I walk slowly through the dirt road, my hands tucked into my pockets with only my thumbs left out. The night sky is spectacular, completely unclouded. The darkness is deep, with almost no other source of light.
I take in the view of the starry night—the big moon illuminating the sky, constellations forming unique shapes, each carrying different meanings and visions.
It hasn't even been a full day, and I've already met various unique—and weird—warriors. To be honest, I expected them all to be firm, cold, and demanding respect. However, kind warrior like Bald Bro or weird one like Old Elf-Man kinda changed my perspective.
Each step I take echoes through the quiet air. I can still hear distant voices, like faint whispers. Our so-called tents are spaced far apart. This place is big enough for that. The tents themselves aren't ordinary—they're specifically designed to suit us, especially the Acromegalithians, since they can grow up to 3-5 meters tall.
It's crazy how, just a few dozen meters beyond our tent area, there's a dark, eerie forest. We have no idea what lurks inside, and it completely contrasts with the modernized center hall. Whatever's in that forest—be it friend or foe—they know better than to come here.
Especially monstrous entities. Anything above a Feral threat—the weakest classification—is nearly or just as intelligent as us humanoids. So they should know not to do anything stupid like showing up here.
As I continue walking, I only hear my own steps.
Left, right, left, right, left left, right right, left left—
Wait. Why did I hear double steps?
My eyes open wide, sharp and alert.
ERH—DON'T TELL ME—someone? A monster? What kind of entity?
I clench my fists, relaxing my body while activating my core muscles. I take a deep breath, inhaling the cool night air.
Whatever kind of threat this entity is—I'LL ANTICIPATE IT.
I turn around—
No one.
No. It can't be. I'm not hallucinating. I hate drinking, so I'm definitely not drunk. But where is it? I can't feel its presence—not its energy, not its mana. I have to rely on my instincts.
I close my eyes, already in a defensive stance.
The sound of the cool air, the shift in atmospheric pressure—the night wind brushes through my short, dark brown wavy hair, creating a beautiful, flowing effect through each strand.
...
THERE IT IS—ON MY BACK RIGHT SIDE.
I snap my eyes open and instantly switch back to an attacking stance. If it's a bigger threat, I'll flip back into my defensive stance—back to back.
Without hesitation, I throw a quick, light jab in that direction, aiming to threaten and possibly strike whatever's waiting for me.
HOLD ON—WAIT—
"BAH!"
I halt my attack just before it lands, but I can't stop the minor shockwave and kinetic energy that ripples through the air. The force blows back the entity's hair and skin, making it look like they got hit by a massive tornado for a split second.
I take a good look at the figure, my expression shifting slightly in surprise.
"Eh? Old Elf-Man?? I thought you were a stalker, a monster, or something! What are you doing here?"
Old Elf-Man gives me a deadpan look before brushing back his medium-length, straight, dark greenish hair.
"Haih… —Well, I'm just taking a break walk."
I exhale a little, relieved. It could've been worse.
"Oh."
Old Elf-Man finishes fixing his hair and straightening his clothes before glancing at me, then at the forest.
"Well, kid. What are you doing here late at night, alone, beside this uncanny forest? I know you're a top prodigy, but being a mere amateur—overconfidence can still hurt or even kill you."
I shake my head, shrugging in denial.
"Oh, no… I'm just walking to rest my mind. Nothing in particular, worth— mentioning…"
Old Elf-Man looks at me—me, a figure standing a head shorter than him. His expression changes slightly, as if he knows something.
"It's really late now. Let's return. A good rest is mandatory for us warriors, you know?"
I glance at him, slightly confused. He's actually saying something useful instead of being annoying?—Well, that's new.
Then, smirking slightly from the left corner of my mouth, I nod.
"Haip…."
We walk toward the nearby tent line, passing one tent after another on our way back.
We pass by a pond—the clear water perfectly reflects the illumination of the night sky, until a single drop disturbs it, sending ripples across the surface.
I walk along the forest's side while Old Elf-Man stays closer to the tents. As I watch him walk, I notice something about his movement… a certain aura he gives off.
Ehh—what is it?...
Oh! He looks intimidating. And perhaps… confident? The way he holds his posture, the way his shoulders sway slightly as he moves…
Like a noble in the military.
Seeing this, I silently tried to copy him. It felt awkward, to be honest. My shoulders felt stiff, my body locked, my movements choppy—GOD… HOW DID HE DO IT—?
While still focusing and trying to figure out the right way—
"OH, KID?!"
"WAH!!—"
He quickly covered my mouth, looking a little panicked as he raised a hand, glancing in every direction to make sure no one was disturbed.
"YO, RELAX, WHY DID YOU?!"
I was truly shocked and had let out a noise. Did he notice?! He noticed?! OH GOD—
My cheeks reddened slightly from embarrassment.
Still embarrassed and a little mad, I looked at him in frustration.
"WHY DID YOU STARTLE ME, YOU S—"
Still panicking, he pressed his index finger against my mouth again before whisper-yelling,
"Shhhh… OKAY, I'M SORRY. You're going to wake the others up, and that's not going to end well."
At that point, I was still frustrated, but he was right. We shouldn't get into trouble, especially during this period of time.
After the situation had calmed down, we continued walking. Then, Old Elf-Man smirked and said,
"You're learning something from me?! Wah, I feel honored."
He grinned at my awkward attempt to imitate him.
"E—urm… Well, kinda," I muttered, slightly embarrassed but also annoyed.
This was the same guy who nearly KILLED the HELL out of me earlier this evening.
"OHOHO, don't be embarrassed. It's normal, and in fact, a must for the young to learn something useful from the experienced."
I glanced at him, partially turning my head.
"Useful?"
Old Elf-Man crossed his arms below his chest and shut his eyes.
"Yep. For example, learning how to walk properly. If your movements seem unsure, people will think you're basic. On the contrary, if you move with confidence, people will see you as intimidating and deserving of respect."
"Ohh?.."
He opened his eyes again, looking at me while raising his left arm with his palm open in a positive gesture.
"Yeah! It's a simple thing, yet it can affect how others perceive you."
After listening to him, he guided me on how to walk properly—without stiffness or forcing it. It only took me a minute to get the hang of it. It was actually simple; just let the natural rhythm guide the way.
As we got closer to our tents, Old Elf-Man tilted his head up, gazing at the starry sky.
"Hey, kid."
"What?"
"Do you still feel hurt by what they whispered?"
Whispered? Oh, the words from the other warriors.
"Not really."
Old Elf-Man gave me a side glance, his expression filled with curiosity and questions. Then, he relaxed his body and looked directly at me, smiling slightly before closing his eyes.
"Kid, I'll assist you. Wanna make a deal—"
"No."
I instantly refused, my face partially shifting into a bruh expression. Why would this old guy, whom I BARELY knew, who nearly freaking KILLED me, who used POISON on me with some kind of unknown powerful grade, suddenly want to help me? Suspicious.
"H-HEY?! Relax, kid, I'm not trolling you. I'm being real right now."
His face showed a moment of surprise.
I looked at Old Elf-Man with skepticism, then sighed.
"What deal?"
We stopped walking. Old Elf-Man extended his hand toward me.
"You stop calling me 'old' and become my apprentice. I will teach you what I know."
I looked at his white yet firm hand and noticed a small scar—something that resembled… uh? A sphere? Whatever.
I changed my gaze from his hand back to his eyes.
"Teach me… what you know?.."
For the first time, his face actually looked genuine instead of weird.
"Yeah, I'll teach you various fighting techniques—starting from mana control, possible enchantments, and ranged attacks."
I looked at him, a question written all over my face. Old Elf-Man read my expression and responded,
"If you're asking why, well, it's not just because of the 'old' title you keep calling me—"
I tilted my head, silently asking for more.
"—You'll know one day. Hey, come on, it's a literal win-win situation for both of us."
I narrowed my eyes.
"How is it win-win?"
Old Elf-Man raised his left index finger.
"You become better, and I don't get called 'old.'"
I looked at him with a scrunched-up face, lips pressed to one side, eyebrows slightly raised in uncertainty.
"Alright, I agree. But what should I call you, then?"
"Well—"
Old Elf-Man put a hand to his chin, thinking.
Surprised by what might come out of his mouth, I blurted out without hesitation,
"NO, NOT DADDY—NO WAY—"
Old Elf-Man looked absolutely flabbergasted before glaring at me in frustration.
"ERG—THAT WAS A JOKE! I WAS JOKING! DOES THE NEW GENERATION NOT UNDERSTAND JOKES ANYMORE?! HOLY MOTHER."
He let out a long sigh, bending forward slightly as if exhausted.
"Just call me 'Uncle.'"
"Unc?"
He straightened back up.
"Unc?! Haha. I guess a short form is fine too."
"Oh right! You have a son!"
Uncle Elf's face lit up with pride as he put his hands on his waist.
"—ANDDDDD a daughter."
"Woww, a daughter too??"
"Heh, what? Wanna hit on my daughter?"
He raised his eyebrows repeatedly, teasing me. But I'm not like any other regular boy or person. Good try, Unc!
"Noo. I'm just amazed, Aren't Elves have a hard time reproducing and raising their offspring?"
He let out a relieved breeze.
"You're right, kid. I'm just lucky? Perhaps my genes are better amongst average elves in fertility. Yeah, it's hard when you're still quite young and there are children that need your attention."
He pulled his hair back, clearly in pride again.
Filled with excitement, I look at Uncle Elf with determination, full of questions.
"How old are they now? How did you maintain connection with them and where are they? —"
"WOAH WOAH, slow down… Interrogating me wasn't part of the agreement. Rightttttt?"
I look down in disappointment, but yeah, he's not wrong.
Then a question came out from his mouth.
"Kid, what do you think us warriors do here?"
Ehh? What a question? I mean, it's obvious.
"Protecting?"
He looked at me directly in my eyes, his gaze penetrating my soul. This time, I know he's serious.
He looked back in front.
"From who?"
From who? Huh? Is this some kind of early test? It's simple though.
"Monstrous Entities."
His tone of voice was really different here—monotone, quite deep, and resonant.
"Who are they really?"
Who are they? The monstrous entities??
"Monsters? Evil? Villains?"
I answered in uncertainty while shrugging.
"Where are they originated from?"
Originated??—wait, yeah. Origin? What I know and what WE knew is that monstrous entities just come and attack us outright. We're here to defend the homeland. This big land. Who are they really? Why would they attack us?
But—,
"Your question is rather currently out of my reach yet, Unc."
Uncle Elf partially tilted his head to look at me.
"However, it doesn't matter where they came from or who they really are. As long as they exist within us, we will banish them."
Uncle Elf looked at me for a few seconds, his slightly cold eyes turning back to a warm persona. Then, he switched his gaze back to the front.
"You're nearly there, kid. Your words are true, although perhaps we shouldn't—in fact, we couldn't—judge the overall danger and depth of an ocean just by merely observing its surface alone."
Woah, the old weird ahh Uncle Elf is now actually well-experienced and currently blurting out wisdom? Huhu! Gotta take a note, gotta take note.
"Heh," I accidentally let out a little laugh from my mind while looking away and covering my mouth.
Uncle Elf looked at my reaction, confused.
"What's wrong?"
I took a second, but I relaxed my reaction back.
"Nothing, it's just that I'm processing what you're saying."
Hearing that, Uncle Elf's mouth opened a little for a split second before quickly closing it with a genuine little smile.
Finally, after minutes of walking, accompanied by the sounds of the night…
"Welp, here we are. For now, make sure you get enough rest, because tomorrow we'll be doing preparations."
He looked down, appearing a bit uneasy.
"Our journey and battle, or so-called war this year, will start in a week. But—this time, this decade, and this century…"
He hesitated a little, then brushed it off.
"Well, let's just think about that later."
"Haip. You're not going in?"
Uncle Elf looked at me with a relaxed face, almost a little sadness but covered.
"I'll stay outside for a while, doing Elf business."
I looked at his demeanor. Something's wrong? However, I guess I should give him private time alone. Maybe he's got his own personal problem.
Uncle Elf sat on a small piece of wood, just enough to seat a single person, in front of our tent.
I slightly raised my eyebrow in question, but I quickly washed it away. It's none of my business anyway. I went inside after talking to him, quickly changed my outfit, and went to bed. The dwarf and acromegalithian were already drowned in dreams.
Outside…
This new kid… you're interesting. The way you handled my attack and poison previously, even without proper mana ability. Something's different, but he still doesn't know the poison was there, yet.
Uncle Elf continued staring at the bright near-full moon in the sky.
"He's just like you… my son."
"Rest well there, don't leave mom alone."
Perhaps fate will align us back one day. This land, this continent, and this—will vanish and be purified soon. Maybe, just maybe, the "one" has finally arrived.
Henceforth, we'll reunite once again. We'll live a life of happiness. No fear, no pain, and no negatives anymore.
Uncle Elf smiled a little. The night sky had never been this bright and beautiful from within before.