Velt was led to a small hut where he would stay as a guest in the village. Inside, it was modest—just enough space for two people to be comfortable—but it had everything necessary.

  —It’s… cozy, I guess— Velt murmured aloud.

  He took a few steps and reached an improvised bed made of dry leaves.

  —More comfortable than the ground— he commented as he sat down.

  He carefully observed the interior of the hut.

  —This will do for now— he added before lying back on the leaves.

  Then, Cero’s voice suddenly echoed:

  —Sir Velt, how do you plan to help the elves with the orc situation?

  Velt remained silent for a few seconds, thoughtful, before answering:

  —Cero… as I understand it, I can take the form of any creature I consume, correct?

  —That is correct— Cero replied without hesitation.

  —Then… I want to eat an orc— Velt said casually, as if he were talking about the weather. —I want to help the elves. And from what I’ve seen, giving them food won’t be enough. Those orcs won’t leave them alone…

  He paused. His gaze drifted toward the window. Outside, the elves were gathered together. There were no children playing. Their faces showed exhaustion, some were wounded, and the children looked frightened. It was obvious at a glance.

  —I want to help them… and this is the only way I can think of— he said without looking away.

  —You intend to use an orc’s form against the orcs themselves, am I correct?— Cero intervened.

  —You are— Velt replied with a calm smile.

  —You are a kind person— Cero said thoughtfully.

  That made Velt fall silent for a moment. Then he asked:

  —Hey, Cero… do you have any memories of my previous life stored?

  —I’m sorry, Sir Velt. I do not retain information about your past life— Cero apologized.

  —Don’t worry— Velt replied, still looking out the window. —You know… why don’t we cook something? At least let those children eat properly.

  —I will follow your orders, Sir Velt— Cero said firmly.

  Velt stood up from the pile of leaves and left the hut. He scanned the area until his eyes landed on Rurhy, who was talking with two other elves while looking at what appeared to be a map.

  —Hey, Rurhy!!— he shouted, drawing everyone’s attention.

  Rurhy looked toward him, handed the map to the other elves, and walked over.

  —Do you need something?— she asked politely.

  —Forget that. I need the Rurhy who was aiming a bow at me— Velt said with a challenging smile.

  —I’d rather you forgot about that…— she replied, a bit uncomfortable but smiling slightly. —What do you need?

  —I want you to tell me everything you have in the pantry— he said, looking straight into her eyes.

  Rurhy blushed slightly at the closeness and took a small step back.

  —But… the orc is coming the day after tomorrow. You don’t need to cook yet— she pointed out hesitantly.

  Velt lightly tapped her forehead.

  —Ow! Why did you do that?— she protested, rubbing her forehead.

  —For speaking without knowing— he replied casually. —Who said I’m cooking for the orc?

  Rurhy’s eyes widened in surprise.

  —Then what are you planning?— she asked, intrigued.

  Velt leaned in and whispered something into her ear. As she listened, her eyes widened even more.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  —But if you do that, there won’t be anything left for the orc!— she said, worried.

  Velt firmly took her hands.

  —Rurhy… trust me— he said, looking her straight in the eyes.

  She hesitated for a few seconds, flustered by the closeness.

  —The only thing we’re missing is meat… that’s the one thing we don’t have— she finally admitted.

  —Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. I was planning to go into the forest to gather a few things anyway— Velt said confidently.

  —Wait! You need to rest. We can look for the meat… or whatever it is you were going to get— Rurhy insisted, trying to stop him.

  —It’s fine. It won’t take long. Besides, I’m ready. I’ve rested enough— he replied with a calm smile.

  She watched him closely, but Velt was already walking away.

  —Alright, I’m going now. Get everything ready while I’m gone!— he shouted as he disappeared into the forest.

  Rurhy followed him with her eyes until he vanished among the dense greenery.

  —He’s a strange… human— she murmured to herself, smiling softly with slightly flushed cheeks.

  —Has someone fallen in love, perhaps?— a voice suddenly said.

  Rurhy turned quickly. It was her father, smiling teasingly.

  —N-no, that’s not it! I mean… it’s not that. I was just saying he’s a strange human, that’s all— she tried to explain, clearly embarrassed.

  Her father stepped closer and gently patted her head.

  —Rurhy, my dear… I wouldn’t mind if you fell in love with a human. Just make sure he’s the right one— he said warmly, then his expression darkened slightly. —Your mother would have loved to see you find the man of your dreams—

  He paused, then continued in a serious tone:

  —But Rurhy… I have doubts that that boy is truly human. When I stood before him, I felt an aura… different. Not human.

  Rurhy grew thoughtful at his words. Then her father added calmly:

  —Still, he didn’t seem evil. I think it’s worth taking the risk and trusting him—

  She looked toward where Velt had disappeared among the trees. She had felt that difference too, but what echoed most in her mind were his words:

  —Rurhy… trust me.

  Without realizing it, a silly smile formed on her face.

  Meanwhile, in the forest…

  Velt moved agilely from branch to branch, observing the terrain from above.

  —Alright… let’s see. Meat… meat… where can I get a good amount of meat?— he murmured while scanning the surroundings.

  —A plentiful source of meat, hide, and fat would be wild boars— Cero suggested.

  —Good idea— Velt replied, nodding. —But let’s go for more than just boars, alright, my friend?

  —Understood.

  He continued moving until, between the trees, he spotted two enormous felines fighting fiercely.

  He crouched on a higher branch, watching carefully.

  —What are those creatures?— he asked.

  —They are Zarshes. A highly hostile and territorial feline species— Cero explained.

  —Are they edible?

  —Yes. In fact, Zarshé meat is highly valued by the monarchy. It is in great demand and fetches a high price on the market.

  —Perfect… though they look huge, don’t you think?

  —These are cubs— Cero clarified.

  —Cubs? But those things must be at least two meters long— Velt said, incredulous.

  —An adult Zarshé can reach up to ten meters. Cubs usually measure between two and three— the AI detailed.

  —Got it. I’ll wait until one finishes off the other. I have no intention of facing both at once.

  Velt sat on the branch, watching the fight. An hour later, one of the Zarshes fell defeated, while the winner was gravely injured.

  —This is our chance. Two for one— Velt commented as he drew the sword he had taken from the goblin loot.

  He jumped from the branch and landed precisely on the wounded Zarshé, stabbing its head several times. The feline barely let out a sound before collapsing lifelessly.

  —That was a bit dirty… but we’ve got more meat— he said, wiping his blade.

  Then an idea crossed his mind.

  —Hey, Cero… can I devour the Zarshé?

  —Affirmative. You may consume it and acquire its DNA.

  —Perfect. I’ll devour one and take the meat from the other.

  Without hesitation, Velt transformed into a violet mass that enveloped the feline’s body. Once finished, he returned to his normal form.

  —By the way, Cero… I want you to look for something…— he murmured.

  Back in the dark elf village…

  Rurhy waited for Velt with the ingredients already prepared and several cooking tools ready. However, her mind was far from there.

  A small tug on her tunic pulled her from her thoughts. A group of children stood before her, looking uneasy.

  —Sister Rurhy, did the human leave?— one of them asked.

  —No, he just went to get meat, that’s all— she replied, trying to reassure them.

  Suddenly, a shout echoed from the entrance:

  —The human has returned!

  Rurhy was the first to run toward the gate. And there he was—Velt, dragging several dead boars. But what truly caught everyone’s attention was the massive body of the fallen Zarshé.

  —Ah, hi— he said casually. —I got some meat.

  —W-welcome back— Rurhy replied, unable to take her eyes off the huge slain feline.

  —I’ll need space to cook. It’s almost nightfall.

  —Y-yes, of course— she nodded, still stunned. Then she turned to the others. —Everyone, make room for the human to work. No one is to bother him.

  Little by little, everyone dispersed. Velt walked up to the table she had prepared and dropped the bodies onto it.

  —Alright, Cero. I need your help— he said as he pulled a long knife from his belongings.

  —Understood, Sir Velt— Cero replied, activating and awaiting instructions.