I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Curious to see how the tree would survive in his soul sea, he closed his eyes.

When he reopened them, he saw the cracking, dry tree reaching for the sky in the distance. Its roots dug into a mound of fresh soil like starved serpents, and the bark vibrated with renewed life as nutrients ran through its xylem for the first time in millennia.

As it did, the Moon gem nestled between its roots sparkled to life. A surge of silvery mana exploded from its smooth surface the next second, drawing a beautiful light connecting it to the azure sky.

Gasping in wonder, Adam watched as the silvery light coalesced into a round sphere, mimicking a miniature moon. Its light bathed the parched bark, cascading down its wood and casting soft shadows. Enthralled by the touch, the tree's drooping branches straighten, reaching skyward to embrace its long-lost friend.

"Recover well!" He said, moving to the tree before patting its rough bark with tenderness.

Turning to leave, he froze for a second, a sudden idea striking him. Then, he remembered the concept of leylines he had read on the murals.

With a thought, his Manacore Heartgem shone the entire color spectrum on his palm. The idea was simple. He just remembered one of the gem's effects!

Leyline Nexus: The Manacore Heartgem can be used to create powerful leyline nexuses

Despite his inability to use it personally for now, he could burrow it into the ground to help the tree recover its once grand appearance. Hopefully, it'll also make it bear fruit faster.

Excitement glinting in his eyes, he dug the ground around the Moongem before placing it beside the silvery orb with a satisfied chuckle.

"I knew I could be the best botanist!"

Instantly, the tree's roots clutch the Heartgem like a treasure it had to protect at any cost. Before the leyline could even form, it gulped the wellspring of mana produced by the shimmering gem, quenching its thirst in desperation like a traveller finding an oasis in a scorching desert.

"Hahaha! Easy there. Take your time growing strong. It might not have been my initial plan for the Moongem, but a seventh-tier tree bearing miraculous fruits? Keep it!"

His cheerful voice resounded as he pushed himself off the ground. After one last glance at the tree, he closed his eyes, returning to the now-empty underground.

Without wasting time, he launched himself upwards, returning to the throne room where the twelve boys paced.

The moment he emerged, the worried grimaces contorting their faces turned into relieved smiles. Like lost ducklings seeing their mother, their eyes trembled as they rushed to him.

"We are done dismantling the carcass! Here is the beast core," one of the youths said, his face alight with the promise of safety now that Adam had returned.

The others nodded.

"We kept the bones, meat, and organs in our soul seas. We can give them to you in the dream place later if you don't mind. Oh, we also used the talisman you asked for."

"Sure. Share the meat with the others."

He chuckled, pocketing the silvery core and patting the boys. For their excellent work, he rewarded them with the meat, hoping they would share it with others in the dream place.

Then, he stepped out, gesturing for them to follow.

Retracing his steps, they navigated the dilapidated ruin, fighting against the thick dust burning their throats with each breath. Fortunately, the journey out remained uneventful after Adam disposed of the magical beasts.

Finally, after half an hour, they basked under the sun's light for the first time in months.

"I-I thought we would die after they captured us."

One of the boys' knees buckled as he stuttered. Warm tears rolled down his cheeks as the realisation crashed on him like a hurricane. He was safe. Something he dreamed of but could never get. Not on Earth and not in this magic world.

The others reacted similarly. Some cried, voicing their deep relief with dramatic words. Others thanked him, their voices cracking with gratitude.

"Alright, boy. We're still not safe."

His solemn yet gentle voice echoed, drawing their attention as he raised a finger.

"We are in the outer reaches of a dense forest. It'll take us around two days to return at your speed. So, let me enunciate a few rules to make the journey safe but, more importantly, enjoyable. One, no matter the reason, never stray away from me."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He raised a second finger before continuing.

"Two, don't yell or bleed. I don't want to draw the beasts' attention. Three, don't call me Prometheus, or I'll leave you behind. If you understand everything, follow."

By now, he was used to rescuing them already. In a short month, it was already his fifth mission. Therefore, he stepped onwards, passing through the vegetation like an expert.

However, after an hour, he grew bored by their snail's pace and grimaced. After the forest, they would need to cross a plain before joining the road leading to the city.

Unwilling to spend so much valuable time, he turned to the sweating boys and narrowed his eyes. Then, shocking them, he condensed mana chains and bound them on his back like potato sacs.

"Endure the discomfort. It'll be safer this way."

Before they could complain, he leapt on a high branch, encased them with a veil of mana to protect them from the wind, and blurred into motion.

Like a natural forest dweller, he navigated the complex terrain. Leaves rustled, and wood cracked on his relentless charge as the wind howled in his ears until he saw the verdant plain before the sun moved much. Experience new tales on empire

A few hundred meters away, he noticed the paved road snaking towards a small city surrounded by dancing wheat fields.

With a grin, he unbound the foaming boys from his back.

"Want me to carry you to the city? After all, I can be the best taxi driver."

"N-No! We can walk, but thank you for the offer."

The boy roared in response, their indignation painted on their faces as they scrambled to the city before he could catch them.

An amused smile stretching his lips, he followed behind and paid for the entrance and Gate usage fee before returning to the College.