I Refused To Be Reincarnated

"Save him! Please, save him." He begged his father and Shepard, his voice trembling in fright, panic and sadness.

The two adults looked at each other seriously before Shepard walked to Julius' body. He cautiously placed his hand above the boy's nose to check if he was still breathing. Then, he examined Julius' body before turning towards the crying Arun.

He shook his head, frowning so hard that his face was distorted in an ugly grimace. "Do you know how busy I am? I don't have time to waste!" He said, his voice filled with annoyance while glaring at Vikram.

He was the one who contacted him after Arun shockingly revealed that Julius was dying.

"Sorry, Director Shepard. We only wanted to save a student..." Vikram lowered his head, his voice carrying a slight trace of sadness. He wasn't too attached to the boy, but Julius was still his son's best and only friend.

"Saving a student? Your head!" Shepard answered, his voice filled with frustration, before pointing at Julius. "He just became an acolyte through a strange mana-gathering technique. He overexerted himself, both physically and mentally and is only sleeping!"

"HEEE?" Arun screamed in shock, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets. He thought they came too late, and Julius was beyond saving. But he was only sleeping? Moreover, did he really become an acolyte right after enrolling?

Stunned by the revelation, Arun fell to the ground, his tears of sadness and despair turning into relief. "Hahaha. He isn't going to die." He laughed in happiness.

Meanwhile, Shepard was everything but happy. "If your father wasn't an honorary teacher, I would have expelled you for wasting my time." He said, looking at the father and son duo. "Vikram, you'll have to teach for an additional month. Arun, you are forbidden from leaving this room for a week. I hope that next time, I won't be called for nothing!"

"Sight... I should have confirmed the situation myself before calling you. I recognise my mistake." Vikram genuinely answered, agreeing to his punishment. However, new doubts resurfaced in his mind.

He had personally tested Julius' mana. There was no way he could reach tier two with so little. After all, the minimum was to possess fifteen strands and have remarkable control. But this method wasn't used as most reached twenty before forcing the mass of mana into a circle, bypassing the need for control with quantity. So, how did the boy do it?

Stumped by this new mystery, Vikram gazed at Arun reproachfully as his son walked towards Shepard and bowed.

"I'm sorry, Director Shepard. I was terrified for my friend's safety." He apologised even if, in truth, he didn't care. The only thing that mattered was that Julius was fine.

"Humph. Since I'm already here, I might as well speak with the genius ghost again. I wanted the other teachers to tempt him more, to make him realise I'm the best master he could ever choose in his life." Shepard revealed, making Vikram understand how wrong he had been in his conversation with Elysia.

The director didn't even consider it possible for another teacher to steal his future disciple. It was only bait to tempt him!

As he ended his words, Shepard pinched Adam's cheek as he had done the day prior. And just like yesterday, Adam snapped his eyes open in rage. "Who dares pinch me again!"

The ambient mana seemed to resonate with his angry roar, swirling around him, tainting the usual white mist covering him in a light blue color.

Everyone's eyes widened as the outline of a silhouette appeared floating in the air, visible to everyone. Unfortunately, without the right affinity or artefact, hearing the ghost remained impossible.

"You again! I don't want to become anyone's disciple!" Adam roared, annoyed to see the man who damaged his soul so soon again.

"Hahaha, don't be so categoric. You'll be studying here for a few years. You might change your mind." Shepard responded, unbothered by Adam's rude words. He even felt they were refreshing, as he couldn't remember when someone dared to talk to him like that. Then, he grabbed the three books he borrowed earlier, checking their contents.

"You must really like alchemy. But where is the fourth book? Show me the technique you used to become an acolyte." He asked, confirming everyone's doubts. Julius' mysterious brother had also reached the second tier!

"There is no fourth book. I didn't use the last ticket." Adam sweated bullets as he answered. He was unwilling to risk losing Kwame Adewale's book. After all, he had no guarantee that an arcanist couldn't read its real content.

"Alright, show me the technique you used. It's the first time I've seen mana react so vividly to someone's presence, even if the quantity is low. I might create something extraordinary if I can study and improve it." Shepard declared, his tone commanding. It was not merely a request, but a clear order.

He was genuinely interested in the mana-gathering technique, unaware that it was already perfected and that the effects became more and more pronounced as one progressed.

Adam shrugged in panic, trying to sound as natural as he could. "You can search the room. There are no techniques here..." 'Because it is in the dream place.' He added in his mind.

Then, he tried to shift the subject by reproachfully saying. "I borrowed so many alchemy books because you damaged my soul! I need to fix it by consuming a potion! "

"Hum. I might have indeed wounded you because of my pressure..." Shepard thoughtfully said before proposing, "Choose a potion to brew. I'll provide the materials."

Adam's tactic was effective as Shepard considered his words. How could he expect Adam to become his disciple after he wounded him? Moreover, once the ghost accepted his offer, he would have all the time in the world to learn more about the mysterious technique. That's why he proposed to cover the materials.

"Really? You won't go back on your words, right?" Adam's bright eyes burned in excitement. He would, of course, choose the most potent and expensive potion since he wouldn't have to pay!

Without wasting time, Adam conjured a mage's hand and skimmed through the books, choosing a tier three potion named 'Elixir of Clarity.'

Elixir of Clarity: a potent potion revered for its dual effects on the soul and intellect. Upon consumption, it infuses the imbiber with a soothing essence that gently heals emotional wounds and restores inner balance, revitalising the very core of their being.

Simultaneously, the elixir awakens dormant mental faculties, sharpening the mind and heightening the user's awareness and understanding of magical energies.

Shepard nodded at the potion's choice before glancing at the required materials. Then, he turned into smoke and headed to the college's treasury to get the materials.