Chapter 11: Groundwork
I paid no mind to Irene who seemed to be suspicious of me— I should be able to deal with that in time. For now, I wanted my reward.
As I stepped into Elder Marah's dimly lit hut, the scent of herbs and incense greeted me. She sat quietly, her weathered face betraying no emotion as she waited. "I have dealt with the invaders," I announced, breaking the silence.
Elder Marah's gaze met mine, her eyes penetrating and wise. I reached out with my mind, probing hers for any hint of concern. Surprisingly, I found none. Instead, there was a calmness seeping into her mind, a depth of understanding that belied her age. "You've done well, child," she said cryptically, her voice a whisper in the stillness of the hut.
I furrowed my brow, puzzled by her response. There was something in her tone, something elusive that hinted at a deeper knowledge. "How did you know?" I asked, searching for answers in the wrinkles of her face.
The elder simply smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Some things are felt rather than seen, my dear," she replied, her words echoing with a wisdom that seemed to stretch beyond the confines of time.
She continued, "You volunteered so easily, and returned just as easily with not a mark on your clothes… If you had failed, the invaders would have been here by now."
It was a sound logic.
While I may appear to have not changed on the outside since she last saw me, I was different now— for once, I've ditched my conjured illusion and was now wearing a meat suit made from the carcass of the felled invaders.
The only illusion I was keeping up was the clothes. I was basically naked in my meat suit. Undeniably, my real body was just an assortment of bones, and I was always semi-naked only barely covering myself with my robe.
Marah's piercing gaze lingered on me as she spoke, her words measured and deliberate. "Do you have any fondness for Irene?" she inquired, her tone neutral yet probing. "I talked to her, and it seems she had taken a liking to you. The village is in need of more life… surely, you could take her as a wife."
I shook my head slowly, a slight frown crossing my face. "No, Elder Marah," I replied, my voice steady. "I have no interest in taking a wife. I've already talked to Irene."
Marah's expression shifted, her brow furrowing slightly. "But Irene would be a suitable match for you," she insisted, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "She's of the right age and demeanor. Did she… slight you?"
"No, she was a proper woman," I sighed softly, feeling a twinge of irritation at the persistence of this archaic notion. "I understand, Elder, but I have no desire for such companionship," I explained patiently.
The elder frowned, her wrinkled features betraying her disappointment. "Then what is it that you seek as a reward?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "We elves are not so barbaric as to turn you around, especially the service you had performed for this village."
I hesitated for a moment, considering my options. This world, with its primitive customs, offered little in the way of meaningful rewards. But there was one thing I desired above all else. "I would like to live in the village," I said finally, my tone firm. "And I would like to have a plot of land solely for my use."
Marah's frown deepened, her eyes narrowing slightly. "That hardly seems like a fitting reward for your efforts," she remarked, her voice tinged with disapproval.
I shrugged nonchalantly, unfazed by her reaction. "It is what I desire," I insisted, my tone unwavering. "And it is within your power to grant it. Don't make it difficult for me, know that even wisdom has its limits, Elder."
As I subtly amplified a sense of fear in Elder Marah's heart, she seemed momentarily shaken, but her persistence remained steadfast. "How about becoming this quaint village's chief?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.
I shook my head, aware that the responsibility was more hassle than it was worth. "This elven village meant little to me as I am but a stranger to it," I replied, my tone firm yet patient. "It is not my place to lead."
Turning around to leave, a sudden realization struck me. Despite my lack of interest in leading, perhaps I could still set this village on the right path. Pausing at the doorway, I looked back at Elder Marah for one last time.
"I recommend Irene," I said, my voice carrying a weight of certainty. "She has the qualities this village needs."
With that, I finally left the dimly lit hut, the scent of herbs and incense fading behind me as I stepped out into the cool evening air. Hmmm… nighttime already huh? I spent the next couple of hours creating a perimeter around the village leaving my psychic marks on small insects and birds using them as sentries.
I met a few dangerous creatures around such as an oversized boar and a winged snake. They were such interesting creatures I spent an extra hour studying them. In the end, I mind-controlled the two animals and had them guard the perimeter I had set around the elven village I decided to make my current base of operations.
It would be nice if I could just proceed with my experiments, but laying the groundwork was important.
Finally, when I finished establishing a perimeter around the village, I turned east. Using my psychic invisibility for stealth and telekinesis to move through the air, I proceeded to head east—
I followed the psychic marks I left the twins, Jenny and Anny. It took me roughly twenty minutes to cross several kilometers of forestry as I finally arrived at the pavilion of the Frost Fire Sect set on a small hill. I used telepathy to tell my newly acquired subordinates to meet me at the entrance of the pavilion.
As I approached the entrance, Jenny and Anny emerged from the shadows, their expressions eager and alert. "Master, you've returned," Jenny exclaimed, her voice filled with anticipation. It was weird seeing the teen's excitement as I recalled I just killed her Sect Leader.
"Master, what do you want us to do? I am exhilarated to be of your service!" Jenny added.
Anny nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with admiration. "We've been waiting for your orders," she added, her tone respectful.
They were weird… I checked their brains just to make sure, but they were sincerely looking forward to working under me. Despite being able to read the minds of others, it didn't make me all-knowing. I must say, these twins were certainly villain-material.
I nodded in acknowledgment to their promptness, while I faked myself looking aloof. "Good," I replied, my voice was low but authoritative. "I have a task for the both of you."
The twins exchanged a quick glance before turning their attention back to me, their expressions attentive. "Anything, Master," Jenny said eagerly, her determination evident.
I smiled faintly, impressed by their eagerness. "I need you to gather information," I instructed, my tone serious. "Find out everything you can about the wars recently— those who were involved, forces at play, and the political landscape. I would also need a map."
Anny nodded, her expression focused. "Consider it done, Master," she assured me, her voice filled with determination.
Jenny mirrored her sister's determination, her gaze unwavering. "We won't let you down," she promised, her voice resolute.
I nodded in approval, confident in their abilities. "Good," I reiterated, my tone firm. "Report back to me as comprehensively as you could. You could find me at the Elf Village your Sect tried to subjugate some time ago."
After giving the twins their orders and dismantling the Frost Fire Sect pavilion with a flick of telekinetic power, I conveyed to them the need for secrecy. "The two of you are now unaffiliated Gifted individuals. That means secrecy would be greatly needed for this mission… I however permit the two of you what happened to the Frost Fire Sect, but beyond that, keep it a secret."
Before the two departed on their mission, I offered a final piece of advice. "Remember, subtlety is key," I cautioned, my tone serious. "Gather information discreetly and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourselves."
Jenny and Anny nodded in agreement, their expressions determined. "Understood, Master," Jenny affirmed, her voice filled with resolve. Anny meanwhile was just quiet.
With a sense of satisfaction, I watched as the twins disappeared into the shadows, ready to carry out their task. Turning away from the now-empty pavilion, I set my sights on the next phase of my plans.
Returning to the Elf Village, I found myself greeted by the quiet hum of nocturnal life. The village was undisturbed, it was a proof of the effectiveness of the defenses I had established earlier. Satisfied with my handiwork, I made my way to a secluded spot on the outskirts of the village.
Seating myself cross-legged on the forest floor, I closed my eyes and began to delve deep into the recesses of my mind. With a practiced ease, I sifted through memories and knowledge of Vajen Omon, seeking answers and insights that would aid me in my endeavors. I was merely skimming through trying to detect traps in Vajen's memories, but so far, so good.
As the night wore on, I found myself lost in thought, contemplating the intricate web of fate and destiny that bound this world together. With each passing moment, I grew more certain of my purpose and the path that lay ahead.
For a scientifically-learned man such as me, it would appear bizarre that I believe in souls and fates. The reason I believed in such things was because of my unique perspective on things since becoming a telepath. I wouldn't mind fate pulling me to a tale I never asked for… as long as I get to have the 'chance' to resurrect my daughter.
I've been called mad many times over, and I didn't care how much blood had to be spilled.
As the first light of dawn began to peek over the horizon, I knew that my journey had only just begun.
With a sense of determination burning in my metaphorical heart, I rose to my feet and set out to conquer the challenges that awaited me, ready to carve my own destiny in this vast and wondrous world.
Weekly Power Status
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