As the infamous Bowel Hunter, how could Elsa possibly lack a trump card?
In her hands were two special short blades—White Blade and Black Blade—crafted specifically to deal with certain types of opponents.
The White Blade was used to crush bones. Its edge could extend, functioning similarly to a segmented snake sword, allowing mid-range attacks.
The Black Blade resembled an ordinary curved dagger, but its edge was serrated, like twisted Damascus steel. Its cutting power was doubled.
"To deal with you, I'm using my full strength this time. If I lose like this... then I'll leave myself at your disposal."
Holding the White Blade and the Black Blade, Elsa's confidence was evident. This was her strongest state.
If she failed, then perhaps that was simply her fate.
"Very well. You only get one chance."
"I'll indulge you."
Shendu spoke coolly, casually using alchemy to create a katana of ordinary material.
The moment she finished speaking, Elsa vanished.
She moved even faster than before—so fast that not even an afterimage could be seen. Yet under Shendu's observation, every trajectory of Elsa's movements was perfectly clear.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Relying on her own perception, Shendu flawlessly blocked Elsa's attacks. However, she deliberately revealed a small opening.
"Now!"
Seizing the opportunity, Elsa pressed the mechanism on the White Blade.
Puchi!
The hidden mechanism activated. The extended blade shot forward, piercing directly toward Shendu's heart. At the same time, Elsa's Black Blade thrust toward the same spot.
"What's this? It doesn't feel like piercing flesh."
Elsa had not expected Shendu's body to be this durable. Even with her full power, she had failed to injure her opponent.
"Heh. Had enough?"
"My turn."
While Elsa was still reeling in shock, Shendu gave a contemptuous smile and instantly restored her strength to fifty percent.
In that instant, the suppressed power within her was partially released. Centered on Shendu, a shockwave-like blast of terrifying magic erupted outward, slamming into Elsa and sending her flying.
Crack! Crack...
After crashing through more than a dozen trees, Elsa finally came to a stop. Just like last time, she coughed up a mouthful of blood. Several of her ribs were broken.
Her combat power collapsed instantly. She lay miserably on the ground, without even the strength to resist.
"What exactly are you? Answer me!"
For the first time, genuine fear appeared on Elsa's face.
"One of the Eight Ancient Demons. A noble demon sorcerer. The true dragon of another world."
With each word Shendu spoke, a portion of Elsa's body turned to stone. The petrification spread upward until everything below her neck had become solid rock, leaving her as a humanoid statue.
"A dragon... I see. Then my defeat wasn't unjust."
Aside from her head, the rest of Elsa's body was completely petrified. At last, she understood why she had lost.
From the very beginning, Shendu had merely been playing with her. Now the game was over.
She likely would not survive.
Yet to Elsa, that was almost a form of release.
"Kill me or spare me. Do as you please."
She closed her eyes, waiting for the silver-haired girl to end her life.
Justice defeats evil. The good eliminate the wicked. Wasn't that the story performed again and again in opera troupes?
Elsa had long been prepared for such an ending. She calmly accepted death.
...
"Heh. Didn't I say? I want you to become the sharp blade in my hand."
With a snap of her fingers, Shendu lifted the petrification.
Elsa's eyes widened in shock. She had never expected such a turn of events.
"Why? Aren't we enemies?"
"And if you recruit me like this... are you truly at ease?"
Regaining her freedom, Elsa stared at Shendu in disbelief, searching for an answer.
"I intend to make Emilia the queen of this nation. The Council of Wise Men will never stand idly by. Beyond them, there are countless other enemies."
"Become the blade in my hand. I will grant you new power. Help me sweep away every obstacle."
"I will grant you rebirth. You will be the sharpest edge I wield."
Shendu spread her arms as if delivering a speech, her voice carrying a persuasive force that pierced straight into Elsa's heart.
"Ara, ara..."
A delighted smile spread across Elsa's lips. She dropped to one knee, speaking with clear excitement.
"I never imagined we were the same kind of person. No wonder I lost to you."
"Very well. I accept your offer."
[Ding~ Elsa Affection +99. Current Affection: 99.]
It was obvious that Elsa had recognized the villainous nature within Shendu—and chosen to submit willingly.
"Good. I now grant you the speed of the Rabbit Talisman, the strength of the Ox Talisman, the invisibility of the Snake Talisman, and the healing power of the Horse Talisman. Serve me well."
Shendu stepped before Elsa and fixed her with a sharp gaze.
"But if you betray me, you will die a miserable death. I will plant several curses within you. Do you understand?"
"Mm."
Elsa answered calmly. She knew Shendu was not joking.
Yet this new life did not seem bad at all. It was far better than the assassin's curse she once bore. And the one she now served was a dragon.
For the future, she felt anticipation rather than fear.
Shendu placed a hand on Elsa's shoulder. A purple magic circle instantly enveloped her body. One by one, the powers of the four talismans fused into her.
At the same time, three curses were embedded within her—Petrification Curse, Soul Imprisonment Curse, and Eternal Nightmare Curse.
"Hah... this power feels wonderful. Master, it seems you also possess the ability to bestow Divine Protections at will."
Elsa flexed her wrist, feeling unprecedented lightness throughout her body.
Her physical capabilities surged once more, filling her with exhilaration.
"It's nothing. Now, you should tell me who wants to attack Emilia."
Shendu looked at Elsa calmly and asked unhurriedly.
"Ara... that, I don't know. But this fur coat I'm wearing is actually a magic robe. It was provided by my employer. The only one capable of crafting such an item through magic is the Border Count."
Elsa licked her lips, smiling faintly.
"I see. So it's that clown again?"
Shendu shook her head. It was exactly as she had guessed.
But it didn't matter.
She had plenty of time to play with him—and see who was truly the one moving the pieces on the board.