75 I am... (1/2)
Of course, I know that my suggestion wouldn't go well with Eliana.
The dark elves are far too prideful to let themselves be enslaved to another species, especially to the humans, which I am unfortunately a part of.
They would rather kill themselves than to be humiliated and treated like a toy, so I am assuming that the humans of this world has some sort of means to prevent them from committing suicide after being captured – a slave collar perhaps.
That seems logical.
”Who do you think I am, human!?”
Dense magical power erupts from Eliana, filling the small room and crushing down upon me. A magical aura shrouds her entire body and cloak while her eyes electrifies with power.
Eliana is a 3rd circle druid after all, so her aura alone can probably crush a normal person.
A 1st circle mage would probably shit their pants in her present since the difference in power levels is literally day and night.
Luckily, I am not a normal person.
And my pants are completely unspoiled.
To be honest, it feels a little bit uncomfortable when being pressured by her aura, but it isn't anything I couldn't handle. Spiritual energy is far deadlier against me than magical energy since spiritual energy attacks my soul directly.
However, getting attacked by her magical aura would probably harm me in the long term.
I rather not subjecting myself to such assault.
”Please stop doing that, Eliana.”
I request calmly before vanishing from my seated spot.
Her magical aura stops abruptly when the cold steel of a knife presses against her neck. The enchanted weapon obviously could penetrate her magic armour, protection and defence very easily. It should be since the knife is one of her most prized possessions.
The knife has always been on her body.
Maybe I will keep it for myself.
”I know who you are, esteemed elder of the dark elves, Eliana of the Shadowsong clan, but in my eyes, you are just a defenceless woman.”
I whisper softly into her long ears from behind her before vanishing away.
I have returned to my seat, looking like nothing has happened.
The beautiful knife in my hand tells Eliana what just happened isn't a dream, however. I wouldn't want her to think otherwise.
I could have slit her throat with her own dagger before she even knows what had happened, and from her flabbergasted expression and body language, I don't think I need to demonstrate my words further – not that I wouldn't.
It is fun to scare the living shit out of people. It is also an art to do without resorting to violence.
”Teleportation? No… I would have known if you did. This is Time Magic!”
Eliana utters and touches her neck, trying to make sure she hasn't been cut. If drawn blood, the knife will place a powerful curse on her, which will sap her strength and magic until she dies.
It is near impossible to remove the curse. That is why the dagger is very deadly.
I smile and shrug at the question.
”Let's just say that if I really wanted to kill you, you wouldn't be standing here right now, Eliana. I might not know how to use magic of your world, but the power of my world isn't something to look down upon if you actually listen to Elune. Did she not tell you how I cut her up?”
Eliana recalls what Elune has said.
In magic, light is not an abstract element like time, but that did not mean it is weak. No, it is an advance element like darkness, which is higher rank than secondary or compounded elements like steam and metal.
”Hmm… there are exactly 3029 elves living in the village and 28 children, shall I kill a few children as a demonstration, Eliana?”
Eliana is taken back.
Whatever doubts she has in her mind vanish.
She swallows hard and gives me a respectful bow.
Even Eliana does not know how many elves there in the village are, but she knew the exact number of children. Each child is very precious and must be protected. It is her job as an elder.
”I apologize, Great One. May I ask why you are masquerading as a human?”
Eliana apologizes.
She knows how outclassed she is now.
Her magic pales in comparison to my power, which could reduce her to atoms with a single thought. I could also undo all of her powers.
That is how overwhelming my time ability is.
”I am human.”
I response reluctantly.
Technically, I am still a human since my body and my soul are. The more correct term to describe me in my current state would be aspectual empowered human, but let's not get too technical.
Eliana didn't believe me, and I didn't bother to change her mind.
”So, would you like to be one of my summons, Eliana? I will treat you well, at least you won't have to answer to the Goddess anymore.”
Eliana takes a very long time before she speaks up. She is weighting her options, no doubt.
She understands what I am hinting – immortality. If she becomes immortal, she will never have to face her judgement in the afterlife. Of course, immortal is not the same as invulnerable.
Eliana can still be killed by others. But I take great offense to that. No one hurts my possessions except me!
”Perhaps there is something else you want, Great One. You wish to use magic of this world. I have just a potion that will grant you your wish.”
I chuckle and shake my head.
Eliana has already tried this in the previous loops. And thanks to her offer, I know of one way to form a magic core.
The potion she has in her possession is one of a kind.
It was brewed by a 7th circle mage in time immemorable. And when ingested, it will form a very small mana core within the consumer's body, allowing the consumer to finally absorb and channel magical energy.
In other word, the potion would allow me to use magic. Highly inefficient form of magic, but still magic, nonetheless.
It is still better than nothing.
”I think you are mistaken something, Eliana. If you become one of my summons, everything you own, your body, mind and soul belongs to me. Isn't that right?”
I look at her.
My eyes narrow darkly.
”Or would you like to be my pets, instead?”
I question.
”No, Great One. It will be an honour to be your summons. Please allow me to become one. But I have a small request. Please leave my village and the villagers alone. They mean you no harm.”