CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC168: Contract with the Fairy Queen
Chapter 168: Contract with the Fairy Queen
[Three days later.]
[Near Old Court, Spirit World.]
Akamir stood in his spirit garden as he looked around at the spirit that had already been matured.
Most of them were glowing and floated in the air as their fragrance filled the place.
The garden had already been expanded further in size as it was now almost the size of half a stadium.
The dome covered the place completely, making it stand out in the dead outer world.
"What do you think?" Akamir asked, glancing at Nayomi. "Is the plan going to work?"
Nayomi, who was engrossed with the fairies, glanced back at him.
"Which plan?" she asked, her voice flat.
"The one about infiltrating the royal palace of elves," Akamir replied, folding his arms. "To meet with the empress."
Nayomi didn't reply for a while as she kept on staring at the fairies around her.
"Honestly, it is foolish," she replied. "But I can see why you want to do it."
"We got no other choice," Akamir mumbled, rubbing his temples. "Lewin doesn't allow anyone to meet her."
"He's protecting others from her," Nayomi said. "Or should I say isolating her from everyone."
"Why do you think he even does that?" Akamir asked, curiously. "All this to control the kingdom?"
"I don't know," Nayomi replied softly. "If I was him, I would kill her and take complete control over the kingdom."
"Yet, he isn't doing that," Akamir said, grabbing one of the floating herbs. "Why that might be?"
Nayomi watched the small fairy on her fingertip flutter its wings and vanish in a blink of light.
She didn't answer right away.
"Maybe he can't," she finally said.
Akamir looked at her. "Can't?"
"Lewin's strong, but the Empress... she's not someone you can just kill." Nayomi lowered her hand and walked past the spiraling herbs. "Or maybe he just loves her."
Akamir thought for a moment and gave a soft nod. "Perhaps... love always makes men do stupid things."
Nayomi let out a chuckle but she didn't refute his words.
Instead, she looked around the place until her gaze landed on the shy fairy queen hiding away from Akamir.
"Her curse is really hard to deal with," Nayomi said, floating towards the queen. "It won't be wise for you to look at her."
Akamir blinked in confusion. "Didn't you say I can withstand her curse?"
"I said, you might," she replied. "Doesn't mean you most definitely can."
Akamir scratched his head, then sighed. "Urgh, I want to use Imoyan company as a way to force her to meet me but..."
Akamir wasn't sure if that was a good idea.
If things went south, he would lose the trade he had made with the elves.
It would be a considerable loss for him and he didn't want to take it.
The trade for actual spirit herbs had yet to be started.
He didn't want to sabotage it.
Akamir rubbed his temples as he looked at Nayomi. "Let's do what we came here for."
Nayomi nodded her head as she moved to meet the spirit queen's eyes.
"Hey," she said, smiling.
Saia smiled back at her. "Hello, miss~."
Akamir moved closer as he waved at the spirit queen as well.
The fairy queen blushed a little but still replied to him. "Hello~."
"Okay, I will get straight to the point," Nayomi said, pulling Akamir closer. "He wants to form a contract with you."
Even though Akamir could force her to form a contract, he didn't want to.
'It's better if she willingly signs a contract with me.'
Saia blinked, her wings twitching as she looked between the two. "A contract... with me?"
Akamir gave her a polite nod. "Yes. I know it's a bit sudden, but I think you already know why."
The fairy queen tilted her head slightly, curls of light trailing from her silver hair. "Um... I don't know how to."
"Don't worry about it," Nayomi said, floating beside her. "I will help you with it."
Akamir smiled as he asked once again. "Would you like to?" He quickly added, "I will also take you out into my world."
The fairy gave him a small shy nod. "Yes."
Nayomi clapped her hands lightly. "Good. That makes things easier."
Saia looked down at her hands, a soft glow already forming around her fingertips. "Will it hurt?" she asked quietly.
"Not really," Nayomi said, waving her hand casually. "It just feels... strange the first time."
Akamir took a step closer and gently extended his hand. "We'll go slowly, alright?"
The fairy queen hesitated, then reached out. Her small palm trembled as it met his.
The moment they touched, a quiet hum rippled through the garden.
The floating herbs glowed brighter. The fairies paused mid-flight, watching in silence.
A thin, spiraling pattern of gold light began forming between their hands, wrapping around Akamir's wrist and climbing up his arm.
Saia's wings fluttered fast, scattering shimmering dust around them.
Her eyes widened slightly. "It's... warm."
"That means it's working," Nayomi said, circling them slowly.
Then, with a soft breath, Saia closed her eyes. "I accept," she whispered.
The golden light flashed, then vanished into both of them, leaving behind a faint mark on Akamir's hand—like a small, glowing leaf etched into his skin.
Akamir pulled his hand back and looked at the mark. "Huh. Not bad."
Saia beamed, a little out of breath. "Did it work?"
"Yes. You did great," he said gently. "Thank you."
Akamir moved away a little as he looked at the status screen.
====
Contract:-
Saia, The Queen of Fairies.
Abilities:-
• Spirit Energy.
• Love of Fairies.
• Immune to Curses
• Spirit Body.
• Spirit Eyes.
====
"Hmm?" Akamir rubbed his chin in confusion. "What does spirit eyes do?"
He touched on it, making it bigger.
====
Spirit Eyes:
An ability that allows the user to see through spirit flow, detect hidden curses, and perceive emotional bonds between living beings.
Warning: Prolonged use may cause dizziness or temporary spirit dislocation.
=====
Akamir raised a brow. "See emotional bonds...?" he muttered. "That sounds a little nosy."
"It's not," Nayomi said as she floated beside him. "It's extremely useful. You can tell if someone is lying, hiding intent, or even cursed. That kind of insight is rare."
Saia tilted her head shyly. "It can also be used with your eyes closed."
"Yeah, it can make an outline of everything around you," Nayomi added. "It's pretty good."
Akamir gave her a nod as he looked at the status screen again.
"What's a spirit body?"
He clicked on it.
====
Spirit Body:
The user's physical form becomes partially spiritual, allowing resistance to physical damage.
Immunity to most poisons and diseases, and movement through certain spiritual barriers.
Warning: While in partial spirit form, the body becomes more sensitive to spiritual attacks.
Extended use can weaken physical strength.
====
Akamir squinted at the glowing panel. "So I become... ghost-like?"
"Not exactly," Nayomi replied.
"You still exist physically—just enhanced. Think of it like wearing an invisible cloak that dulls harm from one world but makes you more vulnerable in another."
Akamir nodded his head as he rubbed the back of his neck.
The rest of them were pretty straightforward, so he didn't have to understand them.
"Spirit energy," Akamir mumbled, glancing at Nayomi. "What does this do?"
Nayomi floated down beside him, crossing her arms.
"Spirit Energy is pretty much the base power of all spirit-type beings," she said.
"It boosts your overall connection to the spirit world—your spells, your bond with Saia, and your control over spiritual herbs."
"So it makes me stronger... but in a more indirect way," Akamir said, thinking aloud.
"Exactly," Nayomi nodded. "Think of it like fuel. The more Spirit Energy you have, the more efficiently you can use spirit-related abilities. It also helps Saia recover faster and lets you borrow her strength."
Saia perked up. "I can lend you my energy when you're tired... or hurt."
Akamir looked at her, surprised. "You can?"
She gave a shy smile. "Just a little. Not too much. But it should help."
Akamir felt a warm pulse on his wrist where the contract mark still glowed faintly.
He didn't say anything, but something about her words eased his thoughts.
'Is this some kind of lie detector?'
He wondered to himself as he could tell if she was lying or not.
'Would have been pretty cool if I had this ability with Nayomi.'
Akamir was quite interested in spirit energy and the spirit eyes.
'They might be helpful when I meet with the elven empress.'
"I'm not going to test it on her," he muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" Nayomi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing." Akamir quickly turned away. "Just talking to myself."
Nayomi stared at him for a moment, clearly suspicious, but didn't press further.
Akamir rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at Saia.
"Shall we go back now?" he asked, smiling.
The fairy nodded, eager to see the new world with her own eyes.
Akamir let out a sigh as he made a portal.
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC169: Meeting the Empress [1]
Chapter 169: Meeting the Empress [1]
[Capital City, Sylvan Kingdom.]
Elves rarely take in people for tourism.
They despise outsiders more than anything in the world.
For elves, their sacred tree is a lot more important than anything else in the world.
Because of it, there aren't many inns or places where Akamir and their group could rest.
Still, they found one, but their price was something else.
The night was creeping in, and the group sat in a loose circle.
Akamir stood in front of the map laid out over a table.
It pointed at the marked path leading toward the inner sections of the Elven Kingdom.
In the past three days, all of them had tried to gather as much information about the elves and the empress as possible.
Akamir looked at the map, then at the other three.
"I'll go alone," he said. "It would be better if there isn't any hindrance."
Viros leaned forward, his brows furrowed.
"You're talking about the Empress of the Elves, right?" he asked, giving him an awkward look. "You do realize people don't just stroll into her palace, have a chat, and walk back out."
Luca nodded in agreement, arms crossed tightly.
"This plan is reckless. We're not even sure where she stays exactly." He swept a glance at the entire map.
"The palace isn't mapped. You don't even know if you'll get close enough."
Akamir didn't flinch, though he agreed with them.
'It is kinda reckless to go and meet her, even more when she doesn't even know me.'
But Akamir did have a plan that he was going with.
Empress Seraphina lives alone without any form of security with her.
'If I get close enough, I would be able to talk with her.'
"I won't go in blind. I've prepared," he said, looking at them. "I will have someone feed me all the structure data I need."
They looked curious but didn't ask him what that was.
Reagan, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. His tone wasn't loud, but it carried weight. "Getting close isn't the problem. It's what happens if she looks at you."
That quieted everyone.
Akamir glanced over. "I have ways to defend against curses. I can withstand—"
"No," Reagan cut in. "Her curse doesn't hit the body. It slips under everything and targets the soul."
There was a pause as everyone looked at him grimly.
"I've never met her," Reagan continued, his voice low. "Even the Elves avoid her. I've heard stories of people losing their minds. Some die. Others forget who they are entirely."
"You didn't meet her even though she is Velyrian's daughter?" Akamir asked, his brow knitted together.
"..."
Reagan kept his silence as he refused to say anything.
Luca scoffed. "So why exactly do you think you'll be fine?"
"Because I'm not going to see her face," Akamir replied. "Just talk. Nothing more. I'll wear the mask Zaina gave me. I won't even make eye contact."
Akamir didn't want to tell them about the spirit eyes and body.
It would only make things harder to explain to them.
Viros sighed, rubbing his face. "This all feels... thin, like we're leaning on a bunch of ifs."
"We are," Akamir admitted, there wasn't much known about her.
"But what's the alternative? Lewin's cut off all communication. If I want this to work, I need her consent and to confirm her involvement with the Servants of Skinless."
Luca stared at the map for a long time.
"She used to be famous, didn't she? The Empress," he said, his voice barely audible.
"People said she was the most powerful Elven ruler in centuries. How did she manage to do it without going out?"
Reagan rubbed his button-like eyes as he sighed.
"After the curse grew out of control, she stopped appearing publicly,"
he said, looking at Akamir once again.
"There's only a handful—no, there isn't even one who has seen her face and kept his sanity."
Akamir tapped the side of his head. "You don't have to worry about me," he said with a smile. "I know what I am doing."
Viros still looked uneasy, but he said nothing more.
Luca leaned back with a low breath. "Alright. Just don't be a hero. We need you alive."
Reagan added one final warning. "Don't try to test her. Don't try to see if you can handle it."
He stood up from his seat, walking towards him.
"Stick to your plan, and if something feels wrong—get out."
Akamir gave them a small nod. "Got it."
---
[Later That Night - World Tree border]
The moonlight filtered down through the thick branches, making markings all over the city.
Akamir moved swiftly, his face covered with the white mask Zaina had given him.
It glowed faintly under the light, designed to make anyone ready for combat anytime.
'I wonder, what other uses there are for this mask.'
It was something that was made by the son of the first elf for his wife.
Akamir was sure there must be some hidden use of this artifact.
'Not the right time to find out though.'
His boots made little sound as he made his way past the guards.
He had timed their patrols carefully, slipping past in the narrow windows between their rotations.
The mimickers had become small spirit creatures shaped like mossy insects.
They crawled ahead of him along the bark of the world tree, feeding him information through thin strands of shared mana.
Every so often, Akamir would stop and observe the place for the patrolling of the guards.
It wasn't long before he reached the main branch that was a colossal wooden bridge covered in soft glowing moss.
At its end stood a sealed chamber, encased in crystal vines.
It was a small mansion-type home where Empress Seraphina sleeps.
'She often changes it with the top house of the world tree.....'
Akamir wasn't really very sure if she was inside the place or not.
Taking in a deep breath, he sent one of the insects inside to inspect the place.
Outside, he began to prepare for a fight just in case.
Nayomi's returned to his line of sight once again as she looked at him.
"Akamir."
"I'm listening."
"You sure have gotten a lot better at using your strength," she said, her voice soft. "But I didn't know the king would be a thief one day."
"Shut up." Akamir groaned at her words.
He didn't like being called a thief, and especially not from her who tried to steal his body.
"The mimickers did their job well," Akamir said, glancing at her. "It was a good idea to use them as insects."
"Not really," Nayomi said, floating beside him. "They are hard to control and can only do simple tasks."
"....Yeah." Akamir admitted with a slight nod. "Still better than nothing."
There was a silence between them as Akamir waited for the information.
Nayomi suddenly jumped in front of him, looking dead into his eyes.
"Listen to me very carefully," Nayomi said. "She's stronger than you. Far stronger. Don't try to measure her. Don't try to guess what she'll do. Just speak and leave."
"I know."
"No, you don't."
Akamir gave her a look. "Why you say so?"
"You don't understand someone who has lived her life in solitude," she replied, looking at the mansion. "If she found out that you are the only one who won't go sane by looking at her....."
Nayomi didn't complete her words, but Akamir was smart enough to understand.
"No way."
He scoffed, dismissing her words.
"You think she would capture me or what?"
Nayomi didn't say anything as she kept on looking at the mansion.
"Hmm?"
Akamir felt a message in his head from the mimicker.
"She is inside."
He took a breath.
And then, he stepped forward.
The mimickers had gone quiet now. They stayed curled up along the edges of the bridge, watching.
The sealed crystal vines shimmered as he approached the door.
There was no visible lock, no guard, no barrier—just an ancient stillness that made the air heavy.
He placed a hand gently against the crystalline bark.
It was warm.
He waited. The door didn't open.
For a moment, he wondered if she was already aware of him.
Maybe she was watching from inside or maybe she already knew everything.
The idea sent a chill down his spine.
"I'll only talk," Akamir muttered under his breath, repeating it like a prayer. "Just talk."
The mimicker on the other side changed its shape into a different thing.
The door slowly creaked open without any problem.
Akamir slowly walked inside the place as the mimicker who was inside merged with his shadow.
He quickly walked in and slowly closed the door behind him.
The moment he walked in, he was greeted with a beautiful scent.
It was so good that he stood there for a second.
'Maybe I should ask about it later on.'
Akamir slowly walked inside the main hall.
But his steps stopped as he looked at the ancient painting hanging in front of him.
'....What?'
It was the painting of the first elf....
'...Why is he there?'
Along with her was Velyrian.
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC170: Meeting the Empress [2]
Chapter 170: Meeting the Empress [2]
'....What?'
It was the painting of the first elf....
'...Why is he there?'
Along with her was Velyrian.
For Akamir, it wasn't hard to recognize the Ieril of Dawn who was the first elf sent by the Golden Sun.
Because there was no one whose picture should be in this place.
But....
No matter how many times he saw it... it was Velyrian who was standing beside her.
'What the fuck is going on?'
Akamir couldn't help but wonder in confusion as he looked at the painting.
"What the hell is that?" Nayomi whispered softly beside him. "It's Velyrian, isn't he?"
Akamir nodded in response as his eyes were practically glued to the painting.
'Is he just Velyrian's lookalike?'
He wondered to himself as he drew in deep breaths.
Despite whatever reasons may be, Akamir wasn't here to look at the picture.
Taking in another deep breath, he shifted his focus back to the job at hand.
It was still late at night, and there wasn't any sound coming from the inside.
Akamir walked to the left from the main hall.
'It would have been nice if I could tell where she is.'
Even though the insect confirmed that she is inside, it didn't give him an exact direction.
Akamir walked past a room and tried to find her.
He didn't use mana to check in case she had a higher sensitivity for mana.
'Wait, should I try it?'
Akamir stopped in his place as a thought crossed his mind.
He slowly closed his eyes as he drew in a deep breath.
The lingering spirit energy in his body slowly began to circulate.
'I need to form a core in order to properly use the spirit energy.'
The condition of making the spirit core was the same as making a mana core.
One has to take in spirit energy from the spirit world and condense it.
Though with the destruction of the spirit world, the concept of the spirit core was also forgotten.
'I am sure I am the only spirit energy user in this continent.'
The spirit energy that slowly circulated in his body reached his eyes.
And...
Even with his eyes closed, Akamir could see everything.
Akamir's breath steadied as the spirit energy laced itself around his nerves.
His heartbeat dulled into silence, and the world faded from color to glowing silhouettes.
Even with his eyes shut, everything became... visible.
Not through sight... but presence.
He could sense the flow of air, the pulse of old roots through the floor, the aura of nature clinging to the structure of the mansion.
Everything made a solitude of greenish colour that was clearly felt by him.
Akamir could make a map of the entire place in an instant.
Finally, after a few moments... he felt it.
A stillness within the mansion, unlike anything else.
Not absence, but overwhelming control— it was like a vast ocean pretending to be a pond.
'That has to be her.'
With his eyes closed, he slowly moved towards her.
There was nothing that he couldn't see; with his spirit eyes, he could even see through walls.
'What is she doing?'
Akamir wondered to himself as he moved closer.
The more he 'saw' her, the weirder he felt.
'It looks like she is sleeping on the floor?'
Akamir frowned. Though confused, he still moved towards her.
He turned right from the main hallway, carefully stepping down a corridor that led deeper into the mansion.
The architecture was beautiful; he could feel it with his eyes closed.
Finally, he reached the door. From the opposite side, he felt her presence.
Akamir stood outside the door for a while as he controlled his breath.
Finally, he reached out for the door handle.
"What are you doing?"
A voice echoed from his side, startling him.
Akamir quickly 'looked' to his side, finding a glow of energy.
'A fairy?' he thought to himself. 'Wait, is she—?'
The small fairy, not bigger than the size of a hand, was still brimming with spirit energy.
"Wait, aren't you that weird human!?"
The fairy asked, her translucent wings moving around.
"What are you doing here, Human—!!"
Akamir quickly placed his hand over her small mouth, muffling her sound.
"Can you not talk so loud?" Akamir whispered. "You are going to expose me."
The fairy blinked innocently, removing his hand from her mouth.
"What do you mean?" she asked. "You are already caught."
Akamir looked at her blankly until....
"Give me one reason why I should not behead you right now."
A cold and emotionless voice echoed from the inside of the room.
The fairy zipped behind his shoulder in an instant and sat on his head.
"Be grateful, human," Lili said in a smug tone. "I asked her to not attack you the moment you walked in."
Akamir drew in a deep breath as he steadied himself.
Despite the pressure that was coming from the other side of the door, he didn't lose his composure.
Akamir's hand left the door handle.
"I didn't come here to fight," he said, his voice steady.
There was a moment of silence, heavy and tense.
"You're not one of mine," she said. "You don't carry Elven blood... and yet, you walk into my home."
Akamir slowly raised both hands in front of him. "I came here to talk, nothing else."
"To talk," she repeated.
There was no sarcasm, no laughter—just suspicion laced with curiosity.
"Who sent you?"
'I am glad she asked that.'
At least the woman was ready to talk with him.
"Velyrian," Akamir said softly and felt the fairy on his head stop. "He sent me here."
The silence that followed Akamir's answer stretched longer than he expected.
Then, at last, a soft breath escaped from behind the door.
"Father...?" the Empress's voice was quieter now. "....Why would he send a human here?"
"Wait, what's up with you?" Lili asked before he could reply to her. "Why am I feeling spirit energy from you?"
Akamir ignored her as he focused on the Empress.
Taking in a deep breath, he delivered the news.
"Velyrian is no more."
Akamir said firmly.
"He died in an accident a half a month ago."
The silence stretched for a long time after that.
---
"...How?" the Empress finally asked.
Her voice was barely above a whisper, and though it carried no emotion,
something about it felt... fragile.
Akamir lowered his hands.
"He was experimenting with something that he shouldn't have," Akamir replied. "He died doing something good."
There was another long silence between them.
"Is this some kind of joke?" the voice replied from the other side. "Are you playing with me?"
"I would never joke with someone's life," Akamir replied firmly. "He is really dead."
Then came the sound of something soft collapsing—maybe she had sat down.
Or maybe her knees had finally given in.
'Wait, did I hear the sound of water?'
"...Even if he is dead," Sephrina said, her voice cold now. "What about it?"
Akamir still had his eyes closed as he asked, "Pardon?"
"What does it matter!!" the Empress snapped at him. "He was gone from my life for years, I don't car—!"
Her words didn't even finish as she choked on her own breath.
Finally, the sniffing sound of someone crying echoed within the place.
The sound of her sobs was quiet, but there was no mistaking it now.
She was trying to hold them back trying to keep the wall up but it was too late.
The moment the tears had started, everything else began to crack.
"...He promised," Sephrina whispered. "He said he'd return with a... cure."
Akamir didn't say anything as he kept on 'looking' at the door without a word.
"I waited. For decades I waited. Even when others told me he'd vanished, I knew... I just knew he was out there." Her voice trembled. "Why did he just...."
Akamir let out a sigh as he kept on hearing her uncorrected mumbling.
"Why did he send you?" she finally asked after a long pause.
"He left a letter for you," Akamir said, placing his hand back on the handle. "And asked me to pass it to you."
Sephrina didn't say anything as she began moving in her room.
Akamir began to open the door. "I am coming in."
"Wait, no!" Lili immediately tried to stop him. "You will get cursed if you go inside."
"It's fine," Akamir said, smiling. "It won't affect me with my eyes closed."
"W-wait, still—"
Akamir ignored her rambling as he pushed open the door.
'Hmmm?'
The first thing that he noticed was the change in humidity.
Even though his eyes were closed, he could still 'feel' and 'see' the world with his spirit eyes.
And right now....
What he saw made his blood turn cold.
Because it wasn't the room he was in, and nor was the Empress sleeping.
Sephrina was taking a bath, and right now...
.....He stood in her bathroom, where she was naked.
"Did I give you my permission to walk in?"
Sephrina's cold voice echoed within the bathroom.
"Uh, sorry?"
Akamir walked back and quickly closed the door.
'Fuck.'
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC171: Meeting the Empress [3]
Chapter 171: Meeting the Empress [3]
[Empress Sephrina's House]
The world tree has a lot more functions than providing the elves with shelter.
It has a unique flow of mana and usage of the environment.
Because of the world tree, the elves have a slightly warm climate akin to the spring weather throughout the year.
Yet...
Akamir couldn't help but feel abnormally cold as he sat on the sofa in the main hall.
His eyes were still closed as he was looking around the place with his spirit eyes.
'Why the hell is she so quiet?'
He couldn't help but think as he 'looked' at the empress sitting in front of him.
She was now fully dressed, with a mask covering her face.
Akamir could vaguely feel spirit energy from the mask.
'Is it to suppress her curse?'
He thought as the empress of the elves read the letter by her father again and again.
Despite half an hour having passed, she hasn't said anything nor replied to anything he had asked.
With a sigh, she leaned back on the sofa, her body fully covered with a layer of blackish coat.
"You said, you were his student, right?" Sephrina asked, finally ready to talk. "May I know your name?"
"It's Asher Leon Vyavan." Akamir replied, his voice soft. "But your father used to call me Akamir."
"...Asher." Sephrina mumbled, trying to remember the name. "Why do I think I have heard about you before?"
"You may know me as the Royal Consort." Akamir said with an awkward expression. "I am the fiancé of Queen Inara of Krivos Kingdom."
"...."
There was a silence that lingered between them.
The empress gave him a look that was close to disgust.
"Despite being engaged, you are walking in when someone was bathing," she said, not hiding her disappointment. "Do you even have any shame?"
"...."
Akamir**'s** lips twitched as he stopped himself from making a rude comment.
"What are you thinking?" Nayomi asked, floating beside him. "I can tell by your face."
'..I mean, come on... She is flat as cardboard.'
Akamir thought as he 'looked' at her again with his spirit eyes.
Empress Sephrina, even though in her forties, is still single.
And because of this, her body was still genderless with any features.
There was nothing to see in her.
'I bet she doesn't even have a vagina.'
Akamir thought, though he kept a straight face in front of her.
Had she not been born as a female, body structure and voice, she might have been mistaken as a young boy.
'No, she kinda is a young boy....'
Akamir had a lot of questions about her body, but he kept it all to himself.
"Anyway." Sephrina said, unaware of his thoughts. "Is this what you came for?"
"Ah, partially yes—"
"I have received your letter," she said, standing up from her seat. "If that's all there is, then you can go."
She began to walk away, but not before looking back at him. "I will not hold any charges for breaking into my house—"
"I asked your Royal Advisor for a meeting," Akamir said, cutting in her words. "He was the one who refused it."
"...Then he must have a reason," she replied, though her voice was unsure. "Anyway, you can go."
"I don't think so," Akamir replied, standing up. "There is something else you need to know—"
"I don't have time for this—"
"The elves are going to die." Akamir cut in her words again. "If you don't do anything, then your race will end."
Sephrina stopped mid-step.
Her fingers curled slightly, hidden under the long sleeves of her black robe.
"...What did you just say?" she asked without turning around.
"I said your people are going to die," Akamir repeated calmly. "And if you don't act, you'll be the last empress to ever rule them."
The silence that followed was so sharp it almost hurt.
Nayomi shifted awkwardly beside him, floating a bit lower. Even she didn't dare make a joke.
Slowly, Sephrina turned around.
"You're threatening me?"
"No," Akamir replied. "I'm warning you. There's a difference."
Sephrina studied him for a moment, then returned to her seat, folding her arms over her small chest. "Talk."
Akamir sat back down, his hands resting on his knees. "Have you heard about the great ones?"
The empress looked confused. "Those in the legends?"
"They are not merely a legend, my lady," Akamir replied, shifting his tone to be more polite.
"There is a Great One named Kros who has recently died... and was washed over to a town of elves."
Sephrina's brow furrowed beneath her mask.
"Kros...? That name sounds familiar."
"It should," Akamir said. "He was one of the lesser Great Ones, but powerful enough to shift the balance of nature just by existing."
'I made that up but it should be something like that.'
He paused, choosing his next words carefully.
"The elves... They changed because of him."
Sephrina leaned forward slightly. "What do you mean 'changed'?"
"I mean exactly that. Their bodies couldn't handle it. Some of them mutated." He paused again, his voice quiet. "But they all are cursed nonetheless."
Sephrina's hands slowly tightened around the edge of her sleeves.
"That's impossible. Elves are not that easily corrupted."
"Not usually," Akamir said. "But this is different."
A faint pulse of spirit energy rippled off her mask, and for a second, Akamir felt the sharp edge of her growing anger.
"You're telling me there's a godlike corpse rotting in elven lands," she said, "and my own people are falling to it?"
"Not just falling," he said quietly. "They're becoming something else."
For a moment, Sephrina didn't say anything.
She simply stared at him through her mask. Then, at last, she leaned back.
"...Where exactly did this happen?"
"Malik," Akamir replied, his voice soft. "It's a small town close to the river joining the ocean."
Sephrina was silent again, but this time, it was a thoughtful silence.
"How do I not know about this?" she asked, looking at him.
Akamir drew in a deep breath as he looked at her.
"The next thing that I am going to say might hurt you, but please listen carefully."
Sephrina strengthened her back as she looked at him. "Speak."
"When I was there, your soldiers had already been stationed there."
Akamir explained, his voice soft.
"The one in charge was the second son of the Faelor family... the same family as Lewin."
The mana around the elf began to boil, representing her anger. "What are you trying to say?"
"I suspect that Sir Lewin already knew about the curse," he said, his voice deep. "He might be the one behind the death—"
Before he could even say anything, a sword was placed on his neck.
Akamir's pupils shrank as he saw Sephrina standing in front of him.
'I didn't even notice her move from her place.'
He thought, his expression turning serious.
"Do you even know whom you are trying to blame?" she asked, her voice low. "Do you even know who Sir Lewin is?"
Akamir didn't flinch.
The cold edge of the blade pressed gently against his throat, but his expression didn't change.
"I do," he said calmly. "That's why I'm saying this to you and not to anyone else."
Sephrina's grip on the sword tightened.
"I served under Sir Lewin when I was a child," she said, her voice trembling beneath its quiet fury.
"He trained our armies. He protected our borders. He raised my father like his own. He is the most respected elder of the Elven Council. You do not get to accuse him lightly."
"I'm not accusing him lightly," Akamir replied. "That's why I said I suspect. Not confirm."
He looked directly at the space where her eyes would be behind the mask. "Think about it... only he has the power to do such a thing."
"I want to behead you right now," she said, her voice cold. "You are pushing my limits."
Akamir didn't say anything as he 'looked' at her.
She removed the sword from his neck as she ordered, "Get out of here before I kill you."
She didn't even wait for him to reply as she walked away from him.
Akamir let out a sigh as he was left alone with the fairy who was floating around.
"Please don't blame her for this," Lili said, sitting on his head. "Sir Lewin has always been like a father to her."
Akamir didn't say anything as he rubbed his neck that was bleeding.
"I see," he mumbled, standing up. "Well, I guess that's it for me."
Lili looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"
"I did what I had to," Akamir replied, finally opening his eyes. "Not my fault that she doesn't believe me."
Lili didn't say anything as he began to walk out of the house.
But he stopped as he looked at the fairy curiously.
"By the way..." he began, while making her face him. "Have you ever been to the spirit world?"
Lili blinked in confusion. "No, I was born and raised here."
Akamir smiled as new ideas began to form in his head. "I have someone you would love to meet."
Lili blinked innocently. "Who?"
"Your queen."
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC172: Return
Chapter 172: Return
[Empress Sephrina's Room]
Sephrina sighed as she took off her black coat that draped over her body.
It was one of the few things in the world that could hold back her curse.
She also took off her mask that covered her face.
Her molten golden hair cascaded down her back and touched her knees.
Sephrina blinked her golden eyes innocently as she looked down at her body.
'That boy...'
Despite him trying not to make it obvious, she couldn't help but notice his gaze all over her body.
'Was he checking me out?'
She wondered, frowning to herself.
'But there is nothing to see....'
She touched her own chest that was flat with only a little fat.
Despite how much she tried, her body always remained like this.
Unless she fell in love with someone, her body would always remain genderless.
Sephrina turned away with a quiet sigh, letting her coat drop onto the nearby chair.
The dim glow of the room's enchanted lanterns cast a soft light across the marble floor.
She walked toward the table, her bare feet silent on the cold surface.
She poured herself a glass of water, her fingers brushing over the rim absentmindedly.
'It doesn't matter...' she thought.
Even if someone found her attractive, it didn't change anything.
Her curse wasn't just skin-deep—it ran through her blood, her bones, her soul.
Love was a distant dream.
A condition she wasn't even sure she could feel anymore.
She set the glass down and leaned against the table, her fingers gripping the edge.
There was a long silence as she quietly looked at the floor.
"Still... It was good to have someone I can talk with."
But her expression immediately turned cold as she remembered his words.
"Seraph."
Her gaze turned towards the door as she heard the fairy's voice.
"Is he gone now?" she asked, looking at Lili.
"Yeah," Lili replied, nodding her head. "Though he asked to meet you tomorrow."
Sephrina blinked innocently before her brows knitted together. "Why?"
Lili didn't say anything for a while as she kept on looking at her.
"I sensed spirit energy from him," she replied quietly. "I don't know how to feel about it but... he might be related to the fairies."
Sephrina's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Spirit energy?" she asked, her tone calm but sharp.
Lili hovered a little lower, her tiny wings fluttering nervously. "Not strong... but it's there."
"Why would a human child have something only fairies have?" Sephrina couldn't help but ask.
The people who could actually harness spirit energy were quite common back in the days.
Sephrina had heard about them from the elf seer.
But...
Six hundred years ago when the group of students were summoned, something happened to the spirit world....
It was corrupted and turned into a wasteland.
With no spirit world, there was no way for anyone to form a contract with them.
Because of this, even Sephrina couldn't form a contract because Lili only had enough to keep herself alive.
"I don't know much, but I think that boy is trustworthy," Lili said, as Sephrina began to move. "...I will go see him tomorrow."
"...I see."
She mumbled before she lay on the bed, her body sinking within the mattress.
Sephrina stared at the ceiling for a while, her golden eyes absent.
Her thoughts drifted again to Akamir.
She closed her eyes, letting out a slow breath.
'Trustworthy, huh...?'
Lili floated closer to her before lying on the bed. "What are you thinking?"
"....About what that boy said," Sephrina replied, her voice soft. "Why would Sir Lewin do such a thing?"
"..."
Lili kept her silence as she stared at the empress.
"He was there when my father wasn't present," she continued when Lili didn't reply. "Since I remember, Sir Lewin has always taken care of me."
Lili settled beside her, the flutter of her wings finally still.
"Maybe... there's more to it than we know," Lili said quietly. "People change. Or maybe they were always like that, and we just never noticed."
Sephrina's jaw tightened slightly. "That doesn't make it any easier to accept."
"I know," Lili whispered. "But you can't let the past keep cutting you open."
Sephrina didn't reply. Her golden eyes stared up at the ceiling.
Then she spoke again, her voice quieter now.
"It's either blind trust in Sir Lewin or risking the elven race."
Sephrina blinked as she let out a sigh. "I think we need to look into his matters."
Lili smiled brightly. "You can count on me!"
Sephrina smiled back at her but.... a thought dawned upon her.
'Is Lili the only one I could ever trust?'
---
[The next morning.]
Knock! Knock!
Akamir blinked away his tiredness as he sat back up.
It was already past eight when he woke up.
Knock! Knock!
'Urgh, what a pain.'
Akamir grumpily thought as he stood up and walked towards the door.
Luca, Viros and Reagan stood outside of his room.
Akamir frowned before he let them inside. "What happened?"
"We should be asking that," Reagan replied, walking in. "You didn't tell us how things went with the empress last night."
"Uh, yeah..."
Akamir was too tired to talk with them last night as he slept as soon as he returned.
He wasn't keen on telling them the things that happened.
"So..." Luca began. "How did it go?"
"She refused to believe Lewin would do such things," Akamir replied, sitting on his bed. "She also threatened to kill me if I pursue this matter."
Viros let out a long whistle as he leaned against the wall. "She really said that, huh?"
Akamir nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Well... I did something that pissed her off beforehand."
"What did you do?" Luca asked, raising his brow. "Don't tell me you peeked when she was bathing."
"...."
Akamir opened his mouth to reply before he closed it once again.
"What are you going to do now?" Reagan asked before they could comment further. "It doesn't seem she would help."
"What is there for me to do now?" Akamir replied, looking at him. "I did what I could, I am done with it now."
"What?" Reagan frowned, clearly not taking his words well. "Are you saying you would let all those elves die?"
"I don't think you are seeing the real problem here," Viros said, his voice serious. "What if the curse got to humans as well?"
"It won't happen," Akamir replied, shaking his head. "The curse only affects elves and no one else."
Akamir had already asked about it beforehand with Nayomi.
It was clear that the elves were the only ones who bear the curse.
'After all, it was their race who experimented with its body.'
With a tired sigh, Akamir stretched his body.
"Anyway," he looked at Reagan's doll body. "It's not like I won't come back here."
Reagan narrowed his eyes. "Are you telling the truth?"
"I'll come back," Akamir said with a small shrug. "Just not for this mess."
Luca leaned back against the desk, arms folded. "And what should we do now?"
"Pack your things," Akamir said, looking at him. "We are going back home."
Viros and Luca looked at each other before nodding.
"Sure," Viros said, turning around. "We will be ready in a while."
Akamir nodded at him, then looked at Reagan. "What about you?"
Reagan just looked at him with his button-like eyes before letting out a sigh.
Without a word, he walked out of the room and closed the door.
Akamir, now alone in his room, rubbed his eyes to alleviate his sleepiness.
"How long have you been there?" Akamir asked, as he looked to his side.
There, a fairy sat close to the window, hands folded under her chest.
"Where is the queen?" Lili asked, her voice eager and filled with curiosity.
"Did you tell her about Sephrina?" Akamir asked, looking at her.
"No," she replied, shaking her head. "I just told her I would meet you."
Akamir looked at her for a second before he waved his hand. "Come out, Saia."
At his words, the air around him moved like a stone thrown in a still lake.
Through the ripple, a small fairy appeared in the world.
Saia blinked innocently before she smiled shyly.
But...
The same couldn't be said for Lili.
"W-what?" she stammered, looking at her. "A-a fairy?"
'Is it her first time seeing one?'
Akamir wondered, rubbing his chin as the fairy moved closer.
Lili stared at Saia as if she were seeing a ghost.
"No way..." she whispered, flying up a little to get a closer look. "You... you're a real fairy."
Saia nodded slowly, her wings fluttering softly behind her. "Yes... I am."
"But how?!" Lili turned to Akamir, her expression a mix of confusion and excitement. "The spirit world is gone! All the fairies disappeared centuries ago! Even I barely survived!"
"I just am," Saia mumbled, feeling awkward.
Lili hovered in silence, processing everything.
Then she suddenly zipped around Saia, inspecting her like a curious bee.
"Your wings are so clear... your spirit energy is pure... You're whole. Not drained like me..." she mumbled.
Saia blinked, her voice soft. "You're not alone, Lili."
Those simple words made Lili freeze mid-air.
She quietly looked at the fairy queen without any words.
"Hey, Lili," Akamir said, looking at the fairy.
"Y-yeah?" she replied, still in shock.
Akamir smiled. "Saia would like to be your friend."
Saia nodded as she was thinking the same.
"Uh, yeah..."
Lili softly replied, unable to speak.
"So, as a friend," Akamir said, smiling. "You will help us, right?"
For a while, Lili looked at her without any words.
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC173: The World Six Thousand Years Ago [1]
Chapter 173: The World Six Thousand Years Ago [1]
[Six thousand years ago.]
[1023 E.D.]
[Hundred kilometres away from City of Bardha.]
The world six thousand years ago was far more beautiful than Velyrian had ever imagined.
The air was brimming with mana and spirit energy.
The technology was far more advanced than it was in his own time.
Yet...
'I don't feel comfortable in this place one bit.'
Despite the better living conditions, Velyrian's life was hanging on a thin thread that can break anytime.
Because...it was a time when the elves were hated by every other race.
And why would they not be?
The first elf and their queen Ieril of Dawn was doing her best to conquer the world.
She had already massacred thousands, and Velyrian knew she would do thousands more.
'Argh, why am I sent to a place like this!?'
His frustration was at an all-time high that it even drowned his happiness about his new legs.
His lineage of being an elf is his biggest concern right now.
It didn't help that he was spawned in the middle of Eos City, a well-known city of high-humans.
Because of this, he had to run away, and now he was roaming around in the wilderness trying to find the Elven settlement.
Velyrian stepped over a fallen branch, brushing past tall grass as he moved deeper into the forest. His cloak, now torn at the edges, fluttered weakly in the wind.
He sighed and looked up.
The sky was golden, not with the color of sunset, but the actual hue of the heavens.
A soft golden glow poured from the sun above, casting everything in a surreal light.
"This era is insane..." he muttered.
The era where the Golden Sun began to rise.
His ears twitched at the faint sound of movement behind him.
He turned sharply—hand hovering near the dagger he had taken from a soldier's body back in Eos.
But there was nothing. Just the wind brushing through the leaves.
Still, he didn't lower his guard.
The last town he passed through had tried to kill him the moment they noticed his ears.
They hadn't even let him speak.
One kid screamed "Elf!" and before he knew it, ten swords were coming for his neck.
He was lucky to escape.
'There's no way I'll survive without allies in this world...'
That thought made him walk faster.
His legs hurt with all the walking, but he was in a wheelchair for years.
Velyrian cherished the moment he got to walk once again.
"It's been more than fifteen days."
A mechanical voice echoed in his head, making him flinch.
"When are you going to do actual work?"
"Shut up!" Velyrian snapped, glaring at the air. "I don't care what you say—."
"Then die." The voice from the Ven Core interrupted. "The only way for you to survive is by joining the elves and ending the reign of goddess of desire, Alista."
"...."
Velyrian remained quiet as he felt an explicit pain in his mind.
He couldn't understand it...why him.
"Your work is to make this time ready for 'his' arrival."
Ven Core said, voice devoid of any emotions.
"You will place every brick in place, for only one outcome."
"Who are you talking about!?" Velyrian snapped. "Who is him!?"
"You already know him." The monotonous voice echoed again. "You have always known him."
Velyrian's vision turned blurry, but he quickly rubbed his eyes.
'Ah, fuck.'
Velyrian sat down on a nearby rock, holding his head with both hands.
His breath came out in sharp huffs as he tried to process the voice's words.
"Always known him? What kind of cryptic bullshit is that..." he muttered, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
The forest was quiet again, but it felt like the trees were listening—watching him.
"Fifteen days..." he whispered, repeating the number.
He hadn't eaten properly in nearly two.
Just berries and a few edible roots he dug up by pure luck.
"Sigh..."
With a sigh, he stood up and began to walk again.
---
After three hours of more walking, he finally found it.
The forest cleared ahead, he noticed the ground changing.
There were robotic drones that were attached with cameras.
"Civilization," he breathed.
The drones faced him, but he kept on walking forward.
He stepped onto the old stone path carefully.
There was a presence in the place. It wasn't human, but it wasn't elf either.
He paused, as he felt something.
Then, from behind one of the ruined columns, a young woman emerged.
She had short white hair and wore a green tunic with leather armor stitched across her shoulders.
Her eyes were a piercing bronze.
And her bow was already pointed at him.
"Elven blood," she said coldly.
Velyrian froze, raising his hand. "Wait, wait, I'm not your enemy!"
"I don't care." Her fingers tightened on the bowstring. "One less elf is always a good thing."
"You can kill her in an instant." The voice echoed in his head. "You have been enhanced by the Ven Core."
'Shut up!'
Velyrian slowly lowered his body to appear as non-threatening as possible.
"May I know what place I am in?" he asked, looking at the woman.
"Why would a dead man need to know that?"
"Please." He whispered. "I just need to go to Chaska."
She lowered her bow just a little, a flicker of surprise in her gaze.
"Only half-elves live there." She replied coldly. "I am sure elves despise them, don't they?"
"I don't despise them." Velyrian replied softly. "I am nothing like the other elves."
The woman's sharp eyes didn't leave him. For a moment, silence hung in the air.
Then, very slowly, she lowered her bow, though her fingers still hovered near the string.
"You're either crazy or desperate," she said flatly.
"Probably both," Velyrian replied, forcing a small, nervous smile.
She stared at him for a few more seconds, then finally stepped out from behind the column.
"You are in the land of half-elves." she said. "I am Kael, and I not so welcome you to the city of Chaska."
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC174: The World Six Thousand Years Ago [2]
Chapter 174: The World Six Thousand Years Ago [2]
Kael was a good person from the heart.
Even though pure-blooded elves despise and hate the halves...
...Even though her mother died because of them, she couldn't kill an innocent person.
Part of the reason was also that she couldn't kill a full-blood elf unless it's self-defense.
"Why do they even make halves when they don't like them?" Kael said, looking back at Velyrian who followed her.
"It's so fucking annoying when they call themselves the children of nature but can't control their lust."
Velyrian blinked, surprised at how blunt Kael was.
He opened his mouth to respond, then closed it again.
What could he even say to that?
"...You're not wrong," he muttered instead.
"Those fuckers just throw us away." Kael scoffed. "We are too elf for humans, too human for elves."
Velyrian let out a sigh as he looked around the place.
They were walking down the cracked stone path, which soon turned into a narrow trail guarded by trees and moss-covered ruins.
The forest seemed to lean in closer the farther they went, as if it were protecting something.
Eventually, they reached a ridge.
From the top, Velyrian could see the city.
It wasn't a city in the traditional sense, there were no huge walls, no grand towers. Instead, it was built into the forest itself.
Homes made from living wood curved around massive trees.
Bridges of vine and stone connecting them high above the forest floor.
Lights illuminated softly from hollow lanterns powered by mana stones.
It looked alive and strangely beautiful.
Velyrian stared, stunned. "This... is amazing."
Kael didn't look impressed. "It's home. Nothing more."
They began descending the slope, approaching a guarded entryway made from woven branches and reinforced steel.
Two sentries stepped forward—both half-elves, judging by their ears.
Kael raised a hand.
"He's with me. Found him near the ruins. Says he wants to stay."
The guards looked Velyrian over with suspicion, then nodded once and stepped aside.
As they walked in, Velyrian couldn't help but glance around.
There were children laughing on rope swings, vendors selling glowing fruit and shimmering cloth.
A man carved mana crystals into rings while humming a soft tune.
It was peaceful.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Kael asked, glancing back at him. "Were you thrown out of your house or something?"
Velyrian just nodded as he didn't prepare any reason.
"Hmm, looks like your own people didn't like you." Kael chuckled softly. "Must be hard."
Velyrian didn't respond. Instead, he asked. "Are there no elves here?"
"No. Not now." Kael replied, shaking her head. "They will come soon though."
"...Why?"
"Because even halves, Lady Ieril doesn't let us go." She replied, her voice low. "We are still 'important' to her."
She didn't seem to believe her own words.
"Where is Lady Ieril now?" Velyrian asked, trying not to sound too suspicious.
"She must be taking care of rest of servants of the unnamed God, or like she calls him 'skinless.'"
Velyrian frowned, as he knew little about them. "Can you explain a little?"
Kael gave him a strange look, her bronze eyes narrowing.
"You're an elf and you don't know about the Skinless?" she asked. "Did you live under a rock or something?"
"Sort of," Velyrian muttered. "Just... humor me."
Kael sighed and turned her gaze ahead, leading him down a side path that curved around a large tree.
"People used to worship them long ago. Before the Elven Queen even existed. The Skinless were said to be ancient beings."
She paused for a moment before turning her voice lower.
"I heard, Lady Ieril makes their loved ones dance over their dead bodies as some sort of ritual."
Velyrian frowned. "Ritual?"
"That is the only way to stop them from regenerating." She nodded her head. "They are terrifying beings. That's why Lady Ieril decided to liberate them."
Velyrian carefully asked. "What about goddess Alista?"
Kael slowed her steps.
At the mention of the name Alista, the air itself seemed to grow colder.
"She's worse," Kael finally said, her voice tight. "People think Lady Ieril is cruel. But at least she doesn't pretend."
Velyrian blinked. "What do you mean?"
Kael turned to face him, her expression hard now.
"Goddess of Desire, right? That's what they call her. Alista promises peace, beauty, love... But it's a lie."
She drew in a few deep breaths to calm herself down.
"She bends people's minds until they want to die for her. Until they forget who they are."
Velyrian felt a chill run down his spine.
"She can do that?"
"She does that," Kael said flatly. "That's how she builds her cities. Makes people adore her. Makes them fight wars they don't even remember starting."
Velyrian lowered his gaze.
'At the very least I am tasked to fight against an evil tyrant.'
But thinking about it again, Ieril isn't any better.
A bitter smile crept on his face as Kael came to a halt.
"Take this." She said, pointing at the simple house. "The elf who lived here committed suicide not long ago. It's free to use now."
Velyrian had so many questions to ask, but he kept them to himself.
With a tired sigh, he opened the door. 'At least, I would be safe here.'
As if to slap his face... the moment he stepped in, the world changed.
Velyrian blinked as he found himself inside an enormous room.
He panickingly looked around until his gaze landed on an enormous hand with eight fingers.
Beside her was a young lady, sitting on a chair wearing a priest outfit.
But what took his breath away was the tall lady standing below the eight-fingered hand.
Her hair was silver, flowing like silk down her back, and her dress shimmered like moonlight on still water.
She didn't wear armor. She didn't need to.
Her eyes alone could make empires kneel.
Velyrian's breath hitched in his throat.
This wasn't just some high-ranking priestess... She was—.
'...Ieril of Dawn.'
The first elf that was sent by the Golden Sun.
"An elf that I never remember making." Ieril said, her voice holding power. "Who are you, elf?"
Velyrian stammered. "M-making?"
"Yes, making." She nodded. "I made the Sun elf, Moon elf, and high elves with my own hand... yet I don't remember making you."
"I... I."
Velyrian was too scared to say anything at this point.
"You can't be descendants of any." She continued, walking towards him. "I would remember your face..."
Velyrian stumbled back instinctively, nearly tripping over his own feet.
Ieril's presence pressed on his chest like a mountain.
The air around her shimmered with golden heat, bending the light, making it hard to breathe.
Every step she took echoed louder than the last, even though her feet made no sound.
"I don't like things I don't understand," Ieril said quietly.
She wasn't yelling, and she didn't need to.
Her voice was calm, controlled, and terrifying.
The young priestess beside the eight-fingered hand simply watched, unmoving, like a doll carved from marble.
But her expression changed when the eight-fingered hand moved.
Even Ieril looked back, as the hand hadn't moved in years.
It began to move and make a gesture.
The young priestess fell on her knees as Ieril looked at her.
"What is the divine message it conveyed, Lady Natasha?"
Ieril asked, her voice calm yet curious.
Natasha looked back at her, joy clear on her face.
"He is the one, lady!" She shook with a trembling voice.
"The Chosen One."
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC175: Vyavan Dukedom's Potential [1]
Chapter 175: Vyavan Dukedom's Potential [1]
[Five days Later.]
"Urgh!"
Akamir stretched his body as soon as he stepped outside of the carriage.
'I really hate the transport in this era.'
He grumbled inwardly as he felt his body aching all over.
'I really need to make a better transportation vehicle.'
With a tired sigh, he looked at the beautiful mansion that stretched in front of him.
After all that happened in the elven kingdom, Akamir was in dire need of rest.
Originally, he had planned to return to the Capital City.
But at the last moment, he changed course.
'I need to see if there's something helpful for my company here.'
He stretched his neck with a soft crack as he turned around.
Viros was already hopping off the carriage, brushing off the dust from his cloak.
Right behind him, Luca stepped down, yawning.
"Never again," Luca muttered. "Am I going on a trip with you."
Akamir chuckled. "Noted."
Viros adjusted his glasses and looked up at the mansion. "This place looks untouched. Are you sure they're expecting us?"
"Yeah," Akamir said. "And... there they are."
Just as Akamir spoke, six of the servants rushed towards them.
Akamir looked back at the carriage once again.
"Are you coming out or not?"
There was a silence for a while before a teddy bear walked out.
"I am not keen on traveling long distances," Reagan grumbled, jumping down. "I hate it."
Akamir just smiled as he looked back at the servants.
'It's good that he decided to follow me back.'
When they were in the inn back in the Sylvan Kingdom, Reagan expressed his desire to travel with him.
At first, Akamir wasn't going to, but Reagan offered him knowledge he couldn't refuse.
The servants reached him as they immediately bowed. "Master."
"Prepare rooms for all of them," Akamir said, glancing back at his group. "Make sure they are well fed."
Reagan grumbled. "I don't need that."
"Ahh, a talking teddy bear." The servants gasped and fearfully stepped back.
"He isn't dangerous or possessed," Akamir said, looking at them. "Behave like he is your elder, understand?"
They immediately bowed. "Yes, my Lord."
Akamir nodded as two of them began to lead Reagan into the mansion.
But...
As he looked back, both Viros and Luca were standing at his side.
Akamir blinked in confusion. "What?"
"Can we talk?" Luca said, his voice serious. "Alone."
Akamir looked back at the remaining servants. "Go back."
They bowed and moved away.
"Want to go on a walk?" Akamir asked, as he began moving.
The other two nodded and began walking at his side.
The three of them walked side by side along the garden path.
The sun was soft, hidden behind pale clouds, and the air carried the scent of trimmed grass and flowers.
Akamir placed his hands in his pockets, glancing sideways. "So? What's this about?"
Viros was the first to speak. "You already know our identity, don't you?"
"Yeah..." Akamir nodded, looking at them. "One is fox and one is wolf."
'It will always bug me how the fox's body is more robust.'
Aren't fox-kin supposed to be the more attractive type?
"...Well," Viros said, scratching his face. "The thing is... our family isn't in any good condition."
Akamir raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Luca glanced around the quiet garden, then exhaled. "Our clan's influence has been shrinking. We lost two trade routes, and one of our main vaults was raided."
"Raided?" Akamir frowned. "By who?"
"We're not entirely sure," Viros said. "But we suspect they are a new race or one that came back from extinction."
Akamir looked at both of them with a weird look. "Is this some kind of prank?"
"I wish it was." Luca grumbled. "But it's true... They have been attacking us for decades now."
"Not just us but all the other council houses." Viros added. "...They are going on a rampage on civilians as well."
Akamir rubbed his chin. "Any idea how they look?"
Viros and Luca exchanged glances.
"They wear masks," Viros said at last. "Bone-white, with no holes for eyes or mouth. Sometimes, they hum when they walk. No weapons, but they fight like beasts—fast and brutal."
Luca nodded.
"Their strength is... unnatural." he said, his voice low. "It's like they don't feel pain, and even when they're burned or pierced, they keep coming."
Akamir frowned, a crease forming between his brows. "How long has this been happening?"
"Nearly twenty years now," Viros replied. "At first, it was easy to brush them off."
Akamir nodded as he finally came to a stop.
"So..." He looked at them. "Why are you telling me this?"
Luca and Viros looked at each other before they bowed slightly.
"I would formally like for the Imoyan company to start trading with us." Luca said, his voice soft. "We know you are close with them."
"And I would like to invite you to my house." Viros added as well. "That's why we told you about the danger beforehand."
Akamir raised an eyebrow. "So, this was a business pitch?"
Viros chuckled awkwardly. "Kind of."
Luca slapped his back as he stepped forward.
"We're not just looking for profit, Akamir. We're trying to survive." He said, his voice deep. "If this enemy keeps growing, there might not be much left of our clans to save."
Akamir looked at them both for a long moment, then slowly leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree.
"I see," he muttered, closing his eyes briefly. "Well, I guess you guys are lucky to be my friends."
Luca and Viros smiled as the tension from their shoulders eased up.
"Thanks, my guy!" Viros said, coming closer for a hug.
"Urgh, stay away." Akamir said, pushing him back.
"Yeah, Luca." Viros slapped his back. "You hug him, he would definitely like it."
"Fuck off." Akamir glared at him. "Anyway, go back and have some rest."
They nodded and began to walk away. "Alright, thanks."
Akamir stood under the shade of the tree, as he looked up.
Nayomi floated closer to him with her eyes closed.
'She can't sleep, then what's the point of closing her eyes?'
"Did you hear them?" Akamir said, looking down. "You know what they are talking about?"
Nayomi opened her eyes as she looked at him.
"Hmm, I do know what they are talking about." She nodded in response.
Akamir waited for her to speak, but she didn't.
Finally, he asked. "What do you want?"
Nayomi smiled. "Find me a body to possess."
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CROWNLESS REINCARNATION: NEW WORLD? NAH I'D WINC176: Vyavan Dukedom's Potential [2]
Chapter 176: Vyavan Dukedom's Potential [2]
"...."
Akamir sat down on a dinner table along with a maid who sat in front of him.
But....
The maid didn't seem awkward or shy in any way possible.
Instead, she was eating the food on the table like the place belonged to her.
Akamir picked up his spoon but didn't eat.
He stared across the table at the maid, who was chewing on a piece of roast meat with zero concern.
Her legs were crossed on the chair she was sitting on.
She leaned back like this wasn't a formal dinner, like she hadn't just barged in and claimed a seat meant for nobles.
She even reached over and grabbed a second helping without looking at him.
"You look like an animal." Akamir commented, passing his soup towards her as well.
"Shut up!"
The maid, who was now possessed by Nayomi, replied, glaring at him.
"I haven't tasted food in like six hundred years."
She didn't shy away as she grabbed the soup he had passed.
Akamir didn't reply as he kept on staring at the woman.
'So this is body possession, huh?'
As Akamir kept on growing with time, Nayomi did the same.
With more strength she was gaining, she was also getting more and more better with her powers.
Body possession was one of such examples.
Nayomi slurped down the soup like it was the best thing she'd ever had.
"Gods," she sighed, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "You humans really nailed spices sometime after my death."
Akamir tilted his head slightly. "That body's still alive, you know. You'll ruin her digestion if you keep stuffing yourself like that."
Nayomi waved her hand.
"Relax. She's asleep. And besides, it's not like I do this often. Only when I really need to eat something real."
"Anyway." Nayomi grumbled, stretching her body. "It looks like this body can't hold back for any longer."
"I still don't understand this part." Akamir said, rubbing his chin. "Why can't you just keep on possessing this body."
"It's not as simple as it looks." She replied, shaking her head. "A low-class body can't handle my soul."
Akamir frowned. "Explain."
Nayomi grabbed a piece of bread and tore it in half before speaking.
"It's like pouring a lake into a glass," she said simply, her voice calmer now.
"A weak body cracks if I stay too long. I can hold on for a bit, maybe an hour or two, but after that, things start to fall apart. Nerves, muscles... even memory. They start getting eaten by my presence."
Akamir leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly. "And what happens to the original soul?"
"She goes to sleep," Nayomi replied, popping a grape into her mouth. "But she won't wake up if I stay too long."
"Comforting," Akamir muttered.
Nayomi rolled her eyes.
"Look, it's not ideal. But I have no physical body anymore."
She kept on chewing the bread, making Akamir hard to understand her words.
"I need an anchor if I want to experience anything. Smell, taste, pain, emotions... all of that requires flesh."
Akamir stayed quiet, watching her as she chewed slowly this time.
Her earlier hunger seemed to have settled.
With one last taste of the wine, Nayomi floated out of the maid's body.
The maid came to her senses as soon as Nayomi moved out.
She blinked as she looked at the empty plates and then at Akamir.
"Young master?"
Akamir smiled at her, and that alone was enough to make her blush.
"It seems you aren't feeling too well." Akamir said, looking at her. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have done that."
Fear crept on her small face; she could somewhat understand the situation.
"...What did I do?"
"Don't worry, I won't punish you." Akamir shook his head. "If you are hungry next time, please ask."
The maid stood up and immediately bowed. "I am terribly sorry, young master!"
"It's fine." Akamir replied, smiling. "Go have some rest."
The maid nodded before she walked out of the dining room.
With now alone, Akamir turned to look at Nayomi.
"Way to gaslight someone." She said, smiling. "Poor girl would think it's her fault."
"Are you going to do it regularly?" Akamir asked, looking at her.
"No, only when I am hungry." She replied. "And I can't possess your body cause we are already connected."
Akamir gave her a small nod before he asked. "So, what or which race is affecting the house of Luca and Viros?"
Nayomi suddenly moved closer to him before she was just inches away.
"Remember I told you about the monks?"
"The ones who are affected by dragon curse?"
"That's the game protagonist's family." She replied, shaking her head. "The monks are of the same place as him."
"So, what about it?" Akamir asked, looking at her. "Are the ones who are attacking them monks?"
She shook her head.
Nayomi's eyes narrowed slightly as she floated beside him, arms crossed.
"They're not monks," she said. "But they come from the same land. A place forgotten by most—hidden in the cracks of the world map."
Akamir leaned his elbow on the table, resting his chin on his knuckles. "So they're remnants?"
"More like... shadows," Nayomi muttered. "They were the race that was created by the same goddess who created Reagan."
'Exalted Empyrean Noet—.'
Akamir stopped himself from thinking her name.
He doesn't want to meet her, not yet.
"But she used to create peace-loving races, right?" Akamir asked, looking at her.
"They were supposed to be a peace-loving race." Nayomi nodded her head. "But they were corrupted."
Akamir frowned. "By whom?"
"A Greater One." She replied, looking into his eyes. "His name is Akwan."
"...Another Greater One?" Akamir looked at her weirdly. "Aren't they rarely seen?"
"Well, it's just you who keeps on encountering them." She replied, folding her hands. "The rest never see them all their life."
Akamir rubbed the back of his neck, leaning back in his chair. "Such a pain."
"Anyway," she continued, floating lazily above the table,
"Akwan is different from the others. He doesn't appear in person. He seeps into people's hearts. Twists their desires. Whispers into dreams. That kind of thing."
Akamir squinted. "So he's a manipulator."
"Exactly. And he found the perfect target in the goddess' creation. A race built to feel deeply, to serve harmony and balance. But that same sensitivity made them easy to break."
"They lost their purpose?" Akamir asked.
"They forgot it," Nayomi corrected softly. "And in that silence, Akwan's voice was the only one they could hear."
Akamir exhaled slowly, piecing the puzzle together. "So, they are basically dead men?"
"No. They're husks," she said quietly. "Puppets with just enough memory to hate what they lost."
For a long moment, silence fell over the room.
Akamir stood up slowly and walked toward the window, peering into the night. "If they're after the houses now... what's their goal?"
"No idea." She replied, shrugging. "That's for you to find."
Akamir let out a sigh as he rubbed his temples.
'I should go and see Inara first, I want to have some good time.'
Knock! Knock!
The knock on the door made him turn towards it.
"Come in." Akamir said, looking at it.
The door opened up and two men walked inside.
One of them was the steward of the Dukedom—Veres.
Another one was a mimicker that Akamir had placed as his proxy to look over the Dukedom.
His name was Raden.
They both immediately knelt in front of him.
"Welcome back, master."
Akamir waved his hand. "Get up. I won't be here for long."
Veres and Raden rose to their feet silently, their heads slightly bowed out of respect.
Akamir turned to fully look at them.
"How are things going in the Dukedom?" He asked.
Raden stepped forward. "The Dukedom has remained stable during your absence, Master."
He passed him a document that had all the details.
"Trade routes are secure, and the guilds haven't caused any trouble."
Akamir gave him a quick nod. "Good. And the nobles?"
Veres cleared his throat.
"A few asked questions after word spread that you'd made a proxy to rule them."
He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"But they were in various accidents later on... nobody who questioned survived."
Akamir gave him a faint nod as he kept on looking at the document.
'It should be done to avoid future troubles.'
Akamir was sure they weren't much of his importance anyway.
Raden stood quietly beside Veres as Akamir skimmed through the document.
His crimson eyes flicked over the pages.
"Anything unusual?" Akamir asked without looking up.
They both quieted down as if afraid to speak up.
Akamir stopped reading as he looked up at them.
"What happened?"
Veres cleared his throat. "When we were cleaning up the mess of a noble who died... we found something."
Akamir's interest piqued as he placed the document down.
"And what might that be?"
"It would be better if you see it for yourself, Master."
Raden replied, bowing a little.
"But to keep it short... it seems we found an untamed dungeon."
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