"Tell me, kid, what do you really think about the transmigration? Do you resent him for taking over your life?"
Pandora asked. Right now, they were in a coliseum, sitting on spectator seats. They skimmed through each memory that happened after the transmigration.
They saw how Adrian carefully made plans for the future, finding hidden treasures and weapon manuals with novel knowledge and slowly building up power. Adrian mostly focused on magic, spells, and artifact crafting. His fighting style was focused on overpowering opponents with magic and just enough close combat skills to protect himself.
He achieved overwhelming victories within the clan, changing people's perception of him. He went out of his way to care for commoners. This was not compassion but a strategic choice to spread his influence. After all, no matter how much power a ruler has, he is nothing without his subjects. These methods gradually earned him the loyalty of ordinary folk and other idealistic dreamers. He had no intention of letting someone else sit on the Ignisborn throne. But if by any chance, Thalia does end up getting chosen, people will still be loyal to him.
Then, he turned his attention towards a forsaken land within the kingdom, "Cindervale". This place was a barren land with barely any vegetation or a pure source of water. Residents faced many threats but still refused to abandon the land. There were all sorts of rumors about this place. But in fact, this land held a secret. That's why Adrian thought of acquiring it.
With his achievements, He convinced the Patriarch to visit this land. Once visiting this place, he assessed the situation and brought numerous supplies such as food and water, and weapons. He tasked his own squad with protection and won the trust of the people. He used knowledge from the other world to treat the soil and dug numerous wells and used pipe systems to create fresh water sources.
Slowly but successfully, Cindervale was developed into a habitable area. Then came the important part. The secret of Cindervale is, it was situated near a dungeon. Usually, a dungeon contains many resources such as mana stones, herbs, and monster materials. But these chances are accompanied by high risks, such as monster attacks. Cities like Vermaris can protect themselves, so they choose to develop the dungeon. But in a poor area like this, it was almost impossible.
Thankfully, this dungeon was the home for red-skinned Apes. Although generally considered as monsters, these apes are intelligent and somewhat peaceful, unless they are provoked. According to the novel, Apes who can't cook for themselves are obsessed with human cooking. They really like pies and cakes, and other sweet foods.
He kept the appearance of the dungeon a secret and made an alliance with the Apes. He would provide them with human food and maintain peaceful relations with them. In exchange, they would supply him with dungeon resources and would not attack them in the dungeon.
With this, Adrian started developing Cindervale as his base, building a fortress for his operations. When the news of the peaceful dungeon and unlimited resources came to light, other kingdoms started to spread their own influence. Even though it's in Ignisborn territory, a dungeon is a fair deal. It's similar to finding oil on your property.
Even within the Ignisborn kingdom, different factions started fighting for ownership. Most nobles tried to acquire it, using Thalia as a political tool. But all of these were within expectations.
Adrian declared that he would give up ownership to whoever wins the upcoming True Dragon tournament. A contestant from each kingdom closer to his age would participate. This was not a loss but a chance. He would trample on all avatar candidates and rightfully earn what's his.
Theon and Pandora watched from the gallery as Adrian bombarded everyone with all kinds of spells, utterly trampling on them.
Theon had a meaningful look on his face.
"That's a complicated question. I mean neither of us planned the transmigration. It was out of our hands, so he was a victim in all of this as well. And at that time, deep down, I wanted to escape that reality somehow. He had to deal with all the messes I made, and he did things I never even thought of doing. Even if he did them for his own survival, he changed my fate and that of many other people."
He lay back on the seat comfortably
"At that moment, I had no lingering attachments to anyone. So, whatever he did to them was not my concern. So overall, I feel grateful for everything he did. Besides,"
Theon grinned.
"It feels super satisfying to see him kick their asses."
Pandora laughed.
"You really are different from others. Most people would be enraged. But I have to admit, it is a good show."
Usually, when you are up against an avatar, using the same element against them is impossible. An avatar is literally blessed by that element. Against their divinity, mana would scatter away. But Adrian kept bombarding spells without an issue. He has found a loophole in that concept.
In between the battles, avatars worked together to trap him in a single place and unleashed a devastating attack. But to everyone's shock, Adrian opened a portal and appeared somewhere else.
"Ohh, that's a neat trick with perfect timing. Can you do that too?"
"Unfortunately, not. Adrian possessed the space element. Probably because he traveled through space. I don't have it. He took it with him."
Theon replied sadly.
"Right. We don't have much time, so let's move on. Pandora stood up and walked towards the exit. As Theon followed her out, he heard Adrian's voice.
"Cindervale is mine. Ignisborn is mine. If you come after what belongs to me, all your kingdoms will be mine too."
After they walked out of the stadium, the scenery changed. This time, they were inside a bar. Two people were drinking in a quiet corner. One was Adrian. And the other?
"Are you sure this place is fine? I mean, we're 16. Not old enough to drink yet."
"Relax, Arden. I know the owner. Besides, I have something important to talk about."
Pandora started examining the scene with a teasing smirk.
"So, the all-perfect boy sometimes did break the rules, ha. Was it Adrian or you?"
She turned towards Theon, only to see his confusion.
"What's wrong, kid?"
Theon shook his head
"I don't remember this. I'm not talking about being forgotten, but from my perspective, this never happened.
The answer to his questions came from Adrian's mouth soon.
"After we leave this place, I'm going to erase my memories, so it will seem like this never happened. So, listen carefully."
Arden put down his mug, hearing the serious tone. "Go on"
Adrian exhaled and took a calm posture.
"It's kind of a long story, so let's start with this. I'm not Theon. At least not the real one. My real name is Adrian Holloway."
Theon cursed.
"Did this bastard just casually reveal our greatest secret to the main protagonist?"