Massive finger like structures reaching for the heavens stood in exalted worship. They absorbed excess mana from various creatures on Markus’s land and stored the energy. The structures glowed blue and small ring like halos of enchantment script covered them. Society called them fingers of god.

Markus liked the name and couldn’t help but enjoy the ego boost. 5sqaure miles or 8 kilometers of land stretched with the various fingers of god. They stayed within the border of his territory. At any time, Markus could make use of the massive mana batteries within the structures. Now that he had over 10 times this territory, well Society would undoubtedly expand its reach.

He stole a glance at Lilium then Trixie. Trixie looked up her eyes easy to read. ‘Let’s have some fun.’ She had no skin in the game. She knew that if he did nothing Society would make the elves into shells.

Lilium had an air of determination about her. He sensed something was amiss. Lilium wouldn’t hesitate to drain a human or any other creature dry if she was hungry. Why were elves suddenly important? This mystery ate away at his patience.

As they traveled north atop Windy, he felt his distance from the answer close. Soon he would know why the elves were special.

In preparation for this act of diplomacy. He studied elf lore. He picked up on a little of their language and their habits. Though, it wasn’t enough to hold a conversation. Something was better than nothing.

Soon the sun vanished, and his companions took a breath. Under the cover of the tree tops the suns discomfort wore away. Even Windy relaxed as she galloped through the forest at a brisk pace. Markus concentrated on the various monsters eyeing them in the forest.

They were being watched not just by the animals but by the minds of others. A type of scouting perhaps. He thought to flare his dark mana and wash away the spying but decided against the action. Markus would play the part of a human diplomat.

That didn’t stop him from triangulating the mental signatures and turning Windy towards their direction. For a time, nothing happened they were watched, and they drew ever closer to the presences. The birds stopped chirping and the sounds from insects cut off. Sweat beaded down Windy’s coat as they approached the presences.

They came upon a clearing and Markus stopped Windy. She eyed the stranger who stood in the clearing. A man with pointed ears and a timeless face. He was naked and wore various white painted markings that symbolized wolves.

“I’ve heard of your kind. Druids those who gave the dru trees their names or was it the other way around?” Markus asked.

“That lore has been lost, even to our story tellers. Human are you passing through or are you here for a purpose.” The elf said in a musical accent. The elf smiled at him an expression that hinted at mischief. “Not many are brave enough to come to our forest alone. Fewer in such exotic company.” The smile grew wider. “Though men are well known for their lusts. Are all three your lovers or just the horse and the succubus?” The elf cackled, and Markus made no movement. He looked at Lilium who stared at the elf afraid.

Confusion crossed Markus’s features. This elf didn’t look particularly dangerous. Or was she afraid for the elf. The first part he could understand but the second was depressing. He rubbed her horns and looked back at the elf.

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He dismounted Windy and stood straight and pushed his right hand out and up 15degrees above his shoulder. “Hale the elvish nation, I seek an audience with your leader.” Lilium gasped and Trixie giggled.

“If this fails, then they are all going to die for this embarrassment alone, aren’t they?” Markus didn’t break his pose but gave the feeling of affirmation.

“Well I’ll be, we taught that salute as a joke. The ambassadors looked hilarious haling us. In a thousand years it hasn’t gotten old.” The elf man stepped behind a tree and pulled on his leather pants. “If your serious enough about peace to make a fool of yourself, we can hear you out. At least the queen will get to see you make a fool of yourself. I’m sure that will put her in a good mood for the next century.”

He considered that to be strike one. “Leave the nightbreed here. Can’t have something so dangerous roaming around the village.” The elf said with a chuckle. “Keep up,” the elf said with a wink and sprinted away.

Markus picked up Trixie and Lilium, before picking up speed. With a few strides Markus caught up and followed closely behind the elf. They passed by some guards and entered the elven village.

Tiny elves sang songs at him and giggled. They cartwheeled away, while burly male elves poked their spears at him much to the pleasure of wondering female elves. The druid that guided him made no way to keep the molesters off him. They fortunately stayed clear of Trixie and Lilium. He counted the incident as half a strike.

They approached a youthful figure sitting on a throne. She saw Lilium and squealed running down and hugging the sheath sucubi. A cough from the druid quickly brought the elvish queen from her childish display.

“Please human show me you are serious about diplomacy.” Markus sighed straightened and held his hand out.

“Hale the elvish nation.” Markus said in a monotone voice and the queen clapped her hands. By this point Markus was a step away from slaughtering them all.

“Please Tsarra this is my master Markus of Might. He is the current owner of this property. I asked him to treat you softly. Don’t take advantage of his mercy.” Lilium said and bowed.

“I am the ruler of this land not some human. What is he going to do? He clearly isn’t an elite knight, I don’t see any armor on him. His sword is in your stomach. While I have my grand wizard, the Grand Druid, and I am skilled in life magic myself. What do you have?”

“Alright, there is nothing we can do. It seems there will be no treaties between us. We will leave you in peace.” Markus said. Lilium looked up surprised. Markus smiled gently rubbed her horns and turned to leave.

Lilium dropped to her knees. “Please, Tsarra I don’t want you to die. Sign a treaty to Markus, do something, if you don’t then you and your people will die or worse.” Lilium begged.

“There is no danger and I would rather die than prostrate myself to a human.” Markus nodded his head. There was no point in dealing with her.

The druid led them back to Windy. “Well human it didn’t turn out how you wanted but it could be worse. You could be dead, right.” Markus smiled as they galloped through the forest. Minotaurs carrying massive axes in full plate armor, some hauled cannons, and one carried a staff and wore a wizard’s hat. They continued galloping as thousands of goblin archers marched behind the minotaurs.

“Thank you, Markus, I wish my friend was like she used to be. She wasn’t such a brat 20years ago. When we were girls, before I settled with my mother in war dungeon. We played together. Before the demon lord sacrificed the succubus village. She’s been in power for too long and elves aren’t quick to change their opinions.” The sounds of screaming filled their ears as they left the forest.

The sounds of cannons boomed through the night as they traveled back to Haven. The clear blue pool was filled with drones growing large then splitting in two. The two identical minds developed differently from there. Cancerous factories poured out bars of food from various processes. This was a war of expansion. It could have been settled through a treaty. Trixie was smiling from ear to ear.

He rubbed her tentacles and she giggled in his head. “I actually expected you to lose your temper. I’m proud of you. You’re growing up.” Markus enjoyed the cool sensation of her tentacles and felt them pleasantly squeeze between his fingers.

“I’ll put the elves back together myself Lilium. If Tsarra survives, I’ll make sure she lives comfortably.” Markus promised.