SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

"Beast King, become my vassal. If you do, then I will cure your Curse."

The weakened being, on the verge of death, looked at me with surprise.

But, that expression did not last long.

"Why do you want something like that?" His voice was hoarse, and I could tell that he was battling immense pain.

Not only had Serah severely injured him, but the effects of his Mana Overload were beginning to manifest.

I once saw Dom when he was going through such agony, and I knew it was more than enough to drive a person to the edge of insanity.

Despite being hailed as a strong warrior—the strongest at the time—he too couldn't bear the pain.

'I can use this...' My thoughts trailed coldly.

My knowledge of the Beastfolk, the Beast King's defeat at the hands of Serah, and his current agonizing situation. Everything added up nicely.

"You aren't questioning my ability to do something like that?"

"You wouldn't want the fealty of a dead man, would you? Besides, I'm dying... there's no merit in doubting your words."

'Spoken like a truly desperate creature.' I smiled, pleased by his undying will to be free of his curse.

I could have healed him at that moment, but I refused to do such a thing.

Easing him of his pain would cause him to falter in his decision. I needed just the right amount of desperation.

'The more, the better.'

"Beast King—no, Gerard—you have the qualities I desire as a vassal. Rest assured, I will not do anything to hurt any member of your Race, neither will I make you harm them either. I simply want you, and only you."

I said that, but it was merely a pretext. My desire was for the entirety of the Beastfolk to fall under my grasp.

Unlike the Elves and Fairies, their kind was very volatile. I couldn't handle them diplomatically or with levity.

'I will simply bring them under my mighty hand.'

"Why would I choose to serve you? You aren't stronger than I am, are you? I only lost to your friend there..." His gaze shifted to Serah.

'So, he's attracted to her, uh? Should I use that? No... I shouldn't bring Serah into this.'

"I guess you'll never get to find out." I smiled at the dying Beast King.

"You know I'd rather die than let go of my pride. That's how we Beastfolk are." He groaned.

It seemed he was intent on being stubborn.

"Even if you could live twice, thrice, or even far longer than you have already lived? You could achieve even greater heights than ever before."

I sensed hesitation in his eyes, and then glanced at Serah. She was silently observing the situation, no doubt.

'I guess I'll have to use his attraction to her, after all...'

"You speak about pride, yet a female bested you in combat. How laughable."

"H-hey, mind what you say, kid!" Gerard growled, getting needlessly flustered.

"Shut up." I silenced him with a single cold gaze.

At the moment, he was nothing more than a wounded dog who lost to a female—a shameful event for a male such as himself.

"Your pride is meaningless right now. You're worse than the other Beast Kings who came before you. At least, they never got their asses handed over to them as you did."

I saw the King bite his lip, unable to refuse my words.

"Do you know why you lost to her? The answer is simple. You were too weak."

Once I made this bombshell land, I could feel Serah get upset at me, but I ignored her.

'Based on how she obeyed my orders not to kill The Beast King, it seems she respects and trusts me enough not to defy me—at least not openly.'

Besides, I had made good on my promise and showed her a good time. Whatever dissatisfactions she had would be swallowed.

"But, you will get a chance to redeem yourself if you accept my proposal. You'll get as much time to not only live, but get even stronger than you are. Achieving even greater heights while blotting out this shameful failure, this is a chance for both."

The only thing stronger than Gerard's desire to be killed by Serah would be to make her his Mate.

To do that, he had to be stronger than she was.

With the motivating factor I am dangling in front of him present, there was a high likelihood that he would bite.

"Can I... really get stronger?" He murmured with doubt.

"You can."

My answer was immediate, and I showed unwavering conviction in my eyes.

'If you refuse, I'll simply let you die. You will suffer the most excruciating death as your Mana Overload kills you. Then... I'll revive you and let you experience the same thing over again.'

Ultimately, Gerard would break and accept my proposal.

It was nothing personal, but I wanted the best for both sides, while ensuring my goals were met.

"Then... if you can keep my people out of this... if you can indeed cure me and make me stronger, then I wouldn't mind... being your subordinate..." His murmur sounded strained.

'Has the pain started getting unbearable for you?' I eyed his throbbing body.

"Wise choice." I smiled at the man.

Serah's fierce gaze was on me, and I could tell she was questioning what I was trying to do, but I ignored her once more.

'Just be happy I let you play with him. I fulfilled my end of the agreement, so let me take things from here.' My thoughts responded to her silent rebuke.

"It's good to see that I can reason with you. Though, I believe you are wrong about one thing." I continued looking at the Beastfolk as I spoke.

"And what's that?" He murmured.

"Either you or Serah, it doesn't matter. There's no way I'd lose to any of you. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Gerard stared at me in disbelief. Even Serah's gaze now pierced my back. Their opinions didn't matter since it was the truth.

"I'm stronger than you."

A proud Beastfolk, who respected strength above all else, would clearly have second thoughts about serving someone weaker. That was why it was most effective to show him who the inferior one was.

"Now, then, Gerard, I will fulfill my end of the deal. In exchange... you will become mine."