Chapter [152]

Forest of Kuoh

Merlin, Rossweisse, and Kuroka appeared in the dense forest of Kuoh after teleporting. The tall trees and thick vegetation created a mysterious and silent atmosphere, interrupted only by the occasional sounds of wildlife.

Merlin led the group, with Rossweisse and Kuroka following closely. The three walked carefully, attentive to the sounds and movements around them.

Kuroka, always alert, commented in a low voice. "Merlin-sama, who exactly are we looking for, nya?"

Merlin looked at Kuroka with an enigmatic smile. "We are looking for Tiamat, the most powerful of the Dragon Kings."

Kuroka's eyes widened in fear. "Tiamat, nya? But she is extremely powerful and dangerous, nya!"

Rossweisse, intrigued, asked. "How strong is Tiamat, Merlin-sama?"

Merlin smiled smugly, with a gleam of confidence in her eyes. "Strong enough to be my Queen."

Kuroka trembled slightly, her apprehension evident. "Merlin-sama, are you sure this is a good idea, nya? Facing Tiamat is no joke."

Merlin maintained her confident smile. "Trust me, Kuroka. I know what I'm doing. Tiamat will be a valuable addition to my Peerage."

Tiamat's voice echoed through the forest, deep and resonant, carrying an unmistakable authority. "You seem quite certain that I'll join your Peerage."

Rossweisse looked around, trying to identify the origin of the voice. "Where did that voice come from?"

Merlin, always attentive, pointed in the direction where she felt the powerful energy emanating. "A few kilometers away, in that direction."

Kuroka, visibly nervous, murmured. "I warned you, nya. This is very dangerous!"

Merlin looked at Kuroka firmly. "Stop being a coward, Kuroka. Let's continue. We have a mission to fulfill."

They pressed on, each step more cautious and attentive. Tiamat's presence became more palpable as they approached, the energy in the air almost tangible. Kuroka, though reluctant, stayed by Merlin and Rossweisse's side, her feline ears perked and alert.

Finally, upon reaching a clearing in the forest, the majestic figure of Tiamat appeared before them. Her penetrating gaze fixed on the group, especially on Merlin.

"Tiamat," Merlin began, with a firm and assured voice. "I came to make you a proposal. I want you to join my Peerage as my Queen."

Tiamat raised an eyebrow, her expression unwavering. "And why should I consider such a proposal?"

Merlin took a deep breath, maintaining her composure. "Because I want to impress Riser-sama."

Tiamat was incredulous, her gaze becoming sharp and irritated. "You dare come to me, the most powerful of the Dragon Kings, with such an outrageous request? To impress someone?"

Tiamat's aura began to pulse with a threatening intensity, and Kuroka instinctively stepped back, while Rossweisse prepared for any eventuality. Merlin, however, remained firm.

"Yes," said Merlin, her voice firm and defiant. "Riser-sama is important to me, and I believe that you, Tiamat, can understand the importance of seeking power and alliance with someone who can further elevate your own strength and influence."

Tiamat laughed, a deep and resonant laugh that echoed through the clearing. "You have courage, Merlin. But courage alone won't be enough to convince me."

"I prefer not to harm someone who will join my Peerage."

Tiamat laughed again, with contempt. "Are you threatening me, Merlin?"

Kuroka took a few steps back, visibly nervous about the growing tension. Rossweisse stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of her new master.

Merlin raised her hand, signaling for the two to stay back. "Kuroka, Rossweisse, stay where you are. This isn't a threat, Tiamat. It's a warning."

Tiamat observed the three with a critical look. "You have the courage to speak to me like this, Merlin. I watched you and Riser in the Rating Game. Know that I am stronger than Tannin."

Merlin smiled confidently, her eyes shining with determination. "Big deal. So am I."

Tiamat narrowed her eyes, her curiosity mixed with a hint of respect. "Do you really believe you can defeat me, Merlin?"

Merlin, with a determined expression, raised her hand and murmured a few words in an ancient language. The atmosphere around the clearing abruptly changed, and time seemed to stop around Tiamat. The powerful dragon remained motionless, her expression of surprise frozen in time.

Kuroka and Rossweisse watched the scene with astonishment, unable to comprehend the magnitude of the magic Merlin had just used.

Merlin walked calmly up to Tiamat, her steps echoing in the absolute silence. Upon reaching the dragon, she raised two fingers and pointed them directly at Tiamat's head. An intense energy began to concentrate in her fingers, and the aura of the "Exterminating Ray" became palpable, emitting sparks and bright lights.

With a firm and confident expression, Merlin released the magic that was paralyzing time around Tiamat. The dragon blinked, returning to consciousness, only to find herself under the aim of Merlin's "Exterminating Ray."

"Yes," said Merlin, her voice cold and determined. "I think you're ready to join my Peerage now."

Tiamat, feeling the overwhelming energy of Merlin's spell, looked at the mage with a new expression of respect and surprise. She knew Merlin could fulfill her threat and that underestimating her would be a fatal mistake.

After a moment of tense silence, Tiamat sighed, her expression softening. "You are truly formidable, Merlin. I see you weren't joking."

Merlin kept her fingers firm, her expression unyielding. "So, Tiamat, do you accept the proposal?"

Tiamat looked around, seeing the astonished expressions of Kuroka and Rossweisse, and then returned her attention to Merlin. "Very well. I accept to join your Peerage."

Merlin smiled, satisfied, and lowered her hand, undoing the spell. The energy around her diminished, and the atmosphere in the clearing returned to normal. "Great. Let's perform the ritual."

Kuroka and Rossweisse, still impressed by what they had just witnessed, cautiously approached as Merlin prepared the ritual to reincarnate Tiamat into her new Peerage piece.

Tiamat, after agreeing to join Merlin's Peerage, began to change her form. Her resplendent and imposing scales started to contract and glow with magical light, transforming into a human shape.

As the light dimmed, Tiamat stood before Merlin, Kuroka, and Rossweisse in her human form. She was a tall and slender woman, with long blue hair that seemed to shine like sapphires. Her eyes retained the intensity and depth characteristic of a dragon, and her presence continued to exude a powerful aura of authority and strength. She wore an elegant but practical armor that highlighted her graceful yet imposing figure.

Kuroka, still a bit nervous, commented. "She is even more impressive in human form, nya."

Rossweisse, also impressed, nodded. "Yes, Kuroka. She is truly formidable."

Merlin, satisfied with Tiamat's transformation, prepared to perform the reincarnation ritual. Taking the crystal box, she removed the Queen piece intended for Tiamat. With a solemn and firm voice, she began chanting the ancient words necessary for the ritual.

Tiamat positioned herself before Merlin, closing her eyes and focusing on the energy surrounding her. Merlin raised the Evil Piece and placed it on Tiamat's chest, who felt the magic flow through her body.

An intense light enveloped Tiamat, creating a bright and powerful aura around her. The magical energy seemed to pulse, connecting Tiamat to Merlin's Peerage in a deep and irrevocable way. The sensation of power growing within her was unmistakable.

After a few moments, the light began to fade, and Tiamat opened her eyes, now officially the new Queen of Merlin's Peerage. Merlin smiled, satisfied with the success of the ritual.

"Welcome to my Peerage, Tiamat. I'm sure you'll be an invaluable addition," said Merlin with a tone of authority, but also with a slight smile of acceptance.

Kuroka and Rossweisse approached to welcome the new member. "Welcome, Tiamat, nya. I hope we can work well together," said Kuroka, still a bit nervous but trying to show cordiality.

Rossweisse made a respectful bow. "It's an honor to have you with us, Tiamat. I'm sure we will learn a lot from you."

Tiamat smiled slightly, appreciating the warm welcome. "Thank you, Kuroka, Rossweisse. I will do my best to contribute to the Peerage."

Merlin, satisfied with Tiamat's integration, stepped forward. "Now that we are all together, let's return to Riser-sama's mansion."

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