Aadiar told Ariel she could leave, then lay down on the other cot in his cabin. Within minutes, he was fast asleep, like a baby.

  At the same time, within the mind of the Elf maiden…

  — Where am I?.. — a confused voice echoed.

  — Elmis… — another voice responded.

  — Who said that?! Where the hell am I?!

  — Do not worry, Elmis… Your fate has been sealed. I have granted you a new form—the form of a young Elf maiden…

  — What?! What is that supposed to mean?! What fate?! I gave my life for my people! They are surely alive and well!

  — You need not doubt that, — the voice replied calmly. — But I shall foretell your future…

  The voice continued:

  — In a few years, the boy to whom you must swear allegiance will lead a rebellion against the Humans and Dwarves… But beware, his power will grow each day until the moment of his death… That boy is human. His name is…

  The voice suddenly fell silent, and Elmis abruptly awoke in the daylight. Her gaze soon fell upon a boy at the table—Aadiar, who was calmly eating breakfast. Feeling a wave of panic, she jerked upright, only to hear his composed voice:

  — Good morning, Elf maiden.

  — May I ask your name, if you have one? — he continued.

  Elmis clicked her tongue in irritation.

  — And why should I tell my name to a human child?! — she replied harshly.

  — Oh, my apologies. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Aadiar Elysei. I am the captain of this… well, if you can call it that, semi-military vessel.

  — My name is Elmis. I am the General of Defense of the Holy Capital, Darion.

  Aadiar tensed.

  — A general?.. — his eyes widened slightly.

  Inner monologue:

  Hmm… strange. In my vision, the general was an Elf named Elmis, not an Elf maiden… There were no women at all, only warriors… This is odd…

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  — Yes! I am General Elmis! — she snapped in irritation. — Now tell me, where are we?!

  — Eat first, — Aadiar replied calmly. — I only know about the Elven people from the stories my late mother told me.

  — Don’t change the subject, you mutt!

  — I’ll tell you everything, but first, sit at the table and eat.

  Elmis’s stomach growled loudly, betraying her hunger, but she still refused. Suspecting poison in the food, she continued to resist but eventually gave in. While she ate, Aadiar told her how the world had changed, the status of the Elves, and the fate of the Beastkin. After hearing him out, Elmis sighed heavily, realizing the new reality.

  — One more thing, — Aadiar added. — Now that you’re an Elf maiden, it would be best to hide your face or stay close to me. But be warned—if we enter the city, people will look at you with desire, and some will attempt to abduct you…

  — Who would dare touch me?! — Elmis exclaimed angrily. — I, the great Elmis, have slain over twenty thousand humans!

  Aadiar didn’t argue. He silently handed her a short sword and a bow, both found in the Temple of Kalmar. Then, they left the ship. The sun shone brightly, seagulls cried in the sky. Descending the gangplank, they headed into the heart of the city of Pion.

  As expected, people stared at Elmis, clearly curious about who owned the Elf maiden. They arrived at the Adventurers’ Guild, but at the entrance, a fat man in expensive clothing blocked their path.

  — Don’t be afraid, little one. You’ll enjoy yourself in my chambers, — he sneered, grabbing her wrist.

  — Let go! You’re hurting me! — Elmis tried to pull away, but suddenly realized something strange. This body… It’s weaker than before… I feel pain much more intensely!

  — I said don’t struggle, you little brat!

  — Hey, fatso! — Aadiar’s voice rang out.

  — What did you just say, you mutt?! Do you even know who I am?!

  — Of course, — Aadiar smirked. — You’re a fat pig.

  — You little bastard! Guards! Seize him! And take the Elf girl!

  Aadiar chuckled:

  — Lay a finger on me or her, and your souls will be dancing at the Devil’s feet.

  The guards didn’t move. They felt the dark mana radiating from Aadiar. The blood-red glow made the fat man turn pale. He spun around and fled with his guards.

  — Are you alright? — Aadiar asked.

  — I… could have handled it myself… — Elmis muttered.

  — Great. Then let’s go in.

  Inside the guild, dozens of eyes immediately locked onto Elmis. She felt uncomfortable.

  Elmis’s thoughts: Now I understand how the servant girls of the Holy Palace felt when the Elven nobility stared at them…

  — Everything alright? — Aadiar asked.

  — Yeah… leave me alone.

  Aadiar scanned the adventurers and loudly declared:

  — This Elf maiden is mine. So don’t even think about laying so much as a pinky on her.

  The adventurers, knowing his temperament, wisely chose not to get involved. Approaching the registration desk, Aadiar placed a piece of Kraken tentacle as proof of mission completion.

  — Sarina, when will the reward be ready? — he asked the receptionist.

  — Tonight, the chest will be prepared. The mission was too dangerous, even for you.

  — Nonsense. We only lost one, — he clicked his tongue. — But she’ll take his place, this Elf maiden. Alright, later.

  — By the way, I’m curious… What face hides beneath that wolf mask of yours? — Sarina smirked.

  — It doesn’t matter. Elmis, get ready. We’re leaving.

  — Alright…

  As Aadiar took care of business, Elmis continued to wonder: Why a female body?!

  Upon leaving, Aadiar suggested they take a walk through the market, and they headed there.