System vs Rebirth

"Ha… Ha…" Laufey rose from the bed as if he had just seen a nightmare. "What…"

There were a lot of questions in his mind, but he couldn't help but recall what happened before he passed out.

Before he could say anything, he heard a familiar voice coming from inside his mind.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"!!!" Laufey widened his eyes in shock. "This… Why did I hear Zalsa's voice? Am I missing her or something? But…"

"You don't hear it wrong. Do you really not recognize my voice?"

"!!!" Laufey became even more shocked. It reminded him of the fire Noel had put into his body. In that instant, he realized that Noel was able to expel the demon and return his spirit seal. "This is not a dream?"

"It is not a dream." This time, the voice came from the side instead of his mind.

Laufey hurriedly turned his head to the side, finding the woman who beat him previously sitting next to the exit. "You are…"

Melissa closed the book she was reading. Instead of answering him, she rang the bell on the side of the table.

"Do you need anything from me?" Sandra appeared a few seconds later and noticed that the guest had woken up. She instantly understood and politely bowed to Melissa. "I understand. I shall inform the marquis."

"I will watch him here." Melissa nodded. Once Sandra left, Melissa glanced at Laufey before saying, "I don't plan to talk much, nor do I want to tell you anything. I'm merely guarding this place and ensuring that you're not escaping. If you have anything to ask, ask your nephew."

"…" Laufey didn't know how to react. On the one hand, the person in front of him was a spirit transcendence rank expert. On the other hand, he thought she was Noel's subordinate.

After seeing her way of speaking, he realized that Melissa's relationship with Noel was more like a partner than a subordinate.

Laufey had a lot of questions in his mind, but this might be the first time he had a clear mind in the last couple of months.

Since the other party had no intention of telling him anything and he had no plan to run away, Laufey decided to use this to sort out his thoughts. Besides, he was surprised that his spirit seal would return. He had to apologize to his spirit first before asking about anything else.

Even though Sandra had gone to inform Noel, the latter couldn't leave early so as to avoid creating another unrest after the previous attack.

Hence, it took him a few hours before he finally arrived at the room.

"Melissa. Thank you for watching over him. Sorry that it took too long for me to come here." Noel nodded, telling her that he would take over from here.

Melissa just stood up and left. Of course, she didn't forget to report the situation. "He's stable. At the very least, he doesn't look like a threat."

"Thanks." Noel smiled. He knew Melissa was observing him this whole time to make sure he was in the right mind.

Melissa talked a lot with him and Anna, but she rarely talked with other people. However, she still acted for the best of the Ardagan family, so he ignored her action.

"…" Noel and Laufey exchanged gazes. No one would have thought that Laufey would be captured here and have the opportunity to talk face-to-face with Noel. Even Laufey believed the only intimate conversation he would have with Noel was when he was about to die.

So, it was a bit awkward for Laufey. Even so, Laufey rose from the bed and fell on one knee. "Laufey Ardagan greets the lord."

Noel hurriedly pulled him up while saying, "Please get up, Uncle. I don't deserve this. You have fought a hard battle for the sake of the family. How can I let you kneel in front of me?"

"This is what I'm supposed to do because I have failed the ultimate task. It's only right for me to be punished."

"Is it because you won't be able to return to the Supreme Devil Organization anymore?"

Laufey nodded. "Yes. At this rate, they will get away."

"I know. Don't worry about it. Why don't you calm down for a moment so that we can have a talk?"

Laufey hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded. "I understand."

Noel pulled Melissa's seat while Laufey sat on the edge of the bed.

"Are you tired? Do you want to eat or drink?" Noel asked, noticing the awkward atmosphere between them.

"Thank you for your consideration, but I'm fine." Laufey scratched the back of his head.

Both of them didn't know where they were supposed to start.

After contemplating for a few seconds, Noel asked, "Well, this is awkward. In that case, why don't we begin with what's going to happen from here on?

"The Supreme Devil Organization will wonder if you are killed or captured. There's a chance for them to trust you for not giving away their location, but I don't think returning there will be possible.

"After all, there's no scenario where you escape from this town after knowing that two spirit transcendence experts are here.

"In other words, it's impossible for you to return to the Supreme Devil Organization. At the same time, because there's a chance you will give out the location, they must be trying to immediately vacate that base to avoid our attack.

"Hence, you don't need to think about what's going to happen or where to go for the time being. You only have this place for now."

Laufey closed his eyes. He had a tired expression, but a relieved one. "Indeed. Everything will be happening according to your words. Do you want me to tell you their location?"

Noel shook his head. "You can, but that's for later. Even if I attack them, I have to fight against a lot of demons. Bringing a lot of people to seize everything will just produce unnecessary casualties."

"Hence, you're going to involve the Demon Banner Army? This way, the Demon Banner Army will get the prestige while you won't have any casualties from destroying the headquarters."

"Indeed." Noel smiled in agreement. "That's why I wish to know something else first. Can you tell me everything, Uncle? From the very beginning… before you even choose to become a double agent."