The Ultimate Weapon of Magic and Science

It was not an inquiry nor a negotiation, but a unilateral display of a perilous prospect and the only option. After the maiden's delicate shoulders shivered a few times, they drooped in defeat.

"I understand."

Since meeting this person, there was no such thing as a "choice".

"I'll point the way."

Humiliation and bitterness vibrated from her throat into unresistant syllables, even the formation of her words seemed not her own will, merely crafted according to the man's wishes in front of her.

She had no power to resist.

"Much obliged."

The bland polite words turned more acerbic than anything she had ever tasted amidst the situation, even emanating a hint of venom.

"I am genuinely thankful. If you continue to view your surroundings with such bias, in the end, you'll remain a little girl who can't grow up. It's a waste, given your excellent aptitude."

"What?!"

After coercing others into obedience, does he play the preacher now? —the Elf could only interpret it this way, casting furious glances at that unrepentant side profile of his. Whether it was the scornful or misunderstood smile, the insightracute insight into others' minds, the cunning manipulation of words, or even the existence of the blue-haired youth himself—all were targets of her disdain and anger.

He was intelligent, and outstanding, but not in a way to show off!!

"Does humiliating women give you that much pleasure? Bastard!"

"You're giving me a headache... I already told you, I'll say it one more time, miss, your view is blinded by prejudice."

Having borne the brunt of her tirade, he slowly retorted in an indifferent tone as if it had nothing to do with him, Li Lin:

"You deeply believe that humans are untrustworthy deceivers — it's imprudent to trust a person you're entirely unfamiliar with based merely on a chance encounter and rescue. Considering your background, position, and the terrible relationship between our two races, it's understandable. However, excessive caution will only render you passive, which will induce fear and suspicion, further activating your defensiveness and narrowing your view — what a terrible vicious circle."

"This manner of dissecting others is also dreadful."

Unable to contradict Li Lin's words, she staunchly stared at his profile, silent in her disdain.

"On the other hand... I can only say that I am an extraordinarily outstanding man."

"Which dimension does this narcissistic logic come from?!! And that face!! That intoxicated upward gaze!! Who taught you this?!!"

She couldn't endure any longer!!

Once again she vented her numerous criticisms with the fury of a raging volcano. Nidhogg and Alberish, who had retreated to the side, instinctively retreated further, directing awe-filled glances towards the brave elf maiden, a trace of recognition in them.

"As I've been saying, don't judge unfamiliar things based on your prejudiced subjective standards. Why equate praising oneself with being a narcissist? What is the definition of a narcissist? What premises underlie this definition? Please answer my questions and point out which points apply to me."

The amber eyes squinted, a gentle rebuttal toppled the elf's accusations and roar, shattering them utterly. The maiden's lips moved, but no words came out.

"Humility is a virtue. But is someone who belittles themselves and praises others trustworthy? In my eyes, apart from the few who truly revere virtues and strictly discipline themselves, most use virtue as a guise for their ulterior motives, or have severe psychological problems like self-denial due to extreme inferiority — either way, I can't associate with these three kinds of people."

"You... You are indeed a strange one."

With the easing of tension, her words of wonderment slowly began to flow from her more relaxed expression. The elf seemed to be gaining a new perspective of the driver and the doctor by the road.

"Despite appearing to be a mere country lad, you're far more learned than any scholar I've met... Elves, dwarves, beastmen, gnomes, humans — within the scope of what I've encountered, no other is like you."

A vast expanse of knowledge, meticulous observations and analysis, acuity in grasping key points, and then tackling the issue from unexpected angles, effortlessly mastering and resolving problems. — No matter how one measures, these are exceptional talents. However, when these attributes are combined with the label of a "16-year-old lad", few can adjust to such an intense discrepancy. More likely... it's just envy.

"Given the right conditions, it's also effective to take a bit of time and energy to cultivate a humble and warm image. But missy, time is not a cheap commodity to squander endlessly. Suppose I had lowered my stance from the start to build trust with you. Indeed, it would cater to both sides' feelings during the process. However, it would also consume too much time, and what might transpire, or be missed, in the unnecessarily extended duration is utterly unpredictable and unguaranteed. I am sure you understand the meaning."

The opposing human forces might take action sooner, and there was simply no time to squander.

In a nutshell, this was all Li Lin wanted to convey. For this simple phrase, he chose an effective but blunt method.

"Well thought through…"

Mockery from an ambiguous listener drifted over from behind, the youth's smile deepened, becoming more enigmatic.

"I apologize for only explaining now. I wonder if my apology could earn your leniency, miss? At least consider this an act of sincerity to show my intention to cooperate, and also to express my gratitude for your willingness to guide us."

Pulling the reins to slow the horses down to a halt, he lithely jumped off the carriage, lifting his hand to his forehead and smoothing back his energetic, tousled bangs. The headband holding his blue hair slipped into his fingers, fluttering with the dust kicked up by the horses' hooves. The elf on the back seat gaped in astonishment, her emerald eyes wide with disbelief.

— Unblemished black hair, like the dome of the night sky, was deeply imprinted in the elf's vision.

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PS: Now that the female lead has made her appearance, why is the reviews section so deserted? Please help to promote ASAP! Looking at the click rate and the deserted reviews section, I feel like dying! Also, I need your help! Could a friend who is good at making book covers help me out? My QQ number is 461420158, thank you!