I Refused To Be Reincarnated
Chapter 519: The Price of Freedom

Chapter 519: The Price of Freedom

After understanding how uncomfortable he felt in this environment, he pondered the subject a little between each match.

Days passed as the answer he sought remained an elusive whisper he failed to grasp until the competition’s last day.

Of course, he didn’t forget to put the white tigers’ participant in their places. He also met Morgane, who performed surprisingly well with her soul affinity.

Without much effort, she inflicted horrible pain on her hunched adversaries, making their faces distort in agony, their tears flood the arena, and their screams chill the spectator’s blood. But as promised, she shrugged and gave up without a fight when he met her, causing a public outrage.

And now he was walking through the corridor, remembering the mentally torturous matches he had taken part in. Even if the first time was fun, the next one already annoyed him. The third against a student from the academy of summoning was even worse, especially with his adversary’s abusive comments.

From this match onwards, everything went downhill, including his mood.

’Why do I have to sacrifice my pride for Shepard’s gains? I mean, he helped me a lot in the past, but it didn’t cost him anything. On the contrary, I already repaid this debt and more by offering him strong allies, advisors, honor to his college, and rare materials. So, is it really alright for me to suffer for someone else’s benefit?’

The question began to haunt him as the public curses rained on him harder after each of his apparitions. Even if he knew his own worth and had a solid mind, being scorned by everyone still affected him negatively. The worst part? He knew it but bit the bullet and pushed through.

A heavy sigh escaped his bitter smile as he walked, head lowered and shoulders slumped.

’At last, this horrible experience will end today. Never again! I’m not someone who enjoys being looked down on when I’m much better than the rest. I don’t enjoy interacting with these hypocrites, either. I want to be free to say and do what I want!’

The thoughts rumbled and clicked like gears finally finding their places. Why did he burden himself so much with so many people? Why did he even try to interact or go along with them when only Julius, Nova, and Arun truly mattered to him?

’Everything will return on track after today. Julius is almost fifteen now and has a solid support circle. He’s also strong and doesn’t need me anymore.’

A steely glint flashed in his eyes as he made his choice.

’I’ll leave everything behind after getting the tier-six skeleton and travel the world. I’ll avoid water sources because of this stupid Kraken’s curse, though.’

Somehow, the idea of travelling unrestrained helped him relax as he emerged from the tunnel.

However, the moment he did, the public scolded him mercilessly, bringing his recovering mood down the gutter again.

"Booo! Go home, coward!"

"There is no way a wimp like you reached the final! You’re a disgrace to all the diligent apprentices!"

"Find his noble family and ban them from any trade relationship! That’ll serve them right for raising such a bastard!"

Even if he expected the insults, his lips still quivered.

’Bunch of trash. How can you believe someone weak will win six matches against different schools of magic? Or am I really the best actor?’

He snickered at himself as he jumped on the duel platform and blocked his ears with wind corks until Alice arrived.

Meanwhile, the other finalist took measured steps, basking in the public’s encouraging cheers and waving his hands at them with a radiant smile.

The contrast was just that glaring, and the worst part? Unlike the first few days, the stadium reached maximum capacity, with some eager spectators even scalding the roof to watch despite the distance and risk of fractures. In total, there were dozens of thousands coming from all over the world to watch the most promising individuals among the new generation in action.

Their acclamation reverberated through the stadium, and after his fifteen minutes of glory, the teenager finally stepped onto the stage and glared at him.

Simultaneously, the ambient water coalesced and froze, forming a miniaturised Gate replica before everyone’s reddening faces. Amidst a cloud of frozen mist, Alice’s familiar cape fluttered as she stepped out of it. Head held high, she raised a commanding fist that forced the eager spectator into silence and spoke.

"Welcome to the inter-academy decennial tournament’s grand final! Let me remind you of the rewards our dear competitors will fight for!"

She smirked at the crowd, eager to show her kingdom’s wealth and generosity as she continued.

"We’ll offer a legendary staff of the sixth tier fully enchanted to fit your elemental affinity! Even I don’t have one like that. I’m jealous!"

He rolled his eyes at her shenanigans and faked sadness as she opened her arms and muttered a few ancient words.

A humanoid skeleton, formed out of water and darkness, glinted for everyone to see.

His eyes sparkled even if it was just a replica made of mana because it would be his in a few minutes.

As a smirk split his face, Alice’s voice thundered.

"For the first time in the tournament’s history! We’ll reward a mythical material of the sixth tier for the champion!"

Loud cheers erupted from the public at the extravagant rewards while the arcanists’ eyes brightened.

Even they found the reward attractive enough to compete against each other. After all, the skeleton’s many bones allowed for the creation of various relics.

Meanwhile, Alice calmed the public once more, invited Mathias to supervise the duel together, and concluded with the competitors’ introduction.

"Coming from the mighty Academy of Elemental Arts, here to prolong its legacy of the undisputed number one school, Bernard!"

"Pft."

The surprising name made him laugh in amusing disbelief and ridicule as the memory of Lucius trying to give that same name to Julius resurfaced.

’Even eight years later, I still can’t!’

As he wondered how some people could name their sons like that, Alice’s epic tone deflated to one of scorn.

"Against him, coming from the eternally last academy, the most infuriating apprentice and the worst actor, Adam."

Then, finger outstretched, she surprisingly berated the public.

"Are you all stupid? I said on the first day that he wasn’t trying! Witness how I was right all along now!"

Leon facepalmed in the big shots’ room as a heavy sigh escaped his lips while Mathias rushed to cool her down.

After a few minutes to calm the outraged crowd, she narrowed her eyes, roaring, "Offer the public a spectacle befitting of this grand event, and may the best apprentice win!"

"A spectacle? I’ll show you true terror. I’m sorry it falls on you, Bernard, but I must vent a little."

Ominous noises echoed as he cracked his neck, a predatory glint flashing in his eyes as his icy voice engulfed the stadium.