While listening to the two elves, Areth had become certain of one thing.
This world was completely independent from the Blood Banner universe.
In the game, elves were a powerful race living under an empire and several independent kingdoms. At first, he wondered whether he had reincarnated into a future era of the game's timeline. However, the world was not called Terassak, nor did the elves live in a forest named Meleket.
Moreover, in the Blood Banner universe, elves were not only peaceful but also never fought among themselves. According to their beliefs, their god had forbidden it. Yet in this world, elves waged war against one another. Their magic system was also somewhat different. Although the system described by the blue elves resembled the one used in Blood Banner, elven magic had never been limited to that alone.
In short, this was an entirely separate world.
And that was a major disadvantage. An unknown world meant unknown threats.
Yet Areth was surprised to realize that he felt no anxiety at all.
On the contrary, he found himself feeling excited, almost eager, about this new world. It was as if he had discovered new lands to conquer, like dumping a truckload of candy in front of a child with an uncontrollable sweet tooth.
This was rather strange, because Areth had noticed that he was changing more and more with each passing day. Not only was he becoming increasingly aggressive and energetic, but even his perspective toward women was beginning to shift.
"I suppose this is because I've become a dragon…" he thought, before turning his attention back to the elves.
"You may leave for now. Report every detail you know to Selene without omission. After that, I will permit you to go."
The male and female elves bowed their heads simultaneously.
"Y-Yes, my lord…"
Still on their knees, they shuffled backward a few steps. They hesitated briefly, as if waiting for permission to stand. When Areth raised no objection, they slowly rose.
The male elf headed for the door without lifting his head.
But the female elf—
Man'sul.
She stopped after taking a single step.
Her heart was pounding as if it would burst from her chest. Her palms were soaked with sweat. Reason told her to remain silent and leave immediately. The being seated before her radiated more than the presence of a noble or a powerful mage.
He felt like a calamity incarnate.
And yet, deep within her mind, ancient stories she had heard since childhood began to stir.
Tales told on fire nights…
Whispers of old priestesses…
Forbidden texts read from forgotten tablets…
Man'sul involuntarily looked at Areth again. His massive body, the power flowing beneath his muscles, the slowly swaying dragon tail extending from his back, the oppressive aura that made the air tremble with every movement…
This…
Was not normal.
Her throat went dry. She wanted to take another step. She couldn't. Finally, gathering all her courage, she spoke in a trembling voice.
"M-My lord…"
The male elf froze in horror and stared at her.
"Man'sul, what are you doing…?" his gaze seemed to say.
Areth lifted his head slightly. His eyes focused on her once more.
"You haven't left," he said calmly.
That single sentence was enough to make her knees tremble again. Still, she did not retreat. She took a deep breath. Then her gaze drifted unconsciously to Areth's tail, then to his chest, shoulders, and face…
In a voice barely above a whisper, she asked,
"E-Excuse me… Y-you…"
She swallowed.
"Are you… a Regulator, my lord?"
Silence instantly filled the room.
The male elf recoiled in terror.
"Man'sul... Be quiet!.." he whispered.
Alya's brows furrowed noticeably.
Areth, however, paused for a moment.
"A Regulator?" he repeated.
There was neither anger nor surprise in his voice. Only curiosity.
Man'sul immediately lowered her head.
"I-I'm sorry, my lord… I- I shouldn't have asked… P-please don't punish me…"
"Answer," Areth said.
Trembling, Man'sul spoke.
"In our ancient myths…" she said quietly, "when the balance of the world collapses… the gods are said to send… a being…"
She gathered a little more courage.
"These beings are called R-regulators… Demi-gods… sometimes even candidates for g-godhood…"
"T-they…" she continued, "destroy certain peoples… elevate others… start wars… topple kingdoms… build civilizations…"
"They forcibly alter the course of the w-world…"
She lowered her head even further.
"When I saw y-you… those stories… came to m-mind…"
A heavy silence settled over the room. For several seconds, Areth said nothing. He weighed the word in his mind.
Regulator…
A divine corrective force. A demi-god or god-candidate sent by the gods. A being that reshaped the world.
Areth leaned back slightly.
"Interesting," he finally said.
Man'sul shuddered.
"So… you think I am something like that?"
"I-I don't know, my lord…" she replied immediately. "I just… saw the resemblance…"
Areth's lips curved faintly.
It was neither mocking.
Nor warm.
It was…
Thoughtful.
"No," he said firmly. "I am not something sent by the gods."
Man'sul's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Or perhaps I am… Who knows?" Areth added calmly. Then he continued, "But... if this world is ever going to change, it won't be by the gods' command… It will be by my decisions." he said with an alluring yet frightening smile.
Man'sul's eyes widened.
That was even more terrifying than the Regulators of legend.
Areth straightened.
"You may go now," he said.
"Y-Yes, my lord!"
Man'sul and the male elf practically fled the room.
When the door closed, Areth stood up and approached Alya.
"Inform Selene that, after extracting every piece of information from those two, I have ordered her to erase their memories before sending them home."
There was not the slightest hint of doubt or softness in Areth's gaze. This was not a suggestion. It was an order to be executed. Alya bowed the moment she heard his words.
"As you command, my lord," she replied without hesitation.
"And lastly…" Areth said, gripping Alya's arm firmly to stop her from leaving, "When you learn the location of the Human Kingdom, redirect the flying island's course toward it."