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697 - Aftermath II
🕑 Added 2024-08-14 02:11:13 +0000 UTCBefore the discussion could proceed further, Aron swiftly created three runic contracts outlining the rules for using the system within their bodies. After signing them, he handed each tree folk their respective contract to review and sign. They did so quickly, as the fear of him changing his mind and activating the system prompted them to act fast once they confirmed that the contracts posed no threat.
The two traitors, who had been silently observing everything within the timeless meadow while being unable to speak or react due to Aron’s interference, expressed their frustration and shock through their eyes.
Aron, having dealt with the primary concerns, then turned his attention to them. “Now that we have established the necessary terms for trust,” he said, addressing the traitors directly, “we can move on to your matters.”
“What are you going to do with us? Now that you can control our bodies, are you planning to make us your slaves?” Oak asked, his tone and expression attempting to convey calmness and dignity despite his loss.
“There’s nothing you can do that will make us submit to you. I don’t understand why those three have left you to your fate without retaliation, but I want you to know that beings like us are far too elevated to disgrace ourselves by bowing down to people like you. You can have control of our bodies but you will never have the submission of our minds” Mangrove said, channeling his pride to mask his concern.
Aron regarded them with a detached expression. “Normally, matters like these would be handed over to the imperial justice department. However, since you are not part of the empire, I have the discretion to deal with you as I see fit.” His gaze was almost dismissive, as if addressing overconfident children despite their extensive age.
He continued, “I will be using you to handle tasks that would normally require a powerful magic wielder, tasks that would have otherwise necessitated my direct involvement. Your sentence will have no set end, and only I will determine when your punishment is complete.”
He essentially banished them to a form of slavery, though he framed it diplomatically. While he could have inflicted pain as he had done with the spy who had attempted to kill him, he found that such methods did not bring him the satisfaction he anticipated. Instead, he chose to make use of their skills for his own tasks, effectively turning them into powerful assets who would excel in any mana-rich environment.
After assigning their punishment, he dismissed them from the timeless meadow, leaving only himself and the remaining tree folks. “Although you can now access the VR, let’s complete our handover meeting here,” he said, signaling the continuation of their previously interrupted discussion in the timeless meadow.
……………..
As Aron continued with the handover meeting, the situation outside was gradually stabilizing, but recovery was going to take time. The extent of the damage meant that rebuilding would be a lengthy process, far more complex than the initial destruction.
“Mh…” Rayyan groaned, pausing mid-sentence as she was struck by a slight headache.
The moment the order was given, Rayyan was swiftly handled by Nova through a tractor beam and placed into a stasis pod. She was awakened once the order was retracted.
As a consequence of the order, she, along with all the giants and dark elves, experienced a collective subconscious struggle against the command. This internal conflict manifested as intermittent headaches, affecting them at various intervals.
“{Have this},” Nova said, offering Rayyan a blue-colored drink through her nanomachine body within the imperial ship.
“Thank you,” Rayyan replied, taking the drink and consuming it. Almost immediately, the headaches began to subside, eventually disappearing entirely. She looked at the cup in surprise, taking a second glance as she tried to recall if she had seen anything like it before.
{It’s a new drink designed to counter headaches. By drinking it twice a day, you should have your headaches completely resolved within a week, compared to a few months without it. We are currently mass-producing it for distribution to everyone,} Nova explained.
“Thank you for that. But where is Emperor Aron?” Rayyan asked, immediately after expressing her gratitude for the drink. She was puzzled as Aron had returned the control she gave back to her and then disappeared, leaving her to manage the recovery process for her citizens. Additionally, he had granted her temporary control over the imperial assets on the planet to speed up the process.
{He is currently continuing the meeting with the remainder of your elders,} Nova replied, giving a short but concise explanation without giving more than needed information.
Upon hearing the mention of the elders, Rayyan decided not to pursue the matter further, trusting that she would be briefed if needed. Given the chaos caused by the elders’ greed, she wasn’t inclined to divert her attention from the recovery process to speculate on their situation.
Nodding in acknowledgment of Nova’s response, she refocused on her work. Despite her curiosity about the outcome, she remained dedicated to managing the recovery efforts, still aboard the imperial ship orbiting the planet with the shield active.
On the planet, ships were seen coming and going in a steady stream, transporting individuals to designated gathering points. Those with life-threatening injuries were directed to these locations, where they were promptly placed in medical pods for treatment. The scene was one of organized chaos, with every effort being made to ensure that the injured received the necessary care and that the recovery process could begin as swiftly as possible.
Ayaka was seen tirelessly working with those on the brink of death, who wouldn’t have enough time to wait for the medicine’s effects. Fortunately, the statis pods suspended all functions, including the process of dying, allowing her to stay in one place where all critical cases were brought to her.
This setup also gave her brief moments of rest when needed.
If credits were to be awarded, she would be among the top ten contributors, even alongside the elders, the imperial couple, and the AIs, reflecting the extent of her contribution during and after the crisis.
