29 Draconic language
The magnetic force field results from the accumulation of energy within a body. The more substantial the energy, the stronger the force field.
Originating from the world's natural energy, if uncontained, this force field can impact other organisms, much like the environmental effects of a leaking nuclear reactor.
Apprentices, given their limited power, need not concern themselves with containing their force fields; even if released, it rarely influences their surroundings, serving, at most, to intimidate mortals.
However, Magi must maintain their force field; failure to do so can prove fatal to surrounding mortals and create immense pressure affecting those weaker than them.
Zatiel shouldn't possess the capability to exert enough pressure to affect kobolds due to his energy quantity being insufficient. However, his Abyssal Aura—superior to Spirit Force and emanating the sinister, chaotic essence of the Abyss—is potent enough to serve his purpose.
Sophia was stunned, witnessing the retreating kobolds despite their increasing numbers as Zatiel approached them.
'How can he wield such strength? No apprentice, regardless of power, should be able to instill fear in these creatures with merely a force field,' Sophia thought, choosing to remain silent, recognizing the moment's urgency.
Zatiel continued to advance, stopping only when the kobolds were cornered against the mountains, intensifying his pressure while eyeing them coldly.
Surrounded by over a hundred kobolds displaying fear, hatred, and combativeness, it wasn't long before one roared in defiance.
Panic seized Sophia, foreseeing a communal response, but before the roar concluded, chains materialized, piercing the defiant kobold with precision, avoiding vital organs but inflicting substantial pain.
Zatiel remained focused on the group, motioning his hand, causing the chains to pull in diverse directions, eventually dismembering the creature.
"Witnessing this, the kobolds trembled.
"Surrender or perish," The fear in the kobolds' eyes intensified when they recognized the words spoken in the Draconic Language.
The unified kneeling of the kobolds followed Zatiel's command.
"The leader will present themselves to me," commanded Zatiel.
An older kobold named Rax hesitantly stepped forward, "Mighty being, how may we serve you?" his voice laced with fear.
"I shall reside here for five days. Your tribe will mine these mountains and deliver all unearthed minerals. Comply effectively, and you shall be spared; however, any mediocrity will result in the demise of half your tribe," Zatiel's words were accompanied by a lethal aura, implying his indifference towards their fate.
"We will gather all the minerals!" Rax understood that the individual before him wouldn't hesitate to annihilate them all if displeased. Just as Rax was about to depart, Zatiel interjected.
"Hold on. One more thing. If you present something of value to me, I'll grant you a method to enhance your strength." Without awaiting a response, Zatiel departed alongside Sophia.
Rax's gaze lingered on Zatiel's receding figure, marked by a blend of fear and internal conflict, before he returned to his tribe to commence the mining.
...
Zatiel and Sophia found reprieve atop a modest hillock, a short distance from the kobolds.
"If there's something on your mind, voice it," Zatiel noted Sophia's evident perplexity and her hesitance in broaching a topic.
Meeting Zatiel's gaze, Sophia finally inquired, "Are you a bona fide Magus?"
In her mind, Zatiel's staggering prowess could only signify his status as a rank 1 Magus, concealing his true identity. After all, not even a Pseudo-Magus could have manifested the feat he displayed.
"I've yet to attain rank 1. As for the source of my power, time might reveal it to you, if fortune favors," Zatiel remarked, preparing to meditate. However, Sophia wasn't done.
"But if you're not a Magus, your actions were incredibly audacious, and quite uncharacteristic," Sophia's perception of Zatiel was of someone who desired unwavering control over circumstances, never leaving anything to chance. With the kobolds, numerous variables might have turned awry.
"True mastery lies in knowing one's enemy intimately, ensuring victory. While kobolds may be descended from dragons, their inherent purpose is servitude to those superior. It's embedded in their psyche to submit to overwhelming force. The invocation in the Draconic language stirs their most primal instincts, compelling surrender. Naturally, anomalies exist—those who resist their base urges. That's precisely why I had my energy primed for any eventuality upon my arrival here."
Zatiel had meticulously devised his strategy with the kobolds from their initial encounter. Even if they defied their inherent dread and launched an assault, he was confident in his ability to neutralize a majority before a necessary retreat.
Sophia was taken aback. What appeared to be an impromptu act was, in reality, a well-orchestrated maneuver.
"Settle yourself and meditate. In five days, we proceed to our subsequent destination," With that, Zatiel shut his eyes, commencing his meditation to restore his expended energy.
