Chapter 48: Manipulation Skill

At first, Malik didn't know what else to say to them; he simply agreed. Arguing wouldn't be necessary and would be a waste of time for both of them. So, like a lucid person, he just went along with what those two demons were planning, even if it meant the end of one or two cities. He had nothing to do with it.

"[Mission is updating]," Strax read the message, but at first, he didn't understand. After all, he hadn't done anything, he was just talking. So, he ignored it.

"I think it's best if we go," said Samira, pulling both men out of their thoughtful state. In truth, she wanted to get out of there before Malik had a heart attack; he was already too old to deal with youth. Although Samira wasn't that young herself.

"Yes, you're right," Stax nodded as he looked around. "Old man," he commented, and Malik looked at him. Samira was still nearby and felt a sudden shift. Malik rose from his chair and looked directly at Strax.

Strax looked at Malik seriously; his eyes shimmered slightly as he spoke: "Samira is an amazing person, Malik. Since I met her, she has changed my life in so many ways. I can't imagine my life without her from now on." As he said this, Malik arched his eyebrows while Samira slightly recoiled.

Strax ignored them both and nodded in gratitude. "Malik, I'm willing to take on these responsibilities. Samira means everything to me, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her and make her happy."

Strax already knew that Samira's father would never approve of him, which is why he's speaking this way to Malik. Despite doing what he wants, he still knows how to value those who might be of great help in the future or who have helped a lot in the past, and Malik fits both aspects. Since Samira considers him a father figure, he will consider him even more.

Malik smiled, looking more at ease now, even after hearing all the absurd things Strax had said. "Well then, I wish you both all the best, Strax. And may you make this scared little girl happy." Strax smiled back, feeling grateful for Malik's understanding and support. "Thank you, Malik. It means a lot to me to hear that from you."

Samira watched the scene; the embarrassment had passed, but it was as if she felt something different, something even more binding with Strax. She felt that the best thing she did in her life was to accept that contract to escort a noble idiot. With a handshake, the two men bid farewell and returned to the task of preparing the horses for the journey.

Samira returned quietly, but finally broke the silence as she approached him and held his hand. "That was reassuring," she commented with a sweet smile. Strax just nodded and continued walking, holding her hand tightly.

"Are we ready to go?" Jason asked, the three horses already well stocked with supplies like water and food. He had prepared almost everything.

"Why isn't my horse ready?" Strax questioned, and Jason said, "I'm still too young to die." Strax looked puzzled, but he grabbed the saddle and placed it on Apocalypse's back; the mare neighed slightly in refusal, but he stroked her fur and quickly calmed her down. "You're a good girl, it's okay," he soothed her and looked at Jason. "Simple, isn't it?"

"Tsk, you think I didn't try? She only likes you," Jason said, and Strax laughed. "Well, usually women only like me, isn't that right, my love?" he said with a mischievous smile, addressing Samira, who just huffed and ignored him.

"I hope I won't regret this," Strax thought as he agreed with the System and again...

"[You have used the Copy Love Ability. You have forfeited the right to copy any future abilities from your companion Samira Blaze. Fire Manipulation (5*) has been implanted into your body.]"

[Fire Manipulation: Allows the user to Create and Manipulate Fire. However, the user cannot manipulate fire created from other mana sources, other than nature itself.]

Strax felt something warm entering his body, at the same time as he felt something cold colliding. "Mana," he thought. When he acquired Glacial Ice Manipulation, he felt the same sensation, and the cold air was more noticeable in his perception. Now, however, the warm light was what he felt, as if his world was more perceptive...

"This... doesn't seem like it's completing the ice ability, does it?" He questioned, as he began to pass mana throughout his body to try to verify if anything had been damaged. However, he felt nothing. It was as if... "Everything is in perfect harmony.

"[You have gained knowledge about your physique. As a Dragon, your strength over nature is supreme. You mold nature as your ruler; your bond with nature has grown stronger.]"

He read. Then, another message appeared in front of him.

"[You have initiated the ACT - (???)]"

[Acquire all abilities from the "Manipulation" scale to fully evolve the Demonic Dragon physique.]

[Manipulation Abilities Obtained: 2 of (???)]

[Completion Time: Indeterminate.]

Strax looked at that notification, and a smile spread across his face. After all... "Affinity with all elements," he murmured. That was the best thing he could obtain now, after all... "Infinite Strength Scaling. If I can obtain all manipulation abilities...

Astral Manipulation, Spatial Manipulation, Temporal Manipulation... Obtaining this practically makes me a God..."

The System aligned with what he wanted... To be the Strongest.