Immersed in thought, the false elf lay in the bathtub, his gaze lost in the rustic texture of the ceiling above. The wavering flame of a candle danced across his skin, casting shadows that intertwined with his memories.

  His mind drifted back to the tumultuous days since his arrival in this world—encounters with Ultan’s soldiers, friendships that now existed only in memory, the peculiar mercenary village, and finally, Elara’s enchanting smile.

  He had never imagined he would miss anyone, but it had been days since he’d had a moment to gather his thoughts.

  He wondered—was it luck that had kept him alive? Or his own strength?

  Emerging from the water, the troll slayer wrapped himself in a towel, confronting his reflection in the mirror.

  Training and battle had sculpted his body into something more robust, more imposing. His fingers traced his defined abdomen, then paused as he examined his thick beard and wild hair brushing against his shoulders.

  With a penknife taken from his belt, he carefully trimmed his beard. Then, using a dagger, he cut off the hair that no longer suited him.

  Though he hadn’t quite achieved the style of his teenage years, the result was satisfactory.

  Dressed, Colin walked to his room, where Jamily was breastfeeding her son while Renovich’s daughter animatedly showed her something in a book. On the other side of the room, Sapphire slept peacefully.

  Smiling to himself, he quietly turned away.

  The corridor led him to the exit, where villagers continued their arduous efforts to restore what had been lost. Renovich was speaking with an elderly couple, then pulled a small bag from his overcoat and handed it to them.

  They exchanged cheerful farewells, and Renovich walked over to Colin, who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

  “Grains,” the man explained. “I like the new look, kid. The Bugbears destroyed their crops near the village entrance. Luckily, I had some left—bought them from a wizard a few years back. Hopefully, they’ll do the trick.”

  Colin nodded.

  “Not many foreigners here, huh? People can’t stop staring at me.”

  “That’s normal, elf.” Renovich pulled out a cigarette and a lighter from his jacket. “Usually, the barrier around the village is invisible. Only skilled magicians can detect it. We were lucky none of them turned out to be sadistic lunatics.”

  He blew a puff of smoke into the air and offered a cigarette to Colin, who declined with a shake of his head.

  “Some of our folks go down into the mountains to trade with nearby villages. That’s the extent of our contact with the outside world. And I can’t wait for the day we’re hidden again. This world isn’t safe, Elf.”

  “And even if we restore the statues, there’s still a chance stronger enemies might show up.”

  Renovich nodded. “If that happens, we’ll deal with it. You should get some rest. The creatures come at night—you’ll need your strength.”

  “No need to worry. I can handle it.”

  “Hmph…” He took another drag. “The woman who came with you… have you…?”

  “She just lost her husband.”

  “I see… must be a difficult time for her. Well, I’ve got a few things to sort out. I’ll see you this evening.”

  Renovich walked past Colin, patted him twice on the back, and returned inside.

  Colin stood for a moment, observing the surroundings. With nothing else to do, he decided to walk through the village.

  Inside, Renovich stood at the bedroom door, watching his daughter cheerfully hold the child on Jamily’s lap. For a moment, memories of his wife resurfaced—memories of happier times.

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  With a soft sigh, he moved to the living room, warmed some tea, and sat down, gazing at his wife’s picture.

  The longing still gnawed at him. With another sigh, he closed his eyes and drifted into a short nap.

  [...]His eyes opened slowly, and he jolted upright.

  “Shit, did I lose track of time?”

  He grabbed his sword from the wall and began pacing the house, until he ran into Jamily—her hair wet, wearing a white dress.

  It was one of his wife’s old dresses.

  “Mr. Renovich!” she exclaimed, startled. “I saw you sleeping and didn’t want to wake you…”

  “That dress…”

  “Oh—the little girl gave it to me. We were playing dress-up with some things in a trunk, so… if you want me to change, I can—”

  “No, not at all. It looks good on you. You can keep it.”

  She offered a gentle smile.

  “I managed to get the children to sleep. Want to see?”

  They walked to the bedroom door, watching the little girl lying beside Jamily’s son, both wrapped in cloth on the floor.

  “They’re so cute when they’re asleep…”

  “They really are… Well, Miss Jamily, would you like some tea?”

  “I’d love some!”

  [...]

  It wasn’t that late yet, so he still had time to spend with her.

  “Your tea is excellent, sir!”

  “Please, just call me Renovich. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Changing the subject… Colin told me what happened to you—your husband...”

  She looked down, visibly saddened.

  “My wife’s gone too, miss. I know how it hurts.”

  “It was so sudden...” Their eyes met. “Like your wife...”

  “A plague... Sadly, it’s hard to find skilled users of the Restoration Tree or alchemists dedicated to healing the sick.”

  “I’m sorry...”

  “Yeah… me too. So, how long have you been traveling with Colin and the girl? You must have a lot of stories to tell.”

  He forced a gentle smile again.

  “We went through a lot in the village. After that, Mr. Colin took care of me and my son. Miss Sapphire helped too.”

  “He seems like a decent man.”

  “He is. But I think people misjudge him because he’s almost always angry…”

  His next words might’ve seemed desperate or insensitive, but in this broken world, hesitation could mean death.

  Renovich nodded, understanding the fragility of Jamily’s situation.

  “Miss Jamily,” he began, “this place could be more than a temporary shelter for you and your son. I know it may not look like much, but our village is prosperous, filled with kind people, and—most importantly—safe and hidden. It would be a great place to raise a child, far from the dangers that haunt the rest of the world.”

  Jamily looked at him in surprise.

  “You… I don’t know anyone here. Do you really think they’d accept me?”

  “Absolutely,” Renovich said with conviction. “And I’ll personally make sure you’re safe. Besides, Colin is headed to Ultan. The closer you get to the capital, the more dangerous it becomes. I don’t doubt his skills, but we’re likely to run into powerful magic users along the way.”

  She bit her lower lip, considering.

  “What about Colin and Sapphire?”

  “From what you’ve told me, Colin is strong—and Sapphire seems like a clever girl. They have their own paths to follow.”

  “…We don’t know each other, Renovich… and it’s only been a few weeks since my husband...”

  “I know. I’m sorry. But we have to keep moving forward, miss. Please—let me show you a bit more of who I am. I won’t force anything, I swear.”

  She looked away.

  “I need to think...”

  “Of course. I need to check on Colin anyway. Just… consider it, carefully.”

  He picked up his sword from the table and stepped outside, finding Colin sitting on the threshold.

  “I don’t think your monsters are coming,” said the false elf.

  “…How can you be so sure?”

  “Intuition.”

  [...]The narrow, winding dirt paths were deserted, lit only by the flickering glow of oil lamps that cast dancing shadows against the weathered fa?ades of the houses.

  The silence was heavy, broken only by the occasional creak of a door or the whispering wind.

  Inside, families huddled in dark corners, murmuring prayers, while anxious eyes peeked through window cracks, searching for any sign of the invaders.

  Meanwhile, Colin walked the streets.

  With his hands in his pockets and his eyes distant, he wandered—lost in thought.

  Things are clearer now… my senses sharper. Renovich is further north. Safira’s presence… she’s further south.

  He stopped, glancing up at the bright galaxy above.

  Sometimes it’s hard to believe this is all real. But I’m here… I’d better keep patrolling.

  And so, wrapped in the calm before the storm, Colin continued his solitary vigil.

  [...]Night gave way slowly to dawn, shadows retreating into the earth.

  The moon, silent witness to the tense hours, faded into the pale horizon, yielding to the first light of day.

  As the sun rose, it bathed the village in a fragile warmth, casting long, golden rays over broken rooftops and tired souls. The day had begun—but the threat of the Bugbears still loomed.

  “I’m so sleepy…” muttered Sapphire, rubbing her eyes.

  “You should get some rest,” Colin said. “I’ll find something for us to eat.”

  She walked off, and Renovich approached, cigarette between his lips.

  “Those bastards… They knew we’d be watching. That’s why they didn’t come. They’re trying to wear us down before they strike. I haven’t slept properly in two days—my senses are starting to slip.”

  “If you want to rest, I’ll take watch.”

  “Tsk… You really think I’d let a boy do my job?”

  “You shouldn’t be so proud,” Colin said with a smirk. “People your age shouldn’t work so hard.”

  “Very funny, kid. I’ve got better things to do.”

  Renovich tapped his feet against the ground, then turned and walked away.

  Colin, now alone again, set off for another walk.