System vs Rebirth
chapter-168

It was a surprising conclusion even for Noel. He thought that if the Spirits could give people more power, it also meant that there was a chance to improve.

"Now that I think about it, there are a few records that one's talent has become even higher due to the sudden awakening. The record name it Second Awakening. It's said that the absorption rate is increased.

"But the first three ranks are Normal Spirit, Superior Spirit, and Beastly Spirit. They might not look that different, I guess?"

Noel had a few theories in his mind, but none of them could be proven without any research. In the end, he abandoned this thought for a while so that he could focus on the matter in hands.

"I have now gotten so many Spirit Abilities. The Water Purifying thing is good. Maybe I can use it in the future as a replacement of the water from Ardagan. As for the Temperature Control… I'm not sure about this skill. It's not that powerful, considering the Spirit Ability doesn't allow me to freeze my enemy. For now, it can control the temperature of my body, so it's quite useful when I'm injured or something. When I lose a lot of blood, I bound to have a fever. Or when I travel, I can use this to withstand the heat."

Noel nodded in agreement. There were many things he could get from these Spirit Abilities. Still, the reward was bountiful this time. He didn't expect to get so much from one mission.

"Anyway, Anna will take the proof of completion and we'll then go back to the fort so that I can receive the armor. After that, I'll go straight to the neighboring kingdom. Since I'm a fallen noble, there's no need to send the letter anyway."

As soon as he decided his course for the next month, Noel immediately tried the Spirit Ability he'd got earlier.

As expected, the Temperature Control wasn't that powerful. It could affect the water temperature like the pearl, but it didn't do much in terms of offensive power. As for the Water Purifying Ability, the effect was the same. It could purify poison and other things inside the water.

Any assassination attempts wouldn't work this way since he could easily use this Spirit Ability instead of using the Ice Pearl to do it. The Spirit Ability made it more convenient.

And last but not least, the Undying Fire.

Noel summoned the Undying Fire on top of his palm. The black flame wasn't that aggressive since its power focused on his body. Even if the Water Purifying ability didn't work, all the poison in his body would be burned by this Undying Fire.

Right now, it might not have any offensive ability, but if he upgraded it to the second level, the Undying Fire would evolve and become even greater.

"That's right. There is a record of my ancestor. Since we're wielding the same sword, the ability is the same. My Ancestor's Undying Fire is said to be able to completely erase an Ancient Level Demon to nothing. As expected of the strongest expert in the world at that time.

"But then again, if my ancestor is that strong, why does he seal Ardagan? He said to only wield Ardagan when we're in peril… If he's that strong, why does he not make his son or grandson to inherit this sword? This is weird, very weird.

"Does the ancestor know something about the sword? The secret of the sword, spirits, and the demons?" Noel had many questions in his mind.

On the one hand, he was curious about the ancestor. On the other hand, it wasn't something he could find easily.

"So, is there any record about my ancestor? There should be one in my previous house, but it's been sealed by the royal family. I don't know the condition of the book too.

"Is there any way I can buy that property again? But that requires me a lot of money. I guess I should buy that mansion again with my second identity. After all, Noel Ardagan has to die after one year."

Due to the Saintess, he had been thinking a lot of things. Layla only mentioned about her suspicion, but it was clear that it had been weighing Noel's mind a lot.

Noel couldn't help but scratch the back of his head. "I should take a nap to reset my mind."

Not wanting to continuously ask the questions that he couldn't answer, Noel decided to take a nap.

Meanwhile, Anna was heading straight to the mansion where the Earl was located.

She was greeted happily by the Earl himself due to Anna's contribution.

Earl Hawkins was a middle-aged man with long black hair, tied neatly on his back. He had thin body, so it was clear he couldn't participate in the battle himself.

"Isn't this miss Anna Stargaze, the most talented person in our kingdom? It's my honor to be graced by your presence. I thank you for your help in relieving the disaster." Earl Hawkins politely bowed his head to greet and thank Anna for her hard work.

'In the Axaomor Kingdom, the nobility system consists of Duke, Marquis, Earl, Count and Baron. My status as the most talented person in the kingdom as well as the daughter of a marquis allows me to speak blatantly to an Earl.

'Well, due to my status, there are so many people wanting to marry me too, but I shut them up with my talent. This Earl's son should be one of my pursuers, but with this, I can make sure he doesn't go to me anymore.

'But then again, the one who did the most was Noel. I don't know if I should receive all this gratitude.' Anna contemplated for a moment. On the one hand, her words alone was enough to destroy the Count Ardagan. On the other hand, if she let Noel get all the credits, it would be contradicting to what she had built so far.

Her father might know about her change of heart. If he knew that she didn't want to kill Noel but instead help him, Marquis Stargaze might send an assassin to kill Noel personally. She was in dilemma because she didn't want Noel to die.

After some contemplation, Anna politely nodded. "No, it's fine. I'm simply completing my mission from the Demon Banner Army."

******

AN: Count = Earl. But I'll be using 'Count' to replace 'Viscount' in this novel. So, the rank will be: Royalty, Duke, Marquis, Earl, Count, Baron, and Commoner.