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



Meanwhile, Arthur, having finished reading the second book, couldn't help but tremble with surprise.

"It seems that this is what compelled David to such an extent that he aimed to seize control over the Balka empire." He closed the book and released a small sigh.

This true reason is indeed quite reasonable, revealing that so-called greed and dissatisfaction can be inherited by descendants.

"I never anticipated that my ancestors would go to such lengths just to restore the glory of the Asvold family itself." A deep and somber gaze once again settled on his face.

The contents of this second book revolved around the agreement among the three families, which occurred right when Lucius Balka succeeded in finalizing a territorial division pact with Rozen Asvold and Darl Wilhem.

Regarding the agreement's content, it delineates four primary regions: south, north, west, and east.

Lucius presides over the two principal regions of west and east, whereas Rozen Asvold governs the southern region and Darl Wilhem commands the northern domain.

The agreement's contents further elaborate on how the trio united to forge an alliance, creating a formidable force capable of withstanding external assaults targeting the southern region of the human continent.

For instance, during that period, the western region, under the leadership of the barbarian army, launched a massive invasion of the southern territory.

This alliance was conceived to serve as a bulwark against such incursions.

In their initially fragmented and vulnerable state, the trio found themselves incapable of confronting the formidable might of the western region.

In response, they established an alliance named the "Temporary Union," with the shared objective of countering the western forces.

Over time, Lucius Balka's commanding influence, deeply entrenched in both the western and eastern territories, allowed him to assert his dominance.

Exploiting this power, he proceeded to establish an empire known as the Balka Empire.

This development strained the relationships between Rozen Asvold, Darl Wilhem, and Lucius once more.

A second significant conflict unfolded, leaving all sides in a deadlock.

Neither Rozen, Darl, nor Lucius emerged victorious.

Yet, this conflict shed light on Lucius's extraordinary strength, evident from his ability to withstand and even overcome the combined prowess of the two supreme elemental masters.

As the protracted battle wore on and continued to erode power in the southern region, a second agreement was eventually reached.

Under this accord, Lucius was granted permission to establish his own empire, while Rozen and Darl obtained their respective territories, allowing them to consolidate their own strengths.

Nonetheless, a lingering reluctance persisted within Rozen Asvold, accompanied by a feeling of unease regarding this arrangement.

This sentiment endured even until the conclusion of his life as an elemental supreme, permeating the bloodline of his descendants.

This influence was particularly prominent in an individual who assumed the leadership of the Asvold family.

"The influence of a supreme elemental will is undeniably formidable, even capable of perpetuating itself across generations in an unforeseen manner." Arthur found himself in a state of astonishment, his comprehension of this power now exceeding his previous understanding.

Strikingly, this aspect had never been expounded upon in the novels, catching him entirely off guard.

"However, what perplexes me is why only David exhibits such characteristics. Could Noah Wilhem also possess an inheritance will from the founder of the Wilhem family?" This query sprouted in Arthur's thoughts unexpectedly.

This wasn't entirely unfounded, given that since his last encounter with Noah Wilhem, Arthur hadn't sensed a hostility as intense as David's animosity towards Emperor Alex.

"Alternatively, it's conceivable that the progenitor of the Wilhem lineage didn't pass down his will to his descendants in the same manner as Rozen Asvold did. Arthur found this explanation plausible.

He discarded the notion that Noah Wilhem might have managed to elude the grasp of his ancestor's intentions, as David's situation stood as a clear example.

If Darl Wilhem had indeed transmitted his ambitions, Noah would undoubtedly have been impacted as well.

"Things are becoming increasingly intricate, leaving me uncertain whether my ancestors' ambitions will cascade down to me upon ascending the throne as the heir." Arthur's eyes reflected a blend of profound curiosity and cautiousness.

In the impending rebellion, the odds seemed stacked against David, making his defeat and demise appear highly probable.

Arthur speculated that personal intervention might not even be necessary, for Emperor Alex would likely personally orchestrate David's demise, mirroring the narrative outlined in the novel.

Regrettably, Arthur balked at the notion of countless human lives being squandered due to this uprising.

However, he acknowledged the futility of impeding David's rebellion.

Arthur had sensed an exceptionally potent aura emanating from David prior to his departure—an aura that transcended his comprehension, presumably a supreme elemental aura.

In the plot of David's rebellion as depicted in the novel, he was merely situated at the high stage of the elemental saint level.

Arthur recalled that, in contrast, Emperor Alex held the position of the early elemental supreme level.

However, the course of events had now undergone an abrupt and significant deviation.

Emperor Alex's power seemed to be growing increasingly erratic and unpredictable.

"I can only hope that the intentions of my forebears won't influence me, leading me down a path similar to David's," Arthur muttered with a hint of resignation, a small sigh escaping his lips.

He found solace in silent prayers, yearning that history wouldn't repeat itself in his case.

Lost in thought, Arthur was abruptly startled by a glimmering light that materialized before him, catching him completely off guard.

"This..." Astonishment gripped him as Arthasia, appearing out of nowhere, presented herself with a radiant smile.

"Master!" Arthasia exclaimed, throwing herself onto Arthur and enveloping his face in her tiny embrace.

Caught off balance by the unexpected encounter, Arthur struggled to react, eventually snapping back to the moment and registering his surprise.

"Arthasia?" Arthur gently extricated himself from her embrace and regarded her with a mixture of bewilderment and concern.

"Where have you been, causing me such worry?" Irritation and a trace of anger played across his features as he addressed her.

Arthasia's countenance shifted to one of panic upon hearing his reproach, and she hastily began to gesture with her hands.

"Hold on, hold on! Please don't be angry, and give me a moment to explain!" She anxiously interjected, eager to avert Arthur's wrath and any ensuing punishment.

The memory of his previous reprimand sent shivers down her spine, a fate she fervently hoped to evade this time around.

Arthur's countenance shifted, revealing a trace of curiosity regarding Arthasia's explanation.

He carefully placed her on the table.

"Very well, provide me with a detailed account." His arms crossed before his chest, and Arthur's gaze remained focused and earnest as he addressed Arthasia.

Observing Arthur's demeanor, akin to that of a scrutinizing judge, Arthasia's nerves clenched.

She regretted her timing in reappearing, suspecting that her master was currently in a sour mood.

"Whoa, this is going to be tough," Arthasia lamented inwardly, realizing the weight of her actions and the repercussions they held.

Arthasia, with an air of repentance, launched into a detailed situation with Arthur, her gaze lowering as if acknowledging a mistake.

"Firstly, I want to apologize for causing you worry, master," Arthasia commenced, expressing her remorse.

"However, an unexpected disturbance in the system room demanded my attention and occupied my time." She sighed softly as she shared this information.

Her words held an authenticity that was unmarred by any hint of falsehood.

The incident she described had indeed unfolded abruptly and inexplicably.

Arthur absorbed her explanation, his features maintaining their focused and serious demeanor.

Originally, Arthasia had intended to venture out and provide her master with updates to alleviate his concerns.

However, the circumstances rendered such intentions unfeasible, causing her to feel somewhat overwhelmed.

Upon hearing her explanation, Arthur's right eyebrow arched involuntarily.

"Oh? Could you elaborate further?" His curiosity piqued, and his interest intensified as he sought a more comprehensive understanding.

The sudden turmoil experienced by Arthasia, a system, was something he found perplexing.

In his perception, the system was an enigmatic construct unlikely to encounter such disruptions.

Arthasia's response, however, left him profoundly astonished.

"I myself am uncertain about the cause or nature of this unusual situation, master," Arthasia confessed with a wearied countenance, perched at the edge of the table, her feet swinging slightly.

Observing her expression, one that bore the hallmarks of sincerity, Arthur's initial reproach morphed into a tinge of remorse for not seeking clarity before reprimanding her.

"I owe you an apology for my abrupt scolding. I must admit that my concern got the better of me," Arthur admitted, his hand reaching out to lift Arthasia onto his shoulder.

Arthasia's fatigued demeanor transformed into a radiant one upon hearing these words, her wish fulfilled by her master's understanding response—an acknowledgment of her efforts to rectify the crisis in the system room.

"Hmph! As if you would." Arthasia retorted, albeit playfully, and pretended to display annoyance while casting her gaze to the side.

Arthur couldn't help but let out a hearty chuckle, his somber disposition from before now giving way to a more lighthearted one.

Just as he was about to continue their conversation, a peculiar sight caught his attention from the periphery of his vision—a book that had seemingly materialized out of thin air, partially concealed beneath a third book that had no place being there.

Piqued by curiosity, Arthur stowed away the third book, and his eyes widened with astonishment as he uncovered the book that had abruptly appeared—a book he was unmistakably familiar with.

"Isn't this the book I discovered in the mansion's library before I moved?" he exclaimed, his surprise evident.