The elf led me deeper into the forest, her golden hair swaying like sunlight trapped in strands. Every time I thought about escaping, she casually glanced back.
"So… uh, what exactly is this problem you need help with?" I asked, trying not to look suspicious.
"You'll see soon," she replied curtly, her green eyes fixed straight ahead.
We finally reached a grove. Elves gathered around a massive tree — larger than any skyscraper I'd ever seen. Its bark shimmered faintly, pulsing with strange light, but the glow flickered irregularly like a dying bulb.
"This is the Heartwood," the elf explained. "Our sacred tree. It is the core source… which slowly dies."
I stared at the giant glowing plant.
"…Okay, but how am I supposed to fix a tree? I'm not a magician?"
She crossed her arms. "You're from Earth, that's all that matters. For now use whatever you have. You know how to restore it, right?"
My jaw dropped. "All I know about plants is that they're green, have leaves, and some plants even produce fruits," I whispered — but she heard me.
Her sharp ears twitched in irritation. "You mock us?"
"Not mocking! Just… managing expectations!" I raised my hands defensively.
Before the argument could escalate, an elderly elf emerged from the crowd. His long silver hair brushed the ground, and his staff crackled faintly with energy.
"Alira," he addressed the archer. "You brought here a human? You know that a human is forbidden to visit near our sacred tree."
"Yes, Chief. But don't worry. He's an Earthling. I believe he can help us by using his miraculous skills."
The chief studied me for an uncomfortably long time before sighing.
"…You don't look like a hero, and I can't feel any aura coming out of you. But seeing your strange outfit, indeed you are from Earth. Perhaps with your help we can at least slow down the cause."
I wanted to correct him, but honestly, compared to Verixa and Valkira, being mistaken for a "wise one" was the nicest compliment I'd gotten. At least this request wasn't about fighting a monster.
The chief gestured to the fading glow of the Heartwood.
"Long ago, due to the war between humans and demons, the roots that maintain the flow of mana became corrupted. Because of that, the tree is poisoned. Our magic has slowed the corruption, but it spreads faster every year. We need a miracle — something only an Earthling can do. A way to cleanse what magic cannot. Please, if you can help us somehow…" He bowed to me.
I swallowed hard. My brain scrambled through high school science classes like a thief rummaging through a trash bin. Poison… roots… cleansing…
Oh crap, is this just basic filtration?
"Uh…" I scratched my head. "Maybe if we, you know, rerouted the water source and filtered it through charcoal, gravel, and sand, we could remove the toxins?"
The elves blinked at me in total silence. For a second, I thought I'd said something completely wrong.
"…What is charcoal?" Alira asked with confusion.
I froze. "Wait. Don't tell me… you've never made charcoal before?!"
The entire group tilted their heads in unison. Even the ancient chief.
I slapped my forehead. "Unbelievable. Even a child who plays Minecraft knows how important charcoal is. In my world, at least."
Alira narrowed her eyes. "Minecra… whatever. So you're saying if this 'charcoal' thing can truly help, then prove it, Earthling. Show us."
"Before that — I have a name, you know. It's Zacken." I sighed, rolling up my sleeves. "Fine. But if I end up teaching elves how to barbecue, I'm seriously demanding hazard pay."
Back near the fire pit, I demonstrated the process — burning wood in low oxygen to create charcoal. The elves watched like it was divine magic. When I crushed the blackened chunks and explained how to use them in layered filters, whispers rippled through the crowd.
"It's so simple…" one elf gasped.
"Such knowledge… to think humans from another world could do this…" murmured another.
Alira leaned closer, her green eyes sparkling for the first time. "Maybe you are useful after all, Earthling."
"Geez, thanks. I'm not that great."
The chief approached, his staff glowing faintly as he bowed his head. "If this works, we will owe you a great debt. But be warned — if something happens to the plant, the elves will never forgive you."
"No pressure," I muttered, wiping the sweat off my forehead.
As the first drops of filtered water trickled out clear as crystal, the elves gasped. Even the fading glow of the Heartwood flickered stronger. The elves whispered in awe as its glow steadied, no longer like a dying lantern. For the first time since stepping into this forest, I actually felt… useful.
Alira lowered her bow and gave me a small nod. "You did it, Zacken. I… thank you. Truly."
Hearing that, I felt relief knowing that, for once, a situation was solved without me almost dying.
But of course, nothing's ever that simple.
The chief stepped forward.
"You have given us hope. Now, we must ask — as the chief of the village I can provide you anything: woman, money, land?"
"Honestly, I don't need anything like that. I just want one thing: permission to cross the forest safely. Well, you know, there are two people with me and we want to visit somewhere. So, if possible, please provide the permission… and I'd like to keep in touch."
The elves exchanged murmurs. Alira tilted her head at me, surprised by the modest request.
"…So be it," the chief declared after a pause. "We grant you safe passage through our lands. And if ever you need help, we will help."
Relief flooded through me, and I exhaled a long breath. "Thank you. Really."
Soon after, I returned to the forest's edge to fetch Valkira and Verixa.
The moment we stepped back into the village, the air changed. The elves gasped, hands flying to weapons as they recognized the two figures at my side. Whispers spread like wildfire:
"Demons!"
"Why did he bring them here?!"
Valkira's hand hovered over her sword, her crimson eyes scanning the crowd. Verixa, on the other hand, puffed out her chest and declared, "Bow before your future queen, elves!"
I smacked her head. "You're not helping at all!"
Alira quickly raised her hand, silencing the crowd. "Stay your anger. If these demons are his companions, then we should respect them too."
Slowly, the elves lowered their weapons.
Valkira leaned closer to me and whispered, "You're sure they won't attack us?"
"They won't," I interrupted. "I guess… maybe."
Verixa smirked. "Hmph. So this is what humans call 'connections.' Not bad, my minion."
"Minion… did I just get demoted to a minion of a kid?"
Before we could leave, Alira stepped closer. "Zacken. One last thing."
"What now?" I asked warily.
"You showed us how to cleanse water. But the Heartwood has many roots, many veins. We cannot rely on one filter alone. There may be other ways." Her eyes locked onto mine, sharp yet earnest. "So I ask you — join us with your help."
But I interrupted. "Join you? You mean, like… stay here and become the village handyman?"
"Not handyman," Alira corrected, her green eyes flashing. "An ally. A guide from another world."
I looked at Verixa and Valkira. Verixa had her arms crossed, scowling as if I'd already betrayed her. Valkira's expression was calm but unreadable, waiting for my decision.
I sighed loudly. "Why does this happen to me every time? First demons, then humans trying to execute me, now elves. What's next, dwarves asking me to invent beer?"
Alira tilted her head. "…Beer?"
"Never mind," I muttered.
"Look, I get it. The Heartwood is important, and I really do want to help. But… I can't stay here. This kid over here—she doesn't look it, but she's the one who summoned me. So…"
Alira's expression hardened, though the faintest flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes. "So that is your answer."
"Yeah." I managed a weak smile. "But don't take it the wrong way. If I come across more useful tricks, I'll share them. Think of me as… a part-time consultant."
From behind, a voice came.
"Alira," the old elf spoke slowly, his voice carrying authority, "you have always been loyal to this forest. But the world beyond our borders remains unknown to you — and to us. This Earthling may carry the very knowledge we lack. If he will not stay… then you shall go with him."
Alira blinked. "Chief… you mean—"
He nodded. "Learn from the outside world. See what dangers it holds. Gather knowledge we don't have. And return, when the time is right, with the knowledge to save our people."
The crowd rippled with surprise.
I just stood there. "Wait. Hold on. You're… sending her with me?"
"Yes," the chief said simply. "You wished to keep contact with us, right?"
Alira crossed her arms, her green eyes narrowing at me. "Hmph. Do not misunderstand, Earthling. I am not following you because I want to. This is for my mission."
"Yeah, sure… so another one. And on top of all, a tsundere," I muttered under my breath.
Verixa grinned mischievously. "Ohhh, a new minion? This will be fun. I wonder how long before she starts fighting with Valkira for your attention."
Valkira's crimson eyes flicked toward me, calm but sharp. "This will complicate things."
I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "Great. Just what I needed. More party members. At this rate, I'm going to end up leading a traveling circus."
The elves parted, granting us a clear path through the forest.
And so, with Alira now unwillingly added to my already insane group, we left the Forest.