 129: [Core Dungeon] [16]
Just as he moved his sword, he noticed it.
The eyes of the creature staring at him.
Panic bubbled under his skin as he quickly tried to float back away from the thing.
"Relax,"
Nayomi said, as she wrapped her hand over his shoulder, stopping him in place.
"It's not awake."
Akamir drew in a deep breath as he looked at the thing once again.
Even though the thing's eyes were open, it didn't move to attack him.
He let out a sigh of relief as he felt Nayomi's chin softly placed on his shoulder.
"Cut it down before it actually wakes up," she whispered into his ear.
Akamir steadied himself, though his grip on the sword was still tight.
He floated closer again, adjusting the angle of his blade.
The Starburn flower pulsed faintly, like it had a life of its own, its glow reflecting off the smooth black surface of the creature's skin.
"Now," Nayomi whispered, voice like a breeze.
Akamir didn't hesitate this time.
He raised the sword high, angled it just right, and brought it down in a sharp, clean arc.
The blade met resistance but not enough to stop the blade.
A faint crack rang through the chamber.
Then silence followed within the chamber.
For a second, Akamir thought it hadn't worked.
Then the stem snapped.
The flower dropped, and he caught it with the cloth wrapped around his hand.
Its glow flickered but it didn't change much.
And then...
The creature shuddered.
Not violently but just enough for Akamir to freeze again.
Its eyes, still wide open, began to dim like a light being drained from within.
Then its body slumped further, folding in on itself like a collapsing tent.
"It's dead," Nayomi said calmly, pulling away from his shoulder. "Well done."
Akamir lowered himself back to the ground, his feet touching stone.
He stared at the flower in his hands.
Up close, it looked even more out of place with a body that was delicate and beautiful.
"That's it?" he asked.
"That's it," she confirmed.
'Well, that was a lot easier than I had expected.'
Akamir was sure that he had to fight the thing but he was glad he didn't.
He turned and started walking back through the corridor.
Still, he half expected the thing to jump up and follow him.
But it didn't.
He placed the flower into his space ring as his mind wandered on something else.
'I need to get out of this place,' he thought to himself. 'And if possible avoid confrontation with the Bloodhound Omen.'
As much as he was confident in his abilities, Akamir was sure he couldn't win against them.
He could take them one by one but he didn't think he should.
'Nayomi said, Zaina will get a good security from the church after this.'
Though, Akamir doubted they would be that good.
'I mean, what the hell were they doing when Asher raped her in the novel?'
He kept those thoughts away as he walked out of the left path.
Akamir let out a sigh as he walked out of the chamber and reached his team.
They were already on their feet, weapons drawn, as if they'd sensed something was wrong.
"I found the way out," Akamir said, smiling at them.
The others looked skeptical. "Really?" Zaina asked.
"Yeah," he said, turning around. "Let's go."
Zaina didn't move right away.
She looked at the others, then back at Akamir. "You sure it's safe?"
"As safe as anything down here," he replied, shrugging. "No more monsters, at least."
"That's not very comforting," Luca muttered, lowering his head.
"Don't worry bro," Viros said, his voice firm. "I will protect you, no matter what."
His words would have touched Luca's heart had Viros not spoken those words while groping his chest.
"Eww, stay away from me."
"Alright, let's go," Akamir said, leading the way once again.
They followed behind him without any complaint.
They moved down the corridor he had come from and arrived at the intersection.
Akamir led them on the right side path as that was wider than the previous one.
"By the way," Zaina said, her voice soft. "I need to talk with you when we get out."
Akamir glanced back at her. "Yeah, sure."
"I wonder what is happening on the outside," Viros mumbled, his voice tired. "Even though I don't like my family, I kinda miss them now."
Akamir and even the others looked at him weirdly.
Viros frowned. "What?"
"Aren't we orphans?" Luca asked, glaring at him. "What family do we even have, stupid idiot."
"Oh, I... I wasn't talking about that family," Viros quickly tried to correct himself. "I was talking about my nannies! Right, them!"
Luca rolled his eyes. "Sure you were."
"Shut up," Viros grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "They made good stew with their milk..."
Akamir glared at the boy, making him bite his own words.
Zaina blinked. "What milk?"
Viros grinned like he was waiting for it. "You want to know—?"
"Viros," Luca said, staring dead into his eyes. "One more word and we are leaving you here."
"You can't—"
"We will," Akamir cut in his words. "So shut up now."
Viros grumbled something uncoherent but didn't say anything else.
After walking for a few more minutes, they finally reached it.
A platform that had the same glowing pattern that brought them here before.
Akamir let out a sigh. "Finally, a way out."
He rubbed the back of his neck as he looked back at them.
"Let's go."
---
Arthur stood in silence, the air around him thickened with the stench of blood.
His sword dripped crimson, still wet from the lives it had just taken of his own group members.
Their bodies lay scattered around him, twisted in ways that made his stomach churn.
Perched on his shoulder was the creature. Half bat, half owl, its wings folded neatly across its back.
It's glowing eyes staring ahead with something between pride and hunger.
Its voice echoed in his mind, smooth and sharp.
"You see now, Arthur. You're strong enough to kill anyone now."
Arthur didn't respond right away.
He simply stared ahead, breathing slow, heavy.
The ground beneath him trembled slightly as his body pulsed with magic too heavy for a normal man.
His muscles were tighter, skin stretched like it wasn't meant to hold all this power.
.....Gravity itself bent subtly around him.
The creature spoke again. "You can take her back now. She was always yours. You don't need to beg and Asher... he's in the way."
A twisted smile crept across Arthur's lips.
He nodded, slowly, like a puppet learning how to move. "You're right."
He turned, his footsteps echoed on the blood-covered floor, echoing through the narrow hall.
Every step he took left a mark, but he didn't care.
All that mattered now was forward, and he wanted her back.
Arthur's grip on the sword tightened.
"He doesn't deserve her," he muttered.
The owl tilted its head. "And she'll understand... once she sees you now."
He nodded again, more certain this time. "I'll make her see."
The corridor ahead grew darker, but it didn't slow him down.
He wasn't the same Arthur they remembered.
That boy was gone.
What walked now was something else.
Shaped by fury, pain, and something worse... hope twisted into control.
And he was ready to reclaim what he thought he lost.
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Chapter 130: Core Dungeon [17]
He rubbed the back of his neck as he looked back at them.
"Let's go."
They stepped onto the glowing platform one by one.
The faint hum beneath their feet grew louder with each person who joined.
Zaina stood beside Akamir, arms crossed, while Viros kept glancing around as if expecting something to jump out at the last second.
Luca stayed quiet, and just when Lyselle jumped up onto the platform, it hummed softly.
Slowly it began to move up, taking them to the upper floor.
The platform rose steadily, the glow beneath their feet pulsing as they crossed each floor.
"Are we going to fight those guys from the 10th floor again?" Viros asked, glancing at Akamir.
Akamir shook his head. "No, this will take us to the 8th floor so I don't think we will have to fight them."
"That's a relief," he mumbled, letting his body fall on the platform. "Man, I want some rest."
Akamir didn't say anything as he glanced at Lyselle who had also sat down.
The girl still had that death look on her face like she had lost everything.
'Should I help her?'
Akamir wondered but immediately thought against it.
'It would be better if she asked for my help instead.'
He was sure that Lyselle knew about his capability by now.
'I should talk with Inara about her when I meet her,' he thought deeply. 'Maybe she can help Inara in some way.'
A sudden pull on his sleeve made him glance to his side.
Zaina stood there, her eyes drifting to his face.
"What happened?" Akamir asked, looking at her. "You need anything?"
Zaina hesitated for a moment, her fingers still lightly tugging at his sleeve before letting go.
"No," she said softly. "Not... anything urgent. I just..."
"Just say it," Akamir said, turning fully towards her.
"I... I plan to tell the church about my role as an Avatar," Zaina said, her voice uncertain. "I should have done this before..."
Akamir stayed quiet for a moment, watching her.
Zaina looked down, avoiding his gaze. "They need to know. I can't keep pretending I'm just a normal person."
"You're not wrong," Akamir said eventually, leaning slightly against the edge of the platform.
"But once you say it, you can't take it back. You know that, right?"
She nodded slowly. "I do."
"They'll treat you differently."
"I know."
"They might use you."
Zaina's fingers curled tighter around her staff. "I know that too."
He let out a quiet breath, then looked ahead again as another dark stone wall slid past them.
"Then why now?"
"I guess I'm tired of hiding," she said, voice low. "And I need the church if I want to grow my powers, the previous records of Avatar will be helpful."
Akamir gave her a faint nod without arguing.
'Well, this was going to happen anyway.'
Since the start, the church was already aware of her identity as the Avatar.
It's just they weren't forcing her to join them, not yet at least.
'I bet once the Pope is ready, he would definitely force her to join them.'
Still, Akamir was aware how things work in the church through Elore.
He had his insider, and Akamir could keep an eye on Pope's movements without any problem.
He let out a sigh as he rubbed his temples. "Fine... Just be careful."
Zaina nodded slowly as she hesitated to speak once again.
"Something else you want to say?" Akamir asked, noticing her behavior.
"What will happen..." she said, her voice meek. "Will I still be your fiancée?"
Akamir blinked. "Yeah, it won't change no matter what you do."
Zaina's shoulders relaxed a little at his words.
Her fingers loosened around her staff, and she gave a small nod.
"Alright," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just making sure."
Akamir didn't say anything else. He turned to look at Nayomi who floated beside him.
"What?" Akamir muttered as her eyes remained on Zaina.
"This girl likes you," she said, without looking away. "Or maybe it's more than just like."
Akamir sighed quietly, glancing at Zaina from the corner of his eye.
She had already stepped away, pretending to check something in her bag, but her ears were faintly red.
"I know," he replied to Nayomi in a low voice. "It's not exactly a secret."
"Try kissing her," Nayomi suggested with a smile. "I want to see how she will react."
"You do know it's sexual harassment, right?" Akamir scoffed, frowning his brows. "And why should I do that?"
Nayomi squinted her eyes as she looked at him.
"Come to think of it," she said. "Are you a virgin?"
Akamir gave a look before he sighed. "I am not."
She blinked in surprise. "Oh, who was your first?"
Akamir looked uncomfortable as he averted his gaze. "None of your business."
Being a king in his previous life, he hadn't had a great first time.
He still remembered the maid who took care of him since he was a child.
The same one who took his first time when he was fifteen.
...The same maid who died in his arms when he was eighteen.
Poisoned by someone who noticed her closeness with him.
'Neither of us loved each other but well...'
Akamir still doesn't like how every time he remembers her, it leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
Nayomi raised an eyebrow, clearly picking up on his mood shift. "Touched a nerve, did I?"
Akamir didn't answer.
He just leaned back slightly and looked toward the top of the shaft.
Only a few more moments before they reached the next floor.
Zaina had joined the others, her voice quiet as she spoke to Lyselle about something.
Viros was dozing off while standing, and Luca looked like he wanted to slap him for snoring with his eyes open.
Nayomi floated a little closer but didn't say anything this time.
"Let it go," Akamir muttered under his breath.
"I didn't say anything."
"You were about to."
Nayomi grinned faintly. "Maybe."
A soft click echoed through the chamber as the platform reached the end of its track.
The stone walls gave way to a carved archway, marking the entrance to the eighth floor.
"Alright," Akamir said, pushing off the edge of the platform. "Let's move."
The group stepped off without a word, most of them too tired or cautious to joke around now.
The cave walls ahead were dim but not threatening.
Faint light spilled from crystals embedded along the walls.
Unlike the lower floors, there was no scent of blood, no oppressive weight in the air.
It was almost peaceful in here.
Akamir relaxed a little as he glanced at Nayomi.
"You are in the right place," she said, her voice soft. "But... I think there is a problem."
Akamir blinked and immediately snapped his head forward.
The sound of footsteps echoed within the place.
"What is that?" Viros whispered softly.
A silhouette of a man began to form on the cave-like walls.
Slowly, a young man began to arrive in front of them.
His vibrant orange hair now turned into that of slight crimson and his eyes dull green.
He didn't look like his previous self, he looked stronger now.
Zaina trembled as she whispered uncertainly. "Arthur?"
The boy grinned as he raised his sword towards Akamir.
"I challenge you for a duel!"
He barked, glaring at him.
"A battle to death."
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC131: Core Dungeon [End]
Chapter 131: Core Dungeon [End]
[Arthur's POV]
"I challenge you for a duel!"
He barked, glaring at him.
"A battle to death!"
Arthur felt the power rushing in his body like never before.
He felt like he could kill anyone and anything without any problem.
The power of gravity that he was granted by forming a contract made him feel like he was invincible.
And now, when he challenged the boy who took everything, he was far more confident.
Zaina, who stood by Akamir's side, yelled in panic. "What are you saying—!?"
"Shut up!!" Arthur snapped at her. "I will show you that I am far better than him!?"
Akamir took a step closer as he looked dead into his eyes.
"Are you ready to lose your life for a girl?" he asked calmly. "Think it through—!"
"Take out your sword, you coward!!" Arthur cut in his words. "Or are you going to keep on talking?"
Akamir looked at him without any emotions, like his provocation did not affect.
"Wait, Akamir." Zaina quickly grabbed his hand, making him stop. "He isn't in his right mind, don't do it."
Arthur's heart pounded in his chest, his anger spiked as he noticed how she touched him.
'I will kill him,' he thought, his anger taking over. 'I will cut him into a thousand pieces!!'
Akamir didn't pull his hand away from hers immediately.
"Look at you," Arthur spat. "Acting like you're above it all. Like you're better than me."
"I never said I was," Akamir replied calmly. "You're the one turning this into a death match."
"You stole her from me!" Arthur roared. "You took my spot, my role, everything! You think just because you're strong, you deserve it all?!"
Zaina flinched at his words. "Arthur, I was never something to be stolen—"
"Don't talk!" Arthur snapped again, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Just watch. I'll show you what a real hero looks like."
The creature perched on his shoulder—the half-bat, half-owl—shifted slightly, its eyes glowing faintly.
It was invisible to everyone except Nayomi.
A wave of pressure rippled out from Arthur's feet, the ground beneath him cracking as gravity bent to his will.
Akamir slowly pulled his hand from Zaina's and stepped forward.
He drew his sword with a smooth motion, holding it low at his side.
Zaina tried to stop him but no words came out of her mouth.
Arthur growled, tightening his grip on the hilt.
His feet slammed against the cracked ground as he dashed forward, the pressure of gravity exploding beneath his feet.
A shockwave rippled in his wake, and his blade came down with all the force he could muster.
Akamir blocked it effortlessly.
Steel met steel with a sharp sound.
Arthur felt the force of the impact rebound into his arms.
He pushed harder, but Akamir didn't even flinch.
'He's just standing there?'
Arthur gritted his teeth and pulled back, spinning low as he went for a sweep.
Akamir sidestepped, just enough to be out of his range.
Arthur didn't stop as he followed with a flurry of slashes, each faster than the last.
The ground broke beneath his feet with every burst of gravity, his speed and power increasing.
But every strike was parried or dodged like Akamir had already seen them coming.
"You're just swinging wildly," Akamir muttered, not even winded.
Arthur's rage flared in an instant.
He jumped back, forming a complex magic circle with one hand while his sword hovered in front of him with the other.
Gravitational pull thickened around Akamir, trying to drag him down.
But Akamir wasn't fazed.
His body flickered and vanished from the circle's range.
He reappeared just behind Arthur, blade drawn low.
Arthur spun around, barely managing to block.
The force sent him skidding back, his boots tearing lines through the stone floor.
'How is he moving so fast!?'
Arthur widened his stance and slammed his palm into the floor.
Five layered circles lit up around Akamir, spikes of condensed gravity shooting upward.
Akamir leapt forward before they could touch him, closing the distance between them in a blink.
Arthur raised his sword to block, but Akamir's blade came from the side instead.
A sharp sting flashed across his ribs.
He stumbled back, eyes wide.
Blood trickled down, not deep, but enough to shake him.
"Focus," the owl-creature whispered near his ear, its claws tightening on his shoulder. "Use more force."
Arthur raised his hand, casting another spell—a dome of inverted gravity spread out, making everyone else float slightly.
Akamir, however, just floated higher with control, landing on an invisible step of air like he didn't care about gravity at all.
Akamir jumped and sprinted towards him.
Arthur's blade was knocked to the side, and Akamir moved in.
Arthur tried to react, but every move he made was read and countered.
He went for a low stab, Akamir twisted his wrist and knocked his blade aside.
He summoned a wave of pressure and Akamir jumped it with ease.
It had only been a minute, and Arthur already couldn't breathe properly.
His arms ached from swinging. His chest burned from the shallow cuts piling up.
His legs felt heavy, not from his magic, but from exhaustion.
Akamir didn't even look like he was trying hard.
Arthur tried one last desperate swing, pouring everything into it.
Akamir caught the blade with his own and twisted. Arthur's grip broke.
The sword flew out of his hands and clattered to the floor.
Akamir's foot hit his chest next, sending him crashing backward.
Arthur groaned, coughing as he dropped to his knees.
His vision blurred for a second.
He looked up through sweat and pain, seeing Akamir standing over him, still calm.
Arthur's sword lay just a few feet away, but it might as well have been a mile.
Akamir placed his sword on his neck and made him look up.
When Arthur looked into his cold eyes, he felt his heartbeat drop.
"Are you ready to die?" Akamir asked, the cold metal of the blade pressed against his neck.
Arthur couldn't move.
His muscles screamed at him to get up, to push back, to do anything, but he couldn't.
"I asked you a question," Akamir said, voice calm. "Are you ready to die?"
Arthur opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
The weight of his own arrogance crushed him harder than his magic ever could.
He had thought he was powerful.
He had thought he could win.
He had thought Zaina would look at him differently if he did.
But now all he could see was his reflection in Akamir's eyes—pathetic, defeated, trembling.
Zaina's voice cut through the silence, sharp and panicked. "Stop! That's enough!"
"He asked for a battle to death." Akamir said, without looking at her. "Are you saying he should go back on his words?"
"Wait... Akamir please, he is like my brother." Zaina said, her voice trembling even more. "Just let go."
Arthur shut his eyes.
Zaina's words cut deeper than any sword could.
"Like my brother."
Not "someone important." Not "someone I care about."
Just a brother.
It echoed in his chest, louder than the blood pounding in his ears.
"Just beg for your life." The bat-wolf thing said in his ears. "You will get plenty of time to kill him if you live."
Arthur had no way to refute but he also wasn't sure he could ever win against him.
Finally, he lowered himself.
"I yield..." he choked out.
The words tasted like ash on his tongue. "You win... I yield."
To show he really meant it, Arthur lowered his head.
He then kissed his boot in an act of submission.
Akamir moved his feet but his sword still hung over his neck.
"Sorry buddy." Akamir said, his voice low. "I don't like loose ends."
He raised his sword to behead him but—.
"I will do anything!!" Zaina shouted, making him halt. "Just let him go."
Akamir glanced at the girl and so did Arthur in pain.
He took a moment to think about it before Akamir sheathed his sword back.
Slowly, he crouched in front of Arthur, who looked at him blankly.
"Did you hear her?" Akamir asked, his voice barely audible. "She said 'anything.'"
Arthur couldn't say a word as Akamir grabbed his hair from behind and brought his ear close to his mouth.
"Do you know what I would do to her now?" He whispered so only he could hear. "I will tie her on the bed and fuck her again and again until she is addicted to it."
He pushed him back as Akamir stood up. "All thanks to you, man."
Tears trickled down Arthur's face as he looked blankly at him.
Akamir didn't bother with him again as he looked at his group. "Let's go."
The others didn't say anything and walked past Arthur.
Zaina stood beside him for a second but even she didn't say anything.
Arthur remained there without even moving a muscle.
The owl appeared over his shoulder, grinning even more widely.
"Do you need more power?"
Arthur blankly looked at him.
---
"That wasn't necessary."
Nayomi said as Akamir and his group walked on the first floor.
"Why did you do that?"
"A man's pride is much more important than his life." Akamir said, his voice cold. "Killing him would have been easier."
Nayomi looked at him with a smile.
"You still plan to kill him, right?" She asked. "You wouldn't have placed a mimicker in his shadows if you didn't."
Akamir didn't bother to say anything as he glanced at Zaina.
She looked as depressed as Lyselle now.
'She would be back to her previous self.'
Akamir thought as he looked forward.
The portal for the academy ground was in front of them.
Akamir and the others didn't waste any time as they walked outside of the dungeon.
---
"Hmm?"
But just as he walked out, he was greeted with Inara.
The Princess walked towards him and grabbed his arm.
"Father." She whispered softly. "He is dying."
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC132: Aftermath [1]
Chapter 132: Aftermath [1]
[Vyavan Estate, Capital City.]
"Urgh, what a pain."
Akamir groaned, rubbing his shoulder as he sat on his bed.
It's been four hours since he had gotten out of the Core Dungeon.
After Inara informed him about King Aldirc's condition, he told the academic staff about what happened in the Dungeon.
'I think a lot of people died.'
Akamir thought, massaging his shoulder as he leaned on the bed.
'Still, Aldirc kept his condition a secret for a long time.'
The poison that Lucien gave to his father was meant to act late.
It was supposed to slowly chip away all his power in just a few months.
'With him out of the picture, the struggle for the throne starts in earnest.'
Aldirc would lose his core completely in just a few days.
And the moment he lost his core his life would also slip away from him.
...His death was inevitable.
Akamir let out a sigh as he remembered Inara.
The girl though still determined couldn't help but feel sad for her father's death.
'I did warn her about his death.'
He exhaled through his nose.
Inara had taken the news better than expected.
The old king may have been stubborn, but he wasn't a fool.
He knew exactly what he was doing, hiding his condition, waiting until the last moment.
Maybe to avoid chaos or maybe to see which of his children had the spine to stand tall.
'Or maybe he just didn't want to look weak... even to his own blood.'
Whatever the reason may be, Akamir really wanted to see what face he would make when he tells him it was his son who poisoned him.
'Well, we will see about that.'
Akamir sighed as he summoned his crown.
A soft crimson glow filled his room as he closed his eyes.
"Mira?"
Akamir thought in his mind, trying to form a connection with the judge of apathy.
There was a silence before she enthusiastically replied.
"My Lord?"
Akamir strengthened the mental connection with her.
"How are things going with you and the others." He asked, his voice low. "Especially with Elore."
"Everything is going as you planned my lord." She replied, keeping her voice respectful.
"Elore has already informed the church about the Bloodhound Omen's attack."
"....Hmm, the others?" Akamir asked, tapping his head on the bedframe. "Are you ready?"
"Like you asked, a few mimickers have already infiltrated the army." She replied. "They have taken the place of the corrupt leaders."
"What about Elene?" Akamir asked about the martyr of Obsession. "How is she doing?"
"She has already taken over most of the information network my lord." Mira replied, a sense of envy in her voice. "She did her job better than expected."
Akamir remained quiet for a few minutes, not speaking anything.
"Tell every mimicker to gather in the capital in two days." Akamir said, opening his eyes. "We are taking over the kingdom."
Mira's voice grew more serious. "As you wish my lord."
"My lord..."
Akamir frowned slightly at the hesitation in her voice.
"What is it?"
"Elene found something important," Mira said carefully. "There is an elf that moves along with Lucien, we found his identity."
'How did she even find him?' Akamir wondered in confusion. 'I mean, I know she is capable but damn.'
He then asked. "Who is he?"
"Caldron, he is the younger brother of the current royal advisor of the elves."
"...."
Akamir leaned further on the bed as he remembered the man.
Lewin Anthris Faelor.
A high elf of the Faelor family.
'It's the guy who speaks on behalf of the queen.'
Akamir hasn't met with the man but he has a general idea of his condition.
'He is the prison guard and the empress is the prisoner.'
That's how Akamir sums them up.
There is no one else who can speak on the empress' behalf except him.
'It's weird.'
Why is the younger brother of such a guy here?
"Mira." Akamir said slowly. "How strong is Caldron?"
The judge of apathy remained silent for a while.
"...Mira."
"His last recorded core was blue core." She replied slowly. "That was twenty years ago."
"...."
Akamir stopped tapping his head on the bedframe.
"He should be stronger now." Mira continued. "Perhaps purple core."
"...And what is such a being doing with Lucien?" Akamir wondered aloud, calm as ever.
"We don't know yet." She replied. "But if I had to guess then... He is trying to use him as a shadow prince."
Akamir chuckled at her words. 'Oh, Lucien.'
In the end the boy just killed his own sovereignty by his own hands.
'He is going to be a puppet one way or another.'
Still Akamir's mood shifted only a second later.
'Now, this is a problem.'
How is he supposed to kill a purple Core?
Is that even possible for the current him?
Akamir had no way of knowing it.
"Are we still going with the plans?" Mira asked, her voice low. "Or should I...."
"No." Akamir said, opening his eyes. "Nothing has changed, tell those mimickers to come to the capital city."
"As you wish my Lord."
Akamir willed for his crown to dematerialize as he noticed a motion outside his room.
A soft knock came at the door.
Akamir straightened.
"Come in."
The door creaked open and a familiar figure stepped in—Zia, holding a folded bedsheet.
She blinked at him. "You are still not asleep?"
Akamir shook his head as he looked out of the window.
"Inara called me after midnight." He said, his voice soft. "I will visit her in a few minutes."
Zia stepped in, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.
She placed the sheet on the table and gave him a look. "You need rest."
"I'll get some," Akamir muttered, brushing his hand through his hair. "After I'm done with everything else."
Zia didn't press the matter. She walked over and pulled the curtain aside, letting in the faint glow of moonlight.
For a few moments, neither of them said anything.
"Duke Darvin's condition isn't any good." She said, glancing at him. "He has been sick for a long while."
Akamir looked at her and gave a faint nod.
'Lucien did poison him as well.'
He felt pity for Asher's father.
The man who was filled with ambition and desire for the throne was quietly taken out.
He would have never thought that's how he was going to end.
Zia's voice was softer now, like she didn't want to admit it out loud. "He's barely able to stand these days. Doesn't even recognize people half the time."
Akamir leaned his head back against the bedframe, eyes half-lidded. "He was poisoned?"
"Did you do it?" She asked. "Or—."
"Lucien did it." Akamir said. "He was aware about his ambition for the throne."
"...I see." She whispered, looking deeply at him. "You don't seem to care about his condition... isn't he your father?"
Akamir chuckled softly, glancing at her. "Is he now?" he asked. "Something tells me, he isn't."
Zia looked at him for a long moment, unsure if he was joking or not.
"You never told me you doubted it," she said.
Akamir shrugged. "I never believed it to begin with. I don't even know who my damn mother is."
Zia didn't say anything else as she turned around. "I see."
Akamir wasted no time as he stood up from his bed. "I will come back late."
"Take care." She whispered softly. "And please meet Duke Darvin tomorrow."
Akamir shrugged. "Sure."
He opened the door as he walked out, moving towards the academy.
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC133: Aftermath [2]
Chapter 133: Aftermath [2]
[Pandora Academy.]
In the middle of the night, a boy walked towards the teacher's building.
His long wheat-blonde hair tied neatly on his side, he was lean and well muscled clear from his body.
His crimson eyes flickered around the empty place.
"Well, it's a lot more silent than I thought."
Akamir mumbled to himself as he walked inside the building.
The same familiar spiral staircase loomed in front of him.
He didn't waste any time as he started climbing it.
"Hm?"
Just when he reached the first floor, he noticed light illuminating the place.
Akamir looked at the office of Velyrian, that still had their lights on.
'Should I go meet him?'
He hesitated for a moment before thinking against it.
'It would be better if I do it tomorrow.'
Thinking so, he moved towards the top floor where the vice headmistress office was situated.
Akamir walked towards the end of the hallway and knocked on the door.
There was silence before a voice echoed. "Come in."
Akamir opened the door and walked in.
Inara still sat on her chair leaning so she could see him clearly.
She looked tired—more than she let on earlier.
A small stack of papers lay on her desk, some marked with fresh red ink, others untouched.
A half-finished cup of tea sat near the corner.
Akamir stepped in, glancing at the one sitting with her.
"Lyselle?" He asked, tilting his head. "Why are you here?"
The girl looked at him then at Inara who gave a faint nod.
"I want to support lady Inara for the throne." She said, her voice low. "...I heard the news about the king."
"In return she wants us to help her become the next Duchess." Inara told him the catch. "She can't bring herself to believe in her family."
Akamir closed the door behind him and walked toward the two of them.
"I see," he said, pulling out a chair and sitting across from them. "So that's your price."
Lyselle met his eyes, her hands folded neatly on her lap. "It's not just a price. It's what I deserve."
'Ah, she got herself back on track real quick.'
Akamir had seen her condition when her father died.
And even though it hasn't been long she is back on track.
Akamir raised an eyebrow. "Confident, aren't we?"
"My brother is a fool." She said, meeting his gaze. "My both uncles are drunk and they even see me with lustful eyes."
She drew in a deep breath to suppress her emotions.
"Only reason they kept to themselves was because of father." Her voice turned low. "You think I'd leave the estate to either of them?"
"You shouldn't." Akamir said, leaning back on his chair.
He tilted his head slightly, then looked at Inara. "And you trust her?"
She squinted her eyes before she looked at Lyselle.
"She's useful," she said quietly. "And she knows how things work."
Akamir smiled and looked at Lyselle. "Well, do you want your uncles gone—."
"I want them dead." She cut in his words. "I can't leave a loose end."
Akamir looked at her and slowly nodded. "Your brother."
Lyselle hesitated at the mention of his twin brother, Kieran.
"I will do something about him." She whispered softly. "I don't want to kill him."
Akamir gave her a small nod as he looked at Inara.
Inara met Akamir's gaze with a quiet understanding.
"She's made up her mind," she said. "She just needed someone to back her."
"Up to you princess." Akamir said, looking at her. "You are the one who has the final word."
Inara just smiled at him.
"We will talk about the 'accident' that happened to your uncles tomorrow." She said, looking at Lyselle. "Rest in dormitory for now."
Lyselle nodded and stood up.
"Thanks for your help." She bowed slightly before walking out of the room.
Akamir now turned fully towards Inara.
"Are all the students out of the Dungeon?" Akamir asked.
"We evacuated all of them." She replied, passing the file close to her. "Eight students died and one professor."
Akamir picked up the file of those who died.
"..."
He felt a little sad as he saw Ronin and Ragina 's names on it.
'So, they both died huh?'
He let out a sigh as he looked at the other names.
"Hmm?" Akamir mumbled, straightening his back. "They all are of the same team?"
"Apparently, a student killed his own team." Inara replied, her voice coldly. "We haven't found him yet."
Akamir looked at her. "Arthur?"
She blinked in surprise. "You know him."
"...Not really." He said, placing the files down. "I just met him."
Akamir had already told the others not to inform the staff about what happened to them.
'Telling them we reached places humans have never been will only create more problems.'
"Arthur is still inside the dungeon." Inara informed him. "For some reason, we can't find him."
"Leave him be." Akamir said, staring at her. "Should we talk about your problem?"
Inara let out a sigh as she leaned back on her chair.
"It's not that bad." She whispered. "We have two Dukes on our side now and many more smaller noble houses."
Akamir leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "You'll need more than that."
"I know," Inara said, rubbing her temple. "But we're not rushing it. I still have time until Father..." she paused, correcting herself, "...until the throne is officially declared empty."
Akamir didn't miss the hesitation. "You're still hoping he'll make it?"
Inara didn't respond for a while. Then, quietly, "I know he won't. But a part of me... still wants more time."
Akamir gave her a weird look. "And why is that?"
Inara squinted her eyes at him. "Are you really asking that?"
"What's wrong with that?"
"No, nothing..." She let out a sigh. "It's the army."
Akamir blinked twice. "What?"
"Lucien has the army in control." She said, her voice strained. "He can control them to his will because of the Duke...."
"Ah, I see." Akamir mumbled rubbing his chin. "So, your problem is the army?"
"Yeah." She nodded. "I would need time to form a proper one in case we have a civil war."
Akamir looked at her then turned serious.
"We are taking over the kingdom in two days." He said, his voice firm. "No matter what."
Inara stared at him for a moment, eyes wide. "...Two days?"
"Yes."
"Did you not hear what I just said?" She asked staring at him in disbelief. "We need an army."
Akamir sighed and closed his eyes.
A crown slowly began to form over his head making Inara flinch.
"We have an army, Inara."
Akamir said, his voice echoing through the place.
Three portals formed in front of him.
Inara took a step back as twisted beings began to crawl out of it.
Her breath caught as they slowly lowered their head in front of her.
Akamir smiled at her shocked expression. "I am all you need."
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC134: Saia
Chapter 134: Saia
[Eldergorve Town.]
"That is all, my Lord."
Mira's voice echoed within the throne room as she knelt in front of Akamir.
The young man sat on the throne, tens of documents floated around him.
His eyes slowly checking each and every document that was provided to him.
"...Hmm." Akamir mumbled softly. "So, we have a total of five hundred trained soldiers."
With the Twin of Hypocrisy taking the lead, Akamir had ordered a large group of Mimickers to stay inside the shadows of different knights and mages.
It was a way for them to learn how they fight and figure out their weaknesses.
Akamir rested his chin on his hand, his crimson eyes scanning the last document before letting it vanish into smoke.
"Five hundred trained soldiers," he repeated. "Should be enough, considering we will do an ambush and Lucien will not have enough time to call his army."
"Yes, my Lord," Mira replied, still kneeling. "They've studied their hosts for weeks. Most of them can copy their movements, even their speech patterns."
Akamir gave her a small nod as he leaned on his chair. "Where is Elene?"
"I am right here, my Lord." A voice came from his side.
Akamir glanced over his shoulder to find the faceless woman standing beside him.
"Did you not get a new body?" Akamir asked, looking at her. "It shouldn't be easy to work without a face."
"It's of no problem, my Lord." She replied. "I usually keep her face covered."
"That's fair," he muttered. "And the network?"
"Secured." Elene stepped forward, hands behind her back. "Letters between nobles are being copied before delivery."
Akamir nodded silently. 'There was already the network system beforehand.'
The newspaper company that worked under the royal family already had a network all over the kingdom.
The first thing that Elene did was to overtake the company.
She then slowly expanded her network and made her own.
Akamir looked at her once again. "What about the church?"
"They are keeping themselves out of the succession struggle." She said, her voice soft.
"The loss they faced in the dungeon was too much for them to spare any more knights."
Akamir gave her a slight nod.
"But it was mostly because of luck." Elene continued. "Apparently, Pope Elon made Elore the supervisor of the meetings with Lucien."
Akamir let out a soft chuckle. "....I see."
For better or worse, Lucien got the shortest stick.
'...Well, I guess all the preparation is complete now.'
Akamir thought, closing his eyes.
'The only problem will be the purple core guy.'
He still hasn't found a way to take care of him.
There are a few ways he had in mind but he wasn't sure if they could work.
'I just need to kill him myself.'
Akamir let out a sigh as he looked back at Mira who stood back up.
"How are things going with the mines?" He asked, standing up. "Any problems?"
"Not any glaring ones, my Lord." She replied, shaking her head. "There was a problem with the transportation but I took care of it."
"...I see." Akamir said while taking off his jacket. "What about pricing?"
Mira stepped forward and helped him with his dress.
"We haven't started selling them yet." Mira replied, "with the decaying health of the king, the market pricing is crashing down."
Akamir nodded in response as he stretched his body.
"Wait till the situation is taken care of."
"Yes, my Lord."
"Oh, inform the elves." Akamir said, glancing back at her. "We are ready to sell the actual spirit herbs."
Mira bowed deeply. "As you wish."
Akamir drew in a deep breath and summoned his Crown.
A portal formed in front of him while he glanced back at them.
"You both are dismissed."
They bowed as he walked inside the portal.
---
[Far North, Old Court]
[Spirit World]
Akamir slowly walked out of a portal into the spaceless and timeless place of the spirit world.
He blinked, adjusting to the light of the place as he walked inside the dome.
The place has changed a lot in just two months.
Where there were only a few spirit herbs, now the place was filled with them.
Akamir stepped further into the dome, walking over the moss-covered floor.
Lush vines curled around the glass-like walls, glowing faintly.
He slowly walked past rows of blooming spirit herbs, each one pulsing with a soft aura.
Some glowed green, others gold, and a few even with faint blue streaks.
The variety had expanded far beyond what they had started with.
"Not bad," he muttered, brushing his fingers over a crimson herb.
The leaves still moved around the dome which has also been expanded by the help of Nayomi.
Akamir blinked and a small cluster of glowing lights rushed towards him.
.... Fairies.
Akamir smiled as they all roamed around him, like longing for his acknowledgment.
He held out his hand, and one of the fairies gently landed on his palm.
He watched it for a moment, then softly said, "You all seem healthier than before."
As if understanding, the fairy gave a little twirl in the air before flying off to rejoin the others.
Nayomi arrived in his line of sight once again as she looked at them.
"You noticed, didn't you?" She asked, glancing at him.
"Yep." Akamir mumbled, rubbing his chin. "A fairy queen."
Just as said, a single fairy was in the center of the group.
She was one who was larger than all the other fairies by over a foot.
Her body has much more definite features even though she was born just a week ago.
"She can talk, right?" Akamir asked, glancing at Nayomi.
"All fairies can talk." She replied, getting closer to it. "They just take time."
Akamir watched the larger fairy hover in the air, her wings fluttering slowly.
She was pale blue with streaks of silver glowing along her arms.
She was a lot more shy than the others as she actively tried to keep the distance from Akamir.
'I won't attack you, smallstacks.'
"She's grown fast," he said, crouching slightly to get a better look. "Is that normal?"
"Not really," Nayomi replied. "But nothing in this dome grows at a normal pace anymore."
Akamir nodded in agreement as the concentration of the spirit energy is far higher inside.
The little creature floated closer to him, stopping just before his face.
The queen didn't have any face but just a glowing light.
"...Do you have a name?" Akamir asked softly.
The fairy tilted her head.
Then, in a tiny, bell-like voice, she spoke.
"Saia."
Akamir blinked.
Nayomi smiled faintly. "She chose it herself, huh?"
"Saia," he repeated. "A good name."
Nayomi floated closer to him. "Are you going to form a contract with her?"
"Yes, but not now." Akamir said, standing back up. "Maybe later."
Nayomi didn't press him further as she looked at Saia closely.
"A wonderful spirit indeed." She whispered softly. "You are better than what I could create."
Akamir glanced at her but didn't ask anything.
He got busy admiring the place that looked ever beautiful.
Nayomi glanced at him as she remembered something.
"Akamir." She said. "You have a meeting."
The young man lowered his head slightly. "...Yeah."
He needs to see Asher's father.
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC135: Duke Darvin
Chapter 135: Duke Darvin
[Vyavan Dukedom.]
[Main Castle.]
The halls of Vyavan Castle were quiet, as always.
The air was thick with the scent of sorrow that everyone could feel.
The afternoon light spilled from the windows as a boy walked inside the hallway.
His long wheat-blonde hair tied neatly, his eyes on the steward who he was following.
Veres.
Akamir remembered him from the time when he used to stay in the place.
He was the one who looked over all the maids and butlers in the place.
"How is Duke Darvin doing?" Akamir asked, still behind him.
"...He is... weak, young master." Veres replied, his voice low. "It's been five days since he has barely eaten anything."
Akamir frowned. "Was the poison messing with his appetite?"
Veres glanced back at him with his old face.
"The poison is only affecting his core, young master." He replied with a pained face. "Lord Darvin isn't eating because of depression."
"...I see."
Akamir had an inkling that it might be the reason.
'I mean, he has been practically living for power.'
And now, his greatest asset, his mana, was snatched away....
'It is nothing but a death penalty for him.'
Veres led him through the corridor in silence, he was mourning his master's demise even though Darvin was still alive.
'I don't know for how long he can live though.'
They stopped before a pair of wooden doors at the far end of the hallway on the third floor.
"He's inside," Veres said quietly. "He won't speak to anyone so, please be mindful."
Akamir nodded and placed his hand on the handle.
The doors creaked open.
The room beyond was dim, the only light coming from the crackling fireplace.
The thick curtains had been drawn shut.
The scent of herbs and ash lingered faintly in the air.
Duke Darvin sat in a large armchair beside the fire.
He looked much older than the last time Akamir saw him.
His shoulders were hunched, his face pale, and his eyes dull.
A blanket covered his legs, and a cup of untouched soup sat on the small table beside him.
But what took Akamir's attention was the lady beside him.
Verona Leon Vyavan.
She too looked a lot older than the last he saw her.
Her emerald eyes now dull and her wavy auburn hair now messed up.
When Akamir walked inside, her gaze snapped at him.
Anger immediately burned in them as she glared at him.
"YOU!?" She snapped, her voice echoing within the silence of the room. "Why are you here!?"
"To see him—."
"GET OUT!" She yelled, pointing at the door. "Get out right now!!"
Akamir tilted his head as he glanced at Duke Darvin.
The man looked at his old son with his dull eyes and then at his wife.
"Verona." He whispered, his voice weak. "I want to talk with him."
Verona gave him a shocked look. "Why would you—?"
"Please." He whispered softly. "One last time."
Verona looked at him with her tearful eyes before she nodded once.
She walked out of the room, not before glaring daggers at Akamir.
"Asher." Darvin said, staring at the fire. "Come sit."
Akamir nodded, he walked and took the seat beside him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
"...I heard," Darvin said eventually, "about what Inara is doing."
Akamir didn't respond.
Darvin turned his head slightly, eyes flickering over the young man. "You are behind it all, aren't you?"
Akamir let out a faint breath. "What makes you say that?"
"I am not foolish." He replied, shaking his head. "That child is smart but she isn't enough."
"I don't know what you are saying." Akamir said, blinking in arrogance. "What is that—"
"I was proud of you, you know." Darvin said, voice hoarse. "But I was afraid of you too."
He looked at the soup on the table and then turned back to the fire.
Akamir quietly looked at the man for a while.
"Shouldn't you be happy now?" Akamir asked, "Your wish to rule the kingdom is coming true, even though it's me who is doing it."
".... Happy." He repeated softly. "I would have been if you were really my son."
Akamir blinked twice. "What?"
"You aren't Asher, that I knew for sixteen years" He replied, voice barely audible. "I feared who you are since the day I adopted you... now I fear you more."
Akamir didn't speak right away.
His gaze lowered, not in shame but in thought.
"...So you knew," Darvin finally said. "That you aren't my son."
"Well, I did have some thoughts." Akamir mumbled, leaning back. "So, who am I?"
The older man gave a small nod, eyes distant.
"I didn't know." He replied, "I found you floating in the river with a necklace."
"Necklace?"
"Zia will give it to you, if you ask her." He replied softly. "She kept it with her all this time."
"What was in the necklace?" Akamir pressed further. "Anything?"
"You should see it for yourself." He replied, his eyes distant. "...It would be easy for you to understand."
He coughed weakly, pressing a hand to his chest.
Akamir leaned back in the chair, "Why adopt me then?"
"You had a phoenix guarding you when I saw you the first time." He said, smiling weakly. "I thought you were special."
"You adopted me for the phoenix?"
"No, because I thought I could control you." Darvin laughed bitterly. "I was a fool."
Akamir didn't say anything as he kept on staring at the Duke.
Darvin shifted slightly in his seat, the blanket slipping down his lap a little. He didn't bother fixing it. His hands trembled, too weak to do much now.
"I raised you like a sword," he said after a pause. "But swords don't follow orders forever."
Akamir looked at the fire. "You didn't raise me. You used me."
Darvin gave a tired nod. "That too."
The silence stretched again.
"...Are you going to kill me?" the old Duke asked, voice dry and calm.
"And get executed for it?" Akamir asked. "No thanks."
"No, you won't be executed." He replied, shaking his head. "You are the new Duke, who can execute you?"
Akamir looked at him. "What?"
"I have already made my will." He replied, his voice low. "I am passing everything to you now."
Akamir didn't reply as the old Duke slowly stood up from his seat.
"In return, all I want is one thing." He replied, walking towards the window. "Keep on using the Vyavan family name."
Akamir didn't speak right away.
He watched as Darvin moved to the window, his steps slow and shaky.
"Why?" Akamir finally asked. "Why should I do it?"
Darvin rested a hand against the window frame. "Because this family... it's all I've built. And even if I'm not proud of what I did... you're the only one left who can carry it forward."
Akamir stood from the chair, brushing down the front of his coat. "You think I'll honor the name?"
"I think you already have," Darvin said softly. "In your own way."
Akamir walked over, stopping just a step beside the door. "Anything else?"
Duke Darvin opened the window as he let the air come inside.
"No." He replied, shaking his head. "And please don't kill Verona."
"...I see." Akamir mumbled, opening the door. "Then I will see you in hell."
Darvin chuckled. "If there is one, sure."
Akamir walked out of the room as he drew in a deep breath.
Verona still stood by the corner waiting for him.
Just when he walked out she glared at him. "Get out of my way."
She pushed him aside and walked in.
But...
It was already too late.
With a heavy sound of someone falling, the estate quieted down.
Verona fell on her knees as she glimpsed her husband jump down the window.
Duke Darvin of the Vyavan Dukedom....
....Killed himself.
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC136: Wish
Chapter 136: Wish
[Velyrian's Office.]
Knock!
Akamir stood outside the office after knocking on the door once.
For once, the door was closed and Akamir had to wait for anyone to open it.
"You sure it was a good idea?" Nayomi whispered, floating closely. "Leaving the place when Duke Darvin just died."
"It's fine." Akamir said, without looking at her. "He has already named me as the next Duke, I see no reason to stay there."
"How cold." Nayomi said, though she didn't mean it. "He was your father."
"He was not." Akamir said, glancing at her. "You heard him, don't you?"
"...Still," she muttered. "He raised you."
"Not me." Akamir mumbled as he heard the door open. "He raised Asher."
A pair of eyes peeked out from the gap before the door was completely opened.
Milo looked at him before she sighed. "Come in."
Akamir nodded and walked inside the office.
It was still a mess like before, with scrolls stacked high on every desk, books opened and abandoned mid-page.
But what stood out the most was the half-finished staff on the desk.
Akamir quietly looked at the elf who sat in the wheelchair closely by the staff.
"Things didn't go as planned, I presume." He said, taking his attention.
The sick elf looked at him and nodded reluctantly.
"I can't bring it to harmonize with the soul." Velyrian whispered as Akamir stood close to him. "It's... impossible."
Akamir didn't speak right away.
He stepped closer to the desk, his eyes settling on the half-finished staff.
The core was exposed, empty, as Velyrian still hasn't found one.
"It's not impossible," Akamir said quietly. "Just... incomplete."
Velyrian let out a dry laugh, though it was more of a breath than a sound. "That's what I thought, but it's not working at all."
"Hmm."
Akamir rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Maybe your master can help with it?"
"He abandoned the project long ago." Velyrian said, with a tired sigh. "I don't think he wants to continue it."
He raised his left hand—thin, almost skeletal now—and let a few sparks of light flicker at his fingertips.
"My master's body and soul are really not compatible." He said, chuckling to himself. "I can't believe he lived so long."
Akamir didn't reply as he fell into deep thought to find a way.
'...A way to bind a soul, huh?'
His eyes glanced at Nayomi, who quickly noticed his gaze.
"It's impossible for him." Nayomi said flatly. "I could do that because, I am me."
Even though it sounds narcissistic, Akamir knew she has the skills to back it up.
'I have been in this world for long enough to know the value of someone who can make Grade Zero Artifact.'
Akamir pulled a chair over and sat beside the desk, elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the staff.
"You still want this to work?" he asked.
Velyrian gave a faint nod. "I don't have many things left I want."
He leaned on the chair, still staring at the thing.
"Hey..." Velyrian whispered softly. "I have a theory."
"I am listening." Akamir said, glancing at him.
"What if we used the Ven core." He said, his gaze on the staff. "That thing can analyze—."
"Are you out of your mind?" Akamir frowned, his brows knitting together. "That thing is inside you, remember?"
"Wait, what?"
Milo, who had been keeping her silence, snapped.
"What do you mean, inside!?"
"It's a long story, Milo." Velyrian said, looking back at his assistant. "I will explain everything to you."
"You aren't doing that, alright." Akamir said, looking dead serious. "Your body can't handle it."
Velyrian didn't reply at first. His gaze lingered on the staff, as if searching for something.
"Akamir..." he said after a long pause, "I know my body is falling apart. I can feel it every time I try to move mana."
"I'm aware," Akamir replied calmly. "That's why I'm telling you not to mess with the Ven core."
"Theoretically, I could use a part of the Ven core as a working core for the staff—."
"Are you fucking deaf?" Akamir snapped, glaring at him. "Did you not hear me?"
Velyrian smiled, leaning back on his wheelchair.
"Calm down." He said, his voice even. "I don't love my master enough to do such a thing."
Akamir wanted to argue, but he kept his mouth shut.
Saying anything more would only worsen the mood.
"Hey, boy." Velyrian whispered softly. "Would you join me... to visit my master?"
Akamir blinked.
"Your master?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Why though?"
Velyrian gave a tired nod, his gaze drifting toward the staff again. "He would love to meet someone like you."
Akamir leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "You think he'll teach me?"
"I don't know," Velyrian admitted. "But we'll never know until we meet him."
Milo looked between them, her expression uncertain. "Where is he now?"
"Outskirts of Aelwyn." Velyrian turned to her. "He lives in isolation. Has for decades."
Akamir frowned. "That's deep into Elven territory."
"Yeah..." He said, his voice filled with nostalgia. "He doesn't like socializing much."
Akamir gave him a nod as he stood up. "Tell me when so I can rearrange my schedule."
"....Sure." Velyrian said as Akamir walked towards the door. "Hey."
He looked back. "What?"
"My daughter." Velyrian said before he hesitated for a while. "...It's nothing."
Akamir shrugged before he looked at Milo. "Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
Milo nodded with a tired smile. "I will."
Akamir walked out of the room as he began to descend the spiral staircase.
"You think it would work?" Nayomi asked, floating closely. "His plan to use the Ven core."
"He isn't doing anything stupid like that." Akamir said, glaring at her. "That's like a death wish."
"But still possible, don't you think?"
Akamir didn't answer right away.
"...That's the problem," he finally said. "It is possible. That's why I'm worried."
He was well aware of the nature of the Ven core.
How it adapts and learns things in its own way.
Akamir was sure that thing can help in reforming the staff.
But...
'I don't like the Ven core one bit.'
He still remembers how that thing nearly killed him.
Akamir sighed as he walked out of the building.
There was nothing else for him to do in the academy, so he was going out.
But before he could, Akamir met with someone.
It was Inara.
The vice headmistress was walking back to her office when her eyes met with his.
She quickly rushed towards him and hugged him tightly.
"I was going to contact you." She whispered, rubbing his head. "I heard about Duke Darvin."
Akamir stood stiffly for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden embrace.
"I'm fine," he muttered, though his voice was a little quieter than usual.
Inara didn't let go immediately. She gently pulled back, her hands still on his shoulders as she looked at him.
"You don't have to act like it doesn't matter," she said, her voice soft. "I know what kind of man he was, but... losing a parent still shakes something inside."
Akamir looked away. "He wasn't my parent."
Inara frowned. "What?"
"It's what I say." Akamir replied. "He wasn't my father, and I have no idea who my mother is."
Inara didn't argue further, she simply gave him a tired look.
"If you want, we can—."
"No." Akamir said, his voice firm. "We are not changing anything now."
Inara blinked before she nodded once. "Alright."
Akamir removed her hands from his shoulder as he walked past her.
"Bring everyone who supports you. We are going to have a meeting tonight."
Inara looked back at him. "And where are you going?"
Akamir glanced back. "To reach the blue core."
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