Everywhere I looked, there was only sand. I flew with my telekinesis with the winds and heat wave buffeting on my exposed bones but I wouldn't care since it wouldn't hurt me that much.
I had long used my telepathic abilities and covered myself with psychic invisibility, ensuring that I wouldn't be side-tracked by animals that might take a sudden interest in me. Though the signs of active life had been promising, I shouldn't put too much hope in it.
There was a saying about expecting the unexpected to avoid disappointment, so I was doing just that.
But the goddess of fortune smiled at me as for the first time, I detected life. From my mind's eye, I felt the spark of intelligence a few kilometers from where I levitated, I chased that 'spark' and soon I arrived in a forest.
The reason I had been slaughtering people a lot back from Earth was because I had to extract their soul energy, I wouldn't know exactly what to refer to it, but that was the best I got. Using their soul energy, I would delicately imbue them to my daughter's soul.
While the theory was imperfect, it had the highest chance of success for me to resurrect my daughter.
If 'intelligent life' existed in this world, I could stop bothering to find a way home to Planet Earth and just continue my 'resurrection project' here. I lightly landed on a branch and witnessed a civilization among the trees.
I could not help but compare the humanoids living in tree houses to the elves, creatures that existed in fantasy novels and the like. My daughter loved her novels, and seeing an intelligent species aside from humans aroused my curiosity.
As I observed the elven civilization from my perch on the branch, I couldn't help but marvel at their beauty and grace. They moved among the trees with an elegance that seemed almost supernatural. Their features were delicate, with pointed ears and eyes that shimmered like emeralds in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
Descending from the branch, I approached cautiously, my psychic invisibility still cloaking me from their senses. As I drew nearer, I could hear snippets of their conversation, carried on the wind.
Though they spoke a different language, I could still understand the intent of their words as I read their surface thoughts.
"...need to gather more supplies before the next moonrise," one elf said, her voice melodic and soothing.
"Yes, and we mustn't forget to replenish the wards around the village," another added, her tone more serious.
I listened intently, my telepathic abilities allowing me to understand their language effortlessly. It seemed they were discussing the needs of their community, much like any other civilization.
Stepping out into the open, I revealed myself to the elves. They paused, their gazes turning toward me with curiosity and caution. I had altered my psychic invisibility. I don't think they would react well if they saw my true self— a walking set of bones.
Instead, I used a psychic illusion to make myself look like them, an elf— one with blonde locks, purple eyes, and fair skin.
"Greetings," I said, my voice was calm and measured. "I mean you no harm."
The elves exchanged glances, clearly unsure of what to make of me.
"We mean you no harm either," one of them spoke finally, her voice tinged with wariness. "But who are you? And what brings you to our forest?"
I hesitated for a moment, considering how much to reveal. These elves were my potential allies in my quest to resurrect my daughter, but I couldn't afford to trust them entirely just yet. One thing I had learned at the height of my villainy was to always make allies, and ensure their points of interest wouldn't conflict with yours.
You wouldn't know when you'd need their help the most, but more importantly, you wouldn't know when they would backstab you.
"I am a traveler," I replied cryptically. "I come seeking knowledge and… friendship." Their tongue was a bit difficult to replicate, but I have not been a 2000-year-old supervillain for nothing. I could act and fake it as much as I wanted, and no one would find out unless they could match my mental strength, willpower, and cunning.
The elves exchanged another glance, their expressions softening slightly.
"Well, traveler," the same elf said, stepping forward, "you are welcome in our village. I am Irene, and these are my people."
Irene had brown hair, and sapphire eyes, unlike her brethren who mostly shared blonde hair and emerald eyes. I took note of her difference.
More curious elves congregated around us, all of them seemingly interested in my arrival.
I nodded gratefully, inwardly relieved that they were at least willing to entertain my presence.
"Thank you, Irene," I said, offering a slight bow. "I am grateful for your hospitality."
As Irene and her fellow elves welcomed me into their village, they peppered me with questions, their curiosity palpable in the air.
"Which forest do you come from?" Irene inquired, her emerald eyes glinting with interest.
"I come from a distant forest," I replied vaguely, not wishing to divulge too much information just yet.
"How old are you?" another elf asked, her voice filled with wonder.
"I am... old," I replied with a cryptic smile, not wanting to delve into the complexities of my long existence. It was a safe answer.
"Are you strong?" a young elf piped up, her eyes wide with excitement.
"I possess certain abilities," I answered evasively, not wanting to reveal the extent of my powers just yet.
"How did you come here?" Irene pressed, her curiosity piqued.
"That is a long story," I replied, deflecting the question with a vague gesture. "Perhaps one I will share another time."
"Would you consider joining our forest?" Irene asked, her gaze hopeful.
"I appreciate your offer," I said diplomatically, "but for now, I am merely a traveler seeking knowledge and... friendship. Would you mind bringing me to someone in charge?"
"I wouldn't mind, follow me." She replied, not an ounce of hesitation in her voice as she walked ahead of me.
Throughout the exchange, I tried my best to be accommodating, answering their questions without revealing too much about myself. It was a hassle. I should have kidnapped an elf first and mind-razed their memories so that I would have more information. The regret was short-lived, however.
Razing someone's mind guarantees a death sentence, and killing someone even hidden from their eyes would not be good for me. They had too few a member, and that meant they would notice immediately if someone was lost.
If they saw a stranger suddenly amidst them, they would surely be suspicious of him.
I looked around their village, observing the intricate tree houses carefully camouflaged with nature. It was impressive craftsmanship, though I couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain for their primitive ways. Despite my internal criticisms, I kept my expression neutral as I continued to explore.
As a walking set of bones covered with illusions, it was fairly easy to hide my expression.
Noticing the scarcity of males in the village, with only a few boys running and playing around, I couldn't help but be intrigued. It seemed this elven society had suffered a loss of males recently or maybe there was another reason for it, a fact that piqued my interest. Approaching Irene, I inquired about the lack of males in their community.
"Why are there so few males in your village?" I asked, my curiosity evident in my tone.
Irene's expression saddened slightly at the question, her emerald eyes reflecting the weight of past struggles. "There was a war," she replied softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Many of our males perished in the conflict, leaving only a few survivors."
I nodded, understanding dawning on me. War was a concept all too familiar to me, though my experiences with it had been vastly different. It seemed even in this idyllic forest, violence, and conflict had left their mark.
"I'm sorry to hear that," I offered sincerely, though my sympathy was tinged with a hint of detached curiosity. "How has your village coped with such loss?"
Irene sighed, her gaze drifting to the bustling activity of the village below. "It has been difficult," she admitted. "But we have persevered, relying on the strength and resilience of our community to rebuild what was lost."
As Irene spoke, I couldn't help but admire her resilience in the face of adversity. These elves may have been primitive in comparison to my world's technological prowess, but their spirit and determination were undeniable.
"I see," I replied, my tone respectful. "Your resilience is commendable. If there is anything I can do to assist your village, please don't hesitate to ask." It was merely rote cordiality on my part. If they asked for something I could do with little effort and put them in my debt, then that would be perfect.
Irene smiled gratefully, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, traveler," she said warmly. "Your offer is appreciated. For now, simply your presence among us brings a sense of hope."
After a short quiet, we finally arrived at an important-looking hut.