*3rd Person POV*

Some time before Night fall. When Evan was heading back to the lake where he first woke up.

A bit far away from him, In the dense forest that was completely filled with trees.

A Figure was there. A woman. Sitting on top of the largest tree nearby.

She was admiring the setting sun which was turning the beautiful golden sky into a dark and broody night. The woman fiddled with a short silver-coloured sword, as If waiting for someone, while also admiring the gorgeous sunset.

The woman had black lush straight hair that reached below her shoulder, accessorized with a golden pin on the back of her head which supporting her long hair.

She had a slim body and honey-brown eyes. She was wearing all black coloured tight clothes that favored mobility and would make her disappear in the blackness of night.

But all of this was not as noticeable as her long ears. She was an Elf, her name was Tifa.

*Tifa POV*

I kept staring at the sunset while I fiddled around with my silver short-sword.

Whenever I look at the sunset, I feel like all my worries and problem have disappeared for a moment. But only for a fleeting moment.

I looked at my sword which looked like a golden sword under the sunlight. The blade was sharp and there was no further need of any maintenance. I sheathed the sword back into my belt buckle and looked back at the golden sky.

I stared at the sunset for a few more moments before the sun hid behind the mountains, leaving behind a partial golden sky and a partial night sky.

I was then slowly reminded of my problems and I sighed involuntarily.

Why did it all become like this? Maybe if I had more mana then things would be different but I don’t.

Elves have an abundance of mana since birth which separates them from other races. Because of that, they have heightened ego for themselves. And hate most of other races.

Despite being an elf myself, I’m shunned by my own people because of my inherent low mana. It’s Impossible for Elves to have low mana which only means one thing. I'm not an Elf, I’m half-elf.

And even a Human and Elf half-blood.

I involuntarily sighed again.

Due to my inability to function a lot of mana, and the fact that everybody somehow hates me, the only occupation I could take was the Assassins occupation. An occupation keeps me away from everyone.

I don't mind it all that much since the elves don't take too kindly to half-bloods.

It's actually a blessing in disguise that I get to stay away from that hypocritical place.

An assassin's job was also not that well respected in the Elven kingdom. Everyone would usually choose to be an archer, hunter or magician. And because I’m half-blood. Nobody taught me anything about my job.

I had to teach myself on how an assassin actually works. Unlike what most people think, Assassin's occupation is half about spying for information and other half is assassinations, though I’m never trusted with those missions.

The elves discrimination is sometimes just too much. The only one that stood by me during these tough times was my bigger step-sister.

Her name is Sarah. Even though she was a pure elf she would take care of me just like how a bigger sister would, and how a family actually would.

We’re both orphans but, even if we’re related or not, she would take care of me like a bigger sister.

The golden sky was completely gone by now and the night sky was slowly enveloping us.

I'm here waiting for her like always. We partner up every now and then when the job is hard or when… I’m not assigned a job. She would take a job and we would do it together and split the rewards.

We could meet up back at the kingdom, but that's trouble for both myself and her. At this point, I don't want to increase any more of her burdens.

I wasted some more time until I finally felt a presence below me.

Before I even looked. I heard her same familiar greetings.

[Hey Tifa! How's my little sister doing!] (Sarah)

I smiled a bit and looked down to find Sarah slowly climbing by jumping from tree branch to tree branch.

She had blonde hair tied to a twin ponytail and was about a head smaller than me. She looked like a 15-year-old human girl but she's actually older than me. She never tells me her age so I also never ask her. She also wore black clothing but I'll bet it's only for the mission we’ll be doing right now.

[Hello Sarah, I was starting to miss your company.] (Me)

[Ohhh, is my little sister worried about me? Hehe, I'm flattered.] (Sarah)

I chuckled a little.

She really likes to call others little, since she hates how short she is.

[Well before anything else, you remember the rules of working together right?] (Sarah)

[Yes, Captain.] (Me)

The rules she's referring to are only 2.

1) Call her Captain during mission's

2) She makes the call and I can't decline.

[That's a good girl.] (Sarah)

She finally reached a top where I was up started patting my head.

It was weird.

...the good weird.

[Geez, you really like sitting at the very top huh?] (Sarah)

I gently pushed her hand away from my head.

[Please don't treat me like a child, Captain.] (Me)

[Aww. You're still a child compared to me.] (Sarah)

She looked away at the horizon and I started talking.

[So, what are we facing today Captain?] (Me)

[Jeez, do you always have to be the serious type? We're meeting after quite a long time.] (Sarah)

She's correct actually, it's been a month. She was busy with her training, or that's what she tells me. I don't really know what she's up to most of the time, actually, I still don't know which Occupation she's in, she sometimes uses her bow, sometimes magic, It’s really hard to discern and she doesn’t tell me either. But whatever she's doing, it takes a lot of time.

But, this time I knew why she was away. it was training since the Festival was going to happen pretty soon. The "The night of the dryad" festival. It happens every year at the exact time the last dryad died.

The dryads were an important faerie for our forest kingdom. They could protect and control the entire forests that we lived in. They also protected all the elves from outsiders and took care of us like mothers of nature.

We all show our capabilities during the festival to show the souls of dryads that we're capable of protecting ourselves from now on. So that their souls find peace.

[I'm always happy to see you, but I also know that you like lazing around a lot. Which, I'm not going to let you do. So, what's the objective today, Captain?] (Me)

I gave a small playful smile to which she responded by pouting.

[Jeez, you're no fun. Anyway, this is a request from the Archery Quartermaster.] (Sarah)

She took out a parchment from her pockets.

Help wanted:

This is Ralston, from the archery department. I am in need of lens from demon eyes to try and create goggles for the upcoming festival. It's to shield the archer's eyes from any kind of damage to their eyes.

Reward: for every undamaged lens, 2 silver coins.

Duration: 3 days before the festival.

3 days before the festival......so the deadline is tomorrow.

[Did he found a way to make the goggles? I heard that It's pretty tough to make things out of monster materials.] (Me)

[Well he said he wanted it to be at the festival. And I doubt he knows how to make them. He probably just wants to practice for now and make them a few days before the festival or something like that.] (Sarah)

[Well, the demon eye scavenges for food at night time so it's best to prepare for them right now.] (Me)

By food, I mean animals who possess mana, whether harmless critters or an innocent person if he chooses to take a stroll during night time.

She nodded at my words before she quietly asked me.

[...Are you really not going to join the festival again?] (Sarah)

I sighed

[Yes, you know how they are.] (Me)

[But- no, nevermind.] (Sarah)

She shook her head.

[It's Alright, whatever you wish for. I got your back.] (Sarah)

[Captain... Thank you.] (Me)

[Hm? For what?] (Sarah)

[For sticking out with me.] (Me)

[Hey, don’t worry about it. That's what sisters are for. Right?] (Sarah)

She gave me a wink as I nodded happily.

[Alright give me a second, let me check my equipment one more time, you should do a re-check too. Don’t want to work with damaged gear now would we?] (Sarah)

I already checked my 2 silver short swords in my belt buckle, so I was good to go.

I looked at Sarah's preparation and she is checking the bowstring of her golden bow. The bow, made out of gold, also had a Ruby fitted in the middle part of the bow. It looked majestic.

Soon, we saw some demon eyes coming down from the dark sky. It was hard to see such small things in the cover of darkness, but I have trained myself to work in the dark, so I can still notice a few of them.

We stayed on the trees so we don’t have to face the zombies below and fight the demon eyes with no distractions.

[We're going to try and get 10 Lenses before we leave. And remember, if you spot any non-elf, then do not make contact or help them. We cannot risk witnesses.] (Sarah)

[Understood] (Me)

Sarah nodded and then pointed above the dark sky.

[Lesser Flare.] (Sarah)

A small white ball of light lit up some distance away from where Sarah pointed. It illuminated the area up a little bit but the main reason for this is to attract the demon eyes to us.

Noticing the small light and the fluctuations in mana, a horde of demon eyes came right after us.

[Alright! I'll shoot them down, you deal the finishing blow!] (Sarah)

[Understood!] (Me)

*Some minutes Later*

The last demon eye charged towards Sarah, I swung one of my silver short sword down to cut it in half from the side as to not damage the lens. I quickly grabbed the mushy and viscous front part of the half which has the lens before it fell far down to the ground.

I carefully peeled the lens off of the demon eye’s carcass before throwing it away.

[Annnd, that’s the 10th lens. a mission well done! Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without you because I only specialize in either completely obliterating the enemy up or making a large hole in one. So, that’s why, let's go back and have some fruit juice. On Me!] (Sarah)

I chuckled.

[Alright.] (Me)

We always share the reward money 50/50 so it's nice to work with her. That, and her company is the best.

Sarah quickly made her way back home, jumping from one branch to other.

I was going to do that too but I noticed a light down in the darkness.

[Hey Tifa, what's keeping you?] (Sarah)

[I see a light.] (Me)

Sarah looked towards where I was looking before she made a troubled sigh.

[You know we can't risk contact, right? Remember the last time an elf made a contact with a human? The whole hunting ground was filled with them for several months.] (Sarah)

[Yes, but this may not be a human, and what if it's a child lost in the woods? What if it’s one of us requesting help?] (Me)

She looked troubled and a little annoyed. But my words had impact, she can’t deny me now.

[Ugh, Okay, you got me. We'll go but let’s scout first before making contact.] (Sarah)

I smiled and nodded before jumping from trees to trees in a really fast pace. Sarah couldn’t keep up with me, she has good strength in her arms to wield a bow. But she's not good with her legs, unlike me.

{Author Note: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) }

I finally found the reason for the light source. It was a young-looking demi-human with lustrous silver hair and crystal-like blue eyes.

He was fighting the zombies desperately, but I doubt he'll survive long with just a wooden sword.

He slashed away a zombie that was on fire. And his sword immediately caught fire too.

Oh no. He’ll die if I don’t do anything.

Before I made a move, he screamed out.

[Weapon magic enhancement!] (Evan)

Just at that moment, his big wooden sword that had caught fire turned into a Fiery Wooden Sword.

He then started using the Fiery sword to kill the zombies.

…

Impossible.

He can imbue a wooden sword with fire magic!? The control required over fire element to do that must be astronomical!

I had almost jumped in but I decided to wait for my sister to come. She needs to see this.

I watched the Silver daemon as I waited for my sister. I was surprised by the boy's skill level. It's a huge cut above me.

Some moments later, my sister finally arrived.

I looked at my sister, waiting for her input.

[We can't interfere.] (Captain Sarah)

[Bu-] (Me)

[We have our orders. get the lens and go straight back. We can't risk exposing ourselves for a demi human like that, even though we’re on friendly terms with the Silver daemons, they never leave their place alone. Which can only mean that he’s either trying to prove himself or was exiled. We shouldn’t interfere either way.] (Leader Sarah)

[But-] (Me)

[Tifa. You should realize that we can't do everything alone.] (Captain Sarah)

I nodded reluctantly and said softly.

[But, I should do the things that I'm able to do.] (Me)

Sarah made a deep sigh and said in almost a whisper.

[What am I going to do with you?] (Captain Sarah)

[Sarah...] (Me)

[I told you before as well, Call me a Captain while on expeditions.] (Sarah)

She held her temples as if it pained to think what is the right choice here.

[Fine, I'm going to go back with the lens you stay here and collect his corpse. He won't Survive a night with a wooden sword that's caught on fire by his own mistakes. The sword will probably meet its maker soon too and there's no telling what will happen afterward. At least give him a proper burial.] (Captain Sarah)

[Yes...] (Me)

I said with sadness.

[And do not engage. That's an order.] (Captain Sarah)

So, I can help him but not meet him. Fine by me.

[Yes.] (Me)

Sarah nodded one last time before disappearing in to the distance.

I looked back at the boy and........he's fighting 2 elite zombies.

He won't make it.

If it was only one elite zombie then maybe, but he's fighting two of them.

It seems like I underestimated him since, he just killed one of the elites. However, in the process, he was hit on the back, he won't be able to fight back with those injuries. Will he really die here? Or should I risk engaging?

I was about to jump in but suddenly his eyes turned blood red.

And not only that, he also became insanely fast. A few seconds later he actually killed the other elite zombie.

I can't believe he did all that with those injuries.

I noticed him taking a flask with red liquid out of nowhere and started drinking it. Moments later, most of his injuries healed themselves. It looks like he just drank a healing potion. Those are rare.

Who is he? Not only does he have healing potions but he has great skill in sword, bow and also magic.

As I was thinking that, a bunch of zombies started coming out of hiding. Probably thinking that he's an easy prey.

No matter how good he is, He'll tire himself out and collapse sooner than later.

I'll help him from the shadows.

I jumped down from the trees and landed silently. I looked at him and he's killing zombies as if he was born to do that.

I also started my onslaught so that he won't get surrounded.

As the night went on, there were a lot of times I thought of giving up. But looking at his face who had no sign of resignation to his fate...

I must say, it heated me up as well. If someone like he can fight off his fate then so can I. Those were my thoughts as I kept my onslaught going.

……

How long had I been fighting?

Minutes? Hours? It felt like weeks had passed by.

My whole body was filled with sweat. Some sweat drops were even stuck on my eyebrows.

*Pant* *Pant*

I could not stop panting. I'm trying very hard to catch my breath, but it felt like my lungs were stabbing me with a sharp needle.

I threw myself down on a nearby tree as soon as I saw the sun rising

I have never fought continuously for an entire night.

I cleaned my eyes with my sweaty hands and then tried to see if he was still alive.

I searched for any signs of him. The moment I saw him, I was flabbergasted.

....

Is he a monster?

No sign of tiredness and he was just staring at a zombie's arm before finally looking up and yelling.

[DAMN IT ALLLLL] (Silver Daemon)

[LIFE IS PLAYING GAMES WITH ME AGAINNN] (Silver Daemon)

[AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH] (Silver Daemon)

After that, he took a deep breath and walked up to the arm, and it teleported to his hand. and started to swing it around before putting it away in his storage.

Is he sane or am I Hallucinating?

Probably the latter.

...Is what I wanted to say but he surprised me again as he walked over to the unfinished house and then just started to complete it.

I pinched my face to know that I'm not dreaming and that he actually is a monster.

HOW MUCH STAMINA DOES HE HAVE!?!

I wanted to screamed and demand answers but I couldn’t since I was out of breath. Words refused to come out of my mouth.

I just can't believe it.

Wait. Maybe it's that weird red potion he drunk every single time he got a chance.

Yea it’s definitely because of that.

I’m just going to lie down here, far from him, and rest. Not sleep, but rest.

*Few Minutes Later*

I can't believe it

He actually did it.

He just nonchalantly made a house after fighting for the whole night.

I was so stupid to have worried about him.

…

I'm going back home. And I'm going to drink as much fruit juice I want.

I stumbled and slowly picked myself up. The reward of fruit juices beverage was the only thing in my mind as I slowly stumbled back to my Kingdom. Tired and felt defeated.

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