I Refused To Be Reincarnated
Chapter 688: The Gift of Time

Chapter 688: The Gift of Time

Adam raised a surprised brow. Even though years of weariness altered how he showed his care, this old William still loved his people with all his heart. And that was enough to comfort him in his choice. After all, few would refuse benefits, and fewer would offer them to clueless children.

A soft smile curved his lips as he shook his head. "They’ll get their own resources, so don’t worry. However, despite your achievements, they have something you don’t. Can you guess what, William?"

William’s fingers tightened around his chin, and a frown creased his brows. After a second of pondering, he sighed. "You’re obviously referring to my time."

Adam produced and shook a vial of thick scarlet liquid. The drops flowed, shimmering with the movement, their appearance alone captivating the room.

Wide-eyed, the kids gasped at their beauty. But William stepped back, his hair bristling as goosebumps crawled up his neck.

He could feel the compressed mana, almost smell the dense life force. And that was with the cork still sealed. What was this potion? A marvel, or... something darker?

Chuckling at the reaction, he extended the potion. "That’s one of the most precious treasures from where I’m from—the trademark secret of an archmage named Marina. It’s valuable, you know? Very few ever saw it, so don’t glare like that—just drink it."

He rolled his eyes when William’s shaky hand gripped the vial, but remained patient. Mischief flashed in his eyes when the old man uncorked and sniffed the potion tentatively, and his lips curled into a smirk when he brought it to his crooked lips.

’Doubt more. It’ll make your shock all the more delightful.’

That’s why he didn’t explain its effects. Why would he ruin his fun? Not to mention, Misha needed a much-needed distraction after her emotional display.

She watched, her eyelids fluttering with curiosity, as William tilted the vial, and the liquid flowed down his throat.

It felt as rich as honey yet more bitter than old liquor. All in all, the metallic tang of blood William had expected to taste didn’t register. Instead, his brow rose, and he gulped the liquid faster.

The strong taste was a reason, but not the main one. Instead, he sensed a warmth spread through his body, through his cells. He could almost hear their cry for more, their delight at being nourished, and their explosive activity. Somehow, it felt as if he had grown a hundred years younger.

Unfortunately, he knew it was just that—a feeling. Even if Adam had given him an unfindable life-extending potion, the mark time had left on him would never fade. After all, the cultivators, who boasted centuries and millennia of lifespan, still aged. The process was just slower. Not that it mattered.

As he bowed his head to express his gratitude, he noticed the children’s bemused gazes. What was wrong with them?

Before he could ask, the oldest, a six-year-old boy, tugged at his sleeve. "Grandpa? Um... are you really our grandpa?"

He blinked a few times, then nodded. "You can call me that."

The boy fidgeted with his fingers, his eyes slipping to the side. "But... how come you’re not old anymore?"

Confused, William jerked his head back, catching a lock of green hair. No one had green hair... well, he did a long time ago. His eyes widened as his hand blurred to catch it. It was his!

"W-What?!"

Voice cracking, he touched his face, his wrinkled hands replaced by supple skin glowing with vitality.

"A mirror!"

His eyes darted through the office before settling on Adam, who covered his mouth to sniffle his laugh. Even worse, the gentle Misha did the same!

Unable to hold their amusement anymore, they both exploded into laughter, slapping the table and wiping the tears pooling at the corners of their eyes.

After a moment, Adam waved his hand, winking. "That’s your first benefit."

Mana condensed into a frozen mirror that reflected a face almost alien to William. Sharp brows mirroring his fierce determination, emerald eyes sparkling with liveliness, and... He ran his tongue over his teeth, noticing that a few lost to old age had regrown. His sparse silver hair now cascaded down like strands of silk brushing his straight shoulders and full muscles. He was more than young again, he returned to the physical prime he had achieved in his late twenties.

"H-How? W-Why? That’s too much—a miracle."

Adam shrugged, smirking. "That’s just alchemy. Anyway, I guess we’re going to miss your ranting about old bones and approaching death." He leaned forward, tucking his fingers around his chin. "But, hey, you don’t look half bad. A true leader’s face."

"Stop it..." William covered his eyes, tears wetting his smooth palm. His lips quivered, delight surging through his blood and quickening his breath. Yet, he had to answer. And how better than by using Adam’s laid-back style? "You’ll make me blush if you continue."

He lowered his hand, gazing at the youth he had considered trouble a few hours ago. Now, Adam was his benefactor. No, something much grander—a hero.

"Thank you," he whispered, feeling the children’s tiny hands tighten around his pants and sleeves. "You can count on me to manage the city. I vow on my name to protect it and ensure peace for its people."

Adam patted his shoulder, pointing at Misha. "I know you will, or you’ll be accountable to her."

Misha jabbed her fist against his chest, a soft smile curving her lips. "Of course you must. But for now, congratulations on your rejuvenation. I hope you’ll enjoy many years of happiness."

Then, she turned toward Adam. "It’s time to give my city its finishing touch."

"Right." He moved to the center of the office, raising his thumb. "What’s a city without energy?"

With a soft tap of his foot, his mana washed the floor, seeping through the metal and stones to flow down the long pipes.

The engravings diligently carved by Misha with Lulu’s guidance shone a sky-blue color. They activated for the first time, humming softly as they connected with the flying bastion’s nexus.

Drawing energy from its almost unlimited supply, the street lamps lit like candles, chasing away the darkness of the night. The buildings followed, soft glows filtering through their windows, before ending with the office they stood in.

William rushed to the tall window, gasping at the beautiful sight.

Before he could enjoy it much, he felt a ripple spread through the air. He gazed at Adam, who had zipped space open.

Adam’s hand reached into the palace’s kitchen, grabbing a canteen, a sack of rice, vegetables, and a piece of meat. He placed them on the desk, chuckling.

"I can’t let you starve, can I? The canteen is filled with enough magical beasts’ milk to feed the toddlers."

He closed the open space, then reopened it into his room. "William, I wish you a good night even if we both know you won’t sleep."

He waved his hand and stepped through the spatial rift. Misha followed, adding. "I connected the pipes to the river. There are devices to make it flow into a basin. You just need to turn the handle to drink."

"Thank you again for everything, and goodnight!" William grinned as the rift closed behind them.

The next moment, he was alone, his fists trembling. Indeed, sleep would be hard to find in his excitement. Young again—so many things to do. But first, the children.