I Refused To Be Reincarnated

"Hee? How is the story over? Why did you seal yourself, and how did you know about me millennia before?" The man questioned, tilting his head confusedly to the right with a raised brow.

"Because... I was afraid. I'll never forget the magus' words. He said he'd turn a blind eye until my death. Once the ritual was delivered, I would have been worthless alive. Nothing stopped him from killing me before enslaving my soul and putting me in another body," Selene said, his hair bristling as he remembered the terrifying entity.
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For nothing would he want to meet it again after escaping its clutches.

After a few seconds to recover his bearing, he continued, "To avoid the worst, I contacted the royals and offered my duchy's territory back to the crown if they helped me stage my death."

Then, his lips curled into a soft smile as he answered the last question, "As for you, it was a gamble. Ten thousand years ago, the author of my legacy wrote a cryptic note about a ghost who would revive his destroyed path. Unfortunately, he didn't leave anything except for a light-based mana-gathering technique and a few spell books."

Upon hearing the elf's words, Adam's copy brows furrowed pensively. "You got the wrong person, though. The one you were looking for is outside," he answered, a smile illuminating his face.

"No way. He is too weak, and his circuits are among the worst I have ever seen. Even peasants have better talents for magic," Selene answered, finding it hard to believe his words. After all, he had scanned Adam's soul when he grabbed him.

"Mhhh. Let him develop a little more. I'm sure he'll surprise you in a few years," the copy answered before asking, "Why did the magus need your ritual?" This part of the story bothered him. Why would the most powerful individual in the world seek a mere arcanist's help?

"Who doesn't want a way to resurrect others? Selene responded with a question before revealing something terrible solemnly. "Or himself? When I saw him, he wasn't a living being. I suppose he searched for a ritual to possess a body before gathering powerful figures and making them serve him after death."

"Troublesome," the copy muttered, tucking his fingers around his chin. Then, he shrugged dismissively with a mysterious smirk. "Who cares? Not my problem to solve, anyway."

"Even if you are strong, it's not for you to decide," replied Selene bitterly, knowing that sometimes events, luck, or fate didn't allow them to make their own decisions.

"I decided long ago, trust me on this one," the man said, raising his thumb and winking. "Tell me about the deal now."

Scratching his long hair, the elf answered, "I wanted you to conduct the ritual in exchange for my grimoire." Then, he continued, his convincing words reverberating confidently, "The ritual is recorded inside, along with my experiment notes on vampires, werewolves, and Lily. It also contains incredible energy after I slumbered inside for so many years."

"Sure. But I want to add some conditions," responded the copy, rubbing his hands like a merchant. "You see, I have been studying mana circuits for years and can say without shame that I'm the best in this field. I want to study yours. Additionally, I want you to pen down your knowledge of mystical symbols," he added, his eyes glowing in anticipation. His grand project reached completion.

Yet, a missing link made his progress unbearably slow. With his demands, he hoped to find the piece to complete the puzzle.

Finally, he voiced what he would offer in exchange, his words causing a visceral reaction in Selene. The elf's eyes bulged, and his head jerked back in complete shock as he registered, "If you sign and vow not to harm the duo in your life, I'll upgrade your circuits to the seventh tier."

However, his state didn't last long as he shouted, "I agree! I, Selene Sunfire, the Elven sun and conqueror of Sylvaria, vow not to harm the duo. May my mana bear witness and revolt if I renege on my words."

For a moment, he felt the weight of his oath settle over him as his mana branded his obligation on his heart.

With a satisfied nod, the copy rose to his feet, walked towards the elf, and scanned his soul briefly. Then, he grabbed the legend's shoulder, gently injecting mana into his circuits for two minutes.

"I'm done," he said, dusting his hands with a smile before mana condensed into a perfect replica of the arcanist's circuits. "Wow. It's the first time I see natural tiers six circuits," he added, an incredible burst of inspiration flooding his mind.

Without templates to study, he aimed to increase flow and efficiency using orderly, geometrical patterns. However, nature's essence was chaotic. His mind bloomed with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of chaos as he excitedly said, "Give the book to the boy, find a body, and slap the tier-five old hag acting cute. Tomorrow, I'll fill my part of the deal."

Then, without warning, he swung his left arm towards Selene, causing his ethereal frame to rise from the ground and fly towards the shop's door.

Before the elf could make sense of the quick succession of events, he heard the cheerful voice of his loyal partner.

"Yay! Master is back. Lily kept a good eye on them!" She exclaimed, moving her arms up and down with glowing eyes.

Everyone gazed at the legendary elf's figure in apprehension, wondering what he did for the past half an hour. However, before they could discover the answer, surprise veiled their faces.

PAH!

A resounding slap echoed through the chamber before the spectators' bulging eyes.

"Whaaaa! W-why did you slap Lily?!" The girl sobbed, holding her reddened cheek in sadness. She had earnestly done everything he asked without complaints, adding to her confusion.

"Sorry," Selene said, grimacing in guilt. But he had given his words. From his understanding, the mysterious man preferred actions over empty apologies.