Reborn As Noble Chapter 1285: Predatory Grin and Gleaming Eyes ( 1285 )

If only there was a fathomless method to achieve an even greater level of might than him or Julius.

But such a feat is beyond comprehension. The immense chasm in power is simply too vast to bridge.

Julius stands as the pinnacle of our strength. His combat prowess is utterly terrifying. Despite his perpetually composed, smiling facade, I have borne witness to his true capabilities. He possesses the ability to obliterate an entire legion with a solitary incantation, and he accomplishes this without the slightest exertion. And Vane, while not possessing Julius's absolute might, still vastly surpasses me in both raw power and strategic acumen.

He is an entity beyond reach. His power operates on an entirely separate plane of existence.

This reality fills me with detestation.

Both of them are objects of my profound hatred.

Jaigar's attention was drawn by the distinct sound of approaching hooves. A magnificent steed galloped towards them, raising a cloud of dust as it came to an abrupt halt.

Vane and his companions ceased their actions, their gazes shifting towards the arriving rider.

Falce dismounted with grace, her expression etched with evident concern as she offered a gesture of deep respect. "Sir Vane."

"Hmm? Falce? Where might Gorak be?"

Falce's lower lip trembled slightly in her consternation, her hands clinching tightly at her sides. "Sir Vane. Might I humbly request permission to return to our home continent?"

Vane tilted his head, a flicker of bewilderment clouding his features. "And what is the reason for this request?"

Falce released a breath that was laced with agitation, her voice quivering with a frustration that she struggled to contain. "I can no longer endure working alongside Gorak and his contingent. They perpetually taunt me, consistently disregard any counsel I offer, and during our recent mission, which was intended for intelligence gathering, they summarily ignored every strategic plan I proposed. They treat me as though I possess no value, notwithstanding the fact that I am the very one who sustains their survival through my potent buffs and vital healing. I have unequivocally had my fill of this treatment."

Falce lifted her gaze to meet Vane's, who had adopted his characteristic composed posture, his arms crossed.

"They permitted themselves to be subjected to humiliation by an unknown individual, failed in their pursuit of him, and consequently squandered precious time. They even engaged in the slaughter of innocent refugees purely for their own amusement, rather than maintaining focus on their assigned objective. Furthermore, I found myself threatened by my own teammates, and Gorak failed to exercise any control over them. Despite the considerable value I bring as a support and buffer, they relegated me to the status of expendability."

"Hmm..." Vane mused, stroking his chin in contemplation, his eyes fixed intently on Falce. "Very well. You shall, for the present, join my retinue. Upon the successful conclusion of this mission, I shall personally oversee your transfer to a more suitable assignment."

Falce's eyes widened, a profound sense of relief washing over her features. "My sincerest gratitude, Sir Vane."

Vane turned his attention back towards their encampment, his tone measured yet resolute. "For the time being, you are to rest and recuperate. Your presence will soon be required once more."

Jaigar's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides in suppressed fury.

Damn it all!

I had harbored aspirations of this young woman being assigned to my own squad, affording me the opportunity for some… diversions.

However, I am in no position to voice any objection to a directive issued by Vane.

He cast a resentful glance towards Vane and his companions, a bitter scowl contorting his features.

Ah well...

I eagerly await witnessing Gorak's inevitable downfall at Vane's hands.

That individual is also a source of my intense animosity.

That imbecilic oaf fails to grasp the formidable strength his team possessed with Falce's support. Divested of her enhancements, he is rendered utterly insignificant.

Jaigar's eyes narrowed, his efforts to suppress a nascent, dark smirk proving to be a considerable struggle.

Wait a moment...

Given that Falce has been detached from Gorak's unit...

This implies they are now devoid of any buffing support, rendering Gorak and his female companions mere diminished combatants.

And furthermore... he is not an individual capable of engaging effectively in close-quarters combat. His reliance is placed upon his bow and the protective formation of his team. Absent Falce's crucial enhancements, he is left exceedingly vulnerable.

This presents a distinct opportunity wherein I could effortlessly vanquish him and his entire contingent.

And by employing my unique skill...

I could integrate the formidable power of his divine artifact, that contemptible bow, directly into my Knuckle Duster.

Not merely his weapon... I could assimilate his techniques, his accumulated combat experience, and the collective might of his entire affiliation. Every intricate maneuver they have mastered, every hard-fought engagement they have undertaken, every particle of power they have painstakingly amassed, would be channeled into my being.

Jaigar's grin broadened, his eyes radiating a palpable, dark avarice.

This signifies a pathway to an exponential increase in my own potency. With Gorak's formidable abilities and the combined strengths of his female retainers absorbed into my essence, I would ascend to become an unparalleled force, capable of overwhelming any opposition.

Jaigar's grin broadened, his eyes radiating a palpable, dark avarice.

He furtively observed Vane, who remained engrossed in his examination of the surrounding terrain and his discussions with the Amazarak chieftain responsible for overseeing the subjugated populace.

Perfect.

Let them remain preoccupied with their superficial inspection.

I shall orchestrate my decisive action when the opportune moment arises.

Jaigar's grin transformed into a predatory contortion as he moistened his lips, reveling in the anticipation of the impending pandemonium.

Once I have consolidated double my current might and assimilated the complete repertoire of Gorak and his cohorts' abilities, I shall then direct my attention towards the echelon immediately superior to him. I shall dispatch them as well, absorbing their power and their proficiencies. Subsequently, one by one, I shall systematically eliminate my own current party members... anyone who dares to position themselves above my own station.

He cast a contemplative glance towards his knuckle duster, his digits fluttering with burgeoning anticipation.

With each skill and power I absorb, my Knuckle Duster shall undergo a profound evolution. It will transcend mere close-range engagements, encompassing formidable long-range assaults, potent magical capabilities, and every other technique I assimilate. It shall ultimately manifest as the supreme instrument, unfettered in its capacity to achieve any objective.

His grin evolved into a predatory expression as his gaze drifted, settling ominously upon Vane.

And once I have everything... I’ll kill him right here. I’ll absorb his technique, his mind, his strategy, everything he possesses. With all that power combined, I’ll be able to challenge Julius himself and claim the position of Supreme Leader.

A low, dark chuckle escaped him, his eyes gleaming with a manic ambition.

Seven years of humiliation... seven years of being looked down on. I’ve endured their mockery, their arrogance, their scorn. But soon... it will all end.

His fist clenched, his knuckle duster emitting a faint glow.

I will rise to the top. I will claim all three goddesses as my own and become the sole strongest summoned hero. Every power, every skill, even Julius’s strength will be mine.

His grin stretched wide, his eyes burning with obsession.

Ah~ I cannot wait for the moment I crush them all beneath my heel.

Meanwhile...

Vane maintained his calm expression, yet his sharp eyes registered Jaigar’s barely concealed smirk and the dark ambition flickering in his gaze. A mysterious, knowing smirk then formed on his lips as he turned his attention back to the Amazarak chief, who was bowing before him.

"Starting tomorrow, there will be a new schedule for the work. Tell your people that I will be in charge of this place starting today. You will all be given three meals a day, access to clean water, and proper rest."

His voice dropped, laced with a cold warning as he leaned slightly closer.

"But let me warn you and your people. Anyone who is lazy after being given these privileges will be killed on the spot. I have no use for lazy, useless workers. I want to see progress, and I want to see it fast."

He paused, his tone shifting to something smoother.

"However, if you and your people work hard and meet my expectations, I will consider granting you and your people certain rewards. Gold. Better living conditions. And perhaps, once the base is fully operational, freedom for those who prove themselves useful."

The chief’s eyes widened with hope before he bowed his head once more. "T... thank you, Sir Vane. We will not disappoint you."

( End Of Chapter )