Battle or Massacre?

Looking at the group of about 20 people in front of me, including my former subordinate Bob, I felt nothing but pity for them. You would think Bob would know better as he has been around me for a while. But I guess greed exists in all people, no matter the circumstance.

I'm not saying I'm not greedy because I am, but you must have the ability to back it up. The difference between them and me is that I can do what I set out to do, whatever the consequence is. I want to rule and start my empire, but I need power and control. Wish is why I can not and will not allow anyone to block my path. I need to protect my family, friends, and loved ones. Anyone that gets in the way of that will be eliminated.

Dwayne: "I hope you are ready because I will not be merciful and kill all who get in my way?"

Some looked like they were second-guessing their decision to go against me, but Steven was ready to counter what was said to bring back their morale.

Steven: "Do not fear him, guys; this is why we have to kill him because he is too power-hungry and does not care about life. He wishes to control us like slaves while those close to him live like kings. How is that fair? Why are we working so hard just so that he can live off our efforts? Who gave him the right to be king and rule over us all? If I were to lead you all, I would give equal rights to everyone, and no one would feel like they are enslaved. I will protect everyone no matter who they are and create a safe environment for all of humanity to prosper. If you follow me, I can lead you to a better tomorrow."

Joe: "Wow, that was a great speech. Did you think of that all on your own? So stupid; even before the mana burst, society was never equal. How can you make it equal now with everyone having powers and abilities? There will always be some who are better, stronger, smarter, and so on than others; that will never change. You are saying all this before the fight because you are afraid that you might lose even though it's so many of you against Dwayne alone. This fear drives you to seek help from others when you already have over 20 people against him. The weak-willed can never lead or rule successfully, so you will fail."

Dwayne: "Joe, there is no need to say anymore to them. All of you can attack me at the same time. If anyone else has a problem with how I do things, you are also welcome to join them."

A few out of the group stepped back, not wanting to get involved. They are leaving 15 people who look like they have yet to pass level 11. Only Bob and Steven are giving off more substantial elemental fluctuations but nothing that can pose a threat to me.

Dwayne: "Let's get this over with because I still have things to discuss with the people willing to follow me."

The next thing I knew, I saw different elemental attacks coming my way. The space around me was locking me to prevent me from escaping their attacks. I felt a piercing sound wave trying to disrupt my organs. I was blinded by a bright light wish disappointed me a little because I would have to kill a light Elementalist. It is already so few healers in the group. The ground beneath me started to rumble as an earth spike came upwards. While flames were coming from my left and right, cutting off all escape routes. Also, a purple fog was above my head, slowly getting closer.

Looking to my side, I could see Michelle's look of fear for my safety and Joe's look of confidence with a wicked smile across his face. I couldn't help but laugh to myself. This all sounded like a lot, but honestly, I had slowed the time down around myself. So there was a 3x3 sqft time zone that I was in control of around myself.

I teleported behind Steven and thrust my spear towards the back of his head. Being a space Elementalist as well, he knew instantly that I appeared behind him and tried to teleport himself away. Before you could move, I froze the space around us, locking him in place and smiling as I slowed his time down. The horror on Steven's face when he found that he could not teleport and could only watch as my spear slowly got closer to his head.

Looking next to me, I can see the deep, routed fear appearing in Bob's eyes as he looks at me, piercing through Steven's head. A smile slowly forms on my lips as I teleport away from him because I decided to save Bob for last.

Standing in the sky above everyone who has failed to realize that I have already left my location, killed Steven, and am now looking down on them. Bob's frantic screams alert everyone to the situation as they were confused about what was going on. They saw Stevens's body slowly fall to the floor and Bob getting to his knees begging for forgiveness; it dawned on them that they had lost. But unfortunately for them, I have no mercy for my enemies.

I froze the space around the opposing group and slowly started to age them with my time element. A shock appears on Bob's face when he realizes that I have more than one element, but it is too late for regret. I soon noticed that one of them was aging slower than the rest. I was coming closer to her to understand her element better. Only to see that she was using the time element to offset some of the effects of my own. It was pretty impressive, but it infused more power to speed up the time more for her.

Dwayne: "If only these fools didn't fool you. The time element is scarce, and although your affinity and strength are not as strong as mine, you could have been a great general under me."

I can tell from her eyes that she is asking for forgiveness, but I can never do that. This humiliation will always be in her mind, and watching for her betrayal will always be mine. I walked over to Bob and stood before him as I released the frozen space around his head. I wanted to know why he would betray me now, knowing my power.

Dwayne: "Bob, why did you do it? It's not like you did not know about my strength beforehand. After all, we have done for you. Saved your life multiple times, trained you to understand your element better, and even gave you gear and equipment to wear. So why, after all that, will you still think to go against me?"

Bob: "Don't try and act all high and might with me. I have long been looking for an opportunity to take you out. The only reason you are stronger than me is because of that pendant around your neck. Without it, you would not have gotten so strong. Luck was just on your side."

Dwayne: "You are right about one thing luck was on my side, but if you truly believe that I got strong because of this pendant around my neck, you are sadly mistaken. I am not afraid to tell you that all it does is have an independent space where I can store things, living or not. That does not incline my power and what I have accomplished. When you were stuck in your building fearing for your life I was out killing zombies and trying to understand this newfound power of mine. While you were starving for food, not knowing when you would get your next meal, I was studying the elements of how to make their elements best work for me. So don't tell me any bull s#$% about luck or an item when I did all the hard work myself. The reason why I am where I am today is because of my hard work and dedication. Not because of luck, fool."

I did not spear him another glance as I slit his throat with my space element. I slowly started to walk away to sit back down with Joe and Michelle before Bob's head fell off his shoulders. Sitting down, I was in the thought of should I kill all the others or not. Looking at Joe, I can tell that he doesn't care, and Michelle looks like she wants to ask for sympathy for them. Looking up at the group, I then released the time element around them and unfroze their heads to give them a chance to redeem themselves.

Dwayne: "I am going against my better judgment by showing you mercy at this moment, but If any of you wastes this chance that I have given you, there will never be a second. I will only ask once; will you serve me and work towards my goal of building a new empire? Think carefully before you answer because if you betray me, I will kill you and make your family slaves to others. I don't believe in slavery, at least not of my kind, but I will if I am forced to."

They all nodded their heads, submitting to me as I undid the effects of my time element and freed them from the frozen space.

Dwayne: "All of you can go over to Joe and let him know what element you use and the level you are on. That was a small sample of my power not including my army of beasts. I am not saying this to scare you or threaten you. I am just letting you know the power I have is not small and I can protect you. I have the power and means to start a new civilization and it is up to you whether you would like to be a part of it or not. I have also noticed the other Elementalist that have not participated in this battle. I do not know the reason and I do not care but let this be a lesson to everyone.