The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

The distance separating the Corps of Teleknights' camp from Vesta's camp proved to be rather short. However, as Desmond made his way towards Vesta's camp, his steps abruptly came to a halt before a tent that stood ominously in his path.

The tent, vast in its dimensions, seemed capable of accommodating up to twenty people simultaneously. Its entrance yawned wide, affording a view of the inhabitants within. Despite the daylight outside, the interior lay enshrouded in an impenetrable darkness, as if devoid of any source of illumination.

The feeble glow filtering through the entrance served as the sole light source, explaining the open configuration of the tent.

As the radiance penetrated the gloom, it revealed a group of men garbed entirely in black attire, their bodies bound tightly with ropes. The only exposed feature was their eyes, peering out from the depths of their black-clad disguises. Yet, upon closer inspection, an azure triangular crystal, adorned with a tangle of plant roots, became apparent, affixed securely to their chests.

The crystal exuded an uncanny energy, sapping the life force from their bodies, evident in their withered countenances.

Though their posture remained upright, each man quivered, his mouth concealed by the dark fabric, emitting a haunting, continuous groan. Their vacant eyes, fixed upon empty space, seemed oblivious to Desmond's presence before them, lost in a world of their own torment.

"Hehe," Desmond spoke with a low, measured voice, his words carrying an icy calmness. Yet his clenched fist and grinding teeth betrayed the inner struggle he faced, desperately restraining himself.

After a few agonizing seconds, Desmond managed to regain his composure. His attention now turned to the enigmatic blue triangular crystal affixed to their chests. What is that? he pondered, cautious of the unsettling expressions and trembling bodies. Reluctant to make physical contact, he opted to observe their reactions one by one.

"System, initiate a scan of that object and gather any available information on its origin," Desmond commanded, though harboring skepticism regarding the outcome. Nonetheless, he felt compelled to make an attempt.

[Initiating target scan... 0% complete]

[Scan complete!]

[Attempting to integrate new data with host's cognitive system... 0% complete]

Desmond didn't have to wait long, for a system notification flashed across his vision, revealing the result.

[ERROR: Insufficient knowledge!]

[No matching data found!]

"Hah," Desmond sighed, his expectations diminished. It came as no surprise that the results yielded no substantial information, considering he had not come across any depictions of such an item in his extensive readings.

Should I dare touch it? Desmond pondered for a fleeting moment. His peculiar bloodline offered some measure of protection, but the risk was still too great.

Ultimately, he shook his head, dismissing the thought. No, I cannot risk it. What if the crystal were to bind itself to him as well? He spoke silently to himself, lost in contemplation.

If direct contact proves too perilous, what if I employ my sword? With newfound resolve, Desmond unsheathed his iron blade and tightly gripped the hilt. Gently, he extended the sword's tip, aiming to prod the enigmatic blue crystal.

Yet, before he could enact his plan, a shout resonated from behind him, causing a commotion that drew the attention of those in close proximity to the tent. A wave of people flocked towards Desmond, their urgency palpable.

"Young master, I implore you to cease your actions!" The voice boomed with such force that it compelled everyone within earshot to converge upon the scene.

With a deliberate motion, Desmond re-sheathed his sword and secured it at his waist before pivoting on his heel to face the unexpected gathering of soldiers. The sight that greeted him was one of his remaining men congregating around a particular individual.

Meanwhile, by Desmond's side stood Laura and Annie, poised for battle. Their eyes fixed on the assembled soldiers, Annie concealed hidden blades beneath her skirt while a faint glow emanated from a magic circle etched upon Laura's hand.

"Captain," Desmond addressed the man, his hands resting calmly behind his waist. A fleeting glimmer of frostiness flashed within his gaze, swiftly vanishing as he took measured steps forward to approach the captain.

Inwardly, Desmond sent a magical message, urging restraint to his loyal companions. Grateful for their swift response to his safety and their readiness to defend him against any perceived threat, he implored them to withhold their actions.

"Forgive my earlier impetuosity, captain," Desmond spoke without formalities, his tone tinged with a hint of remorse. The captain wasted no time in reciprocating greetings and immediately began pointing out Desmond's transgressions.

"However," the captain continued, "these individuals are our valuable prisoners, and no matter the circumstances, you must refrain from harming or killing them."

The captain's words resonated with authority, emphasizing the gravity of Desmond's actions. Furthermore, he warned of the consequences that would befall the prisoners should the item they sought to attack be destroyed—an item of great significance, bestowed upon them by the kingdom to debilitate their powers.

The captain's timely intervention had averted potential catastrophe. He was but a first-class Swordsman, and the prisoners held powers surpassing his own. The other soldiers, incensed by Desmond's actions, cast furious glances in his direction before dispersing to resume their duties.

Acknowledging his misstep, Desmond nodded and offered an apology. "I sincerely apologize for my rash behavior," he conceded, addressing the captain with courtesy, despite the latter's evident displeasure.

Unbeknownst to the captain, Desmond's demeanor had caught him off guard. The young master before him seemed to possess a newfound disposition, one that differed from the memories the captain held of the past Desmond. Puzzled, he attempted to reconcile the fragments of his recollections with the present incarnation.

"Given the circumstances, I shall take my leave," Desmond declared, observing the captain's perplexed countenance. He understood that with the captain's presence and his previous actions, the soldiers would now regard him with caution.

I have ample time and opportunities to deal with them, Desmond contemplated. Were it not for the presence of onlookers, he would unleash his latent killing intent and storm back towards the tent. Additionally, he silently made note of the enigmatic item, its significance not lost on him.

=== Weekly Challenge!! ===

1. 700 Power Stones  = +1 Illustration(Character/Scene)

2. 1400 Power Stones  = +1 Illustration(Character/Scene)

3. 2100 Power Stones  = +1 Illustration(Character/Scene)

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