Reborn As Noble

Edmund's eyes gleamed with sinister pride as Arnold spoke.

Arnold smirked confidently.

"Thanks to you, my liege, the experiment we've cultivated for over twenty years… has finally borne fruit."

He stepped forward, one hand pressed over his chest in solemn pride.

"Those chosen ones—the seven—are no longer just subjects. They're powerful, disciplined, and ready."

Edmund exhaled slowly, voice low with anticipation.

"Seven weapons… raised from childhood… shaped in shadow… forged to destroy."

Arnold bowed slightly.

"All that remains is your command. Just one word, and we will unleash them upon the battlefield. Let them clash with Garius's precious son."

Edmund turned, his cloak swaying behind him, eyes cast toward the distant mountains beyond the tent walls.

"A perfect test… let's see if that brat can still smile once he faces true despair."

Meanwhile in the third dwarven stronghold.

Javier was inspecting a new puppet knight currently under construction.

Still missing the final enchantments. The puppet's armor shimmered faintly under the forge light, its plates sculpted in the image of an eastern warrior: layered shoulder guards, sleek joint armor, and a menacing oni mask set with glowing eyes. The entire set was forged with a mixture of mithril and the rarest substance known—White Ore.

"Young master?" Liana's voice called softly from behind.

"Yes?" Javier glanced over his shoulder, a faint grin tugging at his lips.

Liana walked closer, arms crossed, a mix of awe and suspicion in her eyes. "Seems like you're making another one. But… why does this one look so different?"

"Oh, this one?" Javier puffed out his chest proudly, wiping his hands on a cloth. "Hehehe~ My latest invention. Perfected frame. Upgraded joints. Improved mana response system."

He tapped the puppet's armor, the faint hum of embedded mana circuits resonating with a soft tone. "White Ore. Not just any chunk, but a purified core piece. It's light-attribute dominant—reacts beautifully to divine-class energy."

Liana raised an eyebrow. "And the mask?"

Javier held up the katana for the puppet. "To match the theme. This one's a samurai knight. Stealth, precision, and overwhelming speed. A perfect counter-unit. And the mask? It's psychological warfare."

Liana gave a long sigh."You really don't know how to hold back, do you, young master?"

"Nope!" Javier said proudly. "I call him Shirooni—the White Demon."

"You and your inventions, young master."

Javier grinned as he reached into his magic storage, pulling out a gleaming samurai helmet with curved horns and elegant crest lines. He carefully placed it on the white Shirooni's head, completing the imposing figure.

"Yeah! That makes it complete."

Liana watched as the puppet knight now stood in full form — silent, dignified, and terrifying. Its pure white armor shimmered faintly under the torchlight, and the oni mask radiated an eerie presence.

"How many do you plan to build, young master?" Liana asked, casually folding her arms, though her eyes narrowed slightly with concern.

"Oh, this one?" Javier tilted his head. "Hmm… well, this makes thirty."

"Thirty?" Liana raised her brows. "You already finished twenty-nine?"

"Yup. All custom built. Each of them with slightly different parameters. Some focus on defense, others on speed. But this one..." Javier tapped the white Shirooni's chest with satisfaction. "This one is for fear."

"…Fear?" Liana tilted her head.

He smirked. "Stealth operations. Psychological warfare. You see a line of knights — you brace yourself. But you see this one appear alone, walking through smoke, glowing eyes, and not a single sound… people panic before the fight even starts."

Liana sighed softly but smiled. "That's so like you, young master… A bit dramatic, but always effective."

Javier laughed. "Hey, it works."

"Mmhm." Liana stepped closer and flicked his forehead gently. "Just don't forget to test them properly before we go to battle."

"Wanna see it?" Javier grinned happily, his eyes sparkling.

"See what?" she asked cautiously.

"Test drive~ ehehehehe~"

Before Liana could object, Javier had already raised his palm. In a flash of light, the white Shirooni vanished back into his magic storage. Without missing a beat, he grabbed Liana's hand.

" Young master—wait—!"

Before liana could protest, he was already dragging her along the hallway like an excited child.

"Buddy!!!" Javier shouted toward the courtyard.

"Cuquawked!?" Buddy jerked his head up, mid-snack, looking confused.

"Come here!!"

The massive Pekko dashed over, feathers rustling, eyes full of energy.

Liana sighed, but she couldn't stop him. "Young master…"

Javier mounted Buddy with ease and looked back, extending a hand toward her with that same ridiculous grin.

"Let's go!!"

Liana stared at his hand for a second… then sighed again with a small smile.

"You never change, young master."

She reached out and took his hand.

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy squawked in excitement.

And just like that, they were off—Javier laughing like a maniac, Liana gripping his waist tightly, and Buddy dashing full speed out of the stronghold like a feathered bolt of lightning.

They arrived at an open rocky field, far enough from the stronghold that no dwarves would accidentally witness the chaos Javier was about to unleash.

The wind swept gently across the land as Buddy finally slowed to a stop.

Liana slid off first, stretching her legs after the high-speed ride.

Javier hopped down after her, looking satisfied—until Liana crossed her arms and gave him that look.

"Young master..."

"Hmm?" Javier blinked.

"What do you think Gloria's going to do when she realizes you left her behind?"

Javier scratched his cheek awkwardly. "…But she was still sleeping, right?"

Liana sighed. "No. She wasn't. She was in the shower when I took your hand."

"…Ah." Javier looked away, then muttered, "Crap…"

"You might want to prepare for another ankle lock," Liana added sweetly.

"…Whatever." He exhaled, trying not to think too hard about it. "She'll understand. Probably. Hopefully."

"Mmhm."

Javier cleared his throat and quickly raised his palm. "Anyway! Enough about that—summon: Shirooni!"

In a swirl of white and light-element magic, the White Demon appeared before them.

The ground trembled slightly as its feet landed with impact. Fully clad in white ore armor, sleek samurai plating, its expressionless oni mask glowing faintly under the daylight.

Its hand rested on the hilt of its katana, waiting.

( End Of Chapter )