As we walked out of the forest, I asked, "So, what are you both going to do now?"
"What do you mean?" Verixa tilted her head.
"My Queen, perhaps he means where we will live from now on," Valkira explained.
"What do you mean? Aren't we going back to the Demon City?" Verixa asked, unaware of the situation.
Valkira shook her head. "Maybe you don't understand. Humans now know the location of the Demon City. If we go back there, they'll capture us."
"So you mean... we have to find shelter like the other demons?" Verixa muttered.
"Yes, at least for now. But before that…" Valkira turned toward me. "Sir Zacken, what will you do?"
"What do you mean?" Verixa asked, but Valkira continued, "It would be very advantageous if Sir Zacken joined us. Still, we can't force him. If he does, it might put him in danger."
"You're right. We can't be selfish and force Zacken to come along," Verixa agreed, looking dejected. She and Valkira bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for your help so far. We hope we will—" Verixa began, but I interrupted.
"Wait! I never said I was leaving. Besides, the soldiers already know my face. If I wander alone, they'll capture and execute me. I have to come with you."
"Really?" Verixa's expression brightened.
"I don't have much of a choice," I replied dryly.
"Very well. It would be an honor to travel with you," Valkira said sincerely.
"Well, I'll be in your care then. And Miss Valkira—could you just call me by my name? Being addressed as 'Sir' feels too formal."
"Of course. I'll call you Zacken. But in return, you should also call me Valkira," she said with a gentle smile.
"Me too!" Verixa added excitedly. "Zacken, I'll give you the honor of calling me—"
"'Kid' is fine," I cut her off.
"Hey!" She pouted in protest.
"So, where are we going now?" I asked, changing the subject.
"It would be best to head towards the nearest demon village. We can take shelter there until we decide what to do next," Valkira explained.
"But won't the route pass through the elf village?" Verixa interrupted.
"Yes, and that's a problem," Valkira frowned. "The elves didn't officially join the war, but they still despise both humans and demons. Many of their people died and their homes were destroyed in the chaos."
"Hmm… Then we'll need a way to pass through safely. If only we had that cloak you gave me before…" I muttered.
"I have a suggestion," Valkira said. "Zacken, what if you went ahead as a sign of peace?"
"Yes! That could work!" Verixa agreed. "After all, an elf was part of the hero's party. The elves might not know what the hero looks like, so if you pretended to be him, they would at least listen."
"That's a bold plan… but too risky. What if they find out I'm just an imposter?" I asked nervously.
"Nothing much. They'll only toss you in front of a hungry crocodile, that's all," Verixa said casually.
"Geez, that's exactly why I'm worried!" I groaned.
"But if we don't cross the forest, the human army will eventually find us. We must choose," Valkira said, both her and Verixa's eyes fixed on me.
"Alright, alright! I'll do it," I gave in.
Some time later…
"So this is the great Elf Village. We can't go with you any further, so we wish you luck, Zacken," Valkira said.
"Good luck!" Verixa waved as I stepped into the forest alone.
"Geez… Why is this isekai world so unfair? First I was summoned by demons, then thrown into prison, then attacked by humans, then almost killed by them, and now I have to face angry elves…" I sighed.
"I just hope they don't figure out who I really am."
Suddenly, an arrow struck the ground near my feet. My eyes snapped upward to see an elf perched in the trees.
She had striking green gem-like eyes, long golden-blond hair flowing to her waist, and sharp pointed ears. Dressed in a sleek black and tortoise-shell patterned bodysuit, she aimed her bow steadily at me.
"What business do you have here, human?" she demanded.
"Well…" I gave a nervous laugh. "I'm a hero, and I wish to meet with your village chief."
"Liar! I've already met the hero—you are not him," she snapped, drawing her bow tighter.
I froze. I knew this plan wouldn't work. Maybe if I ran, she'd let me escape…
But before I could move, she narrowed her eyes and asked, "Are you from another world? An earthling, perhaps?"
"What? You can tell?" I gasped.
"Even a fool could see it—the clothes you're wearing don't exist in this world," she replied.
"Ah… I see. So?" I asked, still baffled by the sudden shift in the conversation.
With effortless grace, she leapt down from the tree and landed gracefully before me. "Maybe you can help me. If you do, I'll let you meet our chief."
"Help? What kind of help?" I asked cautiously.
"I've heard that people summoned from Earth possess unique skills—miraculous abilities. I want that," she said intensely.
Before I could respond, she added, "You didn't attack me even when I shot a warning arrow. That proves you're kind enough to help me."
The problem was… I didn't have any kind of miracle ability at all.
"Alright then… what exactly do I need to do?" I asked anyway.
"Follow me. It will be easier if you see the problem with your own eyes," she said, turning as I reluctantly followed behind her.