As the sun began to set, replaced by the moonlight, we stopped walking and chose to rest since we still had a long journey ahead.

The two of them, as usual, set up the tent and other things while I gathered firewood. I couldn't help but have a thought cross my mind, urging me to discard the firewood and run away from them.

However, the fact that they asked me to collect firewood proved that they were not worried at all about me running away. And I wouldn't want to do that either, considering that I would probably be caught within ten steps.

I'm not sure if they really hold a position among the top ten as they claimed. But the aura emanating from their bodies tells me not to question it.

So, here I am, in the middle of the forest, gathering firewood while imagining the princess either running or bombarding me with numerous questions, like...

"Why is Zent picking up this branch instead of the one up there?"

Then I would answer, "Because the bottom has become dry so it's easier to burn."

And the princess would beam with excitement, nodding in understanding and join in gathering firewood. Of course, after challenging me to see who could collect the most (I definitely gave in). Then she would clap her hands when the princess wins and we would laugh together.

Shit.

My heart aches at the thought of it.

I take a deep breath, gazing at the starry night sky with a small black shadow above. "Hmm? What's that?" Slowly, the shadow grows larger and larger until I realize that it's something falling towards us.

In a hurry, I search for something to catch whatever it is, worried that it might be something or someone-

"AAAAAA!!"

I take back my words.

It is indeed someone!

Damn, damn, damn! What should I do?

"Use your powers, you idiot!" Z exclaims in annoyance.

Ah, you're right.

After placing the firewood down, I gather energy in both of my legs, prepare myself, and leap high, caught someone who turned out to be a small boy. The elf race, carries a large bag behind its back with a size that is even bigger than me.

Mana shield are created, become a large sled for us.

Not far from there, two people who are currently setting up the tent are startled by the loud crashing sound as if something heavy has landed, followed by a long rumbling noise as if something is being dragged.

They exchange glances, hurrying towards the source of the sound, considering that Zent was around there and probably the main culprit.

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Within seconds, they found a wide area within the forest with a large crater in the middle, where trees appeared to be toppled on the left and right. Not far ahead, a blue mana shield is visible. Two people are now on it, lying still before finally moving.

I didn't expect that to work. I thought I was going to die.

"Do you know you could have used your powers and caught him when he was close to the ground?" Z asks in frustration, not understanding why I chose a more difficult approach. I myself don't understand why. "Never mind, what's important is that you're safe. Check on the condition of the child."

Without needing to be asked, I'll do it.

I turn around, finding the young elf who is now trying to stand up but hindered by their large backpack. "You know you can take off your bag right?" I ask, sighing and helping them stand, not understanding why they insist on standing without removing their extraordinarily large bag.

"Ah, thank you for your help, stranger. However, I have to go now. My family is waiting for me at home," he hurriedly said without daring to look at me, appearing restless and...

Afraid?

Afraid of me?

Why?

He jumped down, quickly running towards the entrance of the forest before their bag was pulled by the person with gray hair, bringing it in front of them. "Where do you think you're running off to, you little damn scavenger?" he said angrily, causing the child to flinch in fear, trying to create distance but not given the chance. "Ah, ah, you can't escape anymore. Your luck has run out now.

Now tell me, what other bad things have you done to make you rush back, after falling from the sky? Did you perhaps steal something from an airship and were thrown away by the Captain? Or did you jump as a last resort? Hmm?" he pressed, his face getting closer with each question.

"I-I didn't do anything! I have to go back now!" he cried out in desperation, trying to escape once again. But once again restrained by the person with gray hair, who now grinned widely, revealing four pairs of sharp fangs with a hungry gaze.

The elf child trembled, tears starting to gather until a single drop fell. The person with black hair patted the back of the gray-haired person's head and said, "Stop it, can't you see they're scared?"

"Tch, I was just kidding," he replied in annoyance, getting up and pulling out a pouch of gold coins from his long robe. "Here, take it. You need it, don't you?"

The elf child was surprised, remaining silent and unsure of what to say as they saw such a large amount of money for the first time. Their lives would instantly change if they accepted these gold coins, but...

"I'm sorry, I can't accept it, sir," he replied, shaking his head softly.

"Hmm... Why not?"

"Because both of my parents taught me that to obtain something, I have to work hard and can't rely solely on others. Moreover, I want to set an example for my younger siblings that even though our lives are difficult, we can still strive to change them," he explained.

A single tear fell and streamed down my face as I heard them say that because...

I held the same determination, until everything eventually turned into emptiness.

The person with gray hair fell silent for a moment before turning to the person with black hair, who nodded in agreement, know what's in the mind of his best friend.

"It's alright, you can take these coins. However, as payment, you can tell us what really happened that caused you to appear from the sky and not only endanger your own life but also my friend over there," the gray hair said, pointing at me with his chin, unaware that I had quickly wiped away the tears to avoid being noticed.

"Of course! I-"

The gray hair raised their hand. "You can tell us while we walk towards your home. We just want to make sure you arrive safely without anyone secretly following you there."

The young elf was startled, quickly scanning the surroundings to look for a pair of eyes that might be observing them from the shadows. This made the gray hair laugh, a laughter that successfully regained the attention of the young elf. "W-will they come here?" he asked in a whisper.

"Don't worry, young elf. No one will dare to approach us as long as we're here. Need proof?" The person with gray hair unleashed a wave of their verdant mana, which felt immense but refreshing to the body. "Now, do you believe?"

Without needing an answer, it was evident from the sparkling brown eyes that he believed.

Meanwhile, the black haired man could only shake his head slowly with a smile that seemed to say, 'I knew he would do that'.