What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?



Amidst the unfolding chaos, the upheaval was not limited to the gaze of the denizens inhabiting the elven continent alone.

Observing eyes stretched far and wide across the monster and human continents as well, encompassing a diverse array of formidable beings.

Individuals hailing from each continent harbored their own distinct contemplations and perspectives, yet all coalesced in arriving at a singular, resounding conclusion—the overwhelming might wielded by the Demon Emperor was an indomitable force to be reckoned with.

...

In the Balka Empire's palace, Emperor Alex's attention became ensnared by a timeworn, ebony tome.

Abruptly, his brows converged in a furrow, and his gaze snapped forward.

"What an unprecedented display of force!" He mumbled under his breath, keenly attuned to the shockwaves rippling through the ether.

In his heart, an unfamiliar sensation swirled—a sensation he hadn't encountered in quite some time.

This was fear, a sentiment that had remained dormant within him.

However fleeting, for this moment alone, a sensation emerged that was potent enough to evoke fear within him.

"The power emanating from this surge, its caliber and scope, is not something any of the other four empires could generate. This power hails from beyond the boundaries of the human continent," Emperor Alex deduced, his deduction resolute.

After a brief interlude, he reclaimed his seat and exhaled, reflecting, "May this turbulence not hinder my designs or the meticulous schemes I've orchestrated."

"Even in the presence of such formidable prowess, I would not waver in contending with an entity of such magnitude."

Resuming his study of the aged volume, he resumed his reading as though nothing of consequence had transpired.

...

Meanwhile, Arthur, unknowing of matters extending beyond his current capabilities, advanced with two Balka Empire bodyguards in tow, en route to the library.

"I extend my gratitude to the both of you for accompanying me," Arthur conveyed with a gentle smile, appreciative of the guards' willingness to ensure his comfort on the path to the library.

His initial intention had been to dedicate his time to his usual training, but his agenda had expanded to encompass a visit to the Balka Empire's library.

His objective was to delve into the repository of knowledge for insights into various subjects that had piqued his curiosity.

The present juncture provided a prime window, as Lucia was fully immersed in elemental tutelage conducted by a specially summoned instructor, rendering her otherwise engaged for the forthcoming days.

This granted Arthur the requisite time to execute his premeditated pursuits.

Meanwhile, his mother was currently enroute to Arkham, intent on embarking on a private sojourn.

The specifics of her endeavors remained elusive, as Vivian had not proffered any elaboration on the nature of her pursuits.

Arthur's expression of gratitude elicited smiles from the two guards, who gestured with their hands.

"No need for thanks, young master Arthur! Assisting you is our privilege!" One of the guards responded, while the other nodded in agreement.

Their refusal to accept Arthur's gratitude stemmed from the fact that their service was not just a task but an honor.

Furthermore, they held the understanding that Arthur, along with Empress Lucia, was destined to be a pivotal figure in the future of the Balka Empire as its potential emperor.

Accepting gratitude from someone of Arthur's stature was beyond their purview.

Noting their sentiments, Arthur offered a gentle smile in response.

"Very well, then. I'll proceed into the library." Arthur acknowledged with a nod, promptly entering the library's confines.

The two guards bowed their heads, asserting, "At your service, young master Arthur."

Having entered the library's expanse, Arthur's gaze swept across his surroundings—magnificent, expansive, and meticulously arranged.

Stacks of books were meticulously aligned in orderly rows, enhancing the library's grandeur.

Golden dragon motifs adorned the ceiling, further embellishing the opulence of the environment.

As Arthur meandered, an aged figure approached him.

"Greetings, young master Arthur." The elderly individual, garbed in a robe adorned with cloud patterns, lowered his head in deference.

In response, Arthur bestowed a genial smile and said, "You may rise."

The old man lifted his head, his gaze fixed on Arthur.

"Is there a specific resource you seek within the imperial library? If so, please apprise this humble servant, and I shall gladly guide you and procure any materials you wish to peruse." The old man addressed Arthur with the utmost display of respect.

Arthur briefly assessed the elderly individual before him, discerning a veiled air of enigma surrounding him.

His initial impressions hinted at the old man's propensity for secrecy.

"Elemental Nine Circles with Earth Affinity," Arthur murmured introspectively, his acknowledgment punctuated by a slight nod.

Within the Balka Palace lay concealed the presence of dragons and a multitude of formidable individuals ensconced in unexpected corners.

Presently, Arthur extended a nod and directed a smile at the old man.

"I appreciate your kind offer. On that note, I seek your assistance in locating specific books that are of utmost importance to me and merit my scrutiny," Arthur conveyed.

The sprawling expanse of the library was brimming with tomes, and sifting through the collection on his own would necessitate a considerable amount of time.

Factor in his relative unfamiliarity with the surroundings, and it seemed prudent to enlist the old man's aid.

"Kindly share the specifics, your highness," the old man replied with profound respect.

"I'm in need of a tome detailing the historical antecedents of the three eminent families and the nascent narrative underpinning the inception of the Balka Empire," Arthur articulated, his gaze fixed upon the old man.

In response, the old man's visage underwent an abrupt transformation—his expression shifted to a state of shock, rigid as if caught in a freeze frame.

Detecting an undercurrent of unease emanating from the old man, Arthur's brows converged ever so slightly, and he inquired, "Is there an issue with my request?"

Yet the old man remained reticent, his retort a conspicuous silence punctuated by the manifestation of his discomfiture.

"This is…" The old man faltered, his words stumbling forth amidst furtive glances directed toward Arthur, signifying his struggle to articulate his explanation.

Observing this sequence of events, Arthur pieced together fragments of understanding, prompting him to draw a measured breath.

"Is access to the book in question prohibited?" Arthur conjectured; his perception was astute.

The old man heaved a sigh, and his nod affirmed Arthur's conjecture.

"Indeed, your highness. My desire to be of assistance remains undiminished, but entry to the text is exclusively reserved for the imperial family," the old man explained, tinged with a trace of regret.

Recognizing the complexity of the matter, Arthur's response was swift.

"Let me clarify: did you mention that the book's access is restricted solely to the imperial family?" Arthur sought explicit confirmation.

"That is correct—only members of the imperial family possess the privilege of perusing the text," the old man validated.

With a smile curving his lips, Arthur interlocked his arms across his chest.

"In that case, does my status as the intended fiancé of Princess Lucia not grant me affiliation with the Balka Empire's royal lineage?" Arthur presented a logical perspective that elicited a momentary freeze from the old man.

Arthur's assertion was grounded in indisputable logic, leaving little room for rebuttal.

"However…" The old man hesitated, poised on the brink of an objection.

Promptly, Arthur raised his hand, employing a gesture to dissuade the old man from further pursuing this tangent.

"No need to deliberate further. Rest assured that any repercussions arising from this matter will be borne by me," Arthur affirmed, extending an ironclad assurance to the old man.

These words resonated within the old man's consciousness, compelling him to experience a fleeting sense of stupefaction.

Nonetheless, he gradually emitted a soft sigh, concurring with Arthur's offer.

"Very well, your highness. I shall place my trust in your words," the old man conceded with a modest incline of his head, thus aligning himself with Arthur's proposition.

Arthur smiled at this and couldn't help but mutter to himself.

"Since you're leveraging me, don't hold it against me if I utilize the status you've bestowed upon me to pursue my own desires, Emperor Alex." A cold smile played on Arthur's lips, unnoticed by the old man.

"Then, please accompany me to the designated reading room, Your Highness." The old man regarded Arthur respectfully and spoke.

Arthur nodded, his smile unwavering.

"Please lead the way." With those words, the two entered an expansive, well-furnished reading room, complete with sofas and small tables meticulously arranged by servant maids.

"Kindly wait a moment while I retrieve the book you desire, Your Highness," the old man offered, gesturing for Arthur to take a seat.

As the old man left, a servant arrived bearing a tray laden with tea and snacks, all meticulously prepared.

"Allow me to serve you some tea, Your Highness," the servant said, placing the refreshments before Arthur with utmost politeness.

Arthur nodded and rewarded the gesture with a smile.

"Thank you."

The servant bowed respectfully and left the room, leaving Arthur to relish his tea in peace.

Amidst his contemplation, Arthur's thoughts raced to the intrigue behind David's ambition to conquer the Balka Empire—a curiosity further fueled by the accounts from his mother.

Minutes later, deep in his musings, the reading room door swung open, and the old man reappeared, clutching three books.

A smile of anticipation tugged at Arthur's lips, and he whispered under his breath, "Finally!"