Velt was sitting beneath a tree, silently watching as Rychbi organized the elves and prepared them for a possible confrontation in the worst-case scenario.

  —Good… they’re getting ready. I should do the same—he muttered to himself as he tried to stand up.

  —Velt, wait. I’ll help you—Rurhy said when she noticed his effort.

  —Don’t worry—Velt replied with a smile—. Cero already healed my bones. They’re not broken anymore, just fragile… but I can manage a few things on my own.

  —Just don’t push yourself too hard—Rurhy warned, looking at him seriously.

  —Relax—he tried to reassure her, but then noticed something different—. Hey… what’s with that outfit?

  He pointed at her clothes, clearly different from what she usually wore.

  —Oh, this? It’s my combat attire—she answered.

  —You’re going to fight too?—Velt asked, his concern obvious.

  —Yes. I’ll be leading the group that escorts you to the orc coming for the food.

  —I see… just don’t put yourself in danger, okay?—Velt said as he gently stroked her hair.

  —Don’t worry. I know how to take care of myself. Besides, you’re the one who shouldn’t be putting himself in danger—Rurhy replied with a slight reproach.

  —I know. But I have to do this. My plan depends on you distracting the enemy—Velt said with a confident smile.

  Rurhy hesitated for a moment, but when she saw that smile, her heart finally calmed.

  —Alright. You can count on me to protect you—she said, returning his smile.

  —Yes. I’m counting on you—Velt replied.

  —Ahem… I don’t mean to interrupt—a voice suddenly said.

  They both turned their heads. Rychbi was standing there, watching them.

  —F-father… what do you need?—Rurhy asked, a faint blush forming on her cheeks.

  —Velt, the elves are ready. The scouts report that the orc is on his way—Rychbi said in a serious tone.

  —Good. Thank you. Then I’ll go prepare the food—Velt replied before heading toward his hut.

  Rurhy and Rychbi were left alone. The silence between them was more awkward than usual, especially for Rurhy, who had a question weighing heavily on her chest.

  —Father… you and Velt made a new agreement, didn’t you?—she asked nervously.

  —Rurhy, my daughter… I know you understand what that agreement entails. And I want you to know that I approve—Rychbi replied—. You’ve chosen a fine man. Your mother would be proud, I’m sure of it.

  Rurhy felt embarrassed, but also relieved.

  —Thank you, father. I promise to fulfill my duty as a woman and as a wife, so Velt won’t regret his decision—she said firmly.

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  —I know, my daughter… I know—Rychbi replied as he gently stroked her hair—. Come. We must prepare.

  Rurhy nodded. Together, they joined the other elves, all ready, waiting for the orc’s arrival… and for Velt to put his plan into motion.

  Meanwhile, Velt was preparing a piece of meat when a voice interrupted him.

  —Hey, do you have a moment?—one of the elves asked as he approached.

  —Sure. What do you need?—Velt replied. When he looked up, he recognized him—. You’re… Ky, right?

  —Yes. I’m glad you remember people—Ky said as he sat beside him.

  —What’s wrong?—Velt asked curiously.

  —Well… first, I want to apologize for how I behaved when you arrived—Ky said sincerely—. I was rude.

  —And what brought that on?—Velt asked, surprised by the change in attitude.

  Ky turned his head, watching as the elves prepared while women and children took refuge in the huts.

  —I know it sounds strange, but seeing the hope on everyone’s faces… some of it rubbed off on me—he said before looking back at Velt.

  —If you say so… thanks, I guess—Velt replied.

  —You’re different from those despicable human nobles—Ky added.

  —Well, we have something in common then—Velt said.

  —Oh? And what’s that?—Ky asked.

  —We both hate people in power—Velt replied with a faint smile.

  Ky froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

  —What a strange human—he said, still smiling—. Hey, I want to ask you for a favor.

  —What would that be?—Velt asked.

  —Kill all those damn orcs—Ky said, his voice trembling slightly with anger.

  —Consider it done. Don’t worry—Velt replied calmly.

  —Good. Then I’ll go. I still need to prepare—Ky said before joining the other elves.

  Soon after, a shout tore through the air.

  —The orc is close!

  Everyone turned toward the entrance and gripped their weapons cautiously.

  —Cero…—Velt murmured.

  —Proceed, sir—came the voice in his mind.

  —Let’s finish the orcs once and for all—Velt said.

  —Understood.

  Velt headed toward the main entrance, accompanied by Rurhy. Then, an enormous creature—resembling a humanoid boar—arrived on a cart. It was so large it barely fit through the village gate.

  That thing is huge… Velt thought.

  —According to my estimates, it measures between 1.90 and 2.01 meters—Cero reported.

  —Good. Let’s get this over with—Velt said as he advanced alongside Rurhy.

  —And what do we have here? A human?—the orc growled when he saw him.

  —That’s right. I came to this village to help with the food—Velt replied calmly.

  The orc let out a disgusting laugh.

  —So desperate you had to ask a human for help—he said mockingly.

  Velt felt Rurhy’s hand clench tightly, so he took her hand to calm her.

  —I understand your reaction, but don’t worry about me. I’m just a guest—Velt said—. As you can see, the food is right there.

  He pointed to a table where the dishes were already prepared. The orc looked at the food, then back at Velt.

  —Humans can be useful. Tell me your name, human—he demanded arrogantly.

  —Don’t worry about my name. As I said, I don’t think you’ll see me again—Velt replied.

  The orc stared at him for several seconds.

  —And how do I know a human can cook well enough for my king to enjoy this?—he said disdainfully.

  Rurhy clenched her fist even harder.

  If this keeps up, she’s going to break my hand… Velt thought.

  He walked over to the table, discreetly took a piece of meat from his pouch—making it look like it came from the pile—and returned to the orc.

  —Why don’t you try it yourself first?—he said, offering the piece.

  The orc grabbed it roughly.

  —A human testing food for me? Do you think I’m an idiot?—he growled, before devouring it without hesitation.

  —Yes. I do think you’re an idiot… and in fact, you are—Velt replied with a smile.

  —W-what…?—the orc managed to say before dropping to his knees—. What’s happening to me?

  —What’s happening?—Velt repeated—. It’s simple. You’re such an idiot that you consumed a monstrous amount of paralyzing flowers.

  —Damn human! You did this to me!—the orc roared, struggling in vain.

  —Clearly, I’m responsible. How perceptive of you—Velt replied mockingly.

  —T-this won’t end here… my king will come to avenge me—the orc threatened.

  —I don’t think so—Velt replied with unsettling calm.

  —And what makes you think that, human?—the orc asked.

  Velt stepped closer until they were face to face.

  —Because I’ll kill your king… and all the rest—he said with a serene, chilling smile.

  —Y-you…—the orc tried to speak, but Velt struck him with such force that his jaw was dislocated.

  —You talk too much. Let’s end this.

  Velt’s body began to change, expanding like a violet mass that enveloped the orc.

  —H-hhaaagh!—the creature gurgled, unable to escape. Its face froze in an expression of absolute terror before it was completely devoured.

  Velt returned to his human form.

  —DNA successfully registered: Orc—Cero reported.

  —Good. The first part is done. Now let’s move on to the finale—Velt said, looking at the cart the orc had arrived in.