54 Chapter 54

Ron observed the Golden Giant with a mixture of fascination and respect. This elemental creature was a marvel of nature, devoid of bloodlines and composed entirely of elements and minerals. It posed a unique research opportunity.

"Haiii," Ron exclaimed aloud, channeling his power into a decisive swing of his sword. The blade pierced the creature's gut, eliciting a howl of agony as the Golden Giant began to disintegrate into ether.

"But I can't let this opportunity slip away," Ron muttered, transforming his sword back into its pendant form. From his pocket, he retrieved a small container and commenced the process of sealing the fading Golden Giant within it. The creature was weakening rapidly, and Ron intended to study its unique anatomy.

"The seal will only delay its demise," Ron acknowledged, aware of the limitations of his method. "But this is why I have them."

The reason Ron had attacked the Magi before confronting the Golden Giant was to secure fresh experimental specimens for his Elemental Conversion theory. As he advanced towards them, the effects of 'Rampage' had dissipated, leaving him feeling weakened. Nevertheless, he saw no threat in the battered Magi, even with his diminished spiritual force.

"Anna, immediately prepare my lab in the tent and transfer all four of them there," Ron instructed, waving his hand to remove the restrictions on Lancey's mouth.

Lancey gasped for breath, her eyes fixed on Ron. Her initial fear had transformed into a mix of awe and dread, recognizing the ferocious power he possessed.

"You look weakened," Lancey noted, attempting to engage in conversation.

Ron observed her injuries and realized the destruction wrought by his spell. "My weakness won't change your situation. We should address the main issue here."

Lancey, despite her nervousness, remained composed. "What do you want from me? What use can I be to someone of your strength and prowess?"

"You don't seem to be fearful of your plight," Ron remarked.

"No, you misunderstood," Lancey explained. "I am fearful and terrified, but I also know that pleading or cursing my luck won't help. If you didn't kill me, there must be a reason, and as long as I can fulfill your desires, there's a chance at life."

"There's also a chance I may kill you," Ron warned.

Lancey nodded, unflinching. "There is."

A smile tugged at the corner of Ron's lips, impressed by Lancey's intelligence. He had half-expected her to beg for her life, but her understanding of the situation intrigued him.

"I like smart people," Ron said, extending two fingers. "You have two options: become my subordinate and bear my imprint on your soul."

Lancey's eyes widened at the first option, realizing it meant becoming a slave. She bowed her head and meekly asked, "What's the second one?"

"I'll let you go," Ron replied, his eyes cold and indifferent.

"Into the afterlife," he concluded, leaving no room for negotiation.

"You have until I'm finished to decide," Ron told her, knowing his time was running out for his elemental experiment. He instructed Anna to prepare his lab and transferred the four Magi there for experimentation.

Two days later, as the party resumed its journey, a pack of wolves raced past, their presence kicking up a golden-tinged dust. Ron and his companions had wasted no time in continuing their travels after he had extracted all the knowledge he needed from the four captured Magi. Once they had served their purpose, he had swiftly ended their lives.

Elemental conversion was a well-researched topic among Rank 1 Magi, but Ron's quest was different. He sought to understand the physical workings of an elemental creature. Achieving 100% elemental conversion turned a Magus into one with the element itself, effectively hindering future development. However, Ron intended to use his 'Sentient Force' to explore the path of a Knight, leveraging the versatile energy to extract elemental essence.

His theory required testing, but he had no intention of conducting experiments on himself. Thus, the captured Magi had become invaluable research subjects.

Ron turned his gaze to his newest addition, Lancey. She had chosen to agree to his terms, allowing him to implant the 'seal of Lucifer' in her soul. He could sense that she carried a story worth listening to, and as his subordinate, he no longer viewed her with cold indifference.

As the group pressed on, alarms he had set off were suddenly triggered, demanding their immediate attention.