I Refused To Be Reincarnated

Paul's burning rage turned icy, knuckles white. When he spoke, his voice came out as a guttural snarl that carried scorn equal to ridicule. "You'd make my family your housekeepers and call it magnanimity? Preposterous. Inconceivable. Foolish! I have means—relations. Even if I lose everything, I swear on my glorious house's name that I'll make you fall with me."

A heavy sigh left Adam's lips as he gazed at the mana drifting like tongues of flame from Paul's eyes. The situation was unlike any notion of business he believed in. To him, both parties had to benefit from any agreement. That's why he had offered thirty percent commission to Robert, why he left the egg to Yann—and why he wouldn't rob Paul of his family's residence.

But he knew that talking to someone enraged was pointless.

He raised his palms in a peaceful gesture, his voice carrying soothing harmonics. "That's not what I meant," he started, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Please, catch your breath and listen, Paul."

He paused, letting his words sink in the growing silence. After a last venomous vow, only Paul's ragged breath remained—that's when he continued.

"I'll remain in the college most of the time. All I want is a place I can turn into a small shop to sell my products. Listen, Paul. This entire situation doesn't have to become personal. And you know what?"

He snatched the land deed from Mark, who glared at him with the disapproval of a general watching his soldiers break formation. Then, he placed it between himself and Paul.

"As long as you cooperate with me, the original deed will be yours in four years. No more stress, no pressure—your family will become the unchallenged owners unless you decide to sell."

Paul's brow shot up like blades cleaving through his rage. Clarity returned to his reddened eyes, the fiery mana dissipating. Mutual destruction or beneficial cooperation... This teenager's cunning took him off guard. For a heartbeat, pride screamed at him to refuse—but survival won out.

"You would do that?" He shook his head, grasping the opportunity, but on his own terms. "I don't trust fleeting words. A contract with the mayor as our witness."

He tried to take the deed, but Adam chuckled and passed it to Robert. "Done. Robert will keep it."

The mayor clapped, his congratulations betraying his relief for his friend. Without wasting a second, he drafted the prototype of the contract before handing it to Mark for assessment.

After a quick read, the lawyer tweaked a few unclear terms that could be used as loopholes, while Adam emphasised his only condition: total cooperation in how he would use the rooms he'd requested for the next four years.

Upon reading the final draft, Paul's jaw tightened but signed it with a single nod. Three rooms for four years were bearable.

Adam signed the contract next, grinning at a deal well conducted. "Alright. I've asked for a room, a lab, and an office. They must be on the ground floor. Remove the walls and turn them into a small shop."

"It'll be done by tomorrow." Paul sighed, his earlier thoughts of dealing with Adam in the shadows fading completely. After all, one of the contract's terms prevented him from harming Adam in body, soul, or reputation.

Though it wasn't a death contract, going against it would rob him of half his magical prowess. Then? Adam would keep the deed, expel his family, and do whatever he wanted. Still, the deal only benefited him. It was just... the unfairness that made it hard to swallow.

But if he were honest, he could feel something akin to gratitude blossom in his heart. No one would have given up the deed, and for that, Adam earned his begrudging respect.

With the deal signed and instructions given, they separated.

Once outside, Mark and Robert glared at Adam, fingers curling like claws as if they wished nothing but to rip him to shreds with their bare hands.

"What have you done, you lunatic? No, even lunacy can't explain your folly. Do you have stones instead of a brain in that skull of yours?" Mark barked, spit flying, his hand shooting to grip Adam by the collar.

But Robert grabbed him by the wrist, yet Adam saw in his narrowed eyes that he wished nothing but to let his friend continue.

He took a deep breath, his voice cracking despite his efforts to suppress his bleeding merchant's heart. "Brielle's sleepless nights to fix the deed, and Mark's research to ensure you'd recover them—all in vain. You've just given away billions of Prestige for what? A shop?" A hollow laugh left his twisted lips. "You could have sold the land, bought dozens of shops. Even if you didn't, you could have secured passive income by renting it. I don't understand you. No merchant can when the base of striking deals is to exploit weakness."

Adam smiled. "You don't understand what it feels like to be robbed of what's yours either, then." He turned, gazing at the horizon with a hint of melancholy. He had people waiting for him. In the depths of the sea. In the magic world. "I won't remain in Brineheart forever. Seizing it from a family who did me no wrong is not something I would do. Call me a fool if you want, but imagine if you were in Paul's shoes."

Mark and Robert exchanged a glance, yet Adam saw no empathy in it, only scorn. And he was fine with it. Others didn't dictate his actions; only his belief did.

He grabbed Mark's hand, transferring twenty million Prestige. "For your trouble. Let's cut this discussion short since our views differ too much to find a middle ground. Robert, follow me to the hotel."

They bid farewell, Mark's anger still burning in his slightly reddened eyes even as they walked to the hotel.

Back in his room, Adam retrieved twenty-eight magus-ranked artifacts and handed them to Robert. "One each month for four years, minus the twenty we've already sold. Auction them here, Vaelora, or anywhere you want, then give me my share."

Robert's grip tightened on the artifacts—wealth or resentment, he couldn't decide before the truth struck him like a hammer blow. Since he had met Adam, around two weeks ago, the teenager had produced forty-eight artifacts of the finest quality.

He scrutinised Adam, who pretended not to notice his epiphany. A smile curled his lips. "Billions? You can earn them without selling the land," he chuckled, extending his hand. "I'll sell your artifacts in different cities. Thank you for the business opportunity and..." He lingered for a second, then shook his head. "I'll see you soon."

With a smile, Adam shook Robert's hand. "It was a pleasure doing business with you. Enjoy your rest in Port Vaelora, and I wish you the best for your future ventures."

"And I wish you the best in college. Don't traumatise the other kids with your mana ropes, though." Robert laughed, waved his hand, and stepped through the doorway. "Until next time, Adam."