Chương 24: knowing each other 2
Aslan's gaze lingered on her, his thoughts racing through a maze of possibilities. He knew she hailed from an alternate universe, but the specifics remained elusive. After some careful deduction, he settled on a conclusion: their worlds were eerily similar, with only subtle divergences—like how, in her world, Grindelwald had died in 1980. He was gone, though no one knew the exact details of his demise. But the fact remained—Grindelwald was dead.
Here, in contrast, Grindelwald was very much alive. Over the past month, Aslan had amassed an impressive amount of information, uncovering news of the infamous dark wizard. Just as in the stories, Grindelwald's grand scheme had failed, leaving him imprisoned in Nurmengard Castle.
Snapping back to the present, Aslan refocused on her. It was time to provide some clarity.
"Let me start with the basics," he said evenly. "My name is Aslan Boone. I'm 11 years old, an orphan, and set to attend Hogwarts next month. Today is August 1st, 1991." He was about to continue when she cut in.
"Wait... did you say it's 1991?" Her voice trembled with disbelief.
"Yes," Aslan confirmed, nodding slowly. "At least, in this world, it is."
She studied his face, searching for any sign of deception. "But I'm certain it was 1997."
"That might have been true in your world," Aslan replied, his tone patient, "but here, things aren't the same."
Her confusion deepened, and she stared at him, as if trying to reconcile two opposing realities. "What do you mean?"
Aslan let out a quiet sigh, aware of how much he was about to unload. "I understand it's a lot to take in," he said gently, his voice steady. "But you're no longer in the world you came from. I brought you here... though not entirely by choice. In this reality, it's 1991, Grindelwald is still alive, and things don't exactly match up with what you remember."
There was a long, tense silence before she spoke again. "But why? Why did you bring me here? I'm no use to you—I don't even have magic."
Aslan tilted his head slightly, considering her words. "First of all, I don't choose who I bring. The magic works that out. Once I learn who I can bring, only then can I decide whether I should. And yes, it's true you don't have magic, but you've survived more than most ever could. That kind of resilience—it's one of the reasons."
"But that still doesn't explain everything," she pressed, her frustration showing. "There are plenty of people who've endured worse than me. What else is there?"
Aslan's expression sharpened, as if he had been anticipating this question. "You're right. Hardship alone wasn't the deciding factor. The second reason was… opportunity. I was granted the chance to give someone the power to transform into a Lamia . I chose you because of the curse in your blood that prevents you from reverting to your human form. What I offered was the reverse of that. It was a gamble, but I took it."
Her breath caught, disbelief flashing across her face. "A Lamia?" she echoed.
" Well they are creatures whose upper body is human while lower half as snake"
"Why me? What could I possibly—"
"Because," Aslan interrupted, his voice soft but firm, "you're far more than you think. And now, you have the chance to reshape your future."
She sat in silence for a while before Aslan leaned forward, curiosity coloring his voice. "You don't seem too surprised to hear about other worlds."
Nagini looked at him thoughtfully. "Voldemort once told me that other worlds existed—some like ours, others completely different. He was researching it, but he found no proof. Now, seeing all of this, I believe it's true."
Aslan's eyes narrowed. So there are those who already suspect the existence of other worlds, he mused. This version of him seems sharper… though something clearly dulled him later on.
"So what now? What am I supposed to do?" she asked, her voice pulling him from his thoughts.
He paused, considering his answer. "Honestly, I didn't have a plan when I summoned you. But now…" He straightened, determination returning to his voice. "I'm thinking I'll take you to Hogwarts with me—if you're willing, of course."
She didn't hesitate, her gaze steady. "Okay."
He blinked in surprise, his eyebrows lifting. "Just 'okay'? Don't rush your decision." He ran a hand through his hair, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "I mean, you've been living as a snake for—"
"I already know," she interrupted, a hint of impatience in her tone as she leaned forward.
"But you're still fine with it?" Aslan asked, incredulous. He raised an eyebrow, studying her intently. "Don't you want your freedom? Don't you realize you're bound to me now, just as you were to Voldemort? And trust me, I'm far more dangerous than he ever was."
"When I accepted the contract, I expected my life to remain the same as it was before." She paused, her voice softening. "But when you cured me, I made the decision to help you however I can."
She met his gaze steadily. "And when you asked for my permission controlling your lust before taking it further—something no one's ever done—I realized that you're different. That's when I chose to give you my loyalty."
Aslan stood up. "Are you sure? Although I summoned you, the contract only prevents you from betraying me. You can just leave me and live your own life. All these years, you did nothing. Now, you can do anything—you can make your own choices."
Nagini glanced at the table, at the food in front of her, then stood, her eyes meeting Aslan's with steely determination. "As you said, I can make my own choices, and I have already made it."
"You may regret it." Aslan's voice softened slightly, concern flickering in his eyes.
"It doesn't matter." She crossed her arms, resolute.
"I will torture you." Aslan's voice dropped to a low growl, his eyes narrowing.
"I've had experience." She met his gaze, unflinching.
"I may destroy the world." He leaned closer, the intensity in his voice rising.
"I'll support you." Her voice was steady, unwavering.
"I will kill the innocent." He stepped back slightly, his expression darkening.
"I can use my venom instead." Her tone was calm, almost defiant.
"I'm not a good person." He folded his arms, a challenging look on his face.
"People won't take advantage of you." She lifted her chin, her expression challenging.
"I will enslave you, use magic to make sure you never leave me, like Voldemort." He leaned back, arms crossed, studying her.
"Do it now," she said after a pause, her tone decisive.
Seeing her resolve, Aslan understood that she had made her choice—the one he had wanted, but would never force upon her.
"Alright," he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, his tone shifting slightly. "You'll follow me from now on—as my first servant."
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Author's pov
Explain class system of new world in overlord
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