The arena was still buzzing with excitement, cheers echoing through the enchanted trees, but Hyunwoo's mind had long drifted away. His breathing was heavy, his hand still wrapped around the Celestial Sword, which now hummed with a faint glow. He looked down at it, confusion twisting in his gut. What had just happened? The sword had reawakened. He'd moved faster than ever. His strike had shattered Flairan's weapon. And most of all… why did he feel oddly good wielding a sword, when he was supposedly a support?
"Was that me… or just another accident?" he mumbled, dazed, his voice lost in the noise around him.
He turned toward Flairan, who sat slumped on the ground, staring at nothing. Hyunwoo, still unsure of what to say, approached and held out a hand—trying to be respectful, maybe even friendly. After all, it was just a duel.
But Flairan didn't look up.
He flinched. His wide eyes, trembling, darted toward the stands where his father stood like a silent mountain—watching. Judging. Not even clapping.
Hyunwoo tilted his head, confused. "Hey… you good?"
That's when Flairan snapped. His voice cracked, raw with emotion.
"Everything is your fault! Don't touch me!"
The words hit Hyunwoo like a slap, and for a second, he wanted to snap back. But then he caught it—the way Flairan's shoulders shook. The fear in his voice wasn't about the fight.
It was about his father.
Hyunwoo slowly lowered his hand, realization dawning. Flairan wasn't mad at him. He was terrified of the consequences waiting for him outside the arena.
A chill passed through Hyunwoo. What if his dad blames me? What if… he tries to kill me?
Another question added to the ever-growing stack that weighed on his already frazzled mind.
Flairan stood up on his own, didn't say a word, and walked away—head down, fists clenched. Hyunwoo watched him go, then turned the other direction and dragged his feet back to his room.
It was the same odd room he'd grown used to—a strange but cozy blend of Elven elegance and sleek, magical tech. One corner held a miniature glowing garden. Another had floating shelves with strange orbs and touch panels. He dropped his sword and flopped onto his bed with a groan.
"I'm so tired… and confused," he muttered.
Knock knock.
His whole body tensed. Someone at the door. The rhythm was soft, hesitant.
A voice.
"Hyunwoo?"
His heart skipped. Lirae.
He opened the door.
She stood there, bathed in soft moonlight, looking like a walking contradiction. Regal yet shy. Majestic yet delicate. Her long silver-blonde hair glowed faintly, and her eyes sparkled even as she looked at her own feet.
And there he was—shirtless, sweaty, wearing only a pair of loose pants.
She froze.
He blinked. "Uh… Lirae?"
Her voice cracked. "T-the King… he wants to see you. Right now."
"Oh. Is this about the sand I kicked at Flairan? I can explain—"
She shook her head violently, her face now as red as a berry. "N-no! Just… j-just go!"
She turned and practically sprinted away down the hall.
Hyunwoo watched her disappear, utterly lost. "Is she mad because I wasn't wearing a shirt? Or was it the pants? Or did I forget some Elven greeting custom again?"
He threw on a loose tunic and headed to the royal chambers.
—
The Elven King greeted him with a calm, warm smile. The dining room was circular, surrounded by arched windows that opened into a canopy of moonlit trees. A table was set with roasted meats, glowing fruit, and delicately spiced nectar.
"Please, sit," the King said.
Hyunwoo sat. And ate. A lot.
He didn't know the rules of Elven etiquette, but hunger was universal. He devoured food like a soldier who hadn't seen a meal in days.
The King laughed. "Not used to formal dinners, are you?"
Hyunwoo wiped his mouth. "I thought this was self-serve."
"I like that boldness," the King said, still smiling. "But I called you here for more than just food."
Hyunwoo paused, suddenly suspicious. "Here we go…"
"You remember when the guards first mistook you for the kidnapper?" the King asked, tone darkening. "That incident wasn't random. The real kidnapper is still out there. He's been abducting young Elves and selling them on the black market."
Hyunwoo's appetite disappeared.
"We've tracked his movements," the King continued, "but he's elusive. I want you to find him. I trust you."
Hyunwoo blinked. "You want me… the chaos magnet… to hunt a criminal mastermind?"
"Yes," the King said calmly. "You've proven yourself. And I may grant you a wish in return."
[Status Window: The World Tree is Curious About You.]
Hyunwoo's brain nearly short-circuited. "Shit… here we go again. But if the World Tree likes me, maybe she'll help. Hehe…"
He cleared his throat and said aloud, "If it helps the Elven Kingdom… I don't want anything in return."
[Celestial Sword: You're frighteningly good at lying. Who taught you this?]
The King smiled. "Noble. But you won't go alone."
Hyunwoo tilted his head. "Oh no."
"You'll take two companions with you."
''I sense the dramatic turn of a manhwa plot.''
"I'm thinking of sending you with Lirae
Hyunwoo: Oh NOOO
… and Flairan," the King added.
Hyunwoo: OH NOOOOOOOOOO
Hyunwoo stared. "Why? Why does it always turn to this?"
The King merely sipped his wine. "I believe the three of you balance each other. And perhaps… this journey will teach you all something."
Hyunwoo leaned back, stared at the ceiling, and sighed. "Sure. Why not? Bring on the trauma bonding."