I'm The Devil - Chapter 238

Chapter 238: Control

As Elandor made his way back home through the forest, the events of the evening replayed in his mind. The confrontation with the boys had left him troubled, not just because of their actions, but because of the choice he had made to show mercy. The forest around him grew darker as the last rays of the sun disappeared, and soon he reached the clearing where his modest home stood.

Pushing open the door, he was greeted by the sight of Lucifer, his mentor, standing in the center of the room. Lucifer’s eyes were dark and intense, and his usually composed demeanor was replaced by an unsettling energy. In his hands, Lucifer conjured miniature balls of energy, making them explode one by one with a sharp crack that reverberated through the room.

As if sensing Elandor’s presence, Lucifer spoke without turning around. “This is how you should have handled them,” he said, his voice cold and unwavering. “Not showing them mercy as if they deserve it.”

Elandor stepped forward, a frown creasing his brow. “Lucifer, I couldn’t bring myself to harm them. They were misguided, yes, but they are still my peers. There is a lesson to be learned in mercy and restraint.”

Lucifer turned to face Elandor, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and disappointment. “If you were the one on the other end, they would not have thought twice to end your life,” he said sharply. “You have power, Elandor, power that they fear and envy. They will continue to challenge you, to undermine you. You must show them that you are not to be trifled with.”

Elandor took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Lucifer’s words. “I understand your perspective, but I believe that true strength lies not in the ability to crush our enemies but in the wisdom to choose a different path. I want to inspire respect, not fear.”

Lucifer’s expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained intense. “You have a noble heart, Elandor. But the world is not always kind to those with noble hearts. You must be prepared to defend yourself, to show your strength when necessary.”

“I will,” Elandor replied quietly. “But I will do so in a way that aligns with my principles. I cannot become like those I oppose.”

Lucifer sighed, a mix of frustration and pride in his gaze. “Very well, Elandor. But remember this: mercy should be a choice, not a weakness. If you continue to show it indiscriminately, you may find yourself vulnerable to those who have no qualms about exploiting it.”

Elandor nodded, taking his mentor’s words to heart. “I will find the balance. Thank you for your guidance.”

Lucifer stepped closer, placing a hand on Elandor’s shoulder. “You have great potential, Elandor. Do not let it be wasted by underestimating the dangers around you. Now, let us prepare for tomorrow’s training. There is much more for you to learn.”

—

The next day dawned bright and clear, with the early morning sunlight filtering through the trees and casting dappled shadows on the ground. Elandor and Lucifer stood in a secluded glade, a place they often used for training. The air was filled with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, providing a serene backdrop to the rigorous training session that lay ahead.

“Today, we will focus on control,” Lucifer announced, his tone firm but encouraging. “Your ability to manipulate the elements is impressive, but control is what sets a true master apart from a mere practitioner.”

Elandor nodded, determined to prove himself. “What shall I do?”

As a celestial mage, Elandor’s potential to control all elements was vast, but today, Lucifer decided to focus on the basics to ensure a solid foundation. They stood within the containment field Lucifer had conjured, which shimmered faintly in the morning light, providing a secure space for their training.

“First, we will begin with fire,” Lucifer instructed, his voice steady and authoritative. “Fire is an element of passion and destruction, but also of warmth and life. Control it, and you control a powerful force.”

Elandor nodded, extending his hand. He felt the familiar surge of mana within him, channeling it into his palm. A small flame flickered to life, dancing gracefully. Elandor focused, his brow furrowing as he attempted to maintain the flame’s size and intensity.

“Good,” Lucifer observed. “Now, manipulate its shape without increasing its energy. Keep it contained, but versatile.”

With a deep breath, Elandor visualized the flame transforming. The fire responded to his will, elongating into a thin tendril that twisted and curled. He then shaped it into a small, fiery sphere, maintaining its stability. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but he held his concentration.

Lucifer nodded in approval. “Excellent control. Now, extinguish it gradually. Let it dissipate, not just vanish.”

Elandor focused on reducing the flame’s intensity. Slowly, it shrank, the heat dimming until it disappeared entirely. He exhaled, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

“Next, we move to water,” Lucifer continued. “Water is fluid and adaptable. It can be gentle or overwhelming. Mastering water requires a balance of strength and flexibility.”

Elandor closed his eyes briefly, sensing the cool, soothing energy of water. He extended his other hand, and a stream of water emerged, flowing smoothly from his fingertips. He manipulated it with ease, creating intricate patterns in the air.

“Control its form,” Lucifer instructed. “Make it solid, then fluid again. Show me its versatility.”

With a determined gaze, Elandor willed the water into a solid shape, forming a crystalline ice sculpture. He then released the rigidity, turning it back into a flowing liquid that spiraled around him. The transition was seamless, the water obeying his command.

“Impressive,” Lucifer remarked. “But remember, water is not just about control. It’s about understanding its nature. It can heal as well as harm.”

Elandor nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in his mentor’s words. “Yes, Master. I will remember.”

Lucifer then motioned towards the ground. “Earth is next. It represents stability and endurance. To control earth, you must be grounded, both physically and mentally.”

Elandor knelt, placing his hands on the soil. He felt the steady, reassuring energy of the earth beneath him. With a deep breath, he channeled his mana into the ground, causing a small mound of earth to rise before him. He molded it into a sturdy pillar, then reshaped it into a delicate sculpture.

“Maintain its form while adding detail,” Lucifer directed. “Show the earth’s resilience and malleability.”

Elandor focused intently, adding intricate patterns to the sculpture’s surface. Despite the complexity, the structure remained solid, a testament to his growing control.

“Very well done,” Lucifer said, a hint of pride in his voice. “Lastly, we turn to air. It is the most elusive of elements, representing freedom and movement. Control the wind, and you control the unseen.”

Elandor stood, feeling the lightness of the air around him. He extended his arms, summoning a gentle breeze. The wind responded to his touch, swirling playfully. He intensified his focus, directing the air currents into a concentrated vortex that lifted leaves and dust into a controlled whirlwind.

“Air requires precision,” Lucifer explained. “Guide it, don’t force it. Let it flow naturally while maintaining your influence.”

Elandor nodded, refining the vortex into a thin, controlled stream of wind that wove through the glade. He directed it with subtle movements, guiding the air with finesse.

“Excellent control,” Lucifer praised. “You have shown remarkable progress in mastering the basic elements. But remember, true mastery lies in integrating them harmoniously. Now, combine them.”

Elandor took a deep breath, ready to face the final challenge. He summoned fire, water, earth, and air simultaneously, feeling the distinct energies merge within him. He envisioned a harmonious interplay of the elements, guiding them to coexist without conflict.

With a swift motion, Elandor created a swirling sphere of elemental energy, each element visible within the vortex. Fire and water danced together, earth and air intertwined. The sphere hovered before him, a testament to his growing mastery.

Lucifer watched intently, his eyes gleaming with approval. “Balance, Elandor. Maintain the harmony.”

Elandor focused on the delicate equilibrium, ensuring each element’s presence was balanced by the others. The sphere stabilized, its energy radiating with a gentle, harmonious glow.

“Release it gently,” Lucifer instructed. “Let the elements return to their natural states without disrupting the balance.”

Elandor slowly dissipated the sphere, allowing the elements to separate and return to their surroundings. The fire extinguished, the water evaporated, the earth settled, and the air calmed. He exhaled deeply, feeling a profound sense of achievement.

Lucifer stepped forward, placing a hand on Elandor’s shoulder. “You have done well, Elandor. Remember, mastery of the elements is not just about control, but understanding and respect. You are on the right path.”

Elandor nodded, gratitude and determination filling his heart. “Thank you, Master. I will continue to learn and grow.”

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Elandor and Lucifer stood together in the glade, a sense of purpose and unity binding them. Elandor knew that his journey was far from over, but with each lesson, he grew closer to becoming the mage he aspired to be—one who wielded power with wisdom and compassion.