System vs Rebirth

Chapter 1521: Noel’s Choice

Even Ardagan fell silent after hearing Noel’s confession. He called him his brother.

For Noel, it was especially true. Ardagan had been with him the whole time. If not for him, he wouldn’t be able to reach this far. In fact, without his sacrifice, he would have died along the way.

Now that there was a chance for him to repay Ardagan, Noel couldn’t simply brush it off.

Anna understood why it was hard for Clovis to make a decision. He had to choose between his wife and the brother who had sacrificed so much for him.

The answer was rather obvious to Anna. He shouldn’t choose her.

Without Ardagan, they couldn’t become a couple, let alone husband and wife. So, it was better for this chance to be given to Ardagan.

It was precisely because he knew this that Ardagan didn’t want Noel to waste it.

However, Noel had a different plan, which was the reason he asked for the compass from Anna.

”Noel...” Anna could see that possibility as well.

Noel couldn’t choose between the two of them. In that case, the only solution was to grab the two pieces.

This way, one of them could be used for Ardagan and the other could be used for Anna.

Even if he had to break his rules, he couldn’t afford to abandon either of them.

”I have made my decision. I’m a pathetic person who can’t even choose someone. That’s why, like the pathetic person I am, I will break my own rule.” Noel’s expression turned grim.

Ardagan didn’t know what to say to Noel. He wanted to convince him, but he was moved to the point he wondered if he was just a tool or a person.

Anna could twist his words by saying she would be the one using it, not him. However, it would just make it sound even more pitiful. No, it was the same as mocking his resolve.

That was why Anna chose to respect his decision.

Originally, the next expedition was prepared to kill as many demons as possible while trying to locate the enemy.

However, the expedition might change its focus.

If they could locate the enemy and secure Spencer’s body, they would be able to get both pieces. This way, they would be more ready to face the demon kings.

Even Noel believed that the demon king would do everything it could to make the supreme devil achieve the same level.

And according to history, another demon king would come for him.

In other words, this war would reach an unprecedented level. Noel had to fight two demon kings.

He was trying to have Anna become another spirit king, but he didn’t know whether it was possible or not to face the enemy even with her.

Hence, he needed all the cards he could have, including Ardagan’s full power.

”For this expedition, I will be looking for the jade of immortality.”

Anna thought Noel could just use it on Ardagan. In the worst-case scenario, Anna was ready to pay the price for transferring her soul out of this body.

It would be fine even if she couldn’t retain any of her strength. She would just start over again. It wasn’t like this was her first experience of starting over.

Besides, Noel would be so strong as to cover her from anything.

The only thing that concerned her was the homunculus body. Because it wasn’t made of a human body, it obviously didn’t have the spirit seal. There might be other inconveniences as well.

That was why Noel wanted to erase as many variables as possible by using the jade of immortality.

Still, he thought breaking his own rule was the best decision. Of course, this sacrifice might lead to another occasion where Noel broke his rule.

Just like the idiom said, once it happened, it could happen a second time or a third time.

Noel explained, ”We will change our battle plan since we’re going to find the enemy’s headquarters. It will be an all-out battle against the demons.”

”I shall respect your decision.” Anna finally nodded her head. ”However, I suggest you give it to Ardagan first instead of me. I don’t even know what I can do with it. On the other hand, you are injured.

”If Ardagan can get stronger, it means you will have more power to protect yourself. That’s my only condition.”

Anna’s suggestion was reasonable. Even Ardagan couldn’t think of any arguments to stop her.

Noel nodded. ”Ardagan. It’s your turn.”

Ardagan had no words. His host considered him his partner... his brother. This brother wanted to do this thing for him, so how could he reject his kindness?

[I...]

[...understand.]

This was probably the first time Noel had seen Ardagan replying in this way. He might have put Ardagan in a difficult position.

At the same time, Ardagan didn’t know whether to regret it or not. On the one hand, if he didn’t say anything about the jade being able to become his new core or that his original core should be considered to be gone, Noel wouldn’t have to break his own rule.

What he didn’t know was that Anna might actually like this decision more. Anna knew how much Noel played by the rules, despite wanting to free himself from the rules.

With this decision, he might become closer to his goal for better or for worse.

She would just continue to accompany him so that Noel wouldn’t become an uncontrollable person. As someone who stood beside him, it was her role to ensure such a thing didn’t happen.

Anna stood up. ”Since you have made a decision, I shall act accordingly.”

Rather than giving the compass to Noel, Anna held it herself. ”You don’t have any experience using this compass, but I do. That’s why I will use this compass in your stead in respect of your decision. What do you want, my dear husband?”

Noel’s expression turned solemn. ”I only want one thing. Find me the location of Spencer’s body.”

”I obey your command.” She smiled as she activated the compass.