I Refused To Be Reincarnated-Chapter 659: No Disposable Tools

The following days were rocked by the council’s shift in plans and decisions.

Under Elena’s commands, the ship soared through the sky, its repaired dark hull sparkling as bright as the citizens’ hopes of settling in peace. They flooded the deck during the travel, fresh winds ruffling their hair and eyes locked on the horizon. Each time a village or town came into sight, the noise of their delighted claps overwhelmed the hum of the mana engines.

They watched the strongest summoned leap down, clamouring they had to join them safely after registering as mercenaries before resuming their journey toward the heart of the Lionheart kingdom.

Though many disagreed with the distribution of their forces, Julius felt at ease knowing most would survive. After all, Gaston’s heartless idea, supported by Nathan and Zeph, disregarded their weaker members to focus on the elites.

He found it stupid, revolting even. Each time he thought about it, his fists and jaw clenched, and his blood burned in his veins like a scalding river.

As wrong as it might sound, the strongest had to journey to ensure the weakest’s survival. And most readily agreed for a simple reason—they weren’t disposable tools or stepping stones to one another. Instead, they were a close-knit community despite their playful disagreements. If one suffered, most would rush to save him without second thoughts.

If not for the council’s refusal, he would have even waited for each one of them to return after obtaining their identity cards. Alas, he also acknowledged Elena’s perspective—delaying equated to higher risks of being found out.

Almost a month had passed like that, the number of summoned dwindling with each passing day. From dozens of thousands, only fifty remained today—each a critical asset they couldn’t bear to risk.

And now, he would help settle the hundreds of thousands of civilians before entering the capital city: Regalia.

He turned toward his mother, feeling her warm hand in his and the gentleness of her brilliant smile.

"I’ll get you an identity badge soon, Mom." A steely glint flashed in his eyes as his determined voice reverberated against the rumbling engines and hissing winds that accompanied the ship’s landing.

"Don’t worry about me." Alina caressed his brown hair slowly before she ruffled them with a chuckle, then planted her left hand on her hip and raised her right index. "I want you to focus on yourself, young man. Learn and improve. Become someone your brother would be proud of..." She closed her eyes, her smile broadening as she hugged him. "Only his expectations can drive you. After all, seeing you grow healthy already makes me the happiest mother."

"Should I say I know I can be the best like he used to?" He laughed in her embrace before he pulled back. "I don’t want us to live apart, and I’m worried about your safety. I’ll get you a place in the capital no matter what."

Alina nodded. "Alright, but you must do something for me first."

Julius tilted his head, confused.

She jabbed a playful finger at his chest and covered her lips. "Heal your girlfriend’s arm and introduce her to me."

Julius’ hazel eyes widened, his heart drumming in his ears. "How do you..."

She cut him off, leaning forward. "How do I know? I’m your mom, Julius. I knew the moment you hesitated to tell me, not to mention your relationship is a hot topic among gossipers..." She pushed her lip with her finger, faking a pensive expression. "It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that even the ship’s rats discuss it between two meals."

The bizarre idea made him laugh. "They probably would if they could." He exhaled, seriousness returning to his features. "I wanted to be sure about my feelings before introducing her to you. I hope you understand."

"I do. That’s why I never talked about it. But almost a month, Julius?" She shook her head, whispering. "Don’t tell me she’s already carrying my grandbaby, but you felt too shy to tell me."

"Mom!" He jerked his head back, his face burning and icy sweat sticking his clothes to his back.

What was she even asking? No, another memory: a smirk, fingers mimicking a scissor, and a mocking voice repeating ’snip, snip’ made him tremble like a battered leaf. Then, Adam’s words echoed in his mind, a reminder of a confusing trauma about his sword falling—more precisely Adam cutting it off if he engaged in inappropriate actions.

"Not before marriage or turning eighteen..." His voice came out in a cracked mutter, reflecting the lingering fear and sadness about Adam’s disappearance.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, lowering his face to hide his emotions.

But Alina was quick to catch on. Before uneasiness ruined the mood, she turned and pointed at the gray, uneven, rocky ground right beneath them. "Look. We’re landing!"

Dust billowed as he put his emotions aside to lean over the railing.

A river rushed out of a broad cave’s maw, sparkling water splashing on the nearby rocks before cascading down to flow between the lush canvas painted by tall trees, dense shrubberies, and plants he had never seen. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

A complex blend of wetness, mustiness, and the typical floral scent of crumpled leaves and dew-covered grass drifted to his nose as the ship trembled.

He gripped the railing and his mother, hearing the rocks crack, gravel crunching and settling under their weight.

But the sudden rope ladders unfurling along the cold hull and Elena’s commanding voice stole his attention from the scenery. "Everyone out!"

Since they knew what would follow, the citizens eagerly used the ropes to get on the ground. From his perspective, their sheer number almost looked like a colony of ants scaling an insurmountable obstacle.

He passed his arm under Alina’s legs and cradled her against his chest with the other. Chuckling, he leapt down and smiled at her.

Amidst the crowd, he noticed an ethereal beauty who stood out with her familiar silver hair, a white, sleeveless gothic dress, and the blue striped fur of a cat nestled in her hands.

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AN: A little bit about Nova, the capital, then back to Adam for... probably for a looong time. Sorry for those who prefer Adam’s POV, but Julius deserves a bit of love, too. :D

This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶