Morning arrived in Lysera with restless energy.

  The training grounds buzzed with activity—elves clearing the wide fields, polishing wooden posts, and preparing the arena for the day’s sessions. Along the pathways, small stalls had appeared overnight. Some sold fresh fruits, others displayed finely crafted clothes and light armor, their metallic shine catching the sun.

  Shouts, laughter, and the sound of work filled the air.

  Unaware of all of it, Nacht slept peacefully in the room Elder Lise had assigned to him.

  The noise slowly seeped into his dreams.

  “…hnn…”

  His eyes fluttered open.

  “What’s with all this noise…?” he muttered groggily. “Is something special happening today… or is it always this loud?”

  Still half-asleep, he pushed himself up and sat on the bed. Turning toward the window on his right, he peered outside.

  In the distance, several elves were preparing a massive open ground—wide and organized, almost like a football stadium back on Earth.

  “…That’s huge.”

  He stood up from the bed.

  As his foot moved toward the floor, he suddenly froze mid-air.

  Instinctively, he pulled both legs back to his chest.

  “…W–what is this…?”

  Slowly, carefully, he looked down.

  The floor was covered with a thick carpet made from what looked like animal fur—dark, dense, and unbelievably soft.

  “…So this is made from an animal’s hide,” he murmured. “It’s warm… and really comfortable. Just how big was the creature this came from?”

  He placed his feet down and stood properly this time.

  His eyes wandered across the room.

  It was spacious and beautiful—far beyond anything he had ever seen in his old life. Elegant walls, soft lighting, and an atmosphere that felt calm yet refined.

  “I still can’t believe it,” he whispered. “I’m really in another world… and honestly, it’s already better than the one I came from.”

  Above him hung a large, ornate chandelier. White silk curtains with delicate patterns fluttered gently near the windows.

  Nearby, a wooden table caught his attention.

  He ran his hand across its surface.

  Smooth. Polished. Warm.

  “…This looks like exotic wood,” he said in awe. “The kind I only read about in books.”

  He leaned forward, resting his face against the table and inhaled.

  “…Ahh… it even smells good. I didn’t know wood could have a scent like this.”

  Suddenly—

  Thud. Creeeek.

  The door opened.

  An elf girl stepped inside, carrying a large tray filled with fruits and neatly folded clothes.

  “Oh—uh, I think I know you,” Nacht said, surprised. “You’re Nimue, right? The one who was sitting beside me yesterday?”

  The elf girl smiled and nodded.

  “Yes, that’s me. I’m surprised you remembered my name so quickly,” she said warmly. “How are you feeling now?”

  She walked inside and placed the tray gently on the wooden table.

  “I feel much better,” Nacht replied honestly. “Thank you… for saving me.”

  Nimue waved it off casually.

  “It’s nothing. I’m just glad you’re better. I brought you some clothes—and fruits. Make sure you eat.”

  Nacht glanced at the tray.

  “You didn’t have to go this far,” he said. “I already have clothes… and everyone’s done more than enough for me.”

  Nimue placed a finger dramatically on her lips, pretending to think.

  “Oh? So you don’t care about yourself at all?” she teased. “Imagine if the other elves saw you like this. They already believe humans are dirty and careless—today they’d finally have proof.”

  Nacht blinked, confused.

  “…Wait. Humans are dirty?”

  “Yes,” Nimue said seriously. “Elves always keep themselves and their clothes clean. Humans don’t—at least that’s what we believe. Cleanliness is sacred to us.”

  She turned toward the door.

  “So stop asking questions. Go bathe, change your clothes, and come downstairs. I’ll be waiting.”

  “W–wait, Nimue—what do you mean by—”

  She paused, half-opening the door, and glanced back with a small smile.

  “Just hurry up. I’ll explain everything later.”

  The door closed softly behind her.

  Nacht remained still for a moment, curiosity gnawing at him.

  Then his eyes fell on the tray again.

  He picked up a bright red apple.

  “…Sorry, Mr. Apple,” he said quietly. “Just looking at you made me even hungrier.”

  He took a large bite.

  The sweetness exploded across his tongue.

  “…Wow.”

  His eyebrows rose in surprise.

  “This is really good… I’ll eat properly after I bathe.”

  He picked up the clothes—dark blue, similar in style to elf garments, with long sleeves and a faint shimmer.

  “These look amazing,” he muttered. “And they’re so soft.”

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  Holding them carefully, Nacht headed toward the bath.

  Time passed.

  A knock echoed through the room.

  Knock. Knock.

  “Hey, Nacht. It’s Nimue. Are you ready?”

  No answer.

  She waited a moment… then knocked again.

  “Nacht? I’m coming in.”

  She opened the door.

  The tray was still there. Some fruits remained—but Nacht was nowhere in sight.

  She stepped inside cautiously.

  “…Hello? Are you still in here?”

  Her gaze shifted toward the bathing area as she took a few steps forward—

  And then—

  The door opened.

  Nacht stepped out.

  He was wearing the dark blue elf-style outfit. His hair was still wet, water droplets clinging to the strands.

  “Uh—hey,” he said awkwardly, raising an eyebrow. “Did I take too long?”

  Nimue froze.

  She slowly looked him up and down.

  A faint spark flickered in her eyes.

  Her cheeks turned pink. Even her ears reddened.

  “I–I knocked,” she stammered. “You weren’t answering, so I thought—”

  “I’m really sorry,” Nacht said quickly, rubbing the back of his head. “I was enjoying the hot bath a bit too much.”

  Completely unaware of the effect he was having on her.

  “Hey… your face is red,” he added innocently. “Do you have a fever?”

  Nimue hurriedly touched her cheeks and brushed her hair over her ears.

  “I’m fine!” she said. “Anyway, you’re ready, right? The training session is about to start. It’s an honor for a human to even attend an elf training session.”

  “Oh—yeah, I’m ready,” Nacht replied. “Just… my hair’s still wet.”

  Nimue blinked.

  “…You don’t know wind magic?”

  “Wind… magic?” Nacht repeated slowly. “No. I don’t.”

  Wait—everyone knows wind magic here?! How does that even work?

  She sighed deeply.

  “Sit down.”

  She guided him to a chair and raised her palm.

  “Soft Aero Breeze.”

  A gentle wind flowed from her hand—neither cold nor hot—drying his hair perfectly.

  “See?” she said calmly. “Just think of what you want, say its name, and let the wind respond.”

  Nacht stared in awe.

  Seeing magic this close felt like watching a dove appear from a book as a child.

  “…Magic is incredible,” he whispered.

  Could I do this too?

  I’m not even from this world.

  Aura, mana… what’s the difference?

  Lost in thought—

  Thap!

  Hands landed on his shoulders.

  “Hey, Nachty. Did I scare you?”

  He flinched.

  “Y–yeah… a little. Looks like my hair’s dry now. Shall we go?”

  She nodded.

  “Let’s hurry. The battles have already started. I’ll be joining too—Elder Lise assigned me as Adrias’s opponent.”

  “Adrias?” Nacht asked. “The one who called Elder Lise ‘Grandma’?”

  Nimue sighed.

  “Unfortunately, yes. My match will be announced after this one. Aren’t you going to wish me luck?”

  He paused… then smiled faintly.

  “…Do your best.”

  She laughed softly.

  “Good enough. Let’s go before someone takes our seats.”

  She grabbed his hand and pulled him outside.

  Cheers echoed across the grounds.

  But the moment the elves noticed a human walking beside Nimue—

  The noise died.

  Joy vanished from their faces.

  Fear… and hatred filled their eyes.

  “That’s the human who was saved.”

  “Tch… touching a human dirties your hands.”

  Mockery spread like wildfire.

  Nacht didn’t lower his head.

  He remained silent.

  Then a voice rang out—

  “He’s still a living being, just like us. Remove the titles of elf and human, and we’re all the same. Why cling to centuries of hatred?”

  Before Nimue could continue, an elf sneered.

  “Shut it, Nimmu. Humans are weak. We don’t respect the weak.”

  She clenched her skirt and shouted—

  “You don’t get to decide who deserves respect! Strength or weakness isn’t your judgment to make!”

  Nacht looked at her.

  For the first time… someone had stood up for him.

  Then—

  Silence.

  “Everyone, move aside.”

  A cold voice came from behind the crowd. Slowly, people stepped back, creating a path.

  From within it emerged an elf—dragging another elf by his hair.

  From a distance, he had beaten him mercilessly, and now pulled him forward like a lifeless object. His clothes were soaked in blood, his face swollen and covered in wounds. Without hesitation, the elf lifted the injured boy and threw him onto the ground before Nacht and Nimue.

  A murmur spread through the crowd.

  “Isn’t that Adrias?”

  “He’s the elder’s grandson…”

  “If he’s that powerful, then this one must be too.”

  Placing his foot on the defeated elf’s chest, Adrias smiled—an evil, mocking smile. His gaze shifted between Nimue and Nacht as he spoke lazily.

  “Tch… tch… tch. Look who decided to challenge the lion in his own jungle. Ehehehe.”

  He tilted his head toward Nimue. “Is this the fate you wanted, Nimue? Or does anyone else wish to end up like this?”

  Adrias looked at Nimue—then slowly turned his gaze toward Nacht.

  Suddenly, Nimue stepped forward and grabbed Adrias, pulling him back.

  “Can’t you see he’s already lost?” she said sharply. “Why did you beat him this badly?”

  As Nimue bent down to check on the injured elf—

  Flick.

  In the blink of an eye, Adrias kicked her head with terrifying force.

  The kick was so fast it felt unreal. Nimue was sent flying, crashing hard into the wall behind them.

  The attack was both brutal and instantaneous. Nacht’s eyes remained wide open in shock. Just moments ago, Nimue had been standing beside him—now she lay far away near the wall.

  Nacht turned in panic and shouted,

  “Nimue—!”

  Before he could move, Adrias suddenly leaned in and whispered into his ear,

  “If you fight me, I won’t touch her anymore.

  Fight me—and only me.”

  A question forced upon him in less than a heartbeat.

  Nacht blinked… then slowly turned to face Adrias, who was smiling.

  “Promise me,” Nacht said quietly. “If I fight you… you won’t hurt her again.”

  Hearing this, Adrias raised an eyebrow.

  “Tch. The human brat really wants to fight me?”

  He smirked. “Think carefully. Whatever happens to you—your life will be your own responsibility.”

  Nacht remained silent for a few seconds.

  But the boy who had always run away…

  this time chose to face the problem.

  “No one will cry for me if I die,” Nacht said calmly.

  “But Nimue has everything. So yes… I’m ready.”

  The air around them changed.

  Noise erupted from every direction.

  “A human versus the elder’s grandson?”

  “Is he insane?”

  “This is Adrias’ fight—no doubt about it!”

  Then an announcement echoed through the area.

  “Attention everyone! A duel will take place between Adrias and Nacht—the human. Whatever happens in this battle, both participants will bear full responsibility themselves.”

  Blood trickled down Nimue’s head as she slowly walked toward Nacht. Her body trembled.

  “Na-Nacht… why are you doing this?” she whispered.

  “Please… don’t do this for me.”

  Nacht looked at her—and smiled faintly.

  “Actually,” he said with quiet confidence,

  “I’m not doing this for you. Adrias asked me personally, so don’t misunderstand.”

  He glanced around at the crowd.

  “Just cheer for me, okay? Everyone here is cheering for Adrias anyway… and words have power.”

  Holding her side, Nimue looked at him and nodded.

  “Yes… I will,” she said softly.

  “Just come back after winning.”

  Chapter 7 — End

  Nacht now stands before a well-trained elf warrior—

  one who carries a personal grudge against him.

  On one side is Adrias, raised in battle, fueled by pride and hatred.

  On the other is Nacht… a human who knows no magic, no techniques, no rules of this world.

  Can someone with nothing truly stand against someone who has everything?

  Or will this fight awaken something that was never meant to sleep?

  Next Chapter — i won’t give up