Without hesitation, Aron conjured a screen within the timeless meadow, a space that functioned much like VR but was crafted from pure mana and guided by thought, allowing him to materialize anything he envisioned within it effortlessly.

On the screen, scenes played out, showing Aron entering the cylinder shield and attempting to sever the roots with his swords, only to be swiftly struck down by one of the roots. The perspective then shifted to the viewpoint of the sword itself, revealing one of the core roots being used to form a humanoid figure. This figure approached, picked up the sword, ascended from the ocean, and deliberately shattered the sword before letting the fragments fall into the water.

As the pieces descended to the ocean floor, they gradually disintegrated into microscopic fragments, invisible to the naked eye. These nanomachines spread out across a hundred-kilometer radius, infiltrating various roots. The infiltration process was executed with precision and went completely undetected. The nanomachines minuscule size made them imperceptible to the bodies they entered, bypassing physical detection. Magical detection was also evaded, thanks to active stealth runes, coupled with the fact that those being infiltrated were deeply engrossed in other matters, allowing the nanomachines to penetrate unnoticed.

Upon infiltrating the bodies, the nanomachines quickly latched onto what appeared to be mana veins within the roots, allowing them to be transported to the nearest and most vital areas of the tree folks' bodies. Once there, the nanomachines immediately began their work.

Given that the tree folks' bodies were composed of carbon and mana, the nanomachines activated their runic and carbon computing components, each focusing on overtaking a specific function.

Although capable of operating independently, the nanomachines recognized that they were inside only five distinct bodies. Consequently, they established a communication network within each body, allowing them to coordinate tasks efficiently.

This collaboration drastically reduced the time required to complete their objectives from what would have taken days or months to mere hours.

The quantum computing component of the nanomachines, typically used for advanced technological processing, found itself with little to do in these organic, mana-based bodies. Instead, it took on the role of compiling and analyzing data.

The quantum processors gathered information, relayed it to the runic and carbon-based computing units, and provided guidance on the next steps while ensuring that the nanomachines remained as hidden as possible.

As time passed, the nanomachines subtly altered the tree folks' DNA, gradually integrating a copy of their carbon computing system within the cells. This ensured that even if the nanomachines were somehow flushed from the body, the newly embedded system would remain, deeply intertwined with the host's biology. The alteration wasn't limited to just a few cells; the entire body's DNA was gradually rewritten to include this carbon-based computer, making it an inseparable part of their biology.

Simultaneously, the runic computers worked within the mana plane, embedding themselves into the tree folks' mana systems.

This allowed the nanomachines to gain control over not just the physical aspects of the body but also the mana that coursed through them, effectively giving them dominance over two of the three realms of the tree folks' existence, with the third being the soul.

These monumental changes went unnoticed, largely due to the chaos and distractions Aron had orchestrated outside. The tree folks, preoccupied with the external turmoil, failed to suspect that something was happening internally.

By the time the changes were fully activated, it was too late; the nanomachines had already secured their control, with the tree folks none the wiser.

The video concluded, leaving the room in heavy silence. The onlookers were visibly stunnedsome grappling with the fact that such an extensive modification had occurred within their bodies without their awareness, while others were struggling with a deep sense of betrayal.

Aron broke the silence, addressing the room with a calm demeanor. Although we didnt know which body belonged to whom during the embedding process, we could only identify them once the system was activated. Currently, the system is fully operational in these two bodies, he said, pointing to the two tree folks who had been directly targeted.

For the rest, it remains in passive mode and is not affecting your bodies in any way at the moment.

He paused to let his words sink in, his expression resolute yet understanding their reaction.

Does that mean you have control over our bodies and minds to do whatever you want? Cypress asked, seeking clarification on the extent of Aron's control.

Aron nodded, his tone calm and transparent. For those with the system active, I can control their actions but not their minds. I can make them perform tasks, but I cannot control their thoughts or consciousness. However, I can influence the outcome of their actionsif, for example, they initiate mana cycles or perform actions that could be harmful to the empire, the system can intervene to cancel or alter those actions. Essentially, I have control over their physical actions but not their mental processes.

Birch, clearly troubled, spoke up. I want you to remove it from us.

Arons expression remained steady. Im afraid thats not possible. The system has already integrated itself into your bodies at a fundamental level. Removing it would require a complete change of body, as it is embedded in every fabric of your being. He paused before adding, However, you neednt worry. I dont intend to misuse this control. I value mutual respect and cooperation more than exploiting others.

A brief silence followed as the tree folks grappled with the situation. Aron, keen to secure his position and prevent any potential drastic actions, quickly proposed, We can formalize our agreement with a runic contract.

He then proceeded to explain the concept of a runic contract, why he believed it was essential, and how it would ensure that neither side could act against the terms without facing the consequences, thus providing a layer of protection and assurance for all involved.

For Aron, trust alone was not enough; it could easily be misplaced in critical situations without concrete enforcement. So, he provided that assurance through a runic contract.