I Refused To Be Reincarnated

He closed his eyes, awaiting the result of his risky gamble. If the mighty emperor deemed the knowledge forbidden, they would die.

Upon hearing his big brother's offer, Julius trembled in fear, suspecting he had finally gone crazy. He had no idea about what ritual he was talking about, or even if he had one, but it was well known that found knowledge was forbidden. Only self-research approved by the academies was tolerated.

His thoughts swirled into a chaotic mess of dread and despair as the beast emperor's features shifted to seriousness. A ritual at his level was worth a kingdom, as they were ancient and usually broadened their visions with lost applications of mana.

However, the rules were strict. Even he had to follow them.

With a snap of his finger, dark-feathered wings sprouted from his back, terrifying nails elongated from his fingers, and sharp horns grew from his forehead as his appearance changed. His legs curved, becoming thinner as the muscles condensed like that of a feline. His arms swelled, dark scales covering them and his chest rose, forcing Julius onto his knees.

The life force emanated by the emperor suddenly spiked, surpassing even that of Vivian and overwhelming his senses. He felt like nothing more than a mouse in front of a dragon.

"I hate you, big bro. I told you we shouldn't have come!" He muttered in despair as the emperor appeared before them in a flash, his blue eyes seeming to peer into their souls.

"Give me the document. Prepare yourself as if I judge it forbidden, I'll take your lives," he said, his voice echoing with gravitas as he grabbed the both of them by the shoulder delicately to not crush them.

Adam's eyes narrowed dangerously as anger threatened to make him switch to his usual behavior, condemning them.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "It is in the boy's pocket."

The emperor swiftly retrieved the few pieces of paper from Julius's pocket and scanned them, his gaze piercing through the words.

The research was groundbreaking, focused solely on transmutation, a discipline cautiously accepted by their rules. Yet, as his eyes reached the final page, a frown etched itself on his face.

"Where is the rest?" he asked, releasing his grip on their shoulders. He wanted to delve further into the ritual, sensing its potential as a terrifying idea blossomed in his mind.

"In another place," Adam said, smiling innocently. He would be a fool if he brought everything with him to negotiate with someone who could effortlessly kill him to obtain his possessions. That's why he left the core parts of the ritual in the dream place.

The beast emperor nodded at the ghost's shrewdness. He swiftly returned to his throne and dismissed his transformation, returning to his original appearance as he sat and said, "I'm interested. State your price! I can even grant you a dukedom in my territory if that is your desire."

Meanwhile, Julius watched the events unfold with a blank look. He failed to follow the discussion and felt powerless, knowing they still weren't safe.

The moment he dreaded the most finally came as Adam said calmly, "I need to borrow your archmage sigil."

However, he was jubilant inwardly. He had hooked the fish; now, he only needed to reel it in to succeed, unaware that the emperor's thoughts descended into chaos after his words.

A heavy silence descended on the hall. Then, he raised his hands, causing his mana to expand from his body into a large, solid sphere that engulfed the whole temple.

"Who sent you?" He asked, his blue pupil transforming into thin slits and his ears elongating as he scanned the ghost's body language, ready to strike at the slightest lie.

Like Vivian, he thought he was being tested at first but soon realised it made no sense as he was the most monitored among the three.

Then, he considered two more options. Either the ghost was a member of a hidden order of rogue mages, or he was an absolute fool who didn't know the implications of his request.

"No one. I'm here on my own," Adam answered, meeting the emperor's gaze with unwavering resolve for a second.

"Hahaha, so you are a fearless fool." The emperor exploded into a fit of laughter as he didn't notice any difference in the ghost and added, pointing at the sphere. "The official meeting is over. No one can hear us anymore, relax."

Julius' mouth hung open in shock at the sudden development. Did they succeed against all odds? Were they safe now? He pondered, too scared to relax.

"I can't lend you the sigil. It is simply impossible. The moment I do, I'll die. Ask for something else." The emperor explained, still willing to trade for the ritual.

However, he frowned as Adam shook his head and said. "I need the sigil for a day and will return it in pristine condition."

He fell silent, a calculative glint flashing across his eyes as his mind raced.

After ten seconds, he finally said, his warning lingering in the air. "When do you need it? Be careful not to tell me the reason under any circumstances."

Despite his reputation of arrogance and brutality, he was known for his fairness and integrity across his empire. If they struck a deal, what the ghost did was none of his business, and he wouldn't actively try to put him in danger.

Adam found the request peculiar but quickly dismissed his confusion as he answered, "In six to ten months."

Upon hearing the time frame, the emperor's eyes lit up. He had time to prepare.

He clapped his hands thunderously as he said. "I'll lend you the sigil for twelve hours in six months."

'I did it!' Adam thought, clenching his fists in victory. He only needed the ancestral grimoire before he could use Kwame's ritual.

He respectfully bid farewell and returned to the college, crossing the gate with a broad smile, unaware that the emperor was even more joyous. This ritual would accelerate his plans by decades if not centuries.