Chapter 35: The Dance of Reincarnation — Strings in Motion
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Clover Kingdom — The Calm Before the Storm
The capital of Clover Kingdom was deceptively peaceful under the bright morning sun. Merchants bustled in the markets, children played in the streets, and noble families attended to their daily affairs. But beneath this tranquil surface, an invisible tension coiled tightly.
The Magic Knights remained on high alert after the recent attack by the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Captains, lieutenants, and squad members alike were preparing for what everyone sensed was an impending disaster.
But none sensed the full scale of what was to come—except one.
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Akatsuki Dimensional Base — Avi's Observation Chamber
Avi sat cross-legged, emerald eyes reflecting countless floating simulations surrounding him. His system projected an intricate model of the Clover Kingdom, covered in pulsating mana lines and spatial nodes. Dozens of 'future probabilities' floated around him like holographic cards.
> [Reincarnation Ritual: 92% Progression]
[Zagred's Interference: 67% Maturation]
[System Sub-Protocol 'Silent Hand' Fully Prepared.]
A faint smile played on Avi's lips.
Avi (soft whisper):
"The trap is nearly sprung. Zagred, your arrogance will be your undoing."
In the center of the simulation, the most volatile sector pulsed with red light — the Heart of the Elf Reincarnation Ritual. Avi allowed himself to lean back slightly as the system updated.
> [Projected Fatalities Without Intervention: 2,381 civilians, 117 Magic Knights.]
[Projected Fatalities With Subtle Interventions: Less than 10.]
Avi's manipulations were never about being a hero. It was about controlling the narrative. Behind every victory, the kingdom would see their own strength and luck. But in truth — every thread would be his.
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Magic Knight Headquarters — Emergency Council
All the squad captains gathered before Julius Novachrono. The sense of urgency weighed heavy in the air.
Julius (serious):
"The scale of our enemy's movements has reached a dangerous peak. I suspect the Eye of the Midnight Sun is attempting a forbidden reincarnation spell."
Charlotte (grim):
"To bring back the dead? Such magic could destabilize the entire world's balance."
Fuegoleon (calm but intense):
"Let them come. Whatever their plot, the Magic Knights will stop them."
Yami took a long drag from his cigarette, blowing smoke lazily.
Yami:
"Tch. Sounds like a real pain in the ass."
Standing quietly among them, wearing the Akatsuki cloak with the signature red cloud, Avi watched them carefully. His manipulative smile barely hidden under his calm expression.
Avi (inner thought):
"You're all walking straight into my perfectly calculated battlefield. Each of you has a role. Even Julius… especially Julius."
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The Ritual Begins
Far from the capital, in the forbidden Shadow Palace located within the floating dungeon, the Eye of the Midnight Sun began their final chant. The elves' souls, sealed for centuries, began responding to the magic circle that spread across the kingdom.
Licht (possessed by Patry):
"Hear us, fallen souls! Return and take your vengeance!"
As the ancient spell activated, light streaks of reincarnation magic spread across the kingdom like shooting stars. The souls of the slain elves began merging with their human vessels — many of whom were Magic Knights.
At the same moment, the system triggered multiple sub-routines.
> [Sub-Operation "Thread Sever" Active: Intercepting 40% of Elf Souls from most dangerous vessels.]
[Sub-Operation "Puppet Dance" Active: Stabilizing critical targets.]
Avi's interventions diverted the most dangerous combinations, ensuring key individuals were spared or weakened.
Yuno, one of the main reincarnation targets, was stabilized due to Avi's subtle interference — allowing him to remain himself, fully aware, despite possessing an elf's power.
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Capital Descends Into Chaos
Suddenly, several high-ranking Magic Knights collapsed, their bodies taken over by the reincarnated elves. Powerful new enemies instantly emerged within the kingdom's walls.
Civilians screamed as battles erupted everywhere.
Captain Kaiser (possessed):
"The humans must pay for their betrayal!"
Rill (possessed):
"Let us erase this kingdom!"
The sudden betrayal among their own squad members threw many into panic.
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Asta and Yuno's Response
Inside the Black Bulls' headquarters, the first wave of chaos struck.
Finral (alarmed):
"Multiple spatial distortions appearing around the base!"
Asta (readying his swords):
"No matter who you are—elf or not—if you hurt people, I'll stop you!"
Yuno (calmly activating Spirit Dive):
"Let's go, Asta. This isn't just their fight anymore."
The Black Bulls charged into battle, coordinating as they fought their possessed comrades. The training Avi had given them over the months now paid off tremendously. Their coordination, strength, and tactical sharpness surpassed what anyone expected.
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Avi's Secret Interventions — The Shadow Web Expands
Even as the battle raged, Avi moved silently from shadow to shadow, observing key confrontations.
In one dark alley, Captain Dorothy's possessed form unleashed a dangerous dream realm targeting several squads.
Dorothy (possessed, chanting):
"Sleep eternally in illusion!"
Just before her spell fully manifested, Avi's system activated.
> [Sub-System "Illusion Bypass" Engaged.]
A subtle pulse of Origin Magic distorted Dorothy's magic field, allowing several Knights to escape.
Luck (panting):
"What the hell just happened?!"
Magna (grinning):
"Don't care! Let's keep going!"
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Zagred's Arrival
Deep beneath the floating palace, Zagred, the Word Magic Devil, slowly emerged as the final phase of his long-awaited plan reached fruition.
Zagred (gleeful, monstrous):
"Yes… finally, after centuries of preparation. The humans will drown in despair. My banquet begins!"
Avi's emerald eyes gleamed as he observed the monstrous devil from afar.
Avi (cold smile):
"You never realized that your entire ritual has been dancing on my strings, Zagred."
He raised his hand subtly, issuing silent system commands.
> [Deploying 'System Lock: Dimensional Stability Field.']
[Preventing External Demonic Interference From Spilling Beyond Current Combat Zone.]
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Lucius Observes from Afar
In the distant Spade Kingdom, Lucius Zogratis sat in meditation, his gaze focused on a floating projection of the chaos unfolding in Clover Kingdom.
Lucius (curious, smiling):
"Fascinating. There's a third player behind all this. The Akatsuki leader continues to manipulate events with precision."
His fascination with Avi Caesar deepened with each passing moment.
Lucius (thinking):
"Sooner or later… you and I will meet."
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Akatsuki's Shadow Maneuver
As his subordinates fought fiercely, Avi finally contacted Asta, Yuno, and Noelle via private system-linked communication — a secure mental channel only the Akatsuki leaders shared.
Avi (calm, guiding):
"Listen carefully. You must avoid direct confrontation with Zagred for now. Neutralize as many elf vessels as possible and delay the Devil's spread. Trust me—timing is critical."
Asta (determined):
"Got it!"
Yuno (firm):
"We'll hold the line."
Noelle (serious):
"Avi… you always know more than you let on."
Avi (smiling faintly):
"I simply ensure the right future unfolds."
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The Dance of Reincarnation Continues
Throughout the capital, Magic Knights clashed with their possessed comrades as the Elf Reincarnation Arc escalated into full war. The commoners were protected thanks to Avi's early preparation and system manipulations.
But this was only the beginning.
In the coming hours, Zagred would fully manifest.
And Avi…
Avi would finally step into the true center of the gameboard, unseen and invincible.
The puppeteer's threads tightened further.
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[To be continued...]