General Maxwell stepped onto the familiar soil of the planet, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. The ground felt solid under his boots, the air carrying the same scents of home, yet something intangible had shifted, stirring a subtle unease within him.

He knew without doubt that it wasn't an illusion and that he truly stood on Truy, but the atmospheric mana of the planet was noticeably purer than it had ever been. It flowed around him like a gentle current, infused with a minute, incomprehensible essence that tingled against his senses, hinting at deeper changes.

"I'm very sure we are in Truy, but yet again something seems different about it," General Maxwell muttered, his brow furrowing in thought. He stretched his senses outward beyond the planet's atmosphere, probing the surrounding space to better understand the puzzling situation.

Aaron remained silent, standing nearby with crossed arms, allowing General Maxwell the time and space to reach the answer all by himself. The stars above twinkled in unfamiliar patterns, adding to the mystery without overwhelming the moment.

After much careful probing from outside the planet's confines, General Maxwell finally grasped an inkling of what was truly going on. Realization dawned slowly, his eyes widening slightly as the pieces fell into place.

"Did you move Truy from its actual coordinates to the coordinates of this place you control?" General Maxwell inquired, seeking confirmation to ensure his thoughts were aligned with reality. His voice held a mix of awe and caution, the implications sinking in.

"Indeed. Truy, and the nebula it's within, is now under my rule in this independent space, away from any external forces. Those that pass the loyalty tests will all become Immortals. That's the benefit I provide to those that serve under me," Aaron explained concisely, his words clear and direct, painting a picture of security and elevation.

"This will be the last time I'm offering you this opportunity. Serve under me, and uphold your loyalty," Aaron stated, his tone final yet inviting, extending the chance one more time with measured patience.

General Maxwell remained silent for a moment, pondering deeply on the decision to make. His mind raced through loyalties, futures, and the welfare of his people, the weight of choice pressing heavily on his shoulders.

He came to a resolute decision, falling to his knees in a gesture of submission. He pledged his loyalty to Aaron, his voice steady and sincere, the words carrying the gravity of a life-altering oath.

Aaron nodded his head, pleased at adding another strong and capable person to the ranks of his empire. A sense of accomplishment settled over him, the alliance strengthening his domain in subtle yet significant ways.

[Congratulations! You have completed the quest.]

[Third element will be awakened.]

[Host needs to hold his shoulder to begin the process.]

Aaron followed the system's instructions without hesitation, tapping the shoulder of General Maxwell with a firm yet casual touch. The gesture seemed ordinary at first glance, but it carried hidden intent.

General Maxwell was a bit confused over Aaron's unexpected actions, his brow knitting slightly in puzzlement. He tilted his head, trying to decipher the meaning behind the tap.

In the end, he assumed Aaron was simply planning to congratulate him on becoming one of his subjects, a welcoming pat to mark the transition. The thought brought a tentative sense of relief, easing the tension in his posture.

But his assumptions were far from the truth. The moment Aaron tapped his shoulder, General Maxwell noticed his body beginning to heat up from within. A warm sensation spread like liquid fire through his veins, building steadily and inexplicably.

He stared at Aaron with even greater confusion etched on his face, searching for an explanation for the strange phenomenon. While reassuring himself of the impossibility of Aaron trying to kill him, doubt flickered in his eyes, the heat intensifying with each passing second.

He closed his eyes tightly, bracing himself as he waited for the outcome of Aaron's mysterious actions. The uncertainty gnawed at him, his mind racing through possibilities, but he held firm, trusting in the moment despite the growing unease.

His body grew hotter with each passing second, as if he were being slowly cooked from within by an invisible flame. Sweat beaded on his skin, his muscles tensing involuntarily, the heat spreading like molten lava through his veins, building to an almost unbearable intensity.

After a few agonizing minutes, the entire heating sensation subsided gradually, leaving him breathless and drained. A cool wave of relief washed over him, his body relaxing as the warmth faded into nothingness, replaced by a strange, newfound awareness tingling in his core.

"You—" General Maxwell stammered, finding himself utterly speechless. His eyes widened in shock, words failing him as he processed the impossible change surging within.

He felt his control over a third element awakening deep inside, much to his profound surprise. It bubbled up like a hidden spring, a fresh power that resonated with clarity and fluidity, awakening senses he never knew he possessed.

The element of water was awakened by General Maxwell, flowing through him like a gentle current at first, then gaining strength as he tentatively explored its essence. It whispered of oceans and rivers, a versatile force that promised both calm and torrent.

"Good. Now all you need to do is improve your strength and hone your control over your third element. I will be looking forward to how you increase your strength," Aaron explained to General Maxwell, his voice steady and encouraging, offering guidance with a nod of approval.

"Thank you, my lord. I'm truly grateful," General Maxwell replied, bowing his head deeply in respect. His loyalty to Aaron surged even further, a profound sense of indebtedness filling his heart, solidifying his commitment to this new path.

Aaron smiled warmly, about to offer more advice and issue commands to General Maxwell, his mind already formulating strategies. But he stopped midway, his expression shifting to one of mild surprise upon sensing the arrival of a third party, the air thickening with a powerful presence.

"Great Grandpa. Did you miss me so much that you decided to see me as soon as possible?" Aaron asked, adopting a playful tone deliberately. His eyes sparkled with mischief, trying to lighten the atmosphere with familiar teasing.

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