A Blade's Warning

"We'll start by figuring out what's draining your people's life energy," I said plainly, stepping forward with my hands in my pockets. My tone was calm. "And then we'll end it." 

The elf elder's gaze hardened, his sharp features etched with suspicion. The gathered crowd murmured softly among themselves, their hushed voices blending with the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds. 

"And if you're lying?" His voice cut through the noise, low and rumbling like distant thunder. 

"Then just kill us," I replied, shrugging slightly. My tone carried a casual finality, as if I was discussing the weather and not wagering my life. 

The elves froze, their collective gasp making the air heavier. Hina turned toward me, her brows furrowed in shock. "Esther, are you serious?!" she hissed, but I didn't bother responding. My eyes stayed locked on the elder. 

He studied me for a long moment, his knuckles tightening around the hilt of his sword. His jaw worked as if chewing on the weight of my words, and then his eyes flicked to Serina. "Do you vouch for them?" he asked, his tone firm and demanding. 

Serina stepped forward, meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence. "I do," she said. "They're here to help. I brought them because I trust them." 

The elder's gaze softened slightly as he considered her words. Finally, he gave a sharp nod. "Fine," he said gruffly. "You can stay and investigate. But if I sense even the slightest hint of betrayal…" His voice trailed off as his piercing eyes landed back on me. The unspoken threat was clear. 

He raised his hand, signaling to the other elves to lower their weapons. One by one, the villagers retreated from their defensive stances, though their suspicious glances lingered. 

Sighhh* Hina let out a heavy sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing. "Well, that was intense," she muttered under her breath. 

From behind, a voice interrupted the quiet. "And who are these new faces?" 

We turned to see a human man approaching. His curly hair was a mess, and his round glasses caught the sunlight, giving him a bookish, unassuming appearance. He carried a crate filled with small bottles of liquid, which shaked gently with each step. 

"Arthur," Serina greeted with a smile. "These are the extra hands I brought with me. They'll be helping us investigate." 

Arthur set the crate down and adjusted his glasses, his eyes locked onto Serina, his gaze steady and unreadable. He offered no words, no hints of emotion and then shifting between Hina and me. 

When his eyes landed on Hina, they lingered for a moment longer than necessary. Then he smiled warmly. "Ah, I see. Welcome," he said, his voice kind and soft. "The more, the merrier." 

He crouched and began handing out small bottles of the liquid to the elf children nearby. "Here, drink this. It'll help a little," he said, his tone gentle as he offered each bottle. 

He knelt beside them, watching the children carefully sip from the bottles. Their small faces lit up as the liquid coursed through their bodies, bringing a faint flush of color to their cheeks. 

"He's kind," Hina whispered to me, leaning in slightly. "And cute, too." 

I glanced at Arthur briefly but said nothing, keeping my focus on the scene. Hina, as usual, was far too trusting. 

"Where are Lisa and Wong?" Serina asked, her voice cutting through the quiet moment. 

Arthur straightened and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "They're at the center of the village, helping where they can," he replied. 

"Who are they?" Hina asked curiously. 

"Friends of mine," Serina explained. "The four of us came here together to help. They've been working tirelessly alongside the villagers." 

I turned back to the elf elder, who had been silently observing the interaction. "Why aren't you seeking help from outside?" I asked, my tone casual but pointed. "The knights could assist. We could contact them—"

The reaction was immediate. The air grew heavy, and the previously relaxed elves stiffened. Every gaze turned toward me, and an unmistakable hostility replaced the wary glances from before. Even Serina and Arthur visibly tensed. 

"Esther…" Serina murmured, her voice low, but I ignored her. 

"What's the harm in asking for help?" I continued, oblivious to—or perhaps curious of—the reason behind their solitude filled suffering. "Many of your people work outside these borders. Some hold high ranks in the knights. Why keep yourselves under a boundary when—" 

*Clang!* 

The elder's sword was out in an instant, its blade pressed against my neck. The sharp edge bit into my skin, not enough to draw blood but enough to make his point crystal clear. 

I froze, my hands still casually resting in my pockets. The entire village went silent again, the atmosphere electric with barely restrained fury. 

"Esther…" Serina's voice was sharper this time, almost pleading. 

Hina's eyes widened, her hand instinctively reaching for me, though she didn't dare move. "What the hell, Esther?! Do you ever think before you speak?" 

The elder's eyes burned with an anger I hadn't seen before. "Don't you dare say that to us ever again," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. The aura around him crackled to life, sparking and hissing with raw energy. 

For the first time since we arrived, I felt the full weight of their pain and fury. It wasn't just suspicion or mistrust—they were carrying a deep, unrelenting wound. And I had just poured salt on it. 

"We don't care what other elves do or what they're doing," he said, his sharp glare piercing through me. "We're not like them. And if you don't want to help, you're free to leave. We didn't ask for it anyway." His voice was cold, each word cutting deeper than the last. 

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Alright, alright. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." My voice softened, hoping to ease the tension. 

His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he lowered his sword and slid it back into its sheath. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps fading into the distance. 

Hina let out a low whistle beside me. "Well, that was intense," she muttered, grabbing my collar and pulling me closer. "Think before you speak next time, will you?" 

"Yes, yes, I get it. Now let me go," I grumbled, swatting her hand away.