That time I got reincarnated with a glitch: strings of fate

The family awoke to a kingdom buzzing with excitement. News of Adam's incredible creations and generosity had spread like wildfire. The King officially announced the new mall and its upcoming tenants, and Albert eagerly prepared to sell his potions there. Helena, content with her new life, decided to become a devoted housewife, showering her love on her daughters.

Adam, however, had a pressing matter to discuss. He gathered his family to explain his decision: it was time for him to leave and find Emily. He reassured them that the King would look after them and that the revenue from the theme park would ensure their financial security. He also promised to teleport back from time to time.

He then asked Lyra if she wished to remain in her human body or accompany him in her AI form. Lyra, eager to experience everything as a human, declared she would travel with him in her new body.

With the family's blessing, Adam visited the restaurant, explaining his imminent departure. He teleported the chef and owner to a location rich in fresh ingredients, ensuring a continued supply for their business. Overwhelmed by Adam's power and generosity, they bowed deeply, which Adam quickly discouraged. They prepared numerous dishes for his journey, promising to send daily meals to his family.

Finally, with his family secure and his path clear, Adam, accompanied by Lyra, stood ready to embark on his long-awaited quest to find Emily. The family, filled with love and support, awaited his return. A new chapter, filled with both hope and uncertainty, lay before Adam and Lyra.

Adam and Lyra, guided by the insistent pull of the red mana string, began their journey. They teleported vast distances, Lyra's advanced scanning and calculation abilities allowing Adam to gauge distances and pinpoint optimal jump locations, greatly reducing the number of individual teleports needed. Lyra, clearly enjoying her new human form, frequently hugged Adam during these jumps, a joyful warmth against him. What would have taken weeks or months was covered in a remarkably short period.

Then, during one teleportation, the mana string's direction abruptly shifted. They had arrived. Lyra's internal scan confirmed their location: the Kingdom of Nalthis. Adam teleported higher into the sky, hovering above the kingdom. Below, a striking landscape unfolded—a city surrounded by water, fortified with chapels and sharp, pointed spires. The main castle, with its imposing, gothic architecture, evoked images of a Dracula's fortress. The overall impression was one of eeriness, yet also of immense strength and martial might.

Arrival in Nalthis

Adam and Lyra teleported to the castle's entrance. Presenting Adam's noble identity smoothed their entry considerably, allowing them to bypass the long queue of wanderers and refugees. As they walked in, Adam marvelled at the kingdom's majestic wonder.

The red mana string here was incredibly vivid, almost palpable. Emily was definitely here. However, the mana strings tangled and crisscrossed throughout the area, making it impossible to discern a single, clear path. It felt as if Emily's signature was omnipresent across the entire kingdom.

"We should wait in the middle of the streets for a sign," Lyra suggested. Adam agreed, and they settled into a quaint street-side café, patiently observing the flow of life around them.

Suddenly, a trumpet blared from the castle wall. The main gates swung open, and a squadron of knights on horseback burst forth, galloping through the streets towards the exit. Residents quickly moved out of the way as the knights rode past in quick succession, their thunderous hooves nearing Adam and Lyra's position.

Dungeon Break

As the knights swept by, both Lyra and Adam felt a powerful pull from the red mana string, connecting directly to one of the riders. It was a woman, her long, flowing red hair a vibrant contrast to her sharp, beautiful features, her teeth gritted in concentration as she rode. "It's Emily," they both realized, simultaneously.

Adam and Lyra instantly teleported to the kingdom's entrance, just in time to witness the unfolding chaos. A dungeon break was underway. Creatures poured out of the forest, surging towards the city. Adventurers were already scrambling in the fields, desperately trying to formulate a battle plan.

Adam watched as they struggled to contain the monstrous horde. Refugees and common folk were quickly ushered into the safety of the kingdom without checks.

The knights burst through the gates, shouting for the adventurers to follow. Each knight charged forward, slicing through the hordes with deadly precision. The adventurers, some holding back the tide, others rushing to support the knights, aimed to defeat the dungeon boss before the creatures could fully reach the city.

Magicians deployed at the entrance unleashed spells, while archers on the castle walls rained down arrows on any strays.

Adam, using illusions and flight to maintain his invisibility, observed the scene. The knights were fighting fiercely, but they were outside the dungeon entrance, facing an overwhelming number of creatures. Emily was among them, engaged in what appeared to be a losing battle. Lyra's calculations were grim: unless something changed, they would be eradicated by sheer numbers before the dungeon boss even emerged.

Adam desperately wanted to help, but Lyra offered a more strategic approach. "Instead of helping them directly," she advised, "it would be better to kill the dungeon boss. That will stop the flow of creatures entirely."